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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Rising Expectations Of The 2025 Digital Nomad
Rodolfo Delgado is a Mexican Architect who loves New York City, real estate and tech. He's the CEO of Replay Listings. Not long ago, the phrase 'digital nomad' evoked images of professionals working poolside in Bali or running businesses from co-working cafés in Lisbon. During the pandemic, remote work wasn't just a perk but a lifestyle movement. Fast-forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. Geopolitical tension, stricter visa policies and the return-to-office movement are signaling the end of an era. For many, living and working from anywhere is becoming harder to sustain. But does this mean the digital nomad is dead or simply evolving? Let's explore what's happening and how modern entrepreneurs and small business owners can adapt. Return-to-office (RTO) is reshaping expectations. During the pandemic, remote work became a necessity. But now, major companies like Google, Meta and even smaller firms are asking employees to return to the office, at least part-time. This isn't just about oversight. It's about collaboration, culture and, in many cases, control. I've seen this trend among many of my peers in New York. In past years, they could travel and work from cities like Tulum in Mexico or Mancora in Peru, as long as they could ensure the same level of responsiveness and impact as if they were in New York. Over time, though, companies and clients began to grow hesitant. Some wanted in-person reassurance or felt remote communication didn't capture the full picture. My advice to business owners is, if you run a business, rethink how flexible your setup can truly be without compromising quality. Consider which roles require an in-person presence and which don't. For aspiring nomads, understand that flexibility must be earned through trust, consistency and clear communication. Without trust, requests or demands are likely to be turned away. Visas and global tensions are raising barriers. In 2021, dozens of countries introduced digital nomad visas, creating pathways for remote workers to live abroad legally. Today, things aren't as easy. Renewals are tougher. Timelines are longer. And geopolitical conflicts, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East, have added layers of complexity and unpredictability. If you or your team want to work internationally, start planning at least 90 days in advance. Research visa options carefully and have a legal or immigration advisor on call. As a business owner, offering guidance or partnerships with international advisors can add value to your clients and employees. The remote job market is cooling—not disappearing. We're currently seeing a rebalancing from the pandemic-era jump in remote opportunities. Remote job postings in the U.S. have declined slightly, and hybrid work is becoming the new standard. But make no mistake: Remote work isn't going away—it's just maturing. I've hired people from several countries. The ones who succeed are those who deliver results, communicate exceptionally well, manage their own time and think proactively. Remote work functions best when there's clarity, not just flexibility. If you're hiring, build structure into your remote operations. Define what success looks like in a remote role. Set clear expectations and revisit them often. For those working remotely, don't just be present—be visible. Share progress frequently and make it easy for others to see your contributions. Digital nomadism isn't dead. It's getting practical. Many nomads jumped into the lifestyle without thinking long-term. They chased scenery, not infrastructure. Today, those who thrive in this space have built systems—solid Wi-Fi, legal residency, access to healthcare and financial tools that work internationally. A close friend of mine spent six months living in three different countries. While the experience was enriching, the logistics were draining. Inconsistent internet, limited access to local banking and language barriers made running their business much harder than expected. They eventually found a base that worked and decided to make it a semi-permanent hub. Choose one or two strategic locations to operate from and build a home base, even if temporary. Focus on depth, not breadth. For business owners, support your remote teams by offering stipends or resources that help them set up shop in a reliable location. Flexibility is still a superpower, but it needs structure. The idea of being a digital nomad is romantic, but real freedom comes from systems. Freedom without structure is chaos. Whether you're managing a team or spending your own time abroad, the ability to adapt quickly and stay productive is what separates digital professionals from digital tourists. I've found that, even abroad, I operate with a New York mindset. My calendar remains tight. I protect my working hours. And I make sure people know I'm available when it matters. That's the kind of discipline that earns you continued flexibility. My advice: Create time blocks, limit distractions and automate recurring tasks. If you're managing others, set regular check-ins and use tools that enhance visibility, not micromanagement. Flexibility only works when both sides, the leader and the team, understand what's expected. The digital nomad isn't gone, but the care-free version is. What we're seeing now is a maturing of the movement, one that values infrastructure over novelty, sustainability over spontaneity, and professionalism over freedom for freedom's sake. For entrepreneurs, this is a chance to redefine what flexibility looks like in your business. And for individuals, it's a reminder that freedom comes with responsibility. The world hasn't closed its doors—but it's asking for more than a plane ticket and a laptop. Adapt and you'll thrive. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Luck Versus Skill: Truths Every Investor Needs To Know
