Running a business while traveling or working remotely can feel like a juggling act.
However, this lifestyle offers invaluable lessons & blessings that can actually strengthen your productivity, systems, and perspective.
Here are eight key takeaways from my journey of managing my business from abroad.
1. Day One Is for Setting Up
Whenever you land in a new place, treat day one as your set-up day. Create a workspace in your hotel room- a corner that feels productive and separate from rest zones. Lay out your tasks for yourself. Set up reliable internet, sort your local SIM card, and confirm VPN settings. A strong foundation allows you to hit the ground running.
2. A VPN Is Non-Negotiable
A VPN is more than a security tool—it’s a lifeline for maintaining uninterrupted workflows in some regions. It helps you navigate different regions’ internet permissions and ensures access to all your usual tools and programs.
3. Fresh Environments Breed Fresh Focus
There’s something magical about removing yourself from your normal surroundings. New places strip away routine distractions, allowing focus to come more naturally.
4. Stay Ahead of Responsibilities
Managing a business remotely requires proactivity. Pay bills before due dates, check your calendar daily, and plan your schedule well in advance. Being ahead of the curve ensures you’re not blindsided by deadlines, and it leaves space to handle unforeseen hiccups with grace.
5. Systemise or Outsource Repetition
If you find yourself repeatedly doing the same tasks, it’s time to either create a system or outsource them. Automate processes, delegate duties, and free up mental bandwidth for high-value activities like strategy and innovation. Time is your most precious resource.
6. Travel Clears the Mind
Distance offers a surprising gift: clarity. Your mind opens to fresh ideas and opportunities for improvement. On the road, I’ve found countless ways to optimise workflows, fine-tune processes, and solve problems I’d overlooked back home.
7. Routine Anchors You Anywhere
Travel may disrupt your physical surroundings, but a strong routine keeps you grounded. Create a morning ritual to sharpen your focus, identify daily non-negotiable tasks, and implement a wind-down routine. A structured day ensures consistency, no matter the location.
8. Build a Team You Can Trust
This lesson deserves a post of its own, but here’s the short version: you can’t do it all.
A trustworthy team is crucial for a business that runs smoothly, whether you’re on the ground or thousands of miles away.
In our next blog, I’ll share my tips on finding the perfect team member—from what to ask in interviews to how to identify a gem who’ll have your back.
Traveling while running a business is a challenge, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. By adopting the right systems, maintaining focus, and surrounding yourself with a capable team, you’ll find that distance isn’t a limitation—it’s a launchpad.
Stay tuned for our next post: A discussion on building the dream team!
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