Digital nomadism offers unmatched levels of freedom, but this attractive lifestyle also presents unique challenges. This is especially true when it comes to making (and maintaining) social connections. When you can work from a café in Malta one week and the best coworking spaces in Melbourne the next, it can be difficult to forge lasting relationships.
However, with the right strategies, you can build a network of friends and professional contacts around the globe. Let’s take a look at five of them.
1. Join Online Communities Before You Go
One of the most effective ways to ensure you have a social life waiting in your new destination is to connect with people before you even arrive. Meetup, Facebook groups, digital nomad forums, and other online platforms are specifically designed for digital nomads and remote workers, making them invaluable.
Look for groups based in your upcoming location and start engaging with posts, asking questions, and participating in discussions. This proactive approach helps you gain insights about your new city and puts you on the radar of locals and fellow nomads, who are often eager to meet up in person.
2. Attend Local Events and Workshops
Once you’ve landed in your new destination, seek out local events that align with your interests or profession. Whether it’s tech talks, art classes, yoga sessions, or networking events aimed at professionals in your field, these local events are hotspots for meeting like-minded individuals open to making new connections.
Tools like Eventbrite and Meetup are great for finding local events. Remember, the goal is not just to attend but to be an active participant—ask questions, share your experiences, and if appropriate, offer to connect on LinkedIn or exchange contact details.
3. Co-work and Connect
Co-working spaces are core to the digital nomad world. These spaces are designed not just for work but for collaboration and networking. By choosing a co-working space, you place yourself in a melting pot of professionals and creatives from diverse backgrounds.
Many co-working spots also host their own events, from professional workshops to social mixers, providing you with additional opportunities to meet people. When in a co-working space, make an effort to introduce yourself and hang out in communal areas or cafeterias where conversations naturally happen.
4. Volunteer or Join a Cause
Volunteering is another powerful way to meet people while giving back to the community you’re visiting. Look for local NGOs or community groups that align with your values and offer your skills.
This provides a meaningful way to connect with locals while helping you build deeper relationships based on shared interests and values. Whether it’s helping out in a community garden, teaching skills to underprivileged children, or working on environmental projects, the connections made through volunteering are often profound and lasting.
5. Stay in Touch and Reconnect
Building connections is just the first step—maintaining them is where many nomads fail. Luckily, in our digital age, staying in touch has never been easier. Make use of social media, messaging apps, and email to keep the lines of communication open.
Send updates about your travels, inquire about their lives, and share useful or interesting information relevant to their interests. Additionally, if your travels take you back to a city where you’ve made connections, reach out and plan to meet up.
Conclusion
As a remote worker on the move, creating lasting connections can greatly enhance both your professional and personal life. By engaging with online communities, participating in local events, utilizing co-working spaces, volunteering, and putting some effort into maintaining communication, you can build a robust network of friends and colleagues across the globe.
