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Targeting High-Tech Talent! Canada Plans to Introduce Digital Nomad Visas in 2024
Thinking of experiencing the digital nomad life in Canada with its distinct four seasons? According to the latest announcement from the Government of Canada, this dream might have a chance to come true as early as 2024! According to the latest statements from the Government of Canada, the country plans to officially launch a digital nomad visa program in 2024, inviting global digital nomads, especially those in the tech industry, to settle and live in Canada. Previously, digital nomads wishing to live in Canada mostly relied on tourist visas, with a maximum stay of 6 months each time. However, with the introduction of the digital nomad visa, holders may stay in Canada for up to 3 years. Based on current information, individuals interested in applying for this visa may need to prepare insurance certificates, financial proof, and a list of family members accompanying them for the application to the Government of Canada. Targeting High-Tech Talent! Experience First, Settle Later Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration for Canada, pointed out that the Government of Canada hopes this program will attract the favor of tech talents and address the local tech industry's workforce shortage. In an interview, Fraser stated, "For those who are interested in trying to live in Canada, our digital nomad visa program will be an excellent opportunity. If they want to stay after the visa expires, we also welcome them with open arms." Open Government Attitude, but Will Talent Come? However, despite the open attitude of the Government of Canada, is Canada equipped enough, both in terms of software and hardware conditions, to attract digital nomads to settle? In the minds of many digital nomads, Canada, with its beautiful natural landscapes and thriving urban centers, has always been one of the ideal destinations. In 2022, a report from the UK ranked Canada as the best country globally for digital nomads to settle, considering factors such as internet speed, cost of living, and remote job opportunities. Hold Off on Packing for Now If you have already started planning your trip to Canada, you might need to hold off for a bit. Currently, the details of the plan are limited, and some disclosed information has raised concerns in the community. One concern is that the government's prioritization of high-tech talents may significantly limit the number of successful applications. After all, digital nomads are not solely composed of tech professionals; there are also those in marketing, media, and online tutoring. Furthermore, even if high-tech talents are willing to consider Canada as a destination, the salary gap might lead them to choose the United States over Canada. According to data from the job site Randstad Canada, the average annual income for Canadian tech talents is around $74,000 (approximately 2.3 million TWD), while in major U.S. cities like New York and San Francisco, their average annual income can be as high as $130,000 (approximately 4.04 million TWD), highlighting the existing salary gap. Additionally, tax and social welfare mechanisms applicable to digital nomads are also aspects that require waiting for more details from the Canadian government. Digital Nomad Visa Launch ≠ Immediate Departure Masha Sutherlin, Director of Service at HR software provider Deel, also reminds that even if the Canadian digital nomad visa program officially launches in the future, digital nomads should not expect to depart immediately. "Just because a country announces a visa program for digital nomads doesn't mean the government has the ability to process all applications promptly," Sutherlin pointed out. "This is a very novel visa type, and many countries have underestimated the resources required to handle a large number of applications." Sutherlin also added that some countries, like the UAE, have the ability to respond to applications within a few weeks, while others, like Portugal, have longer processing times, "possibly ranging from 3 months to 1 year." Stay Patient, Use Time to Reflect on Personal Needs The Government of Canada states that they will reveal more details in the coming months. While waiting, Sutherlin also advises digital nomads intending to go to Canada to be patient and take the time to reflect on what their ideal lifestyle is. "After all, not every country is like Canada, proposing a digital nomad visa program with a comprehensive plan to help those who want to stay obtain permanent residency." References: A Guide to Canada’s Digital Nomad Visa Canada just launched a new digital nomad program—here’s what you need to know Canada’s digital nomad program could attract tech talent – but would they settle down? -- Responsible Editor／Samuel Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
January 29, 2024
Remote Work New Trend - "Digital Snowmads" Find Paradise in Ski Resorts！
