Driven To Be Location Independent / "Not Another Web Agency"

[Nomads]

Been floating around these forums for a long time now without contributing much, but absorbing lots. I've decided it is time to change that and document my process to detach myself from my current location in the cold barren wasteland called Canada.

I currently run a service-based (seasonal) business from March through October. While I've had great success with this business the location I am tied to has steadily begun to frustrate me more and more. I find the winters difficult and find myself longing to be away from the cold. This hatred for the cold was made even worse when I decided to move to Hawaii for the winter of 2019/2020 and experienced what it was like to not live in freezing temperatures 6+ months of the year. The cold & lack of sun really take a number on me and it seems to only affect my health and wellness worse each year.

Thus, my struggle to detach myself from my current business and location began.

I built and run my own website for my current business and have had a lot of success with it - ranking on the first page of Google for all my target areas. This skill developed during my winters off (could not bring myself to sit around and do nothing all winter so I taught myself to code & build websites) has opened up an opportunity I never thought imaginable. This past winter I launched my own web agency (design, dev, SEO & management) and have had some success, especially with others in service businesses approaching me and appreciating my knowledge of it. I learnt more and recreated the same process I used for my own website and was able to help quite a few others as well.

I plan to use this thread to thoroughly document my process & execution as I take this business on until it is stable enough for me to either sell off/or hire someone to run my other business. I will then continue to build this business in the warmth of Portugal. Thankfully, my fiancee is a citizen of said country and we can move there at will.

I will also document my progress as I work with multiple programs/tools to assist me in taking this business to the next level. The two I am starting with will be:

@Fox Web School - while I am familiar with the web development & design side of things I am excited to learn from someone who has had so much success on the sales & outreach side where I have struggled.

@Black_Dragon43 and his B2B Lead Generation System. I am looking to automate and try to be as efficient as possible with lead generation as this has been the biggest issue I have had so far. Excited to see how I can put this system to use.

I will escape the cold.

 

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[Black_Dragon43]

Watching and good luck!

 

[MTF]

I will then continue to build this business in the warmth of Portugal. Thankfully, my fiancee is a citizen of said country and we can move there at will.

Has she told you how F*cking cold the winter in Portugal can feel? Most places don't have heating so even if you're in the south you'll freeze at home. In Canada, at least when you're at home you can be toasty warm.

Portugal (or southern Europe in general) is NOT like Hawaii by any means.

I'm also looking for a home in a warm country and I've been to quite a few places around the world.

My conclusion is that if I have to freeze at home in the supposedly "warm" countries during the winter I'd rather live in a cold country and have proper heating and insulation. This is why after visiting all the warmest places in Europe I've ruled them all out.

More about how cold Portugal and southern Europe gets is here:

NOTABLE! - MINDSET - Has Moving to a Warm and Sunny Climate Made You Happier?

Very interesting map, but sun and temperature are two very different things and don't always go along. Plus, there's humidity that plays a factor as well like McAdam said. They don't go together for sure. Most people prefer dry, sunny and cold over warmer, humid and gloomy, though. I mean...

www.thefastlaneforum.com

 

[Andy Black]

Been floating around these forums for a long time now without contributing much, but absorbing lots. I've decided it is time to change that and document my process to detach myself from my current location in the cold barren wasteland called Canada.

I currently run a service-based (seasonal) business from March through October. While I've had great success with this business the location I am tied to has steadily begun to frustrate me more and more. I find the winters difficult and find myself longing to be away from the cold. This hatred for the cold was made even worse when I decided to move to Hawaii for the winter of 2019/2020 and experienced what it was like to not live in freezing temperatures 6+ months of the year. The cold & lack of sun really take a number on me and it seems to only affect my health and wellness worse each year.

Thus, my struggle to detach myself from my current business and location began.

I built and run my own website for my current business and have had a lot of success with it - ranking on the first page of Google for all my target areas. This skill developed during my winters off (could not bring myself to sit around and do nothing all winter so I taught myself to code & build websites) has opened up an opportunity I never thought imaginable. This past winter I launched my own web agency (design, dev, SEO & management) and have had some success, especially with others in service businesses approaching me and appreciating my knowledge of it. I learnt more and recreated the same process I used for my own website and was able to help quite a few others as well.

