
Startups are often associated with long working hours and a hustle culture. However, some entrepreneurs are prioritising a nomadic lifestyle alongside building their startup. This can be challenging when business commitments increase, but it is not impossible. Founders who travel while building their startup must navigate the difficulties of remote work, such as unreliable internet connections and time zone differences, while also ensuring that they do not burn out. Additionally, the choice between VC-backed and bootstrapped startups influences the feasibility of a nomadic lifestyle, as VC-backed startups often require founders to be in the same location to raise capital and grow their idea.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Working hours | 50-60 hours per week for employees, 60-100 for founders |
Work-life separation | Difficult to "unplug" from work |
Travel apps | Google Flights, Hotel Tonight, Omio, Zomato, Culture Trip |
Work-life balance | A strong work-life balance is important to employees |
Travel costs | Carry extra money in case your credit card isn't accepted |
Work trips | Limit trips to a maximum of two weeks |
What You'll Learn
Startups for travelling workers
The rise of remote work has led to a new breed of startups catering to the needs of travelling workers. One example is Workbnb, a platform specifically designed for travelling workers, offering an alternative to Airbnb. With the trend towards longer stays and the rise of remote work, Workbnb aims to provide a stress-free renting experience for both hosts and travellers. This shift has also created opportunities for other travel-related startups, such as those offering travel booking platforms or expense management solutions.
Workbnb: A Platform for Travelling Workers
Workbnb is a startup that aims to cater to the needs of travelling workers by providing a platform similar to Airbnb but focused on workers who are temporarily relocating. For a low monthly fee, property managers can list their properties on the platform, catering to remote workers. This model benefits hosts by providing stress-free renting, as travelling workers tend not to party and trash the place. Additionally, Workbnb charges a lower service fee of 5% per night, compared to Airbnb's 17% for longer stays, making it a more cost-effective option.
Travel Booking Platforms
Several startups are revolutionising the way people book their travels. For example, Sojern, a travel company with over a decade of expertise, uses multi-channel branding and performance solutions to drive travellers from dream to destination. Another startup, Spotnana, is modernising the travel industry's infrastructure by connecting humanity and bringing freedom, simplicity, and trust to travellers. Rocket Travel by Agoda creates branded experiences for its customers, partnering with world-class airlines, international banks, and large-scale shopping platforms.
Expense Management Solutions
Navan is a super app that makes travel and expense management easy for both individuals and businesses. It eliminates the hassle of spending hours trying to change flights or manually inputting expenses. It empowers people to focus on what matters most to them while providing companies with real-time visibility, savings, and control.
Tips for Travelling Startup Founders
For startup founders who frequently travel for work, here are some tips to survive the hectic days between airports, hotels, and conference rooms:
- Invest time in organising your belongings and choosing the right travel gear.
- Be aware of electrical plug and socket types and bring the necessary adapters.
- Keep a backup of important documents by taking photos and storing them securely online.
- Be mindful of hidden costs, such as roaming and internet charges when travelling internationally.
- Limit the number of appointments and meetings each day to allow for rest and recovery from travel fatigue.
- Always prepare in advance when meeting investors, confirming venue details and having the necessary equipment ready.
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Work-life balance
Startups are known for their hustle culture, with some expecting employees to be in the office from 8 am to 8 pm every day and to answer emails on weekends. This culture can make it difficult for employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance, especially if they are always travelling. Here are some tips for maintaining a work-life balance while working at a startup:
- Choose your priorities carefully: Know what you're missing at home and assess whether each work trip will matter in five minutes, five days, five months, or five years. Base your decisions on what's most important to you and don't just give in to what your boss or partner wants.
- Get everyone on board with your professional schedule: Ensure your family agrees with your driving schedule. Ask their opinions on the best times and the optimal number of hours away for your drives. For example, your spouse may need a break from the kids before you go away to ensure they are rested and in a good mental state.
- Use technology to stay in touch: Being away from family and friends can be difficult, but technology can help you stay connected. Use video call services such as FaceTime and Skype to have virtual dinners, read bedtime stories, or play board games with your family.
