Haven't you ever dreamed of working where others go on vacation and not needing much more than a notebook? Okay, two things are still missing: good Wi-Fi… and your knowledge.
Then you can become a digital nomad who lives and works from anywhere.
Do you think the path to get there is difficult and only a few can manage it? We will accompany you on your first steps and tell you from experience that this dream can come true very soon. First of all, we will explain to you what exactly a digital nomad is.
What characterizes a digital nomad?
A Digital Nomad (DN) chose this lifestyle primarily to feel free. As a rule, the digital nomad does his job via the Internet and is either a freelancer or self-employed with his own online business. The digital nomad is characterized, among other things, by a less sedentary - i.e. location-independent - lifestyle. No matter whether Berlin, Bali, Bangkok, Istanbul or Tokyo – digital nomads work wherever there is internet access: at home, in a hostel, café or coworking space.
What job does a DN do? As a rule, these are so-called “knowledge workers” who actually only need their heads to work. The jobs of digital nomads are very diverse. Many digital nomads finance their lives through consulting services (e.g. PR or social media consulting); other DNs run blogs that they monetize, for example, with affiliate marketing or the sale of digital products (e.g. eBooks). Photographers, designers or software developers can usually practice their profession regardless of location.
“You want it – right now and you’re more motivated than ever!”
Patricia from allmaxx about her participation in the first DNX :
I have been working for allmaxx for a long time, regardless of location. I'm also in the office and working face-2-face with my wonderful colleagues, but I can also get most of what I need from them via email, chat or phone. It is clear to me that I want to continue working without being tied to one place in the future. This flexibility is simply priceless. I can make a living and be in a place that suits me at that moment.
In spring 2014 I read about a conference for digital nomads (DNX) on some travel blogs. The DNX brings everyone closer to what they need to start the life of a digital nomad. In October 2014 the time had come: 2 days of concentrated know-how and networking. On the first day there were brilliant workshops that gave me tools on how to successfully implement a business idea within a very short time and make money online. The second day brought together even more DN-hungry people. That was the conference day with exciting speakers who cheered on all DNX participants.
The atmosphere and spirit were incomparable. I have never experienced such a strong community at a conference before. Both Marcus and Feli (founders and organizers of the DNX) support every single aspiring DNX member and the other experts at the conference also strive to ensure that the participants can fulfill their dreams. Just awesome!
We spoke to Marcus and Feli and they answered questions and questions for us ☺
3 questions for the DNX founders Marcus and Feli
allmaxx: How high do you estimate the proportion of students among the participants in the first two DNX?
Marcus and Feli: At the first DNX ★ Digital Nomad Conference in May 2014, the proportion of students was around 5%, and in October 2014 at the second DNX, 10% of the participants were students.
We are expecting over 100 students and university graduates from all over Germany to attend the DNX in 3 weeks on May 8th and 9th. That's more than a fifth of the participants.
The topic of "location-independent working" is receiving more and more attention at universities because today's generation has the desire to realize themselves and doesn't want to spend all day in an office working a conventional job.
allmaxx: Marcus, you also initially took the classic route and had a job as an online marketing manager before choosing the digital nomad lifestyle. Would you advise our readers to start a life as a digital nomad immediately after graduating from high school and studying, or do your experiences in the white-collar world make you appreciate your current freedom?
Marcus: It is difficult to give a general recommendation for all university graduates. Some have what it takes to earn money as a self-employed person straight after their studies, others only learn what is important in business in a company. Under no circumstances should you put all your eggs in one basket without reserves and jump into the deep end. It is better to gradually build up online know-how and skills and start the first projects alongside your regular work.
Once you understand how you can make money online, you will quickly notice when you are “ready” to start your lifestyle as a digital nomad.
Personally, my years as an employee in various Internet startups helped me a lot to build up know-how and a financial buffer. If you know how a company ticks from the inside and what needs the company has, you can better respond to their needs later.
allmaxx: What can participants of the upcoming DNX in May expect - especially those who don't yet know that much about the DN world?
Marcus and Feli: Participants get tons of motivation, inspiration and hands-on tips from digital nomads who already live the lifestyle. For the first time at the upcoming DNX we have a 4-day program in the form of lectures, workshops and networking events.
We rented a cinema in Berlin Mitte on Thursday evening and watched the film "Pedal the World " by Felix Starck together. Felix will be available to answer questions after the film and participants will have their first opportunity to network.
The day starts on Friday with breakfast at the betahaus in Berlin Kreuzberg. From 10:30 there will be 6 hours of concentrated input in the workshops and in the evening we will have the next networking event with the “Superhero Training” and SpeedNETTworking.
Saturday is the big main event at Babylon in Berlin with inspiring and practical talks on the DNX stage. For the first time, we also have former DNX participants on stage who share their successes, mistakes and learnings with us. On Saturday evening we have a party in a hip location.
If you still haven't had enough of the DNX drug and the spirit, you can go on a "Berlin on bike" tour with us on Sunday lunchtime. We drive to the exciting corners of Berlin where no tourists get lost.
This will be the biggest DNX ever, we and the participants are full of anticipation and can hardly wait for it to finally get started! Feli and I can hardly wait and are already counting down the days.
The DNX is the perfect Kickstarter, especially for people who are interested in the lifestyle and are just starting out.
Your discount code for the next DNX in May
Now you have the opportunity to get closer to your dream. The third and largest DNX to date will take place in Berlin on May 8th - 9th, 2015. After these two days you will be equipped with tools, know-how and a lot of fire under your ass to start your location-independent business.
Patricia and Teresa from allmaxx will also be at the next DNX in May - will you be there too? Then use the following code on dnx-berlin.de and save €50 on your DNX ticket: DNX-ALLMAXX-1895. There are only a few places left, so be quick!
Live where others go on vacation... Your dream? Take part in the DNX and fulfill a lifestyle according to your own wishes!