When we think of digital nomads, the first image that often comes to mind is people leisurely sipping coffee in beautiful cafes, or working on their computers while lying on hammocks beside gorgeous beaches. However, these scenes are mostly fantasies of tropical islands or temperate countries. Have you ever thought about those nomads who love winter? With the popularity of remote work, winter-loving digital nomads are actively seeking new ways to integrate work and leisure. Ski resorts have become their preferred destinations, giving rise to the term "Digital Snowmads." These individuals break away from the traditional office setup, opting for the fresh mountain air and choosing ski resorts as their temporary remote work bases. During the snow season, they explore different countries, working remotely during peak times at ski resorts, and then enjoying skiing when the slopes are quieter in the evenings or after tourists have left. In the past, executing the Digital Snowmads lifestyle faced a significant challenge - the high and hard-to-find long-term accommodation costs in ski resorts. Many resorts required payment of the entire season's rent upfront, which, even with some savings, posed a considerable burden. However, many hoteliers have now recognized this opportunity and are offering facilities suitable for long-term stays. For example, Swiss Escape Hotel in Grimentz, Switzerland, has specifically designed long-term stay options for digital nomads. Apart from Grimentz, Bansko in Bulgaria is recognized as one of the most economically affordable ski resorts in Europe. Several digital skiers also share their experiences, such as choosing ski resorts near the Pyrenees mountains in France, which can be more cost-effective than the Alps. In South America, Chile and Argentina are suggested as bases for Digital Snowmads, offering affordable options such as staying in budget hostels near the ski resorts and reducing costs by purchasing daily tickets. This way of working and living in ski resorts not only provides a fun winter experience but also opens up new possibilities for digital nomads seeking to blend work and leisure. From the thrilling skiing on slopes to the serene working hours in cafes, this lifestyle showcases the charm and diversity of remote work. With the advancement of technology and changes in work patterns, we can anticipate that this way of achieving a balance between work and leisure in the beauty of nature will attract an increasing number of participants. -- Responsible Editor／Jeremy Lee Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
January 19, 2024
Greece End In-Country Digital Nomad Visa Applications from 2024
Greece is often considered a dream destination for many digital nomads. However, if you are planning to apply for Greece's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) to work in the country, you may need to prepare in advance. According to the latest regulations from the Greek government, starting from January 1, 2024, anyone intending to enter Greece with a Digital Nomad Visa must apply first at the Greek embassy or consulate in their home country, obtain the visa, and then enter Greece through this channel. This also means that the previously used "enter first, then apply" process, allowing individuals to enter Greece with a tourist visa and later apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, will no longer be applicable from 2024. Following the global trend, Greece introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in 2021 to attract digital nomads and remote workers worldwide, even implementing incentives like the "enter first, then apply" mechanism to encourage foreign workers to choose Greece. With the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea as a workplace, this friendly policy immediately proved effective. In 2022, the number of applications for the Digital Nomad Visa increased by 50 times compared to the previous year. Many media outlets and bloggers listed Greece as the top destination for digital nomads in 2023. Now, with the new regulations set to take effect in 2024, if you plan to embark on a digital nomad journey in the new year, you can refer to the following simplified strategy for applying for the Digital Nomad Visa in Greece: 1. Who is eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa? Citizens from non-European Union countries. 2. What conditions must be met to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa? Applicants must prove that they are not working for a company registered in Greece (and are prohibited from being employed by a company registered in Greece after obtaining the visa). Demonstrate the ability to work remotely. Prove a monthly income exceeding €3,500 (approximately NT$120,000). Before applying, you can contact personnel at Greek embassies or consulates worldwide to inquire about the latest rules and the proof required for remote work, income, and financial capacity to increase the chances of visa approval. 3. How long is the validity of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa? 1 year, with the possibility of extending upon expiry. 4. What fees do I need to pay? Application fee of €75 (approximately NT$2,573). 5. How long does it take to receive the visa after applying? Typically, results are obtained 2-4 weeks after submitting the application. References: Greece Digital Nomad Visa - Visa Requirements For Remote Work In Greece In New Rules For Digital Nomads, Greece Ends In-Country Visa Applications From 2024 Greece Digital Nomad Visa Greece Will Require Digital Nomads to Apply from Home Countries -- Responsible Editor／Samuel
December 27, 2023
"Digital Nomad" Reader Submissions｜Themes and Methods for Submission Revealed at Once
