Episode 5 - Interview With Founder of Display Geek

Main Themes:

• Digital Nomad Lifestyle: The interview explores the realities of being a digital nomad, including the challenges and rewards of running a business while traveling the world.
• Building a Sustainable Online Business: Sean discusses his journey of building Display Geek, a successful online business selling display cases and protectors for collectibles.
• Cost of Living and Travel: The interview touches upon the cost of living in different countries, with a particular focus on Asia, and how travel expenses can be managed.
• Importance of Digital Assets and Diversification: Sean emphasizes the importance of owning your digital assets, such as email lists, and diversifying income streams to protect against platform changes and algorithm updates.

Key Ideas and Facts:

1. The Digital Nomad Journey:

• Sean transitioned to becoming a digital nomad after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to re-evaluate his life.
• He emphasizes that building a successful online business takes time and effort, debunking "get-rich-quick" schemes.
• He highlights the importance of automating business processes to free up time for travel and other pursuits.

Quote: "There's no such thing as an overnight success... It took a few years of doing it by myself... It's really just outsourcing a few things."

2. Building Display Geek:

• Sean leveraged his passion for collecting and understanding of the market to create a niche product.
• He stresses the significance of being first in the market and dominating specific keywords for SEO.
• He discusses the challenges of managing customer service and the potential benefits of outsourcing.

Quote: "The riches are in the niches... It was a very, very... I'm not attacking the entire toy industry I was only targeting one company that was getting bigger."

3. Cost of Living and Travel:

• Sean shares his experience of significantly lower living expenses in countries like Thailand and Vietnam compared to the US.
• He advises travelers to consider longer stays to offset expensive flights and gain a better understanding of local costs.
• He reveals that even Japan, perceived as expensive, can be surprisingly affordable in certain aspects.

Quote: "The cheapest location we've been to so far has been actually Bosnia... very, very close to Thailand and Vietnam."

4. Collaboration over Competition:

• Sean advocates for a collaborative approach in business, even with competitors.
• He shares his experience of partnering with a former competitor to streamline production and expand market reach.
• He believes in building a strong community within his niche and providing valuable resources to collectors.

Quote: "I started to do the opposite of what... anyone was probably taught in business... I was basically like I'm just gonna sell this person... stuff too because it's also a good product."

5. Digital Assets and Diversification:

• Sean stresses the importance of owning your digital assets, especially email lists, to maintain control over customer communication.
• He shares his experience of having his LinkedIn account suspended, highlighting the vulnerability of relying solely on third-party platforms.
• He advocates for diversifying income streams and not putting all eggs in one basket to mitigate risks associated with platform changes and algorithm updates.

Quote: "My email list is mine. You will own that. That's a digital asset you own. Nobody can take it."

Overall:

The interview provides valuable insights into the digital nomad lifestyle and building a sustainable online business. Sean's experiences emphasize the importance of careful planning, adaptability, and prioritizing long-term success over quick profits. His collaborative approach and focus on community building offer a refreshing perspective on navigating the competitive online marketplace.