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Today’s PrideNomad™ Quiz:

In today’s email:

Up Front: Key lessons from 5 days in Sapporo

Message from Mom: 

New Reader Benefit : Meet the PrideNomad Concierge!

Strategy Time: Borrowed Eyeballs: The Micro-Influencer Advantage

UP FRONT:

Journey in Japan: Lessons from Sapporo

Traveling to a new place is always an adventure, especially when it’s somewhere as culturally rich and distinct as Japan. My recent trip to Sapporo, located in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, was eye-opening in many ways. Not only did I experience beautiful sights, but I also picked up some valuable lessons that I’m excited to share with you—lessons that can make your own travel experience smoother and more enjoyable, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned nomad.

1. What to Do if You Don’t Like the Food

One of the first things you’ll notice in Japan is the abundance of unique and traditional foods—everything from fresh sushi to unfamiliar dishes that may challenge your taste buds.

Not everyone falls in love with Japanese cuisine right away. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! It’s important to never make assumptions that all the food will be the same. Japan has incredible diversity in its regional cuisines, and you’ll likely find something you enjoy.

However, my practical tip here is simple. Don’t judge. Be open to new experiences, but know that there’s always a McDonalds or KFC nearby. I’ve been teasing about that, but given that most of the food that was presented to me this week was not at all to my liking, knowing that you have some comfort-food options can relieve some stress!

And another thing. Don’t feel pressured to eat things you don’t want. Certainly you don’t want to offend any host you may be with, so here’s my suggestion. Blame a weak or upset stomach and opt-out. My stomach was definitely feeling wonky this week!

I also realized that I’m not as much of an adventurous eater as I thought I was.

2. Managing Your Time as a PrideNomad

As digital nomads, one of the biggest challenges we face is finding the right balance between exploring a new place and getting work done.

One key to success is creating a flexible routine that allows for both productivity and play. I find it helpful to map out a few hours in the morning for focused work and then reward yourself with afternoon or evening adventures.

That can all go to hell when you're on a tour, as I was this week. In that case, your time is not your own, but if you’re disciplined, you can still manage it.

I’ve been with fellow members of the media this week, and a number of us took care of our priorities on the bus between the sights. Do what you need to do!

It’s also important to set realistic boundaries—it can be tempting to go all in on fun when you’re in a new place, but remember why you became a digital nomad in the first place: for the freedom to balance both!

Try using tools like time-blocking apps or setting alarms to remind yourself to check in on work, but don’t forget to live a little too. After all, we didn’t choose this lifestyle to be glued to a laptop 24/7!

And remember—when you arrive at a new destination, you may be jetlagged. Give yourself time to adjust—which is why I like to be sure to stay in a city for at least a week (and preferably more if I like it), so that I can soak it all in without rushing. It also gives you the time to hang with the locals and discover the gems that most tourists never get to see.

In addition, when you’re jetlagged and exhausted, your emotions can get a bit out of sync. Sleep is a great solution. Be gentle with yourself!

3. Never Make Assumptions

It’s easy to assume that because something works one way in your home country, it’ll be the same abroad. Big mistake! For example, don’t assume that credit cards are widely accepted everywhere. For instance, in Sapporo’s fun and intimate gay bars, you better have cash.

ATMs are located in convenience stores, so you shouldn't have a problem getting access to cash.

4. Learn Basic Language Before You Go

Even though English is spoken in many parts of Japan, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in Japanese can go a long way. Simple words like “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Trust me, locals appreciate the effort, and it often results in better service or warmer conversations. It’s funny—when I'm back in Thailand and I say thank-you, the locals think that I’m fluent in Thai—(NOT!). And when I'm on a call with a Philippine call center, I will say “Salamat” (thank-you), and they just love that!

5. Understand the Culture: Directness Isn’t Always the Norm

Japanese culture places a high value on harmony and avoiding confrontation, which means people may not always be direct with you. This can be a little confusing at times, especially when asking for directions or help. You might receive an answer you want to hear rather than the correct one. I learned to ask for clarification gently or double-check information when possible. Being patient and understanding will make your experience more positive and less stressful.

6. Practical Tips: Be Prepared

Always pack your anti-acid pills or any over-the-counter medication you think you might need. Japanese pharmacies do carry these things, but the ingredients can be different from what you’re used to, and language barriers can make it tricky to explain exactly what you need. It’s better to have your essentials on hand rather than struggling to find them in an emergency.

7. Exploring Sapporo’s Gay Bars

One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the gay bar scene in Sapporo. These spaces were small, intimate, and incredibly fun. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere makes them a great place to meet locals and fellow travelers alike.

Don’t expect a large, flashy scene like in Tokyo or other major cities. In Sapporo, the bars are much cozier, and that intimacy can lead to some fantastic conversations and new connections.

Remember: Most of these bars are cash-only, so be sure to hit up an ATM before heading out. Be sure to greet the bartenders and regulars with a smile—politeness goes a long way in Japan (and in the rest of the world).

Overall, Sapporo offered me a blend of adventure, cultural insights, and vibrant local experiences. I’ll post more of a travelogue in future issues of the newsletter.

FYI—Sapporo was the site of the winter Olympics in 1972, and we visited Mt. Tengu, one of the downhill sites the other day. I can see why they were held there—it gets COLD! That said, Japan has some great skiing, and PrideNomad is coming back to enjoy it! Wanna join us? Take the poll below!

