#and I feel like I have established a pretty reliable pattern
Note
My aunt is very sensitive to strong scents (buys my deodorant so that we know it won't harm her, because other than a couple brands, they give her migraines, we don't have scented candles, and I have a couple of perfumes, but I never wear them), so we're super careful there, but we also can't go into some stores because the perfume counter is Right There. When we go shopping, she knows to look for me in the candle aisle because I'll stand there sniffing each candle and giving a review to whoever is with me at the time
.
#sounds like we'd probably have good time sniffing candles together#answered#anonymous#yeah the perfume counter is a hell of it's own#I live in a relatively small city so I can only think of one single shop that has a dedicated perfume section#so at least those are easy for me to avoid personally#I used to hate perfumes because the only ones I ever had experiences with were the fruity floral candy smells marketed for women#and the obnoxious overbearing alpha man perfumes for men#there's a lot of variation and interesting combinations if you venture outside the highest selling most strongly gendered mainstream ones#I stubbornly kept testing various ones until I figured out what notes and types of scents I like#and I feel like I have established a pretty reliable pattern#but I understand it's not for everyone and I genuinely try my best to avoid offending people's noses#my favorite thing is to put some on in the evening after I've taken a shower but before I go to bed#just for myself to enjoy for a couple hours
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Please talk about Naehara?
Oh, I'd love to. 😁 For lack of any established context, I'll put it in the AU where the V3 cast is Class 79. (Also, this is an off-the-cuff brainstorm, so forgive me if it's messy.)
Not to continue my pattern of having Makoto not know that people have a crush on him, but I feel like that is how this one would start.
Naegi is a nice, approachable upperclassman. He's got an earnest energy and a genuine interest in other people that really draws people in. If anyone in the 79th class is lost or needs help from an older student, they're hoping they can run into someone like Naegi (or Fujisaki. Maizono is nice enough, but not everyone has the guts to just walk up to a pop star. Asahina is nice enough but might not have the answer to your question, etc.).
I mentioned one way Shuichi's crush might start to form, in the Debate Club AU, but outside of that AU, I could see him needing directions to a place on campus and asking Makoto for help.
Makoto walks him there and asks him about himself as they go. Even Shuichi's unimpressive, halting answers seem to really interest Makoto; he asks a lot of follow-up questions.
Eventually, Shuichi has to remark, "I'm just a trainee. The Ultimate Detective in your class is way better."
"Hey, don't say that! It's not like the world only needs one person uncovering the truth, right? We need as much truth as we can get! The more the merrier."
Shuichi blushes at the way Makoto smiles at him.
"Do you want me to introduce you to her?"
"Oh, no! You don't have to do that!"
"Are you sure? I think you guys might really get along."
"N-No thank you. I'd just be embarrassed."
When Shuichi gets to his destination blushing heavily, pretty much everyone in his class is quick to realize that he has a crush on Makoto, but Makoto has no idea. (And yes, Shuichi's class does make fun of him for this often. It's all lighthearted, but he's still mortified, because if they keep saying it, what if Naegi hears about it??)
Also, Makoto being kind of a disaster makes him even more Shuichi's type. Someone reliable who can build him up, but also someone who gets into situations he can react to and experience with a degree of separation.
On Makoto's side, I can see him being repeatedly surprised when Shuichi remembers small things about him. Makoto doesn't usually talk about himself, so it kind of makes him feel special that Shuichi remembers his offhand mention that he has a younger sister, or that he doesn't like dried bean curd.
Though Shuichi slouches so that the bill of his cap is still slightly in front of his eyes when he looks at Makoto, Makoto still notices that he has pretty eyes.
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How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
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How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
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View notes
Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
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New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
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How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
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How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don��t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
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Sick with COVID and trying to find ways to amuse myself 😔 So I found this old post from years ago and decided to redo it!
Fanfiction Questions
Fandom Questions
1. What was the first fandom you got involved in?
Lord of the Rings in middle/high school! I was obsessed with it, and it was the first time I had reliable enough internet access to get involved in forums 🥰
2. What is your latest fandom?
Stranger Things!
3. What is the best fandom you've ever been involved in?
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2. I contributed work of my own for the first time and got a GREAT response. And that was before antis made fandom a warzone 🙄 so I wrote whatever I wanted and never got hate for it.
4. Do you regret getting involved in any fandoms?
😬 I'm not gonna say I regret getting involved in Stranger Things fandom. But it's definitely the most annoying one I've ever been a part of. You can't turn around without bumping into an anti or some kid screaming about p*dophilia. It's so fkn cringe lol
5. Which fandoms have your written fanfiction for?
Donkey Kong, Super Mario, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, Gladiator, X-Files, the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Stranger Things
6. List your OTP from each fandom you've been involved in.
Atton/Exile (SW:KOTOR2), Mulder/Scully (X-Files), Reylo, Bileven
7. List your NoTPs from each fandom you've been in.
Kylux, Finnr3y, Harringr0ve, M1leven (I see a pattern here lol)
8. How did you get involved in your latest fandom?
Billy Hargrove brain rot, July 2019
9. What are the best things about your current fandom?
The source material can be really fun 💕 I also met a couple of my bffs because of it.
