As a digital nomad, your ability to build a strong professional and social network is key to your success. No matterwhere you travel, one of the best pieces of advice is to quickly build connections with locals, expats and other digital nomads. Here are 10 tips on how to create new connections as a digital nomad.
1. Participate in digital nomad Facebook groups.
Join the digital nomad Facebook group and make friends with the group’s regular members. Ask about the local culture, dress code and any questions about the city. Also, keep an eye out for any interesting events or activities that sound like something you’d love to participate in. Don’t forget to offer advice and help to other members with your unique experiences.
2. Follow digital nomad influencers on social media.
If you want to learn more about digital nomad life, keeping up with influencers is a great way to start. Digital nomad influencers create content that can help you understand the logistics of finding clients, visas, coworking spaces or even where to find the best cafe or bar to meet new people. You can also follow their adventures and join online communities for advice and camaraderie.
3. Meet other travelers through couchsurfing.
Finding a place to stay while exploring a new destination is one of the common obstacles digital nomads face. Thankfully, websites like Couchsurfing provide a great opportunity to explore the city while meeting locals at the same time. Not only can you stay with people who will be more than happy to show you around the city, but you can also meet other traveling digital nomads.
4. Look for digital nomad meetups in the area.
In recent years, digital nomad meetups have become widely available. Whether it’s for remote working or a happy hour for nomads, meetups are perfect for creating strong connections with locals and digital nomads from all over the world. Digital nomads are very active individuals, often hosting or attending events, so try to take part in local meetups to make sure you’re not missing out.
5. Take advantage of local expat events.
Another great way to meet people when you are a digital nomad is to attend local expat events. Resources like InterNations can be a great asset to finding out more about local culture as well as events that are happening in the city. Not only can you meet other digital nomads, but you can also find out more about different activities taking place in the city.
6. Join activities at the local coworking space.
Being a digital nomad, it’s not uncommon that you’ll find yourself spending a good amount of time at the local coworking space. The great thing about coworking spaces is that they often host weekly events and activities where you can meet other professionals and make lasting connections. Use this chance to learn from each other and exchange ideas.
7. Look for digital nomad meet and greets.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with the process of finding and networking with locals, why not turn to other digital nomads? Digital nomad meet and greets are a great way to quickly build relationships with people who share your lifestyle. Not only can you exchange knowledge and advice, but you can also find potential travel companions.
8. Attend international conferences.
Another exciting benefit of being a digital nomad is the ability to attend international conferences. Not only can you gain professional knowledge and skills by attending these conferences, but you’ll also have the chance to meet fantastic people. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals will give you an opportunity to have meaningful conversations and potentially create lifelong connections.
9. Interact with people online.
Sometimes you won’t have the luxury to meet local people in person, so taking the effort to connect with them online is the way to go. Join relevant Facebook groups, forums and Slack channels where digital nomads can discuss their experiences. Once you gain the trust of those in the community, you’ll be able to quickly find people with similar interests.
10. Get out of your comfort zone.
As a digital nomad, it’s vital to live outside of your comfort zone to get the most out of your experiences. Being willing to explore new places and try out different activities could lead you to some fantastic connections. You never know who you’ll meet on your travels and what kind of bonds may be formed.
Creating meaningful connections as a digital nomad is easy if you dedicate some time building your network. Remember to take risks and get out of your comfort zone to meet new people. Keep in mind that the more you surround yourself with those from different backgrounds, the more benefit you’ll get from the experience. So don’t waste any time, start building strong connections with locals to succeed as a digital nomad.
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