I plan to use this thread to thoroughly document my process & execution as I take this business on until it is stable enough for me to either sell off/or hire someone to run my other business. I will then continue to build this business in the warmth of Portugal. Thankfully, my fiancee is a citizen of said country and we can move there at will.

I will also document my progress as I work with multiple programs/tools to assist me in taking this business to the next level. The two I am starting with will be:

@Fox Web School - while I am familiar with the web development & design side of things I am excited to learn from someone who has had so much success on the sales & outreach side where I have struggled.

@Black_Dragon43 and his B2B Lead Generation System. I am looking to automate and try to be as efficient as possible with lead generation as this has been the biggest issue I have had so far. Excited to see how I can put this system to use.

I will escape the cold.

Can you move now?

 

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[Boogie]

I ran into an old friend some time ago who has a seasonal business. He loves it. He hated his corporate job so he has a lawn mowing company in Missouri where it can get pretty cold. He moves to California where it's warmer for winter, visits family and does some work there until it warms up at home. I think he does insurance adjusting or something from his past for a few months and then goes back home.

A guy who worked for me had an uncle that was following a similar path as you. His seasonal business was power washing. On his off-time, he learned to do web work and began to offer that when the power washing season ended. He enjoyed the break from each business but I think he leaned toward getting more into computing because of his age.

In both cases, they required a total shift to switch back with no or little simultaneous operations aside. I haven't talked to them in years so I don't know how the businesses look now.

Good luck. Tech can be fun and monetarily rewarding. It can also have a lot of pressure.

 

[Nomads]

Has she told you how f*cking cold the winter in Portugal can feel? Most places don't have heating so even if you're in the south you'll freeze at home. In Canada, at least when you're at home you can be toasty warm.

Portugal (or southern Europe in general) is NOT like Hawaii by any means.

I'm also looking for a home in a warm country and I've been to quite a few places around the world.

My conclusion is that if I have to freeze at home in the supposedly "warm" countries during the winter I'd rather live in a cold country and have proper heating and insulation. This is why after visiting all the warmest places in Europe I've ruled them all out.

More about how cold Portugal and southern Europe gets is here:

NOTABLE! - MINDSET - Has Moving to a Warm and Sunny Climate Made You Happier?

Very interesting map, but sun and temperature are two very different things and don't always go along. Plus, there's humidity that plays a factor as well like McAdam said. They don't go together for sure. Most people prefer dry, sunny and cold over warmer, humid and gloomy, though. I mean...

www.thefastlaneforum.com

She has! I am completely okay with that primarily due to the fact that the sun is out 300+ days out of the year in the Algarve, which also happens to be the warmest area as well. I'll take stable winter temperatures 15+°C and sunshine over -20°C and zero sunshine for six months.

The ability to get outside more is super helpful for my mental state, productivity, wellness, and more. While Portugal isn't as stable as Hawaii temperature-wise we want to move there for a variety of other reasons as well.

Will give that thread a good read! Thanks.

Can you move now?

If I could, I'd be on a plane out tomorrow.

Unfortunately due to some nonsensical travel restrictions that still exist in Canada that is currently not possible.

That being said, summer is almost here, and my service business is at full speed. Good opportunity to tie up some loose ends. Aiming to be out by late fall/early winter 2022.

I ran into an old friend some time ago who has a seasonal business. He loves it. He hated his corporate job so he has a lawn mowing company in Missouri where it can get pretty cold. He moves to California where it's warmer for winter, visits family and does some work there until it warms up at home. I think he does insurance adjusting or something from his past for a few months and then goes back home.

A guy who worked for me had an uncle that was following a similar path as you. His seasonal business was power washing. On his off-time, he learned to do web work and began to offer that when the power washing season ended. He enjoyed the break from each business but I think he leaned toward getting more into computing because of his age.

In both cases, they required a total shift to switch back with no or little simultaneous operations aside. I haven't talked to them in years so I don't know how the businesses look now.

