That you can be a digital nomad even when employed proves Lotte. She is 27 years old, content and branding marketer at Parakar Group and combines her work with life as a digital nomad. For the past 4.5 months, she has been working from Australia, Bali and Singapore, developing her career while exploring the world. This summer, she will embark on another adventure, this time indefinitely. “Remote working gives me the feeling of ultimate freedom while building my career and future,” she says. In this blog, she shares her tips on how to network as a digital nomad.
Networking as a digital nomad
As a digital nomad, your office is wherever you open your laptop. Whether you’re working from a beachfront cafe in Bali or co-working in Singapore, one thing remains essential: building and maintaining strong professional relationships. Networking can be challenging when you’re constantly on the go, but it’s crucial for your career growth and to stay connected to the professional world.
My first experience with a coworking event was at Tribal in Bali, a well-known coworking space and hostel that hosts inspirational talks and community dinners in addition to a nice workspace. I attended a talk by an entrepreneur who shared her story about building a successful remote business. After her presentation, I was able to easily connect with the other participants. We exchanged experiences about remote living and ended the evening with drinks in Canggu.
I personally found the talk a little less inspiring because I work in salaried employment myself and am comfortable with that, but it was a nice way to meet new people. The following days I had nice people in my circle to eat with after work, play sports and go on adventures with. In some places, finding contacts can be more difficult, so this is a great way to network.
1. Online platforms
While working remotely, digital tools are your best friend. Platforms like LinkedIn, Teams or Slack allow you to stay in touch with your network from anywhere in the world. Get in the habit of regularly sharing updates, leaving comments on posts and scheduling virtual coffee moments. Staying active online keeps you visible and top of mind with your connections.
2. Join local communities and meetups
Wherever you travel, chances are there are other digital nomads or professionals nearby. Many cities have hubs for digital nomads or local meetups for freelancers and remote workers. Join Facebook groups, Meetup events or co-working spaces to meet people in person. These informal gatherings are great for expanding your network and getting tips from locals. It’s not only good for professional contacts, but also to meet people you can spend your free time with.
Working completely remote can sometimes feel isolating. To avoid this, I build a network of fellow digital nomads. They understand the challenges I face and can offer advice, support or even collaborative opportunities.
Tip: Research co-working spaces in advance; they often host social events and networking nights that are ideal for meeting both locals and other travelers.
3. Make use of coworking spaces
Coworkspaces are not just for getting work done; they are also hotspots for networking. Professionals from different sectors often work here, making it easy to strike up a conversation and exchange ideas. Many coworking spaces also host community events, allowing you to connect with local entrepreneurs, freelancers and other digital nomads.
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to your office neighbors or participate in community events. Informal conversation over coffee can often lead to valuable connections.
4. Schedule regular check-ins
While traveling, it is easy to lose touch with your existing network. To maintain relationships, it’s important to schedule regular moments of contact. Whether it’s a brief email update, a chat or a video call, staying in touch shows that you value the relationship, even while you travel.
Networking while on the road requires creativity and commitment, but it also provides unique opportunities to make connections that make your career and travel experiences unique. Try these tips and discover how valuable it can be to keep building relationships wherever you are! If you like to connect, check out my LinkedIn profile here.
