(Monday, February 3rd, 2025 to Sunday, February 9th, 2025)
Personal Highlights
Balancing Work and Fitness
Monday was a productive workday, but we made sure to squeeze in an early evening gym session. The gym was buzzing with energy, but we still managed a solid workout—running, lifting weights, and cycling. On the way home, we treated ourselves to some delicious shawarma from a local eatery, a well-earned post-workout meal.
Networking, Workshops, and Good Food
Tuesday kicked off early with a 7:45 AM networking meeting, which turned out to be a great success. The rest of the day was spent refining the website, fine-tuning key pages. In the afternoon, I hosted another Digital Marketing 101 event with 19 attendees—one of my best sessions yet. To wind down, we enjoyed a hearty meal of chips, sausage, chicken, and meat, washed down with a couple of cold Coronas at a nearby restaurant.
Midweek Reset and Relaxation
Wednesday was another work-heavy day, focusing on reformatting the website. By the afternoon, we took a well-earned break and spent over an hour in the pool—a perfect way to unwind. The evening was all about relaxation, watching some TV before heading to bed early.
The Rush to Networking and Learning
Thursday started with the Swansea Success Circle networking meeting at 8 AM. I was running a bit behind schedule after losing track of time while enjoying my morning coffee outside—still adjusting to the four-hour time difference! The rest of the day was packed with more work, along with an in-depth session on my LinkedIn course, which proved to be insightful and engaging.
A Day of Valuable Conversations
Friday was all about connections. The morning started with a meeting with a contact from a recent networking event, where we exchanged ideas and explored ways to collaborate. Later, I caught up with a long-time business associate who needed support for their clients and wanted to discuss potential new projects. It was a highly productive day with promising opportunities in the pipeline.
An Unforgettable Trip to Samaipata
Saturday was an early start—5 AM—as we set off for Samaipata, a stunning region about three hours away. Vanesa had arranged the trip with her photography group, and it turned out to be a breathtaking experience. Our first stop was a gorgeous waterfall, where we took photos and even had a quick paddle. Next, we visited a hummingbird refuge—an incredible setup run by an elderly ornithologist at his home, where we got to see numerous species of hummingbirds and exotic birds up close. It was a long but rewarding day, and we didn’t return home until midnight.
A Well-Deserved Sunday of Rest
After such an eventful Saturday, Sunday was all about unwinding. We stayed close to home, taking the day to relax and recharge for the upcoming week.
Work Highlights
Website Refinements and Digital Marketing Strategies
Monday was dedicated to improving the website and setting up various promotional events for my upcoming digital marketing workshops. I’ve been experimenting with Facebook and Eventbrite ads, discovering how small investments can significantly impact attendance numbers. I also had a great catch-up with a former colleague to discuss potential collaborations.
Launching My First Monthly Zokit Meeting
Tuesday marked the launch of my first Zokit networking meeting, which I’ll be hosting monthly. The session, held at 8 AM UK time (12 PM here), went smoothly, with 12 attendees joining in. Later in the day, I ran my Digital Marketing 101 workshop with 19 delegates, which was definitely the highlight of the day.
Website Overhaul
Wednesday was all about website development. I restructured the format and added new landing pages to enhance user experience, making the site more intuitive and visually appealing.
Another Round of Networking
Thursday started with the Swansea Success Circle meeting, though I was slightly late due to my usual morning coffee distraction. Adjusting to different time zones is still a challenge! The rest of the day was spent wrapping up tasks and handling smaller work commitments.
Strengthening Professional Connections
Friday featured two important meetings. The first was with a networking contact who will be involved in running the Zokit monthly sessions alongside me. We had a great discussion about our businesses and how we could support each other. The second meeting was with a long-time business associate, where we explored potential projects with some of their clients. A productive end to a fantastic week!
Goals and Challenges for 2025
1. Healthy Body and Mind
I’m striving to establish a consistent fitness routine, incorporating running, weight training, and cycling. Balancing work with physical activity is proving to be a great way to stay active while traveling.
2. Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
I’m settling into the rhythm of working remotely, enjoying the freedom of setting my own schedule. With networking events, workshops, and website development in full swing, I’m finding a solid work-life balance—though time zone differences still throw me off occasionally!
3. Learning Spanish
This is an area where I need to step up. Duolingo alone isn’t cutting it, and while I engage in casual conversations with locals, I haven’t prioritized structured learning. Time to explore better methods and commit to making real progress.
4. Enjoying the Journey
Santa Cruz is an incredible place, and I’m making the most of this experience. Financial sustainability is still a work in progress, as I currently rely on Airbnb income to cover housing costs. However, with my business set to launch fully in March/April, I’m optimistic about achieving financial independence soon.
This week had a fantastic mix of work, networking, personal growth, and adventure. The trip to Samaipata was a definite highlight, and I’m making solid progress in refining my digital marketing offerings. Looking forward to what the next week will bring! Don’t forget to get in touch.