Good luck. Tech can be fun and monetarily rewarding. It can also have a lot of pressure.

I don't mind my seasonal business, it's made me a lot of money and taught me a lot about business. Definitely not something I want to do long-term though. I tried moving away for the winter once (when I was in Hawaii) but found it kind of tough as there is actually a lot of maintenance to be done in the winter. Definitely could mitigate this through employees, etc though.

My service business actually includes pressure washing, among other exterior cleaning/maintenance services. Super lucrative, but takes a quick toll on your body that I've noticed already - probably why the guy you know got out of it as well.

For me it boils down to the ability to rapidly scale a business from anywhere in the world, while this is possible with my current business, I'm more confident and satisfied with the shift I'm making.

Hope the two mentioned in your message have had a lot of success and thank you for the good luck!

 

[MTF]

She has! I am completely okay with that primarily due to the fact that the sun is out 300+ days out of the year in the Algarve, which also happens to be the warmest area as well. I'll take stable winter temperatures 15+°C and sunshine over -20°C and zero sunshine for six months.

Hopefully you'll be able to find a place where you won't freeze at home. On paper I 100% understand that as I thought the same. But when I experienced it myself my opinion changed a little. Granted, where I live the winters usually aren't that cold (but they're for sure darker than in Canada).

The ability to get outside more is super helpful for my mental state, productivity, wellness, and more. While Portugal isn't as stable as Hawaii temperature-wise we want to move there for a variety of other reasons as well.

Okay that makes sense. I thought it was primarily because of the weather but if there are other reasons then it could be a good move. I spent a few days in the Algarve and didn't like it but hope your experience is different.

 

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[Nomads]

Hopefully you'll be able to find a place where you won't freeze at home. On paper I 100% understand that as I thought the same. But when I experienced it myself my opinion changed a little. Granted, where I live the winters usually aren't that cold (but they're for sure darker than in Canada).

Worst case, since we'll be EU citizens - we can always look elsewhere in Europe. Where do you think you'll end up moving, as you said you've also been looking for the same and visited quite a few places so far?

 

[MTF]

Worst case, since we'll be EU citizens - we can always look elsewhere in Europe. Where do you think you'll end up moving, as you said you've also been looking for the same and visited quite a few places so far?

I still have some places to visit before I pick a place. Out of the ones I've been to, I enjoyed Barbados and Australia (Sunshine Coast/Noosa) the most.

In my case, I'm more likely looking for a second residence as I enjoy summers in Europe (roughly between May and September is great).

 

[Nomads]

I still have some places to visit before I pick a place. Out of the ones I've been to, I enjoyed Barbados and Australia (Sunshine Coast/Noosa) the most.

In my case, I'm more likely looking for a second residence as I enjoy summers in Europe (roughly between May and September is great).

The second residence option is our long-term plan eventually as well. Having a second home in Canada that we can return during the brief summers to visit family/friends is a huge plus. The real estate prices currently make that impossible.

A big reason why we like Portugal. For the price of a run-down, unlivable shack in my city, I can buy a beautiful home and a rental property in Portugal.

 

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[MTF]

For the price of a run-down, unlivable shack in my city, I can buy a beautiful home and a rental property in Portugal.

Just be careful. There's a lot of cheap real estate in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece that looks good but is also a run-down shack. It's just hidden somewhere where you won't see it easily without a close inspection.

 

[Nomads]

Just finished a website for a start-up that was featured on Dragon's Den (Canadian version of Shark Tank) where they got a big deal, turned it down, and got a million dollar+ investment shortly after. Cool project to work on considering they had an awful website and recreating it should help me get my foot in the door with other start-ups.

Got through @Black_Dragon43's B2B System and I am in the process of setting it up. His system came at the perfect time and actually helped me figure out a solution for a direction I was already trying to move in to find more web clients.

Will be working my way through @Fox's content as well over the next week. Will be doing this in the evenings after I finish building sites for the day. Aiming to learn as much as possible to expedite my client acquisition and website building processes from him.