Rodolfo Delgado is a Mexican Architect who loves New York City, real estate and tech. He's the CEO of Replay Listings. When people talk about investing, particularly in real estate, the conversations usually gravitate toward topics like property selection, market timing or financing options. Rarely do I hear people discuss two less obvious yet profoundly influential factors: the power of compounding and the dual forces of luck and risk. After spending over a decade in real estate and entrepreneurship, I've learned the true value in how these elements intersect and shape long-term investment outcomes. Let's dive deeper into these concepts and explore how understanding them can significantly improve your investment strategy. The Silent Force Behind Real Estate Growth Many have called compound interest the "eighth wonder of the world," and while real estate doesn't always deal directly with interest, it absolutely benefits from compounding growth. Simply put, compounding in real estate refers to how property values and income can increase exponentially over time when profits are reinvested. For example, early in my career, I witnessed a client purchase a modest apartment building in New York. At first glance, the building didn't seem remarkable; it had average returns and required routine maintenance. However, by reinvesting the rental income to make strategic improvements, my client incrementally increased rent and, subsequently, property value over several years. Eventually, the property appreciated substantially, far exceeding initial projections. As can be seen, even minor reinvestments can lead to outsized returns over time. To leverage this compounding effect, my advice is straightforward: Resist the temptation to quickly cash out on real estate profits. Instead, consistently reinvest a portion of your returns into enhancing your property or diversifying into similar assets. It's a simple yet effective method to accelerate long-term growth. Recognizing Luck And Risk Early in my real estate career, I experienced firsthand how easily luck can masquerade as skill. Shortly after entering the market (about a decade ago), I facilitated a transaction for a property in an emerging neighborhood in Manhattan. Within a few years, the opening of prominent stores turned the area into a much more desirable destination, skyrocketing property values. At the time, I credited myself entirely, thinking I had cleverly foreseen the market's future. Looking back, however, luck played a substantial role in that success, as the changes driving value were beyond my control or prediction. The truth is, I was lucky. In his book, The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel brilliantly distinguishes between luck and risk. He defines luck as the positive outcome of events largely beyond our control, while risk refers to the opposite—the negative outcomes that come from similarly uncontrollable factors. Both play significant roles in investment outcomes, but few investors consciously account for their impact. My actionable advice here is twofold. First, remain humble and objective: When things go well, acknowledge the role luck may have played. Doing so helps avoid complacency and reckless optimism. Secondly, manage risk by diversifying across property types, locations and strategies. Recognizing that negative, unpredictable events can and do occur, thoughtful diversification ensures no single uncontrollable event can derail your entire portfolio. Allowing Time To Unlock Value One of the biggest lessons I've learned as an investor is the incredible value of patience. Real estate investing, unlike some quick-turn strategies, typically rewards those who maintain a longer-term vision. Just as with compounding, letting investments mature over time significantly enhances returns. Take my company's urban development ventures in Mexico as an example. We specialize in acquiring land on the city outskirts, bringing in essential services like roads, water and electricity, and then subdividing these large parcels into smaller, affordable plots ideal for small businesses and individual investors. Our investors who experience the greatest returns are consistently those who patiently hold their land, watching its value appreciate as the city inevitably expands outward. This highlights an important piece of advice: Before purchasing property, clearly define your investment horizon. When you enter an investment knowing it's designed to grow in value over a five- or 10-year timeframe, you'll be less tempted by short-term fluctuations or impulsive selling decisions. Patience in real estate isn't just a virtue; it's a strategic advantage. Using Uncertainty To Your Advantage Periods of volatility often reveal valuable opportunities. Real estate markets experience cycles, and downturns are natural parts of the investing journey. The key is not to avoid volatility altogether but to use it as an opportunity for strategic acquisition or consolidation. During the market uncertainty following the 2008 financial crisis and more recently during the pandemic, savvy investors carefully acquired undervalued properties in prime locations. They weren't speculating; they were strategically purchasing assets that met their long-term criteria, knowing full well the market would eventually rebound. When investing in real estate, it is essential to establish criteria and conditions beforehand that will guide your decisions during turbulent times. When uncertainty hits, you can move quickly, confidently acquiring quality assets at favorable terms. Embracing volatility as part of your investment strategy transforms market downturns from moments of panic into opportunities for strategic growth. Playing The Long Game Great investors aren't necessarily those who pick the perfect property at the perfect time. They're investors who deeply understand the value of compounding and appreciate (and recognize) the roles that luck and risk play. As you move forward in your real estate journey, continually remind yourself of these silent but powerful influences. By doing so, you'll position yourself to capitalize on growth, manage unpredictability and achieve sustainable, long-term success. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
