Digital nomads can be gig workers, creatives, or entrepreneurs. Whatever type of work you do as a digital nomad, one thing remains constant, which is the ongoing need for productivity tools that make such a work life possible. From technology to networking resources, these tools are typically anything that makes earning on the fly, during travel, or from home profitable.
1. Laptop
The primary tool of any digital nomad is a laptop. Your work will require one with enough capability to handle writing, graphic design, as you send fax online, or different programming projects. As such, a hard drive capable of storing a terabyte's worth of data will accommodate all your archival needs. For speed, look for an i7 CPU. If an i7 is out of the budget, an i5 CPU will suffice for writing-based work.
Because modern computers rely on graphics cards, you should look for one equipped with the formidable Nvidia RTX 2060. Finally, because you will be working on the go, a smaller laptop of 15 inches will allow easier portability than a 17-inch workhorse, and a laptop with multiple USB ports, an HDMI connection, as well as native WiFi connectivity is a must.
2. Search Resources
As prepared as you are with a computer, you will not have much luck if you do not have access to quality search resources. Unlike Google, which is a broad search engine, Search Remotely, for instance, is specifically designed to help digital nomads search for solutions, jobs, and tools to make their jobs easier and more profitable.
Of course, you can search for jobs, but you also have access to online exams to help you broaden your skills. Additionally, you have access to co-working spaces and information on co-living. In the same way Google makes the internet easier for the entire world, Search Remotely makes the internet–and life–easier for remote workers.
3. Connection Apps
For online connectivity to groups, friends, and colleagues, Slack offers you the ability to keep in contact with organizations pertinent to your industry. With Slack, you can receive notifications to your phone about upcoming events, and you can network with others.
4. Organization
Being a digital nomad does not necessarily mean you are a lone wolf. In fact, digital nomads must often work remotely with teams, and these teams will consist of colleagues up and down the project stream. For these individuals with whom you must exchange files and communication, an organization tool like Milanote provides you the whiteboard organizational tools that allow you to share ideas, files, and project updates with others on your remote team.
Moreover, Milanote is specifically designed for the digital creative in that it facilitates story boarding, videography, and mind-mapping. Photographers can easily upload lots of shots and provide them to waiting clients or teams. Security ensures intellectual property remains safe and private. Additionally, Milanote is available via a PC or phone, ensuring you are able to collaborate productively wherever you are.
5. Real-world Connections
While you are on the go, you must have access to cheap accommodations. Doing so will help you maximize the profit for the occasional low-paying gig, and Airbnb offers some of the lowest-priced accommodations for people not wanting contracts. You can search for nightly or weekly rentals, and you can specify the amount your budget allows. Most importantly, you can view recent reviews to see what type of experience you can expect.
6. Home Address
Portable WiFi can be had with your phone via a hotspot connection, but using your phone as your portable internet connection can use up loads of data and kill your monthly usage limits. Consequently, you will want to ensure you have a library account, which will offer free WiFi as well as private conference rooms out of which to work. As with any type of service, a library card can only be used if you have a home address. If you are a true nomad, this might be difficult, which makes an account at Virtual Post Mail.com or Physical Address.com a requirement. Once you have an account, you will receive an address, which can be used for library cards, car rentals, and more.
7. Earphones
Simply put, a comfortable set of earbuds or an over-the-ear headset will help you drown out the outside world and stay productive. That said, some jobs might require you to offer some type of customer service, so a set of noise-cancelling headphones with a face-front microphone can ensure clear communication.
8. Storage
A laptop offers internal storage for on-the-go production. However, a portable hard drive of at least a full terabyte will provide you with sufficient archiving capability. Of course, online storage or cloud storage is a must. For free storage, you can use a basic account on Google Drive.
Final Thoughts
Whatever types of tools you choose, you need to look for ones that are proven. Milanote, for instance, is used by top companies and remote workers. Targeted tools, such as Search Remotely, are great because they are built specifically for digital nomads. Whatever tool you select, you need to look for one that has your needs–your life–in mind.
