If you’re not able to pick up your belongings tomorrow, move halfway across the world and continue making money, I’d argue you’re not entirely free.
Two years ago, I realized this. I quit my job, started my own content marketing agency and moved to South America where I’m happier, healthier and wealthier.
I’m not bragging. In fact, I talk to people every day who are FAR wealthier and freer than I am.
I’m merely taking my first steps toward ultimate freedom, documenting the mistakes (many!) I make along the way and hoping my insights help you on your journey.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is if I hope to be wealthy, there’s only one tool I’ll rely on to make it happen – my Macbook laptop.
The gold rush of 1849 vs. digital business in 2023
The Gold Rush of 1849 had Americans moving across the country to unknown territory (California wasn’t even a state yet!) with dreams of striking it rich.
Today’s digital business landscape feels just as wild. Promising is probably a better descriptor.
Back then, Americans panned rivers and dug up dirt. All for a speck of gold.
Now, instead of axes and pans, we have laptops and Wi-Fi. The pioneers of today are looking for online gold still. But the source is a successful e-commerce store, a viral app or a growing email list.
Digital entrepreneurs encounter a new frontier. The internet (like California in 1849) is ginormous, largely unexplored and overflowing with resources.
But the stakes aren’t as high. You’re not going to die of starvation if you don’t have success building an audience on YouTube. You won’t go broke if you can’t make money in your paid ads agency.
The digital rush is not a zero-sum game. Just because your neighbor found digital gold does not mean you can’t. Riches on the internet are abundant and renewable, especially with 8 billion people on the planet.
In contrast, in California in the 1840s, your friend getting rich meant you did not. Gold is scarce and non-renewable.
That’s the difference between the gold rush and the internet of today.
3 ways to leverage the internet to your advantage
1. Sell your skills
This is how I started leveraging the internet in 2021.
I created a content marketing business that year and was immediately able to make a profit. In fact, I tripled my 9-5 salary in my first year running my own business online.
Whatever your skill is, you can help people all around the world either get better at that skill too or fill a need.
Let’s say you’re a graphic designer. You have two options:
- Done for you — Sell your skills to companies needing graphic design help. There are millions of companies across the world who’d prefer to pay a contractor than have to pay a full-time employee compensation and benefits.
- Done with you — (My personal favorite) Teach people how to become better designers. Grow an audience on social media and other platforms and sell your skills through digital products, courses, tutorials and a newsletter.
2. Connect with high-level people
Never in history have humans had intimate access to our heroes.
But check this out. Much more important than your heroes are your peers!
It’s so easy to find others who are interested in the same thing as you are, who are going through the same challenges as you are, who have similar goals as you do. Think about the power of connecting with those people and sharing your wins and mistakes.
Never meet your heroes anyway. Billionaires wear pants too.
3. Become location independent
Work now longer needs to be performed immediately next to your customers or clients. If you truly want to be free, leave in-person work in your past.
Your computer now allows you to live in Thailand, work in the United States and serve Egyptian customers.
🤯
Travel back in time to the 70s, tell that to someone and look at the reaction on their face.
Your computer unchains you from the stale, artificially lit dungeon where most people work 9 hours a day.
Get out! Explore.
The odds you’re happiest in your current location are incredibly low. I guarantee you’d be better off in a sunnier, friendlier environment with less-processed foods, fresher fruits and a vibrant culture.
I sure am. My business, body and outlook changed (for the better!) when I traded gray skies and a cement jungle for a green, walkable, sunny pueblo in South America.
If you want to become free in 2023, your computer is the golden ticket. Why?
Digital leverage is:
- Selling your skills online
- Connecting with high-level peers
- Becoming truly location independent
If you’re stuck and want help taking your first steps toward a freer life, there are two ways I can help you:
- 1:1 Freedom consult — We’ll dive deep into your unique situation and I’ll offer my advice and recommendations
- Group coaching program — In this 8-week program, you’ll learn how to quit your job, start your own business and travel the world – just like me 😇 Starts August 8.