08-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Small Plots, Big Payoff: Investing In City Outskirts
Rodolfo Delgado is an NYC-based real estate visionary, merging tech and transparency to the consumers favor. He's the CEO of Replay Listings It can be easy to assume that real estate success requires a massive amount of capital and large development projects, but let me assure you that isn't always the case. For small-business owners, entrepreneurs and solo investors, buying modest parcels of land in the outskirts of growing cities can be a strategic way to build long-term wealth. While it may not come with the instant headline appeal of giant mixed-use developments, I find that small-lot investments can yield significant returns for those who plan carefully and hold on through market fluctuations. In many metropolitan areas, central districts are becoming increasingly saturated and expensive. The surrounding regions—often called the periphery or outskirts—tend to be more affordable, especially for first-time or small-scale investors. As cities expand outward, these fringe properties can appreciate dramatically when new infrastructure, businesses or residential developments move in. Take the city of Dallas, for example. Its suburbs, like Celina, have grown incredibly over the last decade, with smaller towns gradually transforming into bustling hubs. Investors who bought seemingly isolated parcels five years ago in strategic locations such as Prosper have seen values soar because of the city's expansion. For small-business owners or investors looking for a foothold in real estate, the city outskirts can be a perfect entry point. Unlike purchasing a central plot in a major city—where costs can be prohibitive for smaller operators—buying a modest piece of peripheral land doesn't necessarily require extensive development right away. By following a 'wait and see' strategy, you hold the land while the surrounding area organically builds up. Over time, incoming improvements, such as roads, schools or new retail centers, can boost the property's value. I have often seen this with my friends, family and clients. It all begins with the purchase of small, undeveloped plots on the outskirts of an emerging industrial zone. Oftentimes, my clients didn't have the budget to create large-scale developments, so instead, they invested in smaller properties that required little upkeep and could even be leased as a temporary form of passive income. Over the course of five to 10 years, as the city expanded, companies started searching for nearby parcels to build warehouses and office spaces. Eventually, the relatively small investment saw a huge spike in value. It's a lesson in strategic patience: Buy affordably, hold, and then benefit from the city's natural growth. Suppose you want to offset some holding costs. In that case, you can explore minimal usage options like leasing the lot temporarily for things such as parking or light storage—useful in peripheral areas with less strict zoning. This way, you're neither sinking a fortune into large-scale construction nor stuck with vacant land that produces zero returns. I've continuously seen this happen throughout my real estate career. A young couple purchases a small plot on the outskirts of a city like Austin—far enough out that prices are still manageable but close enough to growing suburbs with potential. Rather than let it sit empty, they arrange a short-term lease with a local landscaping business to store some equipment. The income isn't huge but helps cover property taxes and minimal upkeep. Remember, city outskirts don't tend to remain outskirts forever—especially in markets where housing demand and new job creation keep pushing the boundary outward. Once roads are built or upgraded, more businesses move in, and suddenly, that once-remote plot seems a lot closer to the heart of economic activity. For me, the key is not the final selling price; it's the price you acquire it for. Why? In the outskirts of a city, negotiating a great price tends to be much easier. A secret to success is to do extensive due diligence on the growth patterns of a city and to then select a strategic location with the biggest potential for expansion. If you don't know where to start, Google Earth offers a 'history' feature that shows you satellite pictures of a city's growth throughout the years. You can then cross-reference this with city planning documents, infrastructure development plans and major employer relocations. By purchasing modest parcels at more approachable prices, adding minimal improvements if needed and letting the city's growth do much of the heavy lifting, you can capitalize on tomorrow's prime location at today's discount. For small-business owners and investors who don't have the resources or appetite for high-stakes development, the outskirts of thriving cities may present an under-explored avenue for creating long-term value. Just remember: Patience and foresight are pivotal. Do your homework—research projected growth, planned infrastructure upgrades and local zoning laws—and be prepared to hold your investment through any market lulls. With the right approach, this strategy can be very effective, turning a once-overlooked periphery into your next real estate success story. The information provided here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