Are you on the digital nomad journey? Are you trying freelancing, remote work, or entrepreneurship? We sincerely invite you to share your experiences and stories to everyone! I. Submission Themes Feel free to share under themes such as digital nomadism, remote work, freelancing, entrepreneurship, personal branding, media management, overseas work, etc.: 1. Your Work Experience and Skills E.g., freelancing techniques, personal branding strategies, overseas job hunting experiences, etc. 2. Introducing Various Digital Tools Beneficial for Work and Life E.g., effective digital tools for managing remote teams. 3. Methods for Improving Work Efficiency and Time Management E.g., overcoming procrastination, enhancing efficiency in online meetings, etc. 4. Essential Knowledge on Work Visas, Payments, Cross-Border Financial Flow, Contract Signing, etc. 5. Sharing Experiences of Living in Different Places and Local Customs E.g., sharing information about local prices, culture, safety, etc. For more themes and content, please refer to the articles on the Digital Nomad official website. II. Submission Format Please send your submissions to digitalnomad@ftpm.com.tw, with the email subject titled "Digital Nomad Reader Submission: Please Fill in Article Title," and provide "Self-Introduction" and "Submission Article." 1. Self-Introduction To help us understand you better, please provide a self-introduction of about 150 words. 2. Submission Article Word Count: 1000 words. Language: Chinese or English are both acceptable. Submission File: Please provide a Google.doc cloud link with editing permissions enabled. Image Format: If you wish to provide images, please attach them to the email in .jpg format, along with captions and image sources. If there are copyright concerns regarding the images you provide, we will not use them. Contact Information: You can include your blog or social media links at the end of the article. We will create hyperlinks so that readers can get to know you better through these links. Reader submissions are unpaid, and the Digital Nomad editorial team reserves the right to decide whether to publish them. Titles may be adjusted, and content may be edited, with your consent, before publication. Due to the high volume of submissions, we will reply to your email within two weeks. Digital Nomad hopes to be a platform for digital nomads to exchange ideas. Your articles will be featured in Digital Nomad, and we will also promote them through Facebook and Instagram to help you gain visibility and explore more collaboration opportunities. The Digital Nomad team also hopes to use this opportunity to collaborate more deeply with outstanding creators in various aspects. Welcome to submit and share your journey on the digital nomad path. We look forward to the opportunity to exchange and learn together.
April 12, 2024
7 Habits for Maintaining Efficiency in Online Meetings
Sometimes, during meetings, everyone engages in casual conversations, leading to prolonged discussions on a matter that take up a lot of time, yet result in little to no progress.Other times, everyone works hard during the meeting, but discussions drag on for too long and lose focus, making meetings a tiring affair. I'm also part of the workforce, facing many internal company administrative meetings, client project meetings, and sometimes even meetings that require negotiation and decision-making. Looking back at my own experiences with various lengthy and efficient meetings, I can contrast the two and perhaps distill seven habits for making meetings more "high-performance" from my own experiences. You might notice that the title of this article borrows from Stephen Covey's classic work "The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People." Of course, I'm not a management guru. The seven habits listed here are just from my personal experience, so I also welcome everyone to discuss and share your views. Before the meeting, there is a basic thing that must be done: "Prepare the contents you need to report." If I need to discuss a product with a client, I have to prepare market analysis data. If I need to explain project progress, I have to prepare a work report. Because it's so basic, it's not included in the seven habits below. So, starting from the prepared meeting materials, what else can we do for a high-performance meeting? These habits include actions before, during, and after the meeting.( You can refer to this article from two years ago for more information: How do I conduct efficient meeting discussions with "effective" planning? ) 1. List the Key Issues to Be Confirmed for This Meeting Meetings sometimes accidentally lose focus, with everyone chatting about everything under the sun or discussing whatever comes to mind, eventually straying off-topic and prolonging unnecessary discussion time. Sometimes there is an agenda for the meeting, but sometimes not. Regardless, I always have a habit of listing the key points I want to discuss and the questions I want to confirm for this time. The so-called "list of key issues" is not about reporting data, but about what issues within it really need to be clarified? What are the real highlights worth emphasizing? I usually ask myself, assuming there is little meeting time, assuming it's my turn to speak only at the end with no time left, but what are the key points and questions I must confirm? I need this list whether or not I am the meeting facilitator. If I am the facilitator, having a list of key issues means I know when the discussion is off-topic and can bring the meeting back to the main axis of discussion. If I am just a reporter, having a list of key issues also lets me know how to explain succinctly and what key points I should spend time discussing. 