This amazing quote popped up on my computer this morning;

‘The surest way to find your dream job is to create it.’

This is so true, but a lot easier said than done.

I’ve had to kiss a lot of frog businesses to find my dream prince!

But, the only route to figuring out what you love to do is to to do. You have to take action, learn from what works, what doesn’t, pivot, change your mind, try something new, and keep going until, as Jen Sincero (author) would say, ‘you walk around so lit up that you shoot sunbeams out of yer eyeballs’.

I just saw a silly romcom at the cinema this week with my daughter called ‘Anyone But You’ and the theme song is Natasha Bedingfield’s ‘Unwritten’, so in her words;

With that inspiring start to todays newsletter, here’s some travel trivia;

What is the only country in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

Business and Travel Experts I’m Listening to in 2024

This week I wanted to share with you, some of the most inspiring and valuable resources and experts I’m following/listening to in 2024.

In today's fast-paced world, staying informed and inspired is not just a luxury, it's a necessity.

I’ve talked a lot over the years about curating what you let into your brain and ‘tending your mind as you would a garden’.

It’s a fact that what we consume can not only shape our journey but also redefine it. That's why discovering mentors, thought leaders, and content creators who resonate with our personal and professional ethos is crucial.

This year, I’ve curated a list of YouTube channels, podcasts and socials that have become my go-to sources for that blend of wisdom, innovation, and adventure.

Whether you're a budding solopreneur, looking to grow your business/income, or a veteran nomad seeking new perspectives, these are the sources that I personally find invaluable. 

YouTube (For all my business needs)

1. Wholesale Ted: I love Sarah. She offers practical and accessible e-commerce strategies, perfect for anyone looking to start or scale an online ecom business using Etsy or Shopify.

2. Brand Creators: All about Etsy! I’ve only just started listening to Scott as I’m just starting my Etsy journey this year, but I’m familiar with him from the early Amazon days and he’s a good source of info.

3. Ben Heath: MANY years ago, there wasn’t much I didn’t know about Facebook, but it’s a complex machine and Ben here is my go to source for FB Ads info.

4. Matt Diggity: My goal is to get The Working Traveller website to over 50k hits/month by the end of the year and I love Matt’s easy to follow SEO advice. Plus I’ve met him a couple of times and he’s a super nice lad.

5. Niche Pursuits: Spencer is the most unassuming powerhouse of an entrepreneur I’ve ever come across. This channel is also targeted at blogging and niche sites and Spencer and Jared the podcast host walk the talk. Excellent channel if you’re growing a site.

6. Modern Millie: I’m tinkering with Instagram and TikTok. To be honest I’ve got that much on this year, I think they’re going to have to wait until next year, but Millie has her finger on the pulse and is my go to if I need any tips.

Podcasts (a mix of business, travel & mindset)

1. Etsy Seller Podcast: Of course. Vital listening to inspire me on my 2024 Etsy journey.

2. Atlas Obscura: This is a new one for me, so expect some odd off-the-beaten-path travel adventure suggestions in future newsletters!

3. Zero to Travel: Another new one for me, so I’ll update as I listen more, but it’s a go-to podcast for those looking to live a nomadic lifestyle, packed with tips on how to travel anywhere on any budget.

4. Authority Hacker: Another website and SEO resource, I’ve met both Gael & Mark and they walk the talk with their websites. Plus I enjoy the guests they interview and the insights that they have.

5. Capitalism: It’s a bit finance orientated (clue in the title), but I love how ‘raw’ Ryan is with his thoughts. He’s been to hell and back financially and it’s interesting to hear how he peels the layers off his thoughts. This is one I tend to pick and choose my episodes. I don’t listen to all, but some are absolute mindset gems!

6. The Side Hustle Show: I don’t listen to this as much anymore, but if you’re looking for inspiration to start or grow a side business, Nick is your man. He doesn’t just interview celebs making millions, he’s all about real-life case studies from people like you and I just grinding and making things happen!

