Episode 5 - Interview With Founder of Display Geek
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.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."
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.