2. Arrange the Discussion Logic for Key Issues Sometimes, meetings can get stuck on certain critical issues, resulting in an endless loop of unresolved discussion. Meetings can feel chaotic, leaving one feeling clueless about the overall structure of the project despite extensive discussion. After listing out the key issues, I adopt another habit: I plan the order and flow of the discussion concerning these key points and questions. I rearrange these key issues and questions logically, starting with the simpler, more straightforward ones before leading into the more complex discussions. I often ask myself, how should I sequentially introduce these points and questions to persuade others? This habit helps build confidence in you during the meeting and eases into difficult topics from simple beginnings, making the whole process smoother. 3. Confirm My Own Answers and Bottom Line for the Questions At times during meetings, when key issues are discussed, everyone might be unsure of the answers or whether certain actions are possible, preventing decision-making and leading to endless discussions. Certainly, there will be challenging decisions to make, but after setting the order of key issues, another habit I have is to think about possible answers to these questions in advance or determine my bottom line for them. If the bottom line is not for me to decide, I will consult with the decision-making manager before the meeting and then proceed to meet with the client. I ask myself, what is my best current answer if no one has a better one for this issue? What is my ultimate bottom line if the other party makes a demand? These first three steps are interconnected; without a prepared list of issues, how would one prepare the bottom-line answers? And once I’ve prepared my own answers, I can respond decisively during the meeting, easily adapt to unexpected situations, adjust, or even overturn previous plans if necessary. 4. Begin by Explaining the Meeting's To-Do List Especially during planning and brainstorming sessions, participants may come with a casual mindset, and the meeting can easily become a mere chat, with no conclusive results achieved. At the beginning of the meeting, if possible, I usually explain the list of key points and questions we aim to discuss - essentially, the logically ordered discussion list from the second habit. I would say, today's meeting will progressively discuss these issues, and then we need to confirm what conclusion? It only requires a brief explanation, possibly less than a minute, but this simple action serves two purposes. Although it might not stop people who love to digress, it gives us a legitimate reason to steer the conversation back, like "Let's return to the next key point I mentioned earlier," and it makes it easier for everyone to accept when the conversation is redirected. 5. Pre-Meeting Note Preparation Of course, we all take meeting notes. However, I have a habit of preparing my meeting notes 'before' the meeting. That is, I note down the list of questions I want to discuss, my answers, and thoughts in advance. Then I proceed to the meeting. What notes should I take during the meeting then? My meeting notes mainly record: What adaptations do I need to make next, and should the subsequent question in the discussion be adjusted? Since I've already noted the main points and answers before the meeting, the notes during the meeting mainly focus on how to make the following part of the meeting more efficient. What did I hear from the other party, and what will be my response or inquiry? How can I adjust the process to facilitate smoother discussion? 6. Confirm All Conclusions at the End When the meeting ends, everyone might remember the latter part of the discussion but forget the earlier parts. At this time, I have the habit of reiterating each issue's conclusion. It doesn't take more than a minute, but it has many benefits. Summarizing the meeting conclusions helps everyone to confirm that there are no issues with each conclusion and gives a quick overall understanding of the meeting. Of course, it is best to email a summary of these conclusions to everyone immediately after the meeting. 7. Discuss the Next Steps for Each Participant A single meeting might discuss an entire project's process, which is a long-term and massive task for everyone involved. However, such meetings might not necessarily kickstart the project's progress immediately after returning to work. So I have one last habit: after explaining all of the meeting's conclusions, I ask everyone, "What are our next steps?" It might be that Esor needs to draft an outline, A needs to prepare a contract, and C needs to send the meeting record to the relevant people and collect feedback. I am accustomed to confirming at the end of the meeting what actions can be "immediately performed" upon returning. If the action is not immediate, a prompt check-in time should be set. With these meeting habits, in my experience, it is easier to create high-efficiency meetings that move faster, end on time, and result in effective actions after the meeting. -- This article is reprinted from：電腦玩物 (article) (This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.)
December 7, 2023
Freelance Skills for UI/UX Designer: How to Choose the Right Projects, and Selecting Clients Carefully?
