This is one of those books you’ll start reading and won’t be able to put down, and keep referencing it over and over (at least that’s what I do).
I enjoyed it so much that we even read it in The Careful Cents Club for our January book club reading and discussion. We also interviewed Natalie on Twitter, so feel free to check out the summary.
What is The Suitcase Entrepreneur?
A suitcase entrepreneur is someone who isn’t interested in the status quo. It’s for the adventurous, the cubicle haters, and those with a nomadic spirit — the people who know two weeks paid vacation is not sufficient.
Suitcase entrepreneurs know they can run their businesses from anywhere in the world, as long as they have Wifi and a smartphone or laptop.
Author, Natalie Sisson describes her own story of transitioning to a digital nomad — going from being totally broke to making $15,000 in one month! She also shares stories of other cubicle rejecters from all walks of life, including those with families.
If you are afraid to quit your job and live life on your own terms, or you’re just not sure how, The Suitcase Entrepreneur will teach you how to reach your dreams. You don’t have to limit your adventures to two weeks a year. You can make money, travel the world, and lead a passionate life all at the same time.
About the Author
Natalie Sisson is a global adventurer and digital nomad who has been based out of her suitcase for over three years, running her 6-figure online business from her laptop while traveling the world. After getting two business degrees in just four years and mastering her marketing and business development skills over 8 years in the corporate world, Natalie went on to co-found a technology start up in Vancouver in 2008 which is now the number one fundraising application on Facebook. She then established herself as the Suitcase Entrepreneur inspiring thousands of others to design a profitable lifestyle business they love through her coaching, products, blog, podcast and lifestyle video series. Originally from New Zealand, Natalie has citizenship in the United Kingdom, permanent residence in Canada, has traveled to 63 countries, lived on 5 continents, broken a world record and won a gold medal in Ultimate Frisbee. — Source
About the Book
The Suitcase Entrepreneur is both inspiring and informative. It tells the stories of those who successfully left the daily grind and teaches you how to do the same — including what you need to leave the 9-5, where you should you set up your business, how to pack lightly, and how to build a team (even if you may never meet them!).
Introduction: Choose your own adventure
Act 1: Welcome to the new world of digital nomads
- Chapter 1: My story — from broke to $15,000 in one month
- Chapter 2: The only four things you need to be free
- Chapter 3: Real stories of others living life on their own terms
Act 2: How to build an online business you can take anywhere
- Chapter 4: The future of work and why there is no better time than now to build your own business
- Chapter 5: Building an online business for your Suitcase Entrepreneur lifestyle
- Chapter 6: Becoming a citizen of the world and setting up an international business
- Chapter 7: The best systems and online tools to run your business from anywhere.
- Chapter 8: How to use social media as your marketing, sales and customer service team
- Chapter 9: How to build a world-class team you may never meet
Act 3: How on earth does one become a Suitcase Entrepreneur?
- Chapter 10: How to become a pro at being homeless
- Chapter 11: Deciding on where to travel and your preparation checklist
- Chapter 12: The art of minimalism and how to pack for anywhere
- Chapter 13: Travel hacking tips and tools to save you time and money
Conclusion: Choosing freedom in business and adventure in life
Biggest Takeaway
My favorite part of the book is the information about how to set up a business of the world and all the great tools available to help current and future digital nomads. The dreaming part is easy, but the doing can be more difficult — Natalie explains everything clearly and succinctly.
It’s also amazing to read stories of other people who have done this, especially couples and families.
Adding another person into your life is so fulfilling, but I would imagine it’s also difficult when it comes to being a suitcase entrepreneur. It’s nice to know other people have done it successfully!
Connect with the Author or Buy the Book
This post was researched and written with the help of assistant editor Erin.