Comments on: 7 Skills You Must Have to Run a Nomadic Business

By: Gayle Pescud

Gayle Pescud — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:18:31 +0000

I also have to agree with Number 4, especially if you’re working in developing countries where the power and internet go on and off at will. You have no choice but to be flexible and work “when the working’s good.”

As far as writing goes, these days I can write almost anywhere, in any temperature, often 40+ with no air-con. You have no choice.

I also get the short attention span issue. I used to be the kind of person who could sit down and concentrate on one task all day, no problem. Now, power cuts and other interruptions force you to stop and start such that I feel this life makes one a little ADHD whether you like it or not. I wrote about this recently at my site where I recorded a typical 2 weeks in the life to give others an idea of the reality of living and working in a developing country.

The entire list rings true of my experience. I’m a techo-phobe but have had to work out how to fix things myself as it’s an 18 hour ride to an expert!

Thanks for writing this. It’s good to know you’re not alone.

By: The Antiques Diva

The Antiques Diva — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:37:07 +0000

Atleast half of this last year has been lived in a suitcase, and I’d say you covered some very good points on mobile working & living!

By: Thursday

Thursday — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:55:24 +0000

@Colin, I’d certainly agree that a willingness to take risks is crucial for an entrepreneur — even if you aren’t thinking about running a business on the road! Opportunities do show up everywhere, though.

@Audry, I’ve come to rely very heavily on my to-do list for those short bursts of work. If it’s on the top of the list, it’s what I need to be working on. Anything distracting gets written down on the task list as well: when I know I’m going to devote time to emails or journaling about my experiences, I’ve found it easier to get to work.

@Carmen, I think you pointed to a really critical part of the ability to concentrate — it’s not enough just to be able to get down to work. You’ve got to be able to do it among the hustle and bustle of airports, cafes and anywhere else you might be!

By: Carmen

Carmen — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:52:14 +0000

Nice list. I can definitely identify with #4 – short attention span – although I might call it “ability to concentrate anywhere at the drop of a hat”. When you’re on the road, being able to do quality work in 10 minutes, at an airport, seated on a sidewalk, or wherever you might find yourself can make the difference between keeping a client and losing one.

By: Audrey

Audrey — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:24:53 +0000

Nice summary of skills needed to work continually from the road. One of the hardest things for me about working on the road is #4 – trying to become instantaneously productive because there is an internet connection for only one hour to get 100 things done, but my mind is still wandering about what I saw that morning or wanting to send an email to my mother or whatever. In addition to picking up some sign language for charades, another skill that comes in very handy is being able to express your needs or thoughts in very simple words, the fewer the better. While sometimes I feel like I speak English like a kindergartner in countries where I don’t know the foreign language and English is limited, I do think there some value in developing the art of speaking simply with few words.

By: Colin Wright

Colin Wright — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:08:15 +0000

A very solid list! These are all traits that I’ve found incredibly useful to have while working and traveling.

The only item I would add is “The Willingness to Say ‘Yes’.” So many opportunities have fallen onto my lap because of my newfound willingness to just take things as they come and scrap plays as soon as the game starts. Being ready to roll with the punches and take risks is vital to getting the most out of a travel/work experience!