Hi everyone! I'm Simon, currently working as a designer in Tokyo. It took me quite some time to start writing this article. Since May 2016, I began engaging in UI/UX design related work. In over a year, I was fortunate to have continuously received quite a number of projects, including web design, App UI design, and even dynamic imaging related work. During this period, due to some gaps between job transitions, I became a full-time freelancer for about half a year. Although life without colleagues was somewhat dull, I indeed learned a lot through the process of being a freelancer, including task management, time management, communication skills, and so on. Being a freelancer might be "indescribable" for some people, including how to find cases, how to quote reasonably, and the actual working conditions, etc. There seems to be less discussion about this on the internet. And perhaps many people might envy the seemingly beautiful life of freelancers, who can sleep in every day and freely choose their work location, but in fact, there are also many unknown hardships behind it. After making quite a few mistakes and facing many challenges, I can finally talk and share my experiences and insights into the life of a freelancer over the past year. This article will share with everyone: 1. What you should know before being a freelancer 1. The cost of taking on a project 3. How to quote properly 4. When it comes to contracts, what should you be aware of 5. How to successfully close a case Bonus 1: Where to find case sources Bonus 2: The way of self-management for freelancers Since this article might be a bit lengthy, I will divide it into two episodes, to share with everyone. Let’s get started! Mental Preparation Before Being a Freelancer Most people became a freelancer primarily for two reasons: "earning income" or "gaining experience". Of course, it would be great to achieve both, but often, in the early stages of working as a freelancer, things don’t always go as smoothly as expected. If your initial experience is not very good, you might start blaming others and feel that there are no good clients out there, believing that all clients are difficult to deal with. However, the reality might be due to the lack of mental preparation and insufficient freelance experience, making the collaboration not as expected. I also understood this later on and gradually began to establish the correct mindset for being a freelancer . Unless you are a partner in a studio, an individual freelancer usually requires one person to do the work of multiple people. So, how do you determine whether you are "suitable for being a freelancer"? You should first ask yourself a few questions: Do you have a thorough understanding of your professional capabilities? Do you have the ability to work independently and deliver the complete results required by the client? Are you confident in managing your time well and delivering results as scheduled? Do you have enough confidence to persuade clients to adopt your designs? Can you still produce quality work under time pressure? Do you have the ability to work with the client and the team members of the client's company and communicate effectively? There are actually many more questions like these. Freelance is not like completing tasks assigned by supervisors in a company and then receiving a salary every month. Most of the time, you have to communicate, understand requirements, execute designs, calculate costs, etc., on your own. Freelance is a very flexible work method, but it also requires a high level of self-discipline. Therefore, asking yourself these questions before taking a project can help clarify whether you are suitable for it. Of course, if you have the opportunity to be a freelancer, I still encourage everyone to be brave and try it. It will definitely make you advance by leaps and bounds! Should I Accept This Project or Not? Is It Worth Accepting? I believe that if you are just starting to be a freelancer, you will want to seize the opportunity of every project. But please be cautious before accepting a project; once you have accepted it, you have the responsibility to do it well (at least in accordance with the conditions agreed upon by both parties). I’ve experienced taking on projects and then realizing that the communication with the client was poor and cooperation couldn’t continue, or my time management was not good and communication took longer than expected, seriously delaying progress, ending up in a lose-lose situation. After several experiences, I began to realize: getting ''right'' projects is much more important than getting numerous projects. Therefore, choosing the right client is crucial. A good client not only makes cooperation much more effective but also has a high chance of bringing you other clients of similar quality. Generally speaking, common clients may fall into several types: 1. Acquaintances but Not Very Familiar Clients 2. Completely Unfamiliar Clients 3. Close Friends Firstly, we need to understand the mindset of both the client and the designer, and what each party is thinking. Different from items with clear pricing, where you pay money for direct consumption, taking on a project often resembles a back-and-forth process of each party probing each other’s bottom line, with both sides hoping to maximize their own benefits. Whether it's the client or the designer, both want to benefit from the process. This is a supply and demand relationship, cooperating to meet each other's needs. Clients want to solve their problems in the most cost-effective way, while the designer's mentality is to exchange time and professional skills for reasonable (or even higher than regular employment) compensation. Taking on cases is actually like working in a company. The client entrusts the projects to you because they have enough trust in you. I believe that no businessman would hire someone unprofessional to produce subpar results. However, there is currently a phenomenon in Taiwan : there are more and more people becoming freelancers, including experienced professionals and those who switched careers, leading to mixed quality and price-cutting competition. Coupled with some clients not having enough judgment or sense, they often choose the cheapest person to do the job, resulting in outcomes that do not meet expectations, or paying a lot for completely unsatisfactory results, leading to related disputes. Returning to the main topic, let’s discuss these common types of clients: 1. Acquaintances but Not Very Familiar Clients Such clients are usually introduced by other friends or previous collaborators, hence they might have a basic understanding of your information or abilities. Communication can be mostly rational with a touch of personal understanding. However, proper contracts and confirmation of requirements are still essential. Since there’s a level of familiarity, there usually is a flexibility in cooperation modes, but be mindful. ‘Trust’ and ‘commitment’ are still crucial in collaboration. Don’t act hastily just because of familiarity. 