Work as a Means of Meeting People

One of the great challenges for a digital nomad is meeting people. A strong sense of community can be difficult when you don’t stay put. But feeling connected to your (temporary) home is so important to good mental health. While being alone has its appeal, most of us are better when we make connections. One point to keep in mind - you don’t need to stop work to meet people. The two activities are compatible.

It’s a Stereotype for a Reason

One of the easiest ways it to grab your laptop and work from your local coffee shop. Yes, the image of the entrepreneur working in Starbucks is almost cliche, but that is because it works. Especially for those with attention issues, it can actually be easier to concentrate in a more public setting than in a dedicated office. I almost only find time to write when in a cafe. My office is great, there is no reason I couldn’t write there, but I just don’t.

The ancilliary benefit though is that there are other people at the cafe. If not, maybe it isn’t very good and you should up your coffee shop game. Just this morning at the table next to me were two men in a very active discussion about a business enterprise. Now, I didn’t chime in - it was clearly a professional meeting, and not the time for asking were they were from. It was tempting, since they both spoke English, but no, not the time. But those sorts of encounters are easily had in public. You are much more likely to run into interesting strangers in a public place than in your dining room. I hope.

Social Media (for Business)

Another way to leverage your business into some social interaction is through finding social media groups for your niche and/or city. Facebook is full of “expats” groups for major cities the world over. Can you find someone in your industry? I would shy away from attempting to ‘farm’ such communities for customers - such behavior can be seen as spammy and will often get you banned. But if someone posts a question related to a business interest - maybe reach out? Maybe say you have a similar need or query?

Back to the discussion at the table next to me: I was trying not to listen in, but every now and then I picked something up. I could very well benefit from the services the one person was providing. Assuming he was anywhere near as good as they both thought he was, most entrepreneurs could.

Maybe I will run into them again. Maybe a discussion will ensue. I can tell you were I won’t find either of them - in my home office. Again, I hope.

Be Open to Contact

If you want to meet new people, don’t make it too hard on them. Don’t wear earbuds. Look up from your screen once in a while. Smile. Say ‘good morning’ if you make eye contact. And leave your house or apartment once in a while.

Because the sort of strangers who show up randomly in your living room are not likely to become part of your social circle.