Work on the go
Many people have started to adopt the 'digital nomad' lifestyle and work from other countries on their businesses based elsewhere.
It's definitely a goal of mine for Encircled to be able to run while I'm traveling afar. However, for me, having a product-based business there is an added layer of complexity.
For freelancers -- coaches, consultants, bloggers, photographers, graphic designers, programmers, stylists, accountants, even lawyers... it's totally possible to carve out a lifestyle and working situation that meets your travel goals.
To get you started working en-route, here are 5 tech must-haves to keep you connected while globe trotting.
1. Portable Chargers
Recently, TSA made it mandatory to be able to power on your devices while traveling. Therefore, it's essential to carry a back-up portable charger with you when traveling as airports may not always have free outlets available.
I recommend bringing a portable USB charger on the plane. This Lumsing one is reasonably priced and highly rated. It can charge an iPhone 6 back full charge in just an hour.
If you're traveling to a sunny destination, consider a Solar-powered charger to keep your devices (Tablet, Phone) fully ready at all times. Mountain Equipment Co-op carries a variety of options, which tend to be a tad more expensive than the USB charge devices.
2. USB Modem
When you're traveling from airport to airport, country to country connecting to a data connection on your laptop is incredibly important.
Most international airpots have free (or paid) wifi, however once you get traveling within countries, it becomes more difficult, and more expensive to connect.
Using your primary home carrier is likely extremely expensive for your mobile device. I've heard many people recommend unlocking your phone (you'll likely have to contact your carrier to do this), and buy a SIM card from a local provider wherever you are traveling.
For your laptop, if there isn't a wifi hotspot where you are going, you can now bring your own. The Mifi USB modem is a portable hotspot that works in over 175 countries.
I only found out about this recently, so if you have experience with Mifi, please leave it in the comments. It works as a device rental, plus a set-up fee. I've heard it's cheaper than any other option out there, so it may be worth the investment on your next step.
3. A Good, Old-School Notebook
While facetiming from a cafe in the Dominican Republic with a client, I suddenly realized how important it was to have a notebook always in tote.
Depending on where you are traveling, you may not want to whip out your laptop and show that you have all of the latest apple gear in tow, as this may make you a theft target.
So, while talking to a client on the phone, I made notes in my notebook for follow-ups, discussion points and next steps.
My personal favourite notebooks are from Moleskine, in particular the Ruled Reporter Notebook because it lays flat when open so it's easy to write on them when you only have one hand free.
4. Get your Apps in a Row
There are SO many apps that I use in my business, and others that I know Digital Nomads swear by for working remotely. They make your life so much easier and enable collaboration.
An example is Trello, which is a collaborative project management tool. I use it for Encircled to manage the launch of new colours, products and designs.
Instead of reiterating them here, I'm putting a couple of links below with a round-up of the best apps.
17 of our Top Tools for Remote Workers
33 Useful Resources for Digital Nomads
16 Must-Have Sites, Apps and Add-ons for Digital Nomads
5. Read up on Remote Work
The best way to learn how to work best remotely is from the people who already do it well.
A couple of my favourite books on being a digital nomad are listed below.
Remote by 37Signals.com founders is a book that shows you how you can better collaborate with colleagues, and clients remotely. Good, quick read.
Natalie Sission aka the Suitcase Entrepreneur coaches people on how to get more freedom in their life and business. Her podcast is awesome, as well she's written this basic primer on starting a location independent lifestyle.
Tim Ferriss' legendary book, the 4-Hour Workweek is worth a read. Although I find the concept of 4-hours of work a week quite idealistic, his way of working will sure inspire you to re-think how to do business.
Do you dream of a digital nomad life? What tools do you use to stay connected while on the road? Share them below in the comments! {You can login with your Twitter account, and it will never post to your feed}
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With wanderlust,
Chief Fashionpreneur, encircled
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