Most modern businesses have benefited from the mobility and flexibility that digital services offer, and increasing numbers of entrepreneurs are now taking their business mobile – permanently. According to an analysis in the UK’s Guardian, 43% of Americans work away from the office at least one day a week. Remote working allows you to explore the world while still making money, and will potentially improve your earnings by giving you more skills and a more nuanced view of how business is conducted.
Securing your travel
A digital business theoretically needs nothing more than a person and a smartphone or laptop. Even a laptop will sometimes be more than is required, given the connectivity of most countries and the workspace available for hire. To that end, a would-be nomad could go remote within their own country by simply purchasing or hiring a car, whether new or second hand, and getting on the road. In a pinch, a car can even be accommodation in itself. Many nomads also take a jet-setting lifestyle, moving to where their work is and finding their way; with digital nomads commanding $100k+ salaries, according to Tech Republic, money is unlikely to be an issue.
Looking at services
Before heading off to a new country, it’s important to look at how the tech infrastructure there will impact on your ability to work. This could be as simple as ensuring that internet speeds are up to scratch, through to examining the privacy situation in that country. For instance, over 8,000 websites are currently blocked in China, according to VPN Mentor, and attempting to access them – even accidentally – can cause you issues. Thoroughly research the digital culture in any country you might want to go and do business in. This goes the other way, too. Certain cities have incredible digital infrastructure – think Nordic countries – that lend themselves to upgrading and growing your business in powerful ways.
Assessing your business and work style
Long term remote working can be grueling. According to nomad blog, I Am Aileen, you can easily become lonely or underestimate the barriers to your success in another country. Think about how you like to work – do you need constant interaction and a strong team around you? Can you manage your business remotely, without an office environment? There are lots of variables and distractions that surround remote working, like disruption in internet service, inconsistent workspace, and differing attitudes across countries. However, if you can overcome these factors and establish yourself entirely through the digital medium, you’ll be in an excellent place to progress, and will save bucket-loads of money for your business, which you can then reinvest.
More and more businesses are taking advantage of the flexibility that digital technology offers and moving onto the road. Whether abroad or from city to city in your home country, a digital business has a lot to offer in terms of personal freedom. The key to making a success of your efforts is research, both in terms of your destination, and what makes your business tick.