Wanna Play in Japan This Winter? Answer the Poll Below.

MESSAGE FROM MOM:

Hey, PrideNomads—here’s a quote you can live by:

I am the Pied Piper of tourism.  I loved yesterday, I look forward to tomorrow.  

But right now is fabulous!!

Get with it!

Love,

Mom

NEW READER BENEFIT:

Meet the PrideNomad Concierge!

We’re constantly fielding questions about where to go, what to do, how to deal with visa issues and more, so we turned to our amazing tech wizards and crafted our own online PrideNomad Concierge, with experts covering major PrideNomad destinations.

Yep, we’re covering the rainbow planet just for you!

Those who attended our first Ask Me Anything call last week (it was awesome!) had a taste of our Sydney concierge.

Today, you’ll get to meet Jules, who’s our Japan expert. Ask Jules anything about digital nomad-related subjects and he’ll be happy to give you an amazing 4-day itinerary or recommend some terrific LGBTQ+ owned or friendly yoga studios.

Now—please bear in mind that the concierge is in BETA…so your feedback is critical to us. Please let us know what you think, and if you find any information either incorrect, spot on or possibly confusing, do let us know so we can improve it for you!

You can meet Jules, the PrideNomad Concierge for Japan, when you tap the sexy blue button below:

STRATEGY TIME:

Borrowed Eyeballs: The Micro-Influencer Advantage…Your Secret Weapon for Explosive Growth

In the bustling marketplace of ideas, where everyone clamors for attention, there's a quiet revolution brewing. It's not led by celebrities with millions of followers, but by passionate individuals with engaged audiences of 10,000 to 100,000. These are the micro-influencers, and they're changing the game for smart, ninja marketers (like us!).

It’s all about Leverage.

As PrideNomads, our lifestyle demands that we work efficiently and take advantage of every way to grow with less effort and more ease. That’s why this strategy can be a huge shortcut to your success.

The Power of Intimate Influence

Consider the case of Sarah, a life coach who struggled to fill her programs. She had the skills, the passion, but lacked the reach. Then she discovered the micro-influencer strategy.

Sarah partnered with five micro-influencers in the personal development space. Each had around 50,000 followers who hung on their every word. The result? Her next program sold out in 48 hours, with a waiting list for the next one.

This isn't just a fluke. It's a repeatable strategy that taps into the most powerful force in marketing: trust.

Why Micro-Influencers Move Mountains

Micro-influencers aren't just smaller versions of celebrities. They're trusted advisors in their niches. Their followers see them as peers, not distant stars. When a micro-influencer recommends your book, course, or coaching program, it's like a friend's recommendation – but to thousands of people at once.

How can you implement this in your biz? Glad you asked!

Your 5-Step Micro-Influencer Mastery Plan

1. Identify Your Ideal Micro-Influencers: Look for those who align with your message and have an engaged audience. Tools like BuzzSumo can help, but often the best research is simply immersing yourself in your niche's online communities.

2. Craft an Irresistible Offer: Remember, you're not just pitching to the influencer, but through them to their audience. Offer value that excites both.

3. Make Contact with Intention: Your outreach should be personal, specific, and value-focused. Show you understand their audience and how you can serve it.

4. Collaborate Creatively: Don't just ask for a mention. Co-create content, offer exclusive experiences for their audience, or develop a unique offering together.

5. Measure, Refine, Repeat: Use unique tracking links or codes to measure the impact of each partnership. Double down on what works, and gracefully exit what doesn't.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: What's In It for Them?

You might be wondering, "Do I have to pay these micro-influencers? Why would they collaborate with me?" The truth is, while some may expect monetary compensation, many are motivated by factors beyond direct financial gain:

1. Exposure to Your Audience: Cross-promotion can be invaluable for their growth.

2. Content Creation: Your expertise provides them with fresh, valuable content for their followers. You’d be surprised at the number of micro-influencers that are desperate for fresh, new content. For instance, I welcome valuable new content for all of my newsletters (hint, hint).

3. Professional Development: Associating with established professionals enhances their credibility.

4. Access to Your Services: Offering your coaching or courses as part of the collaboration can be highly attractive.

5. Building Relationships: Many view these partnerships as networking opportunities for future collaborations.

Consider offering a mix of these benefits. For instance, Sarah provided her micro-influencer partners with free access to her coaching program, exclusive content for their audiences, and affiliate commissions for any sign-ups. This created a win-win situation without requiring upfront payment.

In many cases, all it takes is a content swap—with zero money exchange!

The Hidden Benefit You’re Probably Missing

Here's the secret most overlook: micro-influencer partnerships aren't just about immediate sales. They're about expanding your circle of influence.

Each successful collaboration puts you in front of a new, engaged audience, compounding your reach over time. Remember, in the world of service providers, your influence is your most valuable asset. Micro-influencer partnerships are not just a tactic; they're a strategic investment in your long-term authority and reach.

The question isn't whether you can afford to pursue micro-influencer partnerships. It's whether you can afford not to!

Quiz Answer

NOTE: Some of the links we provide may be affiliate links, which may potentially generate a referral fee to us. That’s one way we’re able to keep PrideNomad available to you at no cost. Rest assured that we only recommend providers who we feel can deliver great value to you.