10. Is there a fandom you read fic from but don't write in?
Not currently, but in the past I've read fic for the original Star Wars trilogy, Star Trek, Phantom of the Opera, The Office, Labyrinth, and probably more I've forgotten.
Ship Questions for your Current Fandom
11. Who is your current OTP?
Bileven baby 💖💕
12. Who is your current OT3?
I don't have any, though I could see myself getting interested in Bileven + Eddie at some point.
13. Any NoTPs?
See answer to #7
14. Go on, who are your BroTPs?
Too many 😆 I love the entire Hopper-Byers family dynamic, so that's several broTPs right there. Also El and Max.
15. Is there an obscure ship which you love?
Bileven is pretty damn obscure, so 😆💀
16. Are their any popular ships in your fandom which you dislike?
See answer to #7
17. Who was your first OTP and are they still your favourite?
Bileven is my only otp for the fandom. Still going strong after nearly three years 😌
18. What ship have you written the most about?
Bileven for sure. I think I've written over 200-300k about them so far.
19. Is there a ship which you wished you could get behind, but you just don't feel them?
I kinda wish I was more into J0pper? I mean, I do like them, but not enough to really feature them in my fic. It would add a lovely dimension to my giant AU though.
20. Any ships which you surprised yourself by liking?
Not really? My tastes are very well established by this point 😂
Author Questions
21. What was the first fanfic you ever wrote?
A long, rambling fic for Donkey Kong at like, age 9-10
22. Is there anything you regret writing?
Nope! It was all necessary to my artistic development ☺️
23. Name a fic you've written that you're especially fond of & explain why you like it.
My current Billy Lives AU! It's the first fic that feels truly raw and heartfelt, like it springs straight from the essence of who I am. Working on it has also taught me a lot about the writing process, honed my writing voice, and helped me unlearn limiting beliefs.
24. What fic do you desperately need to rewrite or edit?
My Billy Lives AU. I've written a lot of material that I haven't even published yet. I'm rewriting/editing it as we speak 😆
25. What's your most popular fanfic?
A short A/B/O fic I wrote for Reylo. Over 10k hits, good god. That fandom was so horny lmao
26. How do you come up with your fanfic titles?
Song titles and lyrics, phrases from the text that have thematic significance.
27. What do you hate more: Coming up with titles or writing summaries?
Writing summaries 😖 I've gotten better at it, but it's still annoying trying to condense a big ol' story into a paragraph lol
28. If someone were to draw a piece of fanart for your story, which story would it be and what would the picture be of?
I would like it to be from my Billy Lives AU, which I think has lots of illustration-worthy moments. Hell, I've got a list of illustrations I'd make myself, if I could just recover from my art burnout...
29. Do you have a beta reader? Why/Why not?
Not really. If I genuinely need help with something, I have a couple friends I can ask, but usually I just wing it on my own. I'm too impatient to wait on someone 😂
30. What inspires you to write?
Powerful emotions, resonant themes and symbols, yin/yang and Hades/Persephone pairings, sad grumpy men who are practically begging for redemption arcs, music
31. What's the nicest thing someone has ever said about your writing?
I've gotten several lovely comments that I hoard like a mound of crack. My favorite ones lately say things like "your writing is poetry," "it's so visceral," "cuts you right to the bone." But my top favorite has to be this one:
"I love how you write Billy, because it's so LEGIT. Everything you have him do or say just feels so accurate and true to his character. Like, I can imagine it all happening and playing out in front of me."
I work hard on his characterization, so hearing that had me buzzingggg!
32. Do you listen to music when you write or does music inspire you? If so, which band or genre of music does it for you?
Oh hell yeah. I draw from a variety of genres depending on the scene I'm writing. For my Billy Lives AU, I've used ambient, heavy metal, all flavors of rock, TV/movie soundtracks, '80s pop, and more.
33. Do you write oneshots, multi-chapter fics or huuuuuge epics?
All three! I've written a lot of oneshots lately to explore ideas outside of my giant AU, which def counts as a huge epic (rip me 💀). I also have a multi-chap in progress.
34. What's the word count on your longest fic?
Over 100k. Only half of it is published right now.
35. Do you write drabbles? If so, what do you normally write them about?
I used to, but I don't anymore.
36. What's your favourite genre to write?
Sci-fi horror, romance, drama
37. First person or third person - what do you write in and why?
Both depending on my mood. My default is third person, but sometimes I switch to first to shake things up and/or internalize the characters' voices.
