Startups
5 Ways to Make Traveling Easier While Building Your Online Business
We all share the dream of traveling across the planet. Jetting off to faraway lands in search of worldly wonders. From The Great Wall to Angel Falls, we all want to see the Taj Mahal.
These days it’s easier than ever to travel, and thanks to modern technology, the term digital nomad has been coined.
If you want to see Machu Picchu, you don’t have to beg the boss and book 8 months in advance. In this technological age, you can book a flight on your phone, pack a laptop and travel anywhere whilst building a business and earning money.
As I sit overlooking the most beautiful of lakes surrounded by green snowy mountains I am preparing these 5 tips on how to be a savvy traveler, save money, and work on the road:
1. Choose your destinations wisely
The idea of embracing the Northern Lights or exploring the Rocky Mountains might sound out of this world, but your saving will take a nosedive and you’ll wonder how you spent a year’s hard earned cash in just 2 months. Not the ideal way to start a business.
Instead, consider a destination like South America. It’s stunningly beautiful, they have great transport options, and you can dine like royalty for just a couple of dollars. There’s wifi too!
One night’s accommodation in Bolivia’s capital is $4.79 at this time of year. In New York, it’s $35, that’s a 600% increase. A week in a Bolivian hostel costs $33.53. A New York hostel will put you back $245 for the week.
Think about that the next time you fancy heading to the top of King Kong’s climbing frame.
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert
2. Airbnb is where the smart traveler lives
A traveler’s biggest expense is accommodation. Most travelers will hop from one hostel to another in an alcohol-fueled daze. This is what I did back in 2007.
You want to explore the world and experience its wonders, but at the same time you want a bit of space and peace, and good night’s sleep.
Any long term digital nomad knows that in order to successfully build a business and earn money online, you need to have at least a little comfort. All you’ll get in a hostel is restless nights, dirty showers and broken kitchens.
This is where Airbnb comes in. They provide you with the opportunity to rent a room or apartment in someone’s home for a very competitive price. With over 1.5 million listings in over 190 countries, they are a brand to trust.
An Airbnb host will likely point you in the direction of all the best tourist, and not so touristy spots. You’ll have the use of a kitchen, a living room and you’ll have the space and peace necessary to focus on your online business. You’ll even get a discount for a longer stay.
3. If you love animals then housesitting might be just the ticket
These days I hang out in giant houses with saunas, tennis courts and swimming pools. The kind of places that are surrounded by lakes and beautiful mountains. I’ve been traveling for 14 months, and for the last 4 I’ve been living like a King, for free.
I get to focus on earning money and building my business simultaneously. I pay for this by walking a dog in a forest a couple of times a day. How do I get to the forest? I drive in the car that is provided to me.
It sounds too good to be true, but these days Fido doesn’t go to the kennels. When his owners want to go on vacation they get someone like me to come and look after their home and pets.
This saves me a tremendous amount of money. I get to stay in local areas, the accommodation is incredible, and most importantly, I get to work really hard online.
A site like Trusted Housesitters is really easy to join, you just need to get a few references, arrange a skype call and turn up. Did I mention I get the free use of their cars, bikes, boats, and skiing equipment?
4. Volunteer and get into gear
During my current excursion I have volunteered at a few different places. During that time I’ve learned to seek out the diamonds.
By committing to 3-5 hours a day you can receive free food & board by learning something new and help out others.
Not only will your heart grow bigger but you’ll make friends, have true local experiences, and enjoy glorious locations. In your free time, you can finish your website, write your blog, complete some freelance work, or just sit back and enjoy the view. Places like Work Away are great starting points.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide
5. Pack light and live heavy
The first time I traveled I had the usual 85 liter backpack filled to the brim with needless items that I never used.
Now I roll with a 40-liter backpack complete with foldaway guitar, camera, and laptop. I used to spend hours rearranging the old beast of a bag. These days if I want something, I know exactly where it is.
By carrying less, not only is it easier to move around but you’ll be more organized which directly translates into productivity. My phone is my camera, book reader, map, compass, and diary. It’s a lifesaver. Pack minimally and see maximum results.
What travel tips would you give that aren’t in this list? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
Startups
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Startups
15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook
Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.
From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.
Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.
Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.
Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte
1. Dream Big, Think Bold
Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.
Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
2. Move Fast, Stay Agile
Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.
Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.
3. Creative Leadership
Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.
Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.
4. Organize Like a Pro
Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.
Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.
5. Keep It Simple
Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.
Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.
6. Execute Relentlessly
Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.
Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.
7. Play to Your Strengths
Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.
Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.
8. Plan in Detail
Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.
Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.
9. Seize Opportunities
Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.
Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.
10. Learn from the Past
Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.
Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.
11. Boost Morale
Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.
Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.
12. Lead with Clarity
Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.
Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.
13. Reflect on Failures
Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.
Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.
14. Action-Oriented
Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.
Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.
15. Embrace Hard Work
By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.
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