Networking as a Digital Nomad: 5 tips on Building Relationships from Anywhere
At Parakar, our goal is to break down geographical borders, connecting employees and employers no matter where they are in the world. One of our employees started the remote work lifestyle as a digital nomad, traveling full-time while continuing her work. In this blog series, you’ll get an inside look at her experiences combining travel and remote work, sharing her experience in this dynamic lifestyle.
As a digital nomad, your office is wherever you open your laptop. Whether you’re working from a beachfront café in Bali or a co-working space in Singapore, one thing remains essential: building and maintaining strong professional relationships. Networking can seem challenging when you’re constantly on the move, but it’s crucial for career growth and staying connected to the professional world. Here’s 5 tips on how you can make networking work for you, no matter where you are.
1. Online Platforms
In the age of remote work, digital tools are your best friend. Platforms like LinkedIn, but also Teams or Slack allow you to stay in touch with your network from anywhere in the world. Make it a habit to engage regularly by sharing updates, commenting on posts, and reaching out for virtual coffee chats. Regular activity on these platforms keeps you visible and top of mind with your connections.
2. Join Local Communities and Meetups
Wherever your travels take you, chances are there’s a community of like-minded professionals nearby. Many cities have digital nomad hubs or local meetups for freelancers and remote workers. Join Facebook groups, Meetup events, or coworking spaces to meet people in person. These informal gatherings are great for expanding your network, getting local insights. It’s good for professional networking, as well as for meeting people to spend time off with.
Tip: Research coworking spaces in advance—they often host social events and networking nights, which can be great for meeting both locals and other travelers.
3. Utilize Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are not just for getting work done; they’re also hotspots for networking. These spaces often host professionals from a variety of industries, making it easy to strike up a conversation and share ideas. Many coworking spaces also organize community events, giving you the chance to network with local entrepreneurs, freelancers, and fellow digital nomads.
Tip: Don’t be shy about introducing yourself to your desk neighbors or joining coworking community events. A casual conversation over coffee can often lead to valuable connections.
4. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
When you’re traveling, it’s easy to lose touch with your existing network. To maintain relationships, schedule regular check-ins with your colleagues. Whether it’s a quick email update, a chat, or a video call, staying in touch will show that you value the relationship even while traveling. Consistency is key to long-term networking success.
5. Offer Value in Every Interaction
Whether you’re attending a virtual meeting or meeting someone in a local coworking space, the key to effective networking is offering value. Approach every interaction with the mindset of helping others. This could be by sharing a resource, offering advice, or introducing them to someone in your network. Networking is a two-way street, and by giving value first, you build stronger, more meaningful connections.
Traveling full-time can sometimes feel isolating, especially when it comes to professional matters. To counter this, build a network of fellow digital nomads. They understand the challenges you face and can offer advice, support, or even collaborate with you on projects.
