To work effectively as a digital nomad, you need to have systems in place. Here are 5 of them that will keep you humming along, no matter where in the world you are.
1. Determine your work schedule
If you’re a morning person, you can choose a region that is in the same or earlier time zone as your clients. Alternatively, if you work better in the afternoons, choose a region that is in a later time zone.
This way you leverage your hours of expertise, and leave the remaining part of the day for personal time.
2. Have a dedicated workspace
Your workspace is for work and nothing else. No matter how small the space is, be sure to use it for a single purpose. When you’re not working, change locations, even if this means turning the seat in another direction.
The division of labor and everything else will help you obtain a deeper focus.
3. Keep in touch
Aside from regular client and internal meetings, set aside some time to connect with family, friends, and your tribe. If you don’t already have a tribe, build one (more on this in a future email). Have 1-on-1 connections, not social media “connections”.
It’s easy to feel disconnected as a digital nomad, even when you’re traveling with family. Be sure to keep relationships alive and well.
4. Have backup hardware
Using a laptop for work? Great, have a secondary laptop, Chromebook, or tablet. Something you can use if your primary computer blows up.
Same goes for your webcam, headset, speakers, or whatever hardware you use. The backup doesn’t need to be fancy, you just need to have one in case something goes sideways.
5. Backup your data
Complimentary to having a secondary computer, make sure your work is backed up. Then backup that backup. For example, I have 1 cloud backup, one on-site backup and another off-site backup.
Anyone who loses their data once will tell you how important this step is.
The takeaway
Working remotely takes more discipline. Follow these important ways to help you be in control and at the top of your game.