 

[Black_Dragon43]

Just finished a website for a start-up that was featured on Dragon's Den (Canadian version of Shark Tank) where they got a big deal, turned it down, and got a million dollar+ investment shortly after. Cool project to work on considering they had an awful website and recreating it should help me get my foot in the door with other start-ups.

Got through @Black_Dragon43's B2B System and I am in the process of setting it up. His system came at the perfect time and actually helped me figure out a solution for a direction I was already trying to move in to find more web clients.

Will be working my way through @Fox's content as well over the next week. Will be doing this in the evenings after I finish building sites for the day. Aiming to learn as much as possible to expedite my client acquisition and website building processes from him.

Awesome progress my friend, glad to see you taking action and making this happen. Keep going, you've got this!

 

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[Giallo]

Hey Nomads nice to meet you. I also moved to Portugal to work remotely for clients. My tips for the challenges that people fairly brought up so far: pick an apartment with a high energy class (A+, A...). I've been seeing some properties around here and there's plenty of new developments that tackle this cold-temperature issue with modern solutions. I can confirm on the coldness of Portugal at times.

I heard a lot of people here in Portugal actually move away for the cold months to actually colder countries that have more suitable apartments. There's many options.

I'm looking forward to hear more about your progress and I'm happy to help in any way.

 

[Nomads]

Hey Nomads nice to meet you. I also moved to Portugal to work remotely for clients. My tips for the challenges that people fairly brought up so far: pick an apartment with a high energy class (A+, A...). I've been seeing some properties around here and there's plenty of new developments that tackle this cold-temperature issue with modern solutions. I can confirm on the coldness of Portugal at times.

I heard a lot of people here in Portugal actually move away for the cold months to actually colder countries that have more suitable apartments. There's many options.

I'm looking forward to hear more about your progress and I'm happy to help in any way.

Hey! Thank you for taking the time to share this information. I've seen those energy classes but wasn't 100% sure what they determined/how they worked. We haven't really started seeking property beyond browsing for fun so we'll definitely need to do a lot of research when the day comes.

I've heard the same about Lisbon. Personally, I am keener on the south with the endless beaches. Can swap out my cold showers for cold dips in the ocean.

Will definitely connect with you in the future as we start looking! Maybe you have a real estate agent or someone you used that could be helpful?

 

[Nomads]

I'm hooked on @Andy Black's Coffee & Diesel (or in Canada... mostly gas).

I've decided this morning to get up and put it to action IMMEDIATELY. I will be reaching out to my extended network with the goal of meeting with one person per 1-2 weeks for this exact purpose. While my schedule is already packed, I don't care, I'm going to make time for this one way or another. Already scheduled the first one with an old friend who actually made mentioned that he was in need of some help with his website the last time I saw him.

My goal during these sit-downs will be to learn more about these people, build a relationship, and naturally slide what I do into the conversation. No pushy sales, just simply getting my face & name in front of people who are good connections that have fallen to the wayside.

I'm going to openly share the "Coffee & Diesel" concept with people as well, noting primarily that my goal is to learn & connect with those from all areas of business. I have a feeling this will spark interest and lead to them connecting me with others outside of my direct network.

While I specifically am going to target those in my network that run & manage businesses, I won't be crossing anyone off.

I'm confident this will boost my business long-term and will track it as well to see what returns come of it.

 

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[Andy Black]

I'm hooked on @Andy Black's Coffee & Diesel (or in Canada... mostly gas).

I've decided this morning to get up and put it to action IMMEDIATELY. I will be reaching out to my extended network with the goal of meeting with one person per 1-2 weeks for this exact purpose. While my schedule is already packed, I don't care, I'm going to make time for this one way or another. Already scheduled the first one with an old friend who actually made mentioned that he was in need of some help with his website the last time I saw him.

My goal during these sit-downs will be to learn more about these people, build a relationship, and naturally slide what I do into the conversation. No pushy sales, just simply getting my face & name in front of people who are good connections that have fallen to the wayside.

I'm going to openly share the "Coffee & Diesel" concept with people as well, noting primarily that my goal is to learn & connect with those from all areas of business. I have a feeling this will spark interest and lead to them connecting me with others outside of my direct network.

