A Global Nomad Point of View

I’ve spent the last 30 years with three global corporations. I’ve traveled several million miles around the world. I’ve lived in Switzerland, France and twice in the United States. I am a digital nomad, a global digital nomad.

I’ve been technologically savvy for some time, well before we even had mobile devices. I grew up with microprocessors in 1977 at Motorola Europe because it was great to have an interactive dialogue with a machine. During my studies in the 70s, I was programming in Fortran and we used the first ‘windows’ system. At the time you had to knock on the window, an operator would open it and you would hand over your programming cards… :), it was VERY intuitive.

Well, back to the future. What practical tips have I learned along the way?

Let’s start with today’s two fundamental enablers: your mobile phone, which should be a PDA or smartphone (if you don’t have one, I’d suggest getting one) and your laptop.

In both cases, the most important aspects of these devices to have well-organized and complete are your contacts and your calendar. Make sure you enter your phone number using the international format, that is + then (country code) and then the (number). My number is +1 512 426-4037. I’d also suggest you write it this way on your business card or e-mail signature. That way when you travel abroad, you don’t have to figure out what the international outside code is in the country you are in.

Then make sure you understand time zone differences - most PDA phones provide that information. You also might want to check the setting and enable the time change by the carrier so wherever you are, your phone displays the local time.

On your laptop, assuming you use Microsoft Outlook, you have a dual-time feature that is very handy. Just right click on your calendar in the vertical time column and use the option “Change time Zone” and in the new menu enter the time zone you are in and click the show dual time zone.

If you use Apple’s iCal , other time zone are available on the right top corner or when you enter an appointment.

Assuming you have to set-up conference calls with people in different time zones, I suggest you use the meeting planner that is available for free here. It is quite handy.

If you have multiple geographies in which you do business, you can extract the data on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to reformat it and print. See an extract of my version here for winter times for the regions in which I do most of my business.

Now that we’ve talked about the importance of keeping your contacts, calendars and time zones right, let’s look at your hardware. The two most important areas are your power supplies (Laptop, phones, etc…) and your Internet Connectivity.

For the power supply, in addition to carrying a universal plug adaptor, always carry an extension cord with a multi-plug end. Power plugs in hotels or conference rooms are seldomly located in convenient places and I’m confident you won’t regret the little bit of extra weight in your luggage. Make sure you have a power supply that does not require a ground pin and that it is light. My personal view is that the laptop makers still have work to do lighten the weight of their power supplies.

Finally, connecting to the Internet is a real challenge is some parts of the world. I was very happy when I had my Nokia 61E, which provides 3G and Internet modem capability on a worldwide basis. Now that I am on iPhone, I’m in Net jail, as the iPhone doesn’t allow modem capability. Yes you can buy a broadband adaptor but that only works for the USA and is costly (pure highway robbery when you already pay for a data plan with your phone).

Or you get a 3G card or get on a WiFi global plan that some companies provide. International communications costs can kill you or your company so you have to get smarter — find free WiFi spots and in most hotels it is in their lobby or the conference room floor. Have a hands-free headset and make your international calls using Skype from your laptop if you need to call landline or mobile phones. If your colleague is on a PC or Mac, you can use common instant messaging (IM) services such as iChat or Microsoft Messenger (MSN). When traveling, use Skype or IM with your family, do regular video calls with your PC or Mac to stay in touch with your loved ones. After all, while pictures are worth a thousand words, video is what really makes you realize what a small world we live in.

Throughout this post, I have assumed you are fluent in setting up your wireless connection and know about proxy and all these good things. If not, ask your IT support person, or perhaps your son our daughter :).

Well, there is more to talk about such as printing while on the road (always carry a USB key so you can use someone else’s computer), internal country codes, credit card dialing, insurance while traveling, currencies, the must-know issues about the local culture but that will be for another time.

Globally nomadically yours.

Jean-Claude

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