2. Completely Unfamiliar Clients These clients usually find you through freelance platforms or personal channels. They might be aware of your work, but there is almost always a need for re-adjustment in terms of working styles and workflows. I’d suggest meeting for coffee and having a chat 1-2 times before understanding the requirements better, observing the client’s way of speaking, thoughts on their products/services, and respect towards designers. The most crucial part is whether they know what results they want and what a designer can accomplish for them. The ‘feeling’ is essential. If casual conversations don’t leave a good impression, working together might be even more challenging. 3. Close Friends Since they are close friends, communication should ideally be smooth and without barriers, right? However, I must say that such collaborations often face the most problems. You might have Talking about Money hurt feelings. Unless you’re close enough to settle budgets and objectives from the start, and since close friends often avoid signing contracts, there usually isn’t a basis for negotiation when disputes arise. I’ve heard many instances where original friends ended up in broken relationships due to collaboration, so it’s better to be cautious. Be careful, the free stuff is often the most expensive. I believe many designers might have heard the following dialogues: "Just do something simple for me~ It shouldn’t take much of your time, right?" "This doesn’t seem hard, right? Can it be done in the simplest way possible?" "Why do you charge me for something so simple?" "Can you try making a few more styles for me?" If my eyes weren’t too small, I’d roll them 360 degrees (just kidding). I believe that everything comes with a price, even what is considered the ‘simplest’ task. It still has its time cost. Time isn’t free. If a friend doesn’t intend to pay you money, then friendship is the cost, but even friendship can be overdrawn. Here’s a common example, would you ask a doctor friend to treat you for free? Would you ask a lawyer friend to fight a lawsuit for free? I guess not. Often, the ‘design’ profession is undervalued. They might not realize the time and effort it takes to become a designer. If you encounter friends who want free services next time, consider it an opportunity to educate them! The Client Says This Project Is Very Urgent, Should I Accept It? My suggestion: Please think carefully and judge before accepting, but if it's really urgent, it's best to charge extra fees. Based on my own experience , usually more than 5 out of 10 clients will say that the project is somewhat urgent, and whether it is really urgent or not, one really needs to inquire indirectly. Generally speaking, ideal clients should plan the schedule well during project planning, and even reserve some buffer time for communication, execution, and delivery. Projects becoming very urgent, causing the pressure of project timing to be pushed onto outsourced designers, are likely due to poor time management of the client's team or some internal collaboration problems unless there really was a significant unexpected issue in the project. So, it is recommended to clarify the status of the other party's project and consider seriously whether to undertake it. Don’t force yourself. If you really accept it, it’s also recommended to inform the client that due to urgency, it will compress more time, and to maintain a certain quality, the price will reflect your time cost. The Client Has Paid, Should I Do Everything They Say? Of course not. Often I hear that some clients will point fingers at the designer’s design, thinking that since they have paid, they can instruct the designer "how to design". But I believe that the value of being a designer is "to meet the needs of clients within a reasonable range", and understanding needs and communication is an inevitable part. Design is definitely a profession, and professionalism itself is built on mutual trust, to make clients believe that your design can solve their problems. Many times, clients actually don’t know what they want, and they will subconsciously say some very "abstract" needs, and then expect the designer to try several versions/styles to see which one happens to hit their preference. This is actually like buying a lottery ticket, very much reliant on luck. To avoid this problem, my method is to continuously ask the client why, to guide the clients to express their real needs. Or use mature products on the market as the basis for discussion, ask clients to find the ideal design in their minds, and not be blinded by abstract needs, and then start spending time "trying", and finally spend far more time than the project cost. For example, when encountering: Can this page feel a bit more lively? This font seems a bit too small, I think users don’t want to click this button, etc... You can ask back: "May I ask what the lively feeling in your mind is like, are there actual case references?" "May I ask, how important is this text on the entire page?" "May I ask, what part makes you feel that users don’t want to click this button? Is it color, shape, or other reasons? Or can you provide some data on the past user website click buttons?" Asking why more and finding the real reasons behind the client's needs can help you communicate and solve problems more effectively. But if you encounter clients who are unwilling to communicate and have a "paying money is the boss" mentality, my suggestion is not to continue to take it because this will definitely be a painful and long process, mutual respect and trust are definitely the best solutions to maintain a long-term cooperative relationship. Phew~ I accidentally typed a lot, so let’s talk about it in the first episode. In the next episode, I will share with you various details about taking projects, such as costs, how to quote, and how to write contracts, etc., see you next time! The next episode: Freelance Skills for UI/UX Designer: Calculating Costs, Quotations, and Contracts -- This article is reprinted from：Simon Lin (article) (This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.)