38. Do you use established canon characters or do you create OCs?
I usually go for canon characters, but when I sense a gap in the story I'm not above creating an OC to fill it. I'm never gonna stop bragging about how one of my OCs seemed to anticipate Eddie Munson 😆 (mostly in style and backstory, less in personality).
39. What is your greatest strength as a writer?
I make my readers feel a lot of things. Also I've been told multiple times, "I can see it happening so clearly! 😭" So... good descriptions??
40. What do you struggle the most with in your writing?
Perseverance. I tend to come up with complicated epics that would take years to write. To this day, I've yet to finish a single one. Goddammit though, I'm gonna do it someday 😠
Fanfiction Questions
41. List and link to 5 fanfics you are currently reading:
None. The fanfics I want to read right now are so incredibly specific I doubt I could find them anywhere 🥲 so I'm just writing them myself.
42. List and link to 5 fanfiction authors who are amazing:
I'm too lazy to link anyone 😅
43. Is there anyone in your fandom who really inspires you?
Everyone who's left a kind comment on my work, and fellow Billy fans who can tolerate differences in opinion (a VERY small number 🥲).
44. What ship do you feel needs more attention?
Bileven for sure
45. What is your all time favourite fanfic?
To this day I still remember some creepy Phantom of the Opera fic I read years ago...
46. If someone was to read one of your fanfics, which fic would you recommend to them and why?
Worship The Flame, which has the most material to read (50k published so far) and really demonstrates my skills imo.
47. Archive Of Our Own, Fanfiction.net or Tumblr - where do you prefer to post and why?
AO3 by far. It's clean and organized, I get more interaction there, and hate comments have been easy to deal with. Ff.net is just useless now. Tumblr is okay, but it's extremely hard to get views, and hate comments are more common.
48. Do you leave reviews when you read fanfiction? Why/Why not?
Sometimes! Depends on how strong my reaction was to the work and how much energy I have that day. I haven't read any fic lately though.
49. Do you care if people comment/reblog your writing? Why/why not?
Oh, yeah. I care a lot. A single good comment can lift me out of a writing funk and give me the motivation to keep going. It literally just happened last week 💕 (Thank you kind commenter 💕💕)
Also, reblogs are the only way to get views here. The fics I'm most passionate about tend not to get reblogged (1. they involve a rarepair, so they're niche to begin with; 2. people are too scared to reblog Bileven content). So I cherish every one I get.
50. How did you get into reading and/or writing fanfiction?
Idk, I just fell into it in elementary school. It felt natural. Still does!
51. Rant or Gush about one thing you love or hate in the world of fanfiction! Go!
Gush: I love the incredible creativity of fandom! Also, I LIVE for taking back stories from white male creators who have no idea what they're doing. And from corporations who shoot for the lowest common denominator. (Capitalism kills art, tell your friends)
Rant: STOP HARASSING FAN CREATORS FOR MAKING STUFF YOU DON'T LIKE. Oh and let's NOT do the whole censorship thing. We tried it and it was awful. Thank you.
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How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
0 notes
Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
0 notes
Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
0 notes
Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
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New on Search Engine Land
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About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
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Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
0 notes
Text
How to run your digital agency from anywhere in the world
Imagine if you could merge work and pleasure, spending your afternoons basking in the sunshine or exploring a new city. You feel happy that business is taken care of and that you can relax and enjoy your surroundings stress-free.
Well, imagine no longer.
In this article, I’ll share tips from 10+ years of experience in doing just that. My mission is to illustrate that such a lifestyle isn’t merely a far-fetched dream but an attainable reality, one that can be tailored to suit you.
Whether that means sneaking in an extra holiday each year, spending a few months traveling Asia, or even relocating to a different country, it’s all possible.
For the last 16 years, I have owned and run a small digital marketing agency. During that time, I have traveled extensively, rarely took time off from work completely (don’t judge – I love it that way!), made the permanent move to Spain and managed a pretty successful business worldwide.
Learn how to run your business from anywhere in the world. The secret is how you manage your workspace, time, boundaries, team and technology.
1. Plan your workspace
To make your travel and work arrangements smoother, start by researching the availability of internet services and power reliability in the country you’re visiting. Knowing the circumstances upfront will help you plan better.
If you intend to work from your accommodation, designate a specific space as your dedicated desk. Avoid makeshift setups on furniture or using the kitchen counter, as these can become problematic. Packing and unpacking your desk each time you need to use the dining table is also inconvenient.
Consider a co-working space, but check their operating hours to ensure they align with your work schedule. Conduct thorough research before your trip to make informed decisions.
2. Manage your time
Optimize your productivity by leveraging different time zones. If you can work while your clients sleep, you’ll accomplish more. Consider adopting the “5 a.m. club” mindset.
