More than 20 years ago, there was no such thing as VoIP Phone System. However, it is when the idea of a ‘digital nomad’ appeared in print for the first time. Tsugio Makimoto, the man who invented the phrase, actually published a book titled Digital Nomad. In his book, Makimoto explains that the rise of wireless network technology and lower mobility costs would eventually separate workers from their place of work, allowing them to work wherever they choose. At the time, it was a futuristic idea that was largely ignored by the public.
It took another ten years for the idea to catch on, and ironically, most people credit another book with making the idea so popular. The second book was entrepreneur and marketer Tim Ferriss’s The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. Ferriss sold more than 2.1 million copies and spent four years on The New York Times Best Seller list. In his book, Ferriss theorizes that by utilizing digital tools, individuals can telecommute from anywhere in the world.
Now, with an incredible array of digital tools at our fingertips, more and more people are choosing to live a digitally nomadic life. One study released in 2018 found 4.8 million Americans identified as digital nomads, with that number set to grow in the future.
What is a Digital Nomad?
The definition of a digital nomad that Tim Ferriss laid out in his book has changed and evolved since it was published in 2007. Now, most people define digital nomad as a person whose job is independent of their location. They are not bound to any geographic location and can work wherever they have an internet connection.
Many digital nomads have embraced the influencer lifestyle as a source of passive income. The growth of influencers have given rise to the stereotype of affluent, attractive people posting enviable photos on social media from exotic locations. In truth, many digital nomads just want to get away from the grind and are too busy working on their small business to post flashy photos.
These down-to-earth digital nomads use more than social media to get their job done. They rely on modern communication tools to ensure clients and colleagues can reach them at all times, regardless of location. That’s why many digital nomads have chosen a VoIP service for their communication needs.
How Digital Nomads Work from Anywhere
A VoIP Phone System (voice over internet protocol) is a great way for a digital nomad to maintain a local telephone number while travelling the world. As long as they have internet or mobile data, a user can get their regular phone service anywhere. Plus, there are tons of features that make it superior to traditional telephone services, with the added benefit of zero roaming fees! Here are some of our favourite features.
No Switching Numbers
It’s a real hassle to change your number whenever you move. It’s disruptive for clients and may cause you to lose out on new business. With a VoIP service, you get to keep a local number. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll never pay roaming fees if you use a VoIP service.
Easy Message Transcription
If you sign up for the voicemail to email service with your VoIP provider, you’ll have all incoming voicemails emailed right to your inbox. This service is perfect for meetings and events, allowing you discretely check incoming messages so you can decide when to respond.
Caller ID Control
VoIP services allow remote workers and digital nomads the opportunity to control their outgoing caller ID, so they remain professional with clients over the phone.