December 6, 2023
Athletic Trainer Pei-Chun Lin Exclusive Interview｜2 Actions Boost Customer Growth! My Experience in “Selling Professional Services”
In sports events, we often see that when athletes get injured, someone conducts emergency checks and treatment for them; in the behind-the-scenes footage, you might also see athletes lying in the locker room, receiving massages and relaxation from someone. This person, often the “most familiar stranger” to sports fans, is the athletic trainer. Initially, they specifically served athletes, being responsible for ensuring appropriate training volume, handling sports injuries, and planning the method of returning to the original training mode after an injury. However, due to the increase in amateur sports enthusiasts in recent years, many Athletic Trainers have also changed their service targets, helping the general public manage sports injuries through courses. Even the long-term aches caused by poor posture may improve after taking their classes. However, like many jobs, such as doctors and consultants, this kind of business that doesn't sell physical goods but provides services based on professional abilities is particularly tricky in marketing. One reason is that material goods can be sold through proactive and large-scale promotions. Still, if overly promoted, professional services can quickly raise doubts, making people wonder, “Is the service quality could be better, which is why it's on discount?” Without relying on such promotions, how can professional services be sold? Pei-Chun Lin, co-founder of “Ninety Percent Athletic Train”, will share how he increased monthly teaching hours by seventy percent within three months, not only boosting revenue but also helping to expand the team subsequently! (Photo from Pei-Chun Lin) Everything Starts From Choosing a Specialized Sub-field Pei-Chun Lin was originally a wrestler, and during his training, he came into contact with the profession of “athletic trainer”. He was deeply attracted by its feature of dealing with injuries and connecting back to the pre-injury sports mode and decided to delve deeply into it. After obtaining his certification, he also began to provide one-on-one services. In the early stage of his practice, his business was relatively stable, relying on customer referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations from seniors. 'But honestly, I had no idea how to do marketing,' he said. It was not until later, when he participated in a course, that he began to understand the marketing of professional services. Based on the goal of 'being the one customers think of and trust to seek help from when they have a problem,' he took two actions to regroup and strengthen his efforts. “The first action I took after the course was to select a specific ‘sub-field’ to specialize in,” he said. Many people intuitively think that promoting multiple abilities will attract customers, but having too many miscellaneous abilities makes it unclear to customers when to seek help. Choosing a “specialized sub-field” in a vast professional area, that is, finding a type of problem that one can solve, coupled with the correct promotion, gives a better chance of coming to the minds of customers when they encounter specific issues. For Pei-Chun, although he is capable of solving many sports injuries, he eventually chose to focus on dealing with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries of the knee. Why choose to focus on this issue? He shared, “My initial consideration was that after the ACL is injured, there is a high proportion of cases requiring surgery, and after the surgery, a rehabilitation period of nine months to a year is still needed. This injury is obvious and has a significant impact on life.” Pei-Chun initiated his second action after choosing a “clearly demanded” sub-field. Accumulating "Trust Assets" to Shape a Reliable Impression There needs to be more than just setting up a sub-field to make customers think of us when they encounter a problem and feel secure in entrusting us with the solution. As mentioned earlier, this still requires the correct promotion. In the so-called correct promotion of professional services, one of the strategies is to accumulate “trust assets,” which means continuously producing content related to the problem we want to solve, such as observations or solutions to the problem, establishing a clear and reliable impression in the minds of customers. Compared to aggressive advertising, accumulating trust assets is more fundamental and practical for selling professional services. After all, most professional services are costly; customers always want to find someone they trust to provide the service rather than purchasing because of a random advertisement they saw. “So, I started managing an Instagram account, posting information related to 'knee injuries,' such as what actions are likely to cause anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and so on,” Pei-Chun said, showing the content of his account on his mobile phone. He also shared that he chose Instagram as a channel to share content because images convey the Before and After of a student's progress in class better than text. Therefore, considering what medium to use to share content should be determined based on the nature of the service. A month or two after managing Instagram, the most significant progress was not just more and more people coming to ask about knee injury issues! Pei-Chun excitedly said, “Most people who take the initiative to ask usually have a need. They trust me through the content, and, as long as there is no significant problem in the communication process and their doubts can be removed, the probability of them purchasing the course can be as high as eighty to ninety percent.” Through these two actions extending from the core of selling professional services, Pei-Chun's customer numbers and monthly teaching hours quickly grew within three months. Initially, teaching 80 to 100 hours per month was quite good, but later, the monthly teaching hours increased by seventy percent, reaching nearly 170 hours. In addition to earning more income, he helped team members by sharing experiences. In the past, only