How to Network with Other Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

How to Network with Other Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

There is nothing like remote work and digital nomadism; they provide immense freedom for professionals to work from any part of the world. The benefit, however, is also the biggest challenge faced by remote workers and digital nomads — lack of direct contact with co-workers. Unlike office jobs with built-in networking opportunities like meetings, social gatherings, and communal spaces, remote workers have to make conscious efforts to connect.

Networking is important not only for professional development, but also for community building, shared experiences and lessons learnt from others. Be it with an intention to connect professionally, want to work together on some projects or just to meet people with similar interests during your travel, strong network adds value to your work as well as lifestyle.

Here is an article that outlines the best methods for people working remotely plus digital nomads to find other like-minded people to connect with, touching on topics including online communities, coworking spaces, social media strategies, networking events, befriending locals, and more.

1. Get Connected with Other Remote Workers & Digital Nomads

One of the simplest, and most readily available methods for connecting with remote employees and digital nomads is through online communities. These are great for exchanging advice, seeking jobs and even arranging meetups.

Popular Online Communities
  • Facebook groups: There are thousands of Facebook groups dedicated to remote work and digital nomadism, and hundreds that are very active. A few are Digital Nomad Community, Remote Work & Travel, and Digital Nomads Around the World.
  • Reddit — Subreddits such as r/digitalnomad and r/remote work are perfect for talking about remote work opportunities, travel destinations and connecting with others.
  • Slack/Discord Groups — A lot of remote companies and communities have Slack/Discord channels to chat, exchange resources, and work together.
  • Nomad List Community — Nomad List is the number one destination for digital nomads and has a forum and chat feature to meet other travelers.
Ways You Can Participate in These Communities
  • After joining a new group, introduce yourself as best you can and give your background
  • Get involved by engaging in conversations, providing answers, and offering value to the community.
  • Inquire about meetups or coworking in the city where you are.
  • Be sure to follow up with those whom you connect with, and move conversations into direct messages as appropriate.

2. Leverage Social Media for Network Building

When utilized strategically, social media is one of the most powerful networking tools available; it is basically cold calling for the 21st century. And though they are generally thought of as a tool for low-stakes back-and-forths, they can absolutely be used to reach out to other professionals, mentors you wish to learn from or other digital nomads.

Social Media Networks for Best Networking
  • LinkedIn: The most innovative professional networking platform. Find Communities Related to Remote Work: In Sky, start groups to discuss the industry, make connections with people who share interests with you,
  • Twitter (X): Twitter is a travel story showcasing the experiences of remote workers and entrepreneurs. Interact with others that tweet, join conversations, and track relevant hashtags, for example, #remotework and #digitalnomad.
  • Follow digital nomad influencers and comment on their posts on Instagram and search for hashtags such as #workfromanywhere and #remotelife.
  • Clubhouse: A platform for audio chat rooms and discussions, with many rooms specific to remote work.
Networking with people on social media
  • Post a lot of valuable content around remote work, productivity, or travel experiences.
  • Leave comments on the posts, and ask thought-provoking questions and build a discussion around the comments and engagements.
  • Leverage DMs – but add value first before making your request.
  • Participate in current social media challenges/campaigns about remote work

3. Be Present at Coworking Spaces & Coliving Spaces

Sat down and wrote this post and here it is: Coworking spaces and coliving communities are some of the best, if not the best places to meet other remote workers and digital nomads face to face. A lot of digital nomads use these spaces to meet accountability partners, network, and sometimes even partner up on work.

What are the Best Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads?
  • WeWork : Scenes from WeWork flexible coworking memberships in cities globally.
  • Outsite —A collection of coworking and coliving spaces for remote workers around the world.
  • Hubud (Bali), Dojo (Bali), and Selina (Worldwide) Popular with digital nomads
  • Regus and Impact Hub: Good for work and connecting with other professionals
Coworking Space Networking: How to Network in a Coworking Space
  • Always start by introducing yourself to other people, and asking what they do.
  • Join networking events and workshops usually organized by coworking spaces.
  • University students should work in common areas rather than boxing themselves in private rooms.
  • Suggest working together on tasks or trading skills with other colleagues.
Digital Nomads Coliving Communities

Shared living spaces for digital nomads, which are suited for remote workers and freelancers. They come with built-in networking and host social events, workshops, and masterminds. Below are some examples of popular coliving communities:

  • Roam (Bali, London, Miami)
  • Outsite (Global locations)
  • Sun and Co. (Spain)

4. Startup Remote Work and Digital Nomad conferences

Networking Events Industry events and conferences are great for meeting remote workers, potential customers, collaborators, and creating more projects. There are loads of conferences out there specifically covering digital entrepreneurship, location independence, and trends in remote work.

Top Remote Work Conferences of Remote Working
  • Nomad Summit: One of the largest digital nomad conferences with two annual events in Chiang Mai and Cancun.
  • Remote Work Summit: An online conference for remote employees and remote20 companies
  • Running Remote: a conference about managing and leading remote teams
  • Freedom Business Summit: Focuses on remote work combined with online business and location independence
Maximizing Conference Experience
    • Think internationally and to research speakers or attendees you want to meet.
    • Participate in a networking group and discussion ahead of time for a networking event.
    • Keep an ear open for chance conversations — some of the best things happen outside the core sessions.
    • After the event, follow up with new contacts via email or LinkedIn.

5. Find Local Meetups and Events

If you are in a new city for a longer time, there are also local networking events you can attend where other remote workers maybe together as well. Most of the cities where digital nomads gather frequently have meetups and networking evenings.

Where to Find Local Meetups
  • Meetup.com: find people on digital nomads, remote work or entrepreneurs groups in your area.
  • Local networking meetups, casual coworking sessions organized by local groups (check local FB events).
  • Couchsurfing Hangouts: for last minute meet ups and social connecting.
  • Embassies & Expat Groups: Some embassies might host networking events for expats/professionals.
Networking Fashion in Meetups
  • Don’t be intimidating – Introduce yourself & take an interest in others.
  • Have business cards or a digital portfolio to give out contact information without hassle.
  • Arrange coffee or coworking sessions with new contacts.

6. Work Together on Remote Projects

Collaboration is one of the best ways to establish long-term relationships in the remote work community. This could be through joint projects, service exchanges, or referrals, they help solidify connections.

How to Collaborate with other Experts who work from home
  • Start a business or freelance project together.
  • If you have a blog or YouTube channel, provide guest posts or cross-promotions.
  • Form a mastermind group that holds each other accountable
  • Trade one talent for another — be a web designer in exchange for marketing help.

The first part is networking and I would describe networking as building relationships that add value to the long term time.

Conclusion

When you are a remote worker or a digital nomad, networking is only effective if you make the effort to initiate contact with others. In the remote world where there are no more traditional office environments, make use of online communities, social media, coworking spaces, and events.

However, with some intention and more of the right kind of networking, you can help secure new career prospects, company with fellow business owners, plus activate a network of support that builds a lifestyle as well as a career. It's all about connecting in an authentic way, contributing to others, and staying in touch over time.

Regardless if you are fresh to the whole remote work thing or you are an experienced digital nomad, developing a solid professional network will ensure your journey is much sweeter, productive, and successful.