Create a schedule that combines overlapping working hours with dedicated uninterrupted time for deep work or batched tasks. This allows for focused work without distractions while still having time for meetings, calls, and team communication.
Maintain discipline to step away from work and enjoy your surroundings. The goal is to work fewer hours overall, so maximizing your efficiency is crucial.
Utilize techniques like task batching and time blocking to stay focused and avoid task-switching.
Pre-complete and schedule tasks like social media posting, blogging, and email newsletters if your travels are short-term.
Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.
3. Set your boundaries
When traveling with family or in a distracting environment, noise-canceling headphones are essential. Playing music while you work can help block distractions and signal that you shouldn't be interrupted.
Communicate clearly with your travel companions that during work hours, you're focused and interruptions should be limited to emergencies. Likewise, when you're not working, dedicate your time fully to them. Strict adherence to these boundaries is vital.
Establish boundaries with your clients as well. As long as you can communicate and deliver work, most clients won't mind your physical location.
Consider adding a note to your email signature before traveling, informing recipients that your working hours may vary and you may not respond immediately.
Alternatively, specify specific times for email responses. Stick to the schedule consistently. This allows clients and colleagues to adapt to your communication patterns in advance, allowing you to address any issues before your trip.
4. Empower your team to take the reins
You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much your team can handle without your constant input. It may be challenging for business owners to let go completely, but you and your team will adapt to your absence during an extended period away.
This allows you to focus on essential tasks that require your attention while empowering your team to take on more responsibility without constant approval-seeking.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial for remote work. Schedule regular team meetings – at least twice a week – to discuss work-related matters concisely and bond with your team.
Despite not having informal chats, showing genuine interest in your team members fosters honest and open relationships.
Encourage the team to have discussions without your involvement for minor day-to-day issues. If you don't have a team, consider hiring a freelancer to handle basic administrative tasks and manage client communications while traveling.
Clearly define their responsibilities, create standard operating procedures (SOPs) in advance, and bring them in at least two weeks before your departure.
Even if they work only a few hours daily, having someone there can greatly ease your mental load. You might even find it difficult to let them go once you return.
5. Choose the right tech
For most travel situations, pack essentials like your laptop, noise-canceling headphones (highly recommended!), adapters, mobile phones, and chargers.
If you anticipate limited WiFi access, consider bringing a universal WiFi dongle. In case you can't connect online, don't panic. Things will likely run smoothly without you, and you'll regain connectivity soon.
Ensure your files are stored in the cloud rather than solely on your laptop to avoid potential stress from loss, damage, or theft.
Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers, your passport, visas, ID cards, and travel insurance. Use a waterproof folder and separate them from your laptop and phone whenever possible.
Additionally, store copies of important documents on your phone, password-protected for security.
Don't forget to pack spare chargers and adapters for your tech, as they can break unexpectedly during travel.
Make the most out of your experience
The main goal is to enjoy the country you're visiting, as that's the reason for your travel. Immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and explore and interact with locals. Working abroad for three months but seeing little beyond a hotel room would be unfortunate.
Consider starting work early and finishing at lunchtime to have the rest of the day for leisure. This provides an uninterrupted time when clients and team members are typically unavailable. Feeling confident that everything can wait until the next day contributes to a more relaxed mindset.
Designate a team member to contact you only for important matters, such as a significant drop in a client's website traffic. Knowing they will reach out only for urgent issues allows you to leave your temporary office.
To stay present in the moment, consider using a cheaper phone while out exploring and leaving your work phone at your accommodation. It may take some adjustment, but it helps prevent constant email refreshing and allows you to engage in your activities fully. Choose the approach that suits your personality best.
If taking an extended trip makes you nervous, start with shorter school holidays and gradually extend them until you feel comfortable being away for longer periods.
Lastly, try not to worry about your clients' perceptions. As someone who lives abroad, most of my client interactions occur remotely. Clients have become accustomed to it and sometimes even envy the lifestyle.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
Add Search Engine Land to your Google News feed.
Related stories
New on Search Engine Land
<![CDATA[ @media screen and (min-width: 800px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:770px; min-height:260px; @media screen and (min-width: 1279px) #div-gpt-ad-3191538-7 display: flex !important; justify-content: center !important; align-items: center !important; min-width:800px!important; min-height:440px!important; ]]>
About the author
Claire Taylor co-founded her Digital Marketing Agency, TU Marketing, in 2007. What sets Claire apart is her holistic and flexible approach and she has helped countless clients achieve online growth and success in what is often a crowded and competitive space. Claire loves business but also love to spend time travelling and challenging herself physically and mentally. From running ultra-marathons, racing against horses in Wales, through to trekking across Peru. You’ll often find her out in the countryside running or hiking with her dog Darcy and day dreaming about her next adventure.
Read more here https://sites.google.com/view/gorilladigitalseo/services/paid-ads-optimization
0 notes
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