- Stick with a schedule: If possible, set a schedule and stick to it. This will help you maintain a sense of routine and normalcy while on the road. For example, if you usually work out every morning at 7 am, try to continue that routine even when travelling.
- Take care of your health: Being on the road can take a toll on your health, especially if you're relying on fast food and missing out on sleep. Make time for exercise and healthy eating choices to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
- Reframe the work-life balance equation: Instead of thinking about work-life balance in terms of a 9-to-5 workweek, consider it over a longer period of time. For example, take a full week off after two or three weeks of travel to ensure you're getting quality time with your loved ones.
- Work remotely when possible: Working remotely before or after a business trip can help ease the transition and give you more time at home. According to a global survey, over 60% of travel managers reported that their companies allowed employees to work remotely as a work-life balance measure.
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Planning and preparation
- Build a solid foundation: Before embarking on your nomadic journey, ensure you have the necessary infrastructure in place. Register your business with the relevant authorities and ensure you have all the legal details covered. This will save you from potential headaches down the line.
- Choose your location wisely: Consider starting your business in your home country or a familiar environment. This will allow you to focus on building your infrastructure without the added challenges of navigating a new place.
- Take advantage of lull time: If your startup is in its initial phase, with slow employee onboarding, consider travelling to places that may not be ideal for business but offer a unique experience. For example, India offers a rich cultural experience, but the poor internet connectivity may hinder your business operations when you're in full-speed mode.
- Be mindful of the trade-offs: Travelling while building a startup involves trade-offs between spontaneity and community. When you travel for clients or business, you gain a sense of purpose and structure, but you may miss the freedom of impulsive travel decisions. Choose locations that offer a balance between business opportunities and personal exploration.
- Prioritize your time: When travelling, it's crucial to manage your time effectively. Limit the number of appointments and meetings each day to avoid burnout. Be mindful of time zones and travel distances, especially when booking calls or meetings.
- Prepare for investor meetings: When meeting with investors, be prepared and organized. Confirm the venue and meeting times, and ensure you have all the necessary equipment, such as business cards, a PDF backup on a USB drive, and the required cables for presentations.
- Stay healthy: Business trips can be exhausting, so prioritize your health and well-being. Pack your running shoes and seek opportunities for exercise or yoga to stay energized. Try to limit your trips to a maximum of two weeks to avoid feeling disconnected from your routine and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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Time zone differences
Working across different time zones can be challenging for startups, but it also offers several benefits, such as a 24-hour workday and increased collaboration without the need for overtime. To make the most of these advantages and ensure effective communication and collaboration, here are some tips for managing time zone differences:
Establish Time Zones and Preferred Work Hours
Be mindful, empathetic, and respectful of your team members' time zones and preferred work hours. Encourage employees to share their preferred work schedules and ensure that these are respected by the entire team. Update time zones on communication platforms like Slack, and utilise auto-responders during off-hours or vacations. Use shared calendars to keep track of holidays, vacations, and time off to facilitate collaboration and respect local customs.
Create a Communication and Collaboration Playbook
Have clear guidelines for communication channels and project management tools during onboarding. Outline the preferred communication channels, such as video check-ins, Slack, or email, and provide project management tools like Trello, Basecamp, or Asana to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Embrace Asynchronous Communication
Asynchronous communication, where messages are sent without expecting an immediate reply, should be the standard for remote teams in different time zones. Plan ahead when sending messages or setting deadlines, and always communicate deadlines in both your time zone and your teammate's time zone to avoid confusion. Emphasise clear and concise communication to ensure everyone has the information they need to work autonomously.
Leave Room for Synchronous Communication
While asynchronous communication is essential, don't forget the importance of synchronous communication for team building, bonding, and brainstorming. Aim for a balance, with 75% asynchronous and 25% synchronous communication. Rotate meeting times between time zones to ensure no one team is constantly sacrificing their convenience. Use tools like World Time Buddy and Time and Date to find overlapping hours for meetings.
