**12 Insights from 12 Years as Digital Nomads: What We Discovered (and Messed Up)**
Over a decade ago, we took a plunge that many deemed irresponsible: we left our lucrative corporate positions in Canada to chase a lifestyle filled with constant travel and remote work. Fast forward to the present, and we’ve not only outstripped our former earnings but have done it while working fewer hours and enjoying every second. However, let’s be honest—this adventure has not been solely about picturesque sunsets and lavish accommodations. We’ve made missteps, some of which came with significant consequences (#7 on our list, if you’re curious).
In this piece, we’re opening up to share both our triumphs and blunders. If you’re aspiring to embrace a digital nomad lifestyle or aiming to expand your remote venture, consider these insights. We hope to help you sidestep some of the hurdles we encountered along the way.
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### **1. Slow Down to Accelerate**
In our initial years, we were guilty of trying to do it all—hopping to new locations every few days, nonstop sightseeing, and cramming in work whenever possible. The outcome? Burnout and lackluster growth in our business.
**Lesson taken to heart:** If you’re truly committed to cultivating a remote business, anchor yourself in one location for no less than 3–4 months. Establish a routine, focus on productive work, and grant yourself the stability needed to flourish. Believe us, your business (and mental health) will be grateful.
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### **2. Network Relentlessly**
Although we’re not naturally inclined towards popular digital nomad locales, we’ve discovered that being around like-minded individuals can significantly alter your trajectory. The most successful nomads we’ve encountered are those who relentlessly network—be it in co-working spaces, events, or even through cold outreach to competitors.
**Expert advice:** Don’t hesitate to connect with others in your industry. Teamwork and shared insights can unveil opportunities you never realized were available.
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### **3. Avoid Overconfidence**
When everything seems to be going smoothly, it’s tempting to believe you have everything figured out. We have fallen into this trap—whether it was overestimating our SEO prowess or assuming certain revenue streams would consistently thrive.
**Wake-up call:** Markets evolve, algorithms change, and what succeeds today may fail tomorrow. Stay grounded, continue learning, and always be ready to pivot.
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### **4. Diversify or Face the Consequences**
This lesson hit hard. At one stage, a significant portion of our earnings came from a singular source. When that source vanished, our business faced a substantial downturn.
**Important insight:** Broaden your income streams and traffic origins. Whether through advertisements, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, or creating your own products, mitigating risk is vital for enduring stability.
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### **5. Develop Your Own Product**
Without ownership, you lack control. Thus, creating your own product—be it a course, ebook, or coaching program—is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
**Why this matters:** Digital products have minimal overhead and can yield passive income while offering vast value to your audience. Furthermore, they provide full control over your income.
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### **6. Excel in Email Marketing**
While social media is beneficial, email marketing is where the real power lies. Your email subscribers are your most dedicated audience and are significantly more inclined to purchase from you than casual followers.
**Helpful tip:** Grow an email list by providing something valuable for free, then engage your subscribers with consistent, high-quality content. When you’re ready to sell, they’ll already trust you.
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### **7. Recognize the Value of Social Media**
This is where we made a considerable blunder. For years, we underestimated the influence of social media. While our blog and email list thrived, we overlooked platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.
**Insight gained:** People connect with people. Cultivating a personal brand on social media not only enlarges your audience but also enhances your community and authority. Start today—your future self will be thankful.
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### **8. Invest in Your Growth**
We once hesitated to spend significant amounts on courses or coaching. Now, we’ve poured nearly $100,000 into personal and professional development—and every dollar has been worth it.
**Importance revealed:** The right training and mentorship can expedite your progress, refine your skills, and unlock paths you didn’t know were available. Consider it an investment in your future.
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### **9. Success is a Winding Journey**
This is a tough truth to accept. Even after years of success, we encounter setbacks. We’ve faced declines in traffic, earnings, and motivation—but we’ve learned to adapt to the fluctuations.
**The key takeaway:** Success is an odyssey, not a fixed endpoint. Embrace both the triumphs and challenges, and recognize that setbacks are often precursors to setups for com