# 12 Insights Gained From 12 Years of Being Digital Nomads
When we left our lucrative corporate positions in Canada to explore the globe, our friends and family thought we had lost our minds. Yet, after 12 years, we have established several remote businesses, exceeded our previous salaries, and spend less time working on what we enjoy.
However, the journey hasn’t always been easy. We’ve encountered many setbacks—some of which have cost us both time and money. In this piece, we are sharing 12 essential insights we’ve gained from over a decade of continuous travel and remote business ownership.
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## 1. Take Your Time to Gain Momentum
During the initial eight years of our nomadic lifestyle, we moved too quickly. Transitioning to a new Airbnb every three days made it extremely difficult to concentrate on work.
If you are committed to growing a remote business, remain in one place for a minimum of 3-4 months. Secure an apartment with dependable Wi-Fi, create a routine, and dedicate at least 20 hours weekly to concentrated work.
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## 2. Network Relentlessly
In the realm of digital nomadism, succeeding isn’t merely about hard work—it’s also about your connections.
Even if you are more reserved, strive to network with other entrepreneurs. Participate in events, frequent co-working spaces, and reach out to others in your field. The most prosperous nomads are those who cultivate robust networks.
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## 3. Stay Grounded
We’ve had times when we became a bit overconfident—whether it was charging high rates for sponsorships or believing we had mastered SEO.
The takeaway? Maintain humility. Just because your business is doing well now doesn’t guarantee it will always be the case. Continue to learn, adapt, and focus on providing value.
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## 4. Broaden Your Income Streams
If over 50% of your income is reliant on a single source—be it Google traffic, ad revenue, or sponsorships—you’re vulnerable.
We’ve witnessed entire businesses crumble because they depended too heavily on one revenue stream. Develop multiple income sources to safeguard against unexpected fluctuations.
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## 5. Take Ownership of Your Offering
If you don’t own it, you cannot manage it.
Many online entrepreneurs depend on advertising revenue, affiliate marketing, or sponsorships—but the most secure businesses are those that sell their own products.
Create a digital offering such as an online course, ebook, or coaching service. This not only grants you control but also enables you to establish a brand around something you genuinely believe in.
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## 6. Become Proficient in Email Marketing
Social media platforms may evolve, but your email list is yours indefinitely.
A well-engaged email list is one of the most potent assets you can possess. Provide valuable free content to expand your list, nurture your followers with helpful information, and leverage email marketing to promote your products and services.
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## 7. Don’t Underestimate Social Media
For years, we prioritized blogging and email marketing, overlooking the importance of social media. This was a significant error.
Humans connect with other humans. To create a strong brand presence, establish your presence on social media—particularly through video content. Select one platform, maintain consistency, and repurpose your content across various channels.
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## 8. Invest in Your Growth
We previously regarded spending on courses and coaching as frivolous. Now, we have invested over $100,000 in education, and it has been invaluable.
If a course or coaching program can support your business growth and increase your earnings, consider it an investment rather than a cost.
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## 9. Success Isn’t Linear
Expect fluctuations along the way. Even the most accomplished entrepreneurs face obstacles.
The secret is to remain steadfast. When challenges arise, don’t lose your composure—adapt, learn, and keep advancing.
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## 10. Attitude is Crucial
Most people don’t fail due to a lack of skills or talent. They fail because they surrender too early.
Doubt, fear, and feelings of inadequacy are all part of the entrepreneurial journey. The entrepreneurs who achieve success are those who persevere, even when the path seems unclear.
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## 11. Be Wary of Social Media
Social media showcases a curated highlight reel.
Even the entrepreneurs who appear to have it all together encounter difficulties they often don’t disclose online. Utilize social media for motivation, but refrain from comparing your journey to someone else’s edited narrative.
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## 12. Passion Alone Won’t Cut It
“Chase your passion” is misguided business advice.
A successful venture requires four key elements:
✅ You should have expertise and skills in the field.
✅ It must have genuine profit potential.
✅ It needs to occupy a unique niche in the market.
✅ You should have enthusiasm for it.
While passion is essential, without a solid business plan, it won’t pay the bills.