Follow a Meeting Protocol
Before scheduling a meeting, ask yourself if it's truly necessary. Consider if the information can be conveyed better through a video recording or a detailed agenda. If a meeting is necessary, record it or take notes to share with those who couldn't attend.
By following these tips, startups can effectively manage time zone differences and create a cohesive and productive work environment, even when team members are always travelling or working from different locations around the world.
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The nomadic lifestyle
Infrastructure and legalities
It is important to establish a solid foundation for your startup before fully embracing the nomadic lifestyle. This includes taking care of legal details, registering with the appropriate authorities, and ensuring you are on the same page with your partners. This initial phase of building a strong infrastructure can be more easily managed from your home base or a stable location.
Choosing your nomadic destinations
When selecting your nomadic destinations, consider the purpose of your travels. If you are still in the early stages of your startup and want to take advantage of a slower pace, choose locations that offer a change of scenery but may not have the fastest internet or the most developed business infrastructure. On the other hand, if you are looking to accelerate your business growth, seek out startup hubs or locations with a vibrant digital nomad community. These places often go hand in hand, as they attract like-minded, open-minded individuals who are always open to new ideas and networking.
Balancing work and travel
As a startup founder, you may find that your sense of commitment to your venture increases, and you adopt a more structured lifestyle to accommodate your work. This can include finding a local grocery store, restaurant, and co-working space wherever you settle. While this may go against the typical nomadic philosophy of freedom and spontaneity, it is important to find a balance between the two.
Time management and appointments
When travelling across different time zones, it is crucial to stay on top of time differences to avoid missing appointments or investor meetings. Limit the number of appointments per day to manage travel fatigue and jet lag. Additionally, be mindful of travel times and distances within your destination city, as traffic congestion or limited public transport options can impact your schedule.
Communication and cultural considerations
Before embarking on your travels, equip yourself with some basic phrases in the local language, such as "Good morning", "please", "hello", and "I need directions to…". This will help you navigate unfamiliar cities and engage with locals more effectively. Additionally, be mindful of cultural differences and communication barriers, especially when ordering food or asking for directions.
Practical travel tips
Choose versatile, comfortable clothing that is easy to clean and pack. Fold your clothes and utilise space-saving techniques to maximise your luggage space. Select a strong, cabin-sized suitcase or a rugged backpack, prioritising practicality, lightweight durability, and storage pockets. Don't forget to pack an adapter for your electronic devices and a power bank for emergencies.
In conclusion, embracing the nomadic lifestyle while building a startup can be a rewarding experience, offering a unique sense of purpose and excitement. By carefully selecting your destinations, managing your time effectively, and balancing your work with the exploration of new places, you can successfully navigate the nomadic world while also driving your startup forward.
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Frequently asked questions
It's important to build the infrastructure of your business first. Take care of the legal details, register with the authorities, and ensure you're on the same page as your partners. If you're just starting out, it's okay to be nomadic in your own country. However, as your business picks up, you may need to prioritise locations that provide a basic infrastructure for working on your startup.
It's crucial to stay organised and manage your time efficiently. Keep your wristwatch set to the local time to avoid confusion. Limit the number of appointments and meetings each day to avoid burnout. Be mindful of travel times and traffic congestion within the city. Additionally, consider using travel apps to streamline your travel arrangements and bookings.
Install translation apps like SayHi or WAYGO, and learn basic phrases in the local language. Check electrical plug and socket types, and don't forget to pack the necessary adapters. Keep your devices charged with a portable power bank, and always carry some extra cash in case your credit card is not accepted.
It's important to prioritise your health and well-being while on a business trip. Pack your running shoes and seek opportunities for exercise, such as a yoga class or an evening run. Try to limit your trips to a maximum of two weeks to avoid feeling disconnected from your routine and exhausted from constant travel. Make time for yourself, get sufficient sleep, and maintain a healthy diet.
Be mindful of hidden costs and pitfalls when travelling. Check your operator's roaming and internet costs to avoid bill shocks. Consider changing your plan or purchasing a local prepaid card for your stay. Prepay for essentials like catering, transfers, and internet access to save money and take advantage of networking opportunities.