While I specifically am going to target those in my network that run & manage businesses, I won't be crossing anyone off.

I'm confident this will boost my business long-term and will track it as well to see what returns come of it.

Awesome.

Bear in mind you can do diesel and coffee over Zoom as well. It’s not quite the same, but does enable you to chat to people you’d otherwise not meet in person.

 

[Nomads]

Awesome.

Bear in mind you can do diesel and coffee over Zoom as well. It’s not quite the same, but does enable you to chat to people you’d otherwise not meet in person.

Definitely will keep it as an option. I am definitely a bigger fan of in-person meetings vs. Zoom and have heard the same from a lot of people. Mostly from those who have to spend all day long on Zoom for work anyways, they are dying for a chance to get away from the screen.

 

[Andy Black]

Definitely will keep it as an option. I am definitely a bigger fan of in-person meetings vs. Zoom and have heard the same from a lot of people. Mostly from those who have to spend all day long on Zoom for work anyways, they are dying for a chance to get away from the screen.

Yeah, in person is so much better.

I bet there’s loads of business owners and interesting people to meet in your local community.

One day I’ll offer to do workshops for local schools and evening classes. Just to immerse myself more in the local community.

 

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[DWX]

I still have some places to visit before I pick a place. Out of the ones I've been to, I enjoyed Barbados and Australia (Sunshine Coast/Noosa) the most.

In my case, I'm more likely looking for a second residence as I enjoy summers in Europe (roughly between May and September is great).

Have you ever visited Cyprus? That’s a nice spot.

Granted, it can get really hot during the summer months. Winters can also be a wee-bit chilly, but plenty of sunshine overall.

 

[Nomads]

Have you ever visited Cyprus? That’s a nice spot.

Granted, it can get really hot during the summer months. Winters can also be a wee-bit chilly, but plenty of sunshine overall.

Looks beautiful but also a bit disconnected from the majority of Europe, have you experienced living there?

 

[MTF]

Have you ever visited Cyprus? That’s a nice spot.

Granted, it can get really hot during the summer months. Winters can also be a wee-bit chilly, but plenty of sunshine overall.

Yeah I've been there. Same as Portugal, if not worse, in the winter. Many expats told me that winters can be terribly cold and you need an electric blanket to not lose your mind when trying to fall asleep in a freezing house.

Also, Cyprus has very short days in the winter.

I enjoyed the country as a place for vacation but living there wouldn't work for me.

 

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[DWX]

Looks beautiful but also a bit disconnected from the majority of Europe, have you experienced living there?

It's one of the gems of Europe IMO.

Crystal-clear warm water, blue skies, and a competitive tax system make Cyprus an attractive destination. Not to mention English is spoken by practically everyone out there. However, that's not to say it doesn't have its downsides – because it has those too.

(One being that it is, indeed, somewhat cut off from the rest of Europe.)

I've stayed there on two separate occasions for 3 months each. Once in 2018, and again in 2020 (just as the pandemic hit - sigh). I still occasionally toy with the idea of relocating there, but with the UK now out of the EU, it has become much more difficult. Plus, the 40+ °C weather becomes tiresome after a while haha.

Yeah I've been there. Same as Portugal, if not worse, in the winter. Many expats told me that winters can be terribly cold and you need an electric blanket to not lose your mind when trying to fall asleep in a freezing house.

Also, Cyprus has very short days in the winter.

I enjoyed the country as a place for vacation but living there wouldn't work for me.

Yup.

The bigger the house, the colder it got. (Made that mistake the first time.) My gf and I would often burrow away in the bedroom just to keep warm.

~

As a personal aside, living abroad is a wonderful exercise if you can do it. Even if for just a few months.

I used to loathe aspects of the UK (some I still do), but after tasting another country's culture and infrastructure (beyond a two-week, all-inclusive hotel), it tends to humble you.

That's not to say I don't miss those blue skies – because I do!

 

[Nomads]

It's one of the gems of Europe IMO.

Crystal-clear warm water, blue skies, and a competitive tax system make Cyprus an attractive destination. Not to mention English is spoken by practically everyone out there. However, that's not to say it doesn't have its downsides – because it has those too.

