Welcome to the 2nd edition of “How to Make Money While Travelling” which features successful nomadic teams and interviews with location independent entrepreneurs.
This week I interviewed Luke Benjamin Thomas, the founder of “That Marketing Dude“. That Marketing Dude is a place where you can learn how to take your online business to the next level, mainly focusing on building a strong foundation, clarity and direction.
So, how do you make money while travelling?
I make money through my online businesses and also through seasonal work, depending on the country I’m in. I enjoy doing a bit of seasonal work because you usually get an experience that’s unique to that country, e.g. working in a ski resort in Canada so you can ski/board all season for free.
What were you doing before "That Marketing Dude"?
Before I started That Marketing Dude, I was working in Australia and Fiji as a scuba diving instructor. It was here that I met a guy who ran a travel blog and was in Australia for free. I thought “Yes… I can travel and run my online business too”
What are your reasons for becoming location independent?
After travelling around Thailand, Australia and Fiji for 15 months I ended up going back home to England. After 2 weeks I was going crazy… Nothing has changed at all since I left. So I had to get out of there. That’s when I applied for a Canadian working holiday visa and got out of there.
In my travels I’ve met so many incredible people, seen amazing things and done some extraordinary things. My bucket list keeps growing and the only way to continue ticking things off I have to continue being location independent.
Do you face any challenges while both working and travelling?
Procrastination. When you’re in an awesome country with many opportunities at your doorstep, it’s hard sometimes to sit down at your laptop and get work done. It’s a constant struggle but I’m finding more and more ways to get work done.
How do you find work while travelling?
I have a Facebook group of digital nomads who I help regularly and have a few small programs for sale. I also do some client work too, usually around social media management.
Plus, those odd seasonal jobs help from time to time.
Why do you think businesses should offer more remote working opportunities?
I’ve seen people become depressed because of their work environment. Being stuck in an office, behind the counter… Doesn’t evoke happiness for everyone.
Some people flourish when they’re in new environments and are able to be more productive. If you’ve read Tim Ferriss’ 4 Hour Work Week, you’ll know that studies have shown people can be twice as productive when they’re in an environment that suits them.
If you allow employees the opportunity to work remotely you could end up having someone who’s more efficient, more productive and passionate about what they’re doing.
If you were to give advice to someone who wants to quit their desk job to become location independent, what would it be?
Don’t rush into it. The last thing you want to do is drop everything, move to South East Asia and try starting an online business.
Make a plan. Decide whether you want to start your online business, do freelance work, work abroad or even get involved with TEFL. Once you’ve made a plan you can start taking the next steps to get it started. This way you won’t have to return home because you’ve ran out of money and can continue to travel this beautiful planet we call home.
What is your favourite travel quote?
"Not all who wander are lost"
Do you have a mantra, slogan, or catchphrase?
“What’s up dudes and dudettes!”
I wish I had something catchy… But I really don’t 🙂
1 thought on “How to Make Money While Travelling: That Marketing Dude”
Thanks for the interview my friend. This was a lot of fun! I’ll have to get you on my site/podcast soon!