**12 Takeaways from 12 Years of Living as Digital Nomads: What We Did Right—and What We Did Wrong (Especially #7!)**
Twelve years ago, we took a leap that left our friends and family puzzled: we resigned from our high-paying corporate roles in Canada to embrace a lifestyle focused on full-time travel and remote work. Now, looking back, we’ve not only exceeded our prior salaries, but we’ve also achieved this while working fewer hours and truly enjoying the journey. However, let’s be honest—our path hasn’t been entirely filled with ease, luxury accommodations, and effortless income. We’ve encountered numerous mistakes, some of which have cost us significantly in terms of both time and finances.
In this piece, we’re revealing 12 valuable lessons gleaned from our 12 years as digital nomads. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been navigating this lifestyle for some time, we trust these insights will assist you in dodging some of the challenges we faced. And yes, #7 on our list was particularly significant for us—don’t repeat our misstep!
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### 1. **Slow Travel Equals Enhanced Business**
When we began our adventure, we often found ourselves hopping to a new location every few days. While it was thrilling, it proved to be tiring—and detrimental to our productivity. Establishing a sustainable remote business demands concentration, which is tough to maintain when you’re perpetually packing and unpacking.
Our suggestion? Remain in one place for a minimum of 3–4 months. Find an apartment with dependable Wi-Fi, create a routine, and set aside focused work time. Believe us, both your business and your peace of mind will be grateful.
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### 2. **Network Relentlessly**
We’ll confess: we’re not naturally inclined to frequent “digital nomad hotspots.” However, we’ve discovered over time that those who gather in these places often possess the most innovative ideas, lucrative connections, and high levels of motivation.
Whether through attending events, utilizing co-working spaces, or even connecting with competitors, networking is crucial. The relationships you develop can result in collaborations, mentorships, and unexpected opportunities.
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### 3. **Avoid Complacency**
Achieving success can be temporary. Just because you’re thriving today doesn’t imply the market won’t change tomorrow. We learned this lesson the hard way. While understanding your value is essential, it’s equally crucial to remain humble and committed to delivering value to your audience.
Keep in mind: arrogance can obscure your vision to find opportunities for personal growth and enhancement.
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### 4. **Diversification is Key**
Relying excessively on one income source or platform for your business can lead to catastrophe. We’ve seen this play out when algorithm alterations or market changes caused our earnings to drop dramatically.
Broaden your traffic avenues, income sources, and product offerings. Be it through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or your unique products, sustaining multiple revenue streams can provide critical support.
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### 5. **Develop Your Own Product**
In terms of diversification, one of the most effective strategies to stabilize your income is by creating your own product. Digital offerings such as courses, eBooks, and coaching programs stand out as particularly advantageous due to their minimal overhead and high scalability.
Besides providing a consistent revenue flow, they also empower you to deliver significant value to your audience.
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### 6. **Excel in Email Marketing**
While social media may seem captivating, email is where the substantial gains are made. Your email subscribers represent your most engaged audience, and they are far more inclined to purchase from you than casual followers.
Grow an email list by offering something valuable for free, maintain engagement with consistent, high-quality content, and then present your paid products. A well-structured email funnel can lead to sales even while you rest.
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### 7. **Don’t Underestimate Social Media**
This is where we made a major error. For years, we undervalued the influence of social media. We believed we could build flourishing businesses while keeping our identities and personal stories under wraps.
But the reality is, people connect with other people. Personal brands grow more easily, build stronger communities, and yield greater profits. Had we embraced this sooner, we’d be even further ahead today. So, don’t fall into the same trap—prioritize your social media presence and let your individuality shine.
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### 8. **Invest in Your Growth**
Initially, we resisted the notion of spending significant amounts on courses or coaching programs. Now, we’ve poured nearly $100,000 into our education—and every dollar has been worthwhile.
The skills and knowledge we’ve acquired have propelled our businesses to new heights. Consider it this way: if a $5,000 course can enable you to earn $50,000, isn’t it a savvy investment?
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### 9. **Success is