(One being that it is, indeed, somewhat cut off from the rest of Europe.)

I've stayed there on two separate occasions for 3 months each. Once in 2018, and again in 2020 (just as the pandemic hit - sigh). I still occasionally toy with the idea of relocating there, but with the UK now out of the EU, it has become much more difficult. Plus, the 40+ °C weather becomes tiresome after a while haha.


Yup.

The bigger the house, the colder it got. (Made that mistake the first time.) My gf and I would often burrow away in the bedroom just to keep warm.

~

As a personal aside, living abroad is a wonderful exercise if you can do it. Even if for just a few months.

I used to loathe aspects of the UK (some I still do), but after tasting another country's culture and infrastructure (beyond a two-week, all-inclusive hotel), it tends to humble you.

That's not to say I don't miss those blue skies – because I do!

Thank you for the valuable input. Definitely, one to add to the list, although we are definitely settling in Portugal for a while we are open to hopping around with the potential of permanently settling elsewhere.

I've spent some time in countries with infrastructure & cultural differences compared to Canada and I'm pretty confident I'd be okay with it - but who knows!

The issue with the cold in these warm places is quite confusing for someone coming from a country that is -20°C for 4-6 months of the year. Even though the houses are insulated and heated by efficient furnaces, you cannot go outside for very long. I'd trade that in for having to bundle up indoors for a few months in a country that never goes below 0. Guess we'll see!

 

[DWX]

Thank you for the valuable input. Definitely, one to add to the list, although we are definitely settling in Portugal for a while we are open to hopping around with the potential of permanently settling elsewhere.

I've spent some time in countries with infrastructure & cultural differences compared to Canada and I'm pretty confident I'd be okay with it - but who knows!

The issue with the cold in these warm places is quite confusing for someone coming from a country that is -20°C for 4-6 months of the year. Even though the houses are insulated and heated by efficient furnaces, you cannot go outside for very long. I'd trade that in for having to bundle up indoors for a few months in a country that never goes below 0. Guess we'll see!

My pleasure. Best of luck to you!

 

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[MTF]

The issue with the cold in these warm places is quite confusing for someone coming from a country that is -20°C for 4-6 months of the year. Even though the houses are insulated and heated by efficient furnaces, you cannot go outside for very long. I'd trade that in for having to bundle up indoors for a few months in a country that never goes below 0. Guess we'll see!

You have to experience it before you understand how terrible it is. I experienced it a few times in different countries and it's really not that much different from wild camping when it's cold outside.

 

[Nomads]

You have to experience it before you understand how terrible it is. I experienced it a few times in different countries and it's really not that much different from wild camping when it's cold outside.

Maybe I'll come running back to Canada. Doubtful though, would just move somewhere even warmer! haha

 

[MTF]

Maybe I'll come running back to Canada. Doubtful though, would just move somewhere even warmer! haha

You'll for sure appreciate how solid the buildings are in cold countries.

This is assuming that you won't find a warm house/apartment in Portugal. If you do, then obviously this won't happen.

 

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[Nomads]

@Andy Black - coffee & diesel among his other suggestions have already paid off surprisingly well.

Two websites are in the pipeline.

One confirmed from a customer of my old business. Took the time to chat with him while I was doing work at his house and casually mentioned I was shifting into building websites. A few hours later he asked me if I could build a website for a new venture he is starting. Agreed on a price & moving forward this month.

Fiancee on the other hand made a connection that runs a FB group with over 30k members in our local area. Wants to create a website for a directory of contractors/suppliers and they advertise/make us the preferred website builder for their contractors.

I am at the peak of my busy season with my other business while also making progress with website building. Overwhelming to say the least, but I'm thankful for all the opportunities coming my way!!!

 

[Andy Black]

Fiancee on the other hand made a connection that runs a FB group with over 30k members in our local area. Wants to create a website for a directory of contractors/suppliers and they advertise/make us the preferred website builder for their contractors.

This could be great!

“Who already has your customers.”
(Jay Abraham)