one person was teaching; now, three more partners are teaching, and they have even opened a store. How do we eliminate customer doubts during the communication process? Here are two suggestions: “Just now, an essential point was made, which is the communication with customers before the service!” Communication with customers before providing the service is crucial for two reasons: first, it helps to clear their doubts, making them more likely to purchase the service; second, a correct understanding of the service results will significantly affect their subsequent satisfaction. So, how should we communicate effectively with customers? Pei-Chun added two practices at the end of the interview. First, summarize the frequently asked questions by customers and clarify doubts beforehand. For the services provided by Pei-Chun, commonly asked questions include “What is the difference between you and physical therapists?” and “How are your exercise classes different from those at a gym?” etc. He prepared answers for these questions to explain clearly before the customer asked. From the customer's perspective, doubts might be resolved earlier, but they can also feel the professionalism and dedication of the service provider. Second, clarify the effectiveness of the service and establish correct expectations. To sell the service successfully, many people claim they can solve whatever problem the customer encounters. But this is risky because if the issue still needs to be resolved afterward, the customer will likely not repurchase or recommend it to friends and family. If we want to maintain a steady business later on, the only option would be to keep adopting the costliest method, which may only sometimes be the most effective: attracting new customers. The professional services available are diverse and varied. Only some who adopt these practices will see quick results within three months, like Pei-Chun, or find everything going smoothly afterward. Pei-Chun shared that, although the current operation is still going OK, he is also trying to overcome new challenges. These include how to make team collaboration more efficient and standardize products to save time customizing each one for clients. “However, we will continue to work hard, hoping to achieve our goal of having service locations in every city and county soon.” He also encourages professional service providers striving to find their footing to refer to the concepts and practices learned in his courses. By doing this while overcoming various challenges, they can at least ensure they are putting effort into the right direction rather than being stuck in common marketing misconceptions! -- (This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.) Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
January 10, 2024
South Korea Plans to Introduce "Digital Nomad Visa" in 2024
In an effort to boost the domestic economy, the government of South Korea has implemented several policies, including granting visa-free entry with the electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) for visitors from countries like Taiwan and Japan. Additionally, they have announced the launch of the "Digital Nomad Visa" in 2024, which is expected to allow holders to reside in South Korea for one to two years, aiming to attract foreign talents to stay in the country. South Korea has been a popular choice for digital nomads due to its popular culture, high standard of living, and stable network quality. Cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island are among the preferred destinations. Previously, digital nomads seeking to stay in South Korea would often hold a B-1 visa (visa-free) or a C-3 visa (short-term visit), but these options only allowed a 90-day stay, which was inconvenient for those wanting a longer stay. In recent years, the government of South Korean has introduced working holiday visas, allowing foreigners to work and travel in the country for up to one year. However, this may not fully meet the needs of digital nomads. The South Korean government has recently announced plans to introduce the Digital Nomad Visa specifically for high-income and high-asset foreign nationals, enabling remote workers to reside in South Korea for one to two years. Additionally, in response to the global popularity of K-POP and Korean TV and film, South Korea will also launch the K-Culture Training Visa to attract a younger demographic to visit and learn about the local culture. -- Responsible Editor／Amanda Chiu Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
January 8, 2024
Taiwan to Introduce 6 - Month Digital Nomad Visas
Taiwan is also set to launch a digital nomad visa! To attract international talent, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand have all introduced digital nomad visas. Recently, Taiwan government mentioned that Taiwan also plans to introduce a "Digital Nomad Visa" in the future, allowing international talent to come to Taiwan with the opportunity to stay longer. In the past, digital nomads usually came to Taiwan with a tourist visa or visa exemption, which allowed them to stay for up to 3 months. With the introduction of the "Digital Nomad Visa," digital nomads will be able to stay in Taiwan for up to 6 months. More details are still being worked out. Since the "Digital Nomad Visa" does not require legislative amendments, it can be quickly implemented after coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The proposal is expected to be submitted in the next legislative session. In the past, Taiwan also introduced the "Employment Gold Card" policy for high-level foreign talent. The Employment Gold Card is a document that consolidates work permits, residence visas, foreign resident certificates, and re-entry permits into one, providing eligible foreign talents the flexibility to freely seek employment, work, and change jobs during its validity. The Employment Gold Card is valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the applicant's preference, with the option to reapply upon expiration. The future introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa will further open the door, attracting more international talent to Taiwan.
August 15, 2024