Honestly? The word “networking” makes me want to hide under my desk.

It conjures images of stiff small talk and that weird pressure to pitch yourself like a product. Each shallow conversation feels like a hit to my mental and physical energy - like I’m a Mortal Kombat character with a dwindling health bar.

So when I read the very first line in our Digital Nomads chapter guidelines -
“This is not a networking group.”
- I felt my shoulders drop about ten notches. Finally.

This wasn’t about making sales. It was about making connection.

Networking ≠ Connection (And That’s a Good Thing)

The truth is, connection and community are the lifelines of remote work.
Sure, we’ve got the freedom. But without connection? It’s easy to drift.
Social isolation, communication gaps, weird time zone math, too many tools… you know the drill.

But what if those challenges weren’t barriers—what if they were your edge?

Why It’s Who Knows You

One of my favorite quotes is:

Remote work opens the door to a wild variety of industries and roles we didn’t even know existed five years ago. The “career ladder” is more like a jungle gym now. And in this new world, visibility matters just as much as skill.

By showing up in community spaces—yes, even virtually or once a month IRL—I’ve gotten:

• Unexpected referrals

• Encouragement when imposter syndrome crept in

• Fresh ideas from people outside my bubble

• Friendly nudges to try new tools or processes

Make People Feel Seen, Not Sold To

People help people for three reasons:

1. They’re told to

2. There’s something in it for them

3. They like you

Guess which one leads to actual connection?

Here’s the thing: when you enter a conversation with genuine curiosity, you listen differently. You stop thinking about how you’re coming across, and start seeing the person in front of you. And that’s where the magic happens.

You don’t need to have your career figured out. You just need to show up human.

Start Small (Seriously, Tiny Steps Count)

If you’re not sure where to begin, try one of these low-pressure moves:

These are all ways to build trust, visibility, and connection without feeling like a walking elevator pitch.

Want to Feel Less Alone? Don’t Go Alone

One of our Digital Nomads members once invited a local coworker to an event—not because they were close, but because they hadn’t really connected.

My advice? Don’t go solo. Invite a friend. Or DM that one LinkedIn mutual you’ve been meaning to meet. You’ll feel more comfortable—and more likely to show up.

Find Your People, Wherever They Are

Start with:

• Coworking spaces

• Field-specific online communities

• Digital Nomads chapters

• Local Meetups and remote-friendly workshops

• Even your neighbor who’s always home at 2 p.m.

Your Challenge: Sign Up for Something (Yes, This Week)

Here’s your nudge:

Find one thing happening in the next two weeks and go. That’s it. Doesn’t have to be fancy.

Then follow up. Use the Meetup app to connect with people you met. Send that DM. Keep the momentum going.

Because remote work doesn’t have to mean working alone.
And community? It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s your superpower.

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