Conforming to stereotypes
I see a lot of blog posts about digital nomad life. There are a few common themes… “See the world, work on the beach!” “Dream job anywhere in the world? Maybe not as glamorous as it looks.” “What I wish people told me before I became a digital nomad”. Though meant as click-bait, I rarely take it.
It’s easy to grant titles so people can be categorized within the awkwardness of an Expat Happy Hour. I get it. It makes for easier small talk. If you live abroad, or travel, and do not receive a paycheck from the comforts of a corporation, you are a Digital Nomad. I’ve never introduced myself as a DM, but after explaining what I do people often respond with “Oh, you’re a digital nomad!”, and I tend to concur. But as I break down my business goals, they never align with “work from the beach” or “make money from your computer while you travel the world”. Rather mine sound more like:
“find mentors, peers and protégé’s to create a supportive network of people”. And…
“recognize my strengths and use them to fill gaps in businesses that align with my views on the world”.
I choose to tackle these by releasing myself of the chains of corporations so I can gain time, and freedom, to achieve them. Trust me, I searched for them in 9 to 5’s, but didn’t find them. But it did push me to find new markets, clients and people. To do this, I use my computer and can be location independent anytime I choose. If you want to bucket me as a Digital Nomad, feel free to do so. But can’t anyone who chooses to start a new business be location independent if they choose to do so? And who doesn’t use a laptop to work?
So you do SEO and Facebook Ads?
I’m often asked, but no… I don’t live in the fringes of markets playing a game of arbitrage, clicks, and views behind the veil of a tourist visa. Instead, I recognize that I have a certain set of skills that are valued by corporations in America. And I made a calculated evaluation that these skill sets would be valued by businesses in Asia in the near future. Combined with an ever emerging market, I can afford to take risks through advantages in economies and less overhead. What smart business person wouldn’t take these odds? So far it’s paid off and am supporting myself and more. But it’s so much more than just net profits. Within the walls of a corporation, my skills sets were often marginalized. There’s always an overarching agenda driven by executives and board members who are obligated to increase value and profits. They’re very good at it, it’s why economies grow. But it’s often counter-intuitive to seeing out personal goals.
Something Missing
I work in the world of advertising and before I was a consultant, I spent 10 years at agencies and AdTech companies. I’m ever grateful for the mentors who took me under their wings and the skill sets I was taught. But there was always something missing. In the cycle of a project, I often visualize the accomplishment of a job well done and sharing a celebratory beer with my peers. But even though I achieved most of my goals, and grew teams 10x over to achieve more at scale, I can’t recall any of these moments that should be sprinkled throughout my career. Instead I remember being asked why I “only achieved 105% when 110% was within reach”, and “you had a great quarter, but we’re increasing your goals and reducing your resources… cool?”. Not cool.
I want to be asked “did you provide value for your clients that were previously unfilled?” and “do your clients now obtain a new perspective on how to achieve their goals?”. It’s my job to instill strategies that allow me to answer yes to these, and I can’t if they’re railroaded by an overarching agenda of quarterly revenue growth. If my clients grow, I grow. And I’ll take the long game of setting my goals against my clients KPI’s. With that, dividends through an expanding network based on trust, and aligning with a pathway of growth, will give back to me.
What you love might have value
Living by these values has provided me amazing freedom, both in time and career aspirations. Yes, sometimes that allows me to work poolside or climb a mountain on a Tuesday. But that is because my clients trust me to deliver. And more importantly, I trust myself to. So… go be a Digital Nomad and seek your freedom. But more importantly, find what you’re good at and makes you happy. Market these skills to people you want to be around. And if you can, give back to your local community and help it to be bigger and better. And don’t forget, believe in yourself! You already have the skills businesses need (ie Google “Native English Speakers needed….”).
Contact Us
If you’re interested in providing true value to your clients, come talk to us at TheEngage by hitting me up at Casey@TheEngage.com.