7. Tim Ferriss: This is a real pick and mix for me. He attracts some powerhouse guests like Arnie, Seth Godin, Jim Collins, Mark Manson, plus company founders, doctors, scientists, influencers etc, and he covers a wide range of subjects. Every now and then, one catches my attention and 2 - 3 hours later I’m a little wiser. Great for a long walk with the dog!

8. My First Million: Lots on investing, startups and business heavy hitters. Shaan Puri is one of the most underrated business minds of our time in my opinion. Just listen to this to hear his ideas. I wish I could think that quickly and strategically.

FB Pages (It’s travel, travel, travel for me on FB!)

1. Nomadic Matt: Travel blogging OG! He gives me lots of ideas for posts for my page.

2. Wandering Earl: Or Derek, which is actually his name, is a very personable chap who does group tours (a potential future business idea for TWT). He shares loads of pics of places and adventures!

3. Adventurous Kate: Another very personal FB page about Kate’s adventures. She’s recently done a massive South American honeymoon trip and I love her updates and stories.

4. Goats On The Road: Nick and Dariece. Looking forward to meeting this couple at some point in the future. They don’t post every day, but they’re great at taking the mickey out of themselves and they share some great travel posts.

So there you have it! My curated list of videos, podcasts and FB pages I’m engaging with this year.

I hope you find some of these resources useful for your journey!

Zero to $10k Etsy Challenge

Thanks to all of you who said you’d love to follow along. No one said they weren’t interested so I guess I’m committed now! 😳😂

I still haven’t decided whether to send a separate email, start a group or maybe write longer posts on the blog that I link to. I’ll start here and see how we go.

So it’s been a busy start to the year over here at TWT HQ. My daughter has mocks, my hubby is in Oz and I’m juggling a few exciting projects.

So I’ve had a bit of a slow start with Etsy. My goal was to launch my store this past week, but I’m still at the research stage.

I’m getting mixed messages about whether to start a brand (which makes sense to me) or start a general shop to see what works. So I’m looking at other shops and making a list of pros/cons and potential products I could sell.

I’m going to use Everbee as my research tool as I’ve been listening to Cody’s podcast, and I’ll sign up to their $29.99/ month package.

In the meantime if you want to follow along and start and grow an Etsy business at the same time as me, I suggest watching all their product research videos here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bof1DwURBi4 - this is video 1 of a series of 8, you can find all the videos, plus inspiring interviews etc here - https://www.youtube.com/@helloeverbee/videos

Then start by making a list of potential popular products you’d like to sell. (This is taking me back to Amazon days).

Also check out this podcast episode from Brand Creators on what’s happening on Etsy in 2024. It gives some good insights.

My goal is to build this store on a shoestring and get all my training for free on YouTube, so I’ll share all the resources I find along the way.

That’s it for now. If you’re already selling on Etsy and have any tips for me, do please send them along. All help and advice is welcomed!

From the Web

Every day I must read 10 or so posts about travel, nomadism and entrepreneurship.

Here’s some of my favourite finds from this week;

• Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely: Here’s how I make friends on the road (really nice post)

• Europe's happiest country (terrible website and fairly certain written by AI, but an interesting read nonetheless)

• 10 Best Countries To Retire In Europe, According To The Global Pension Index (Interesting read, but I’m pretty sure I’ll never retire, and if I do it’ll likely be in Asia somewhere)

•  Going freelance full time in 2024? Here’s how to make it work (some solid tips from a freelancing OG)

• Japan's Mitsubishi Estate plans 10,000 homes for 'digital nomads' (I love Tokyo, but these pads sound pretty expensive!)

Some Light Hearted Fun

Please click one of the options above. Nothing happens except it registers your vote. If I get enough responses, I’ll post the results in next weeks newsletter!

Trivia Answer

“What is the only country in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic?” 

The answer is…

Panama.

Due to its unique east-west orientation and narrow shape, in Panama, you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean and set over the Atlantic Ocean from certain points, especially on the Isthmus of Panama at its narrowest part.  

That’s All Folks

That’s it from me!

Be amazing in whatever you’re doing.

Get out there and Make It Happen!

Jo 😊 

P.S. I went scuba diving this week at Koh Phi Phi, here’s some of my fave pics;