Whether you’re looking for a new opportunity or simply need a fresh shot of creativity injected into your veins, relocation is definitely something to consider. I absolutely love working remotely and being able to get up and go anywhere. From working poolside on the weekends, to a weeklong (or more) getaway with my laptop, my assistant, my puppy, and my work files, the variety is the best.

Sometimes I feel like I get stale working on the same projects in the same location, and every single time I leave town I come back recharged, even if I was working the entire trip. There’s just something about a new place that really sparks my creative mind!

Here are some reasons why I think you should consider working remotely for a few weeks (trust me, you’ll thank me later!)

1. It Gives You A Fresh Start
New sights, smells, surroundings, and cultures can all be mentally stimulating, having a positive impact on your mental clarity and focus. The excitement of being in a new environment alone can help pave the way to success.

Have you ever considered packing up and going away for 30 days? If you’re able to get away and still work your job or run your business while looking out at something new every morning (maybe the ocean), why not do it?! The worst decision you can make is remaining in an environment that isn’t allowing you to reach your full potential — something stale and boring. Admitting to yourself that a fresh start might help is the first step.

2. New Settings Spark Creative Thinking
A new environment is highly creative. You notice things you would have never thought of before. Your senses are at an all-time high. The noise, lights, and chaos — it’s all enhanced when you first arrive in a new location. While it won’t last forever, the creativity that a new environment breeds in the beginning is powerful. Whether you are starting a new business that you’ve already conceived in your mind, or you’re trying to think of your next venture, there isn’t a better setting than somewhere new and uncharted.

How do you know which location will spark those creative juices? This is where you’ll have to trust your gut feeling. Is there a place you visited before that made you feel alive? Is there a city you love and feel fits your personality? If you feel it inside, go for it. Remember, those that take risks are the ones that reap the reward. I often look at Airbnb rentals and there are a lot of affordable places all over the US! Even if you can’t leave for 30 days, maybe a week or two in a drivable distance from your office or home would do you good.

3. You Can Position Yourself (and Your Business) in the Heart of the Action

Not all businesses can thrive in a remote environment, and not all entrepreneurs shine working in a coffee shop hidden behind a laptop and headphones. While there are many benefits of remote work, you don’t have to fully adapt to this culture. If you have a business that will benefit from its location, then by all means go for it and plant it directly where it needs to be to grow to its full potential.

Maybe you’re launching a creative agency that specializes in creating content for the entertainment business – then being located in the heart of Los Angeles is going to serve you better than working remotely in the middle of Ohio right? Not every business can operate from the sidelines. There’s nothing wrong with having a physical presence when it benefits your business and your customers. Go where the action is and be aggressive. It’s not going to magically fall into your lap — go get what you want.

4. You Can Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Entrepreneurs
Does the thought of working remotely scare you because you’re afraid of not knowing anyone? Thanks to co-working spaces in most cities, you can make valuable new connections almost immediately and surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs. These relationships can turn into friendships, business relationships, and partnerships. You can also find local meet-ups through smaller co-working spaces, through Facebook groups, or meetup.com. Even companies like Capital One are starting to create co-working spaces. You could move to a new location and not know a single person when you arrive, and within a week have several amazing new connections. Never let the “I don’t know anyone there” excuse prevent you from experiencing a new location. Take this quote from Michael Jordan, “I can accept failure. Everybody fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying. Fear is an illusion.”

5. You Can Leverage Location-Based Relationships and Collaborations
Why do you think all of the top YouTube creators live in Los Angeles? They weren’t all born and raised there. LA became the creator hub, and those that wanted to make YouTube into their career relocated so they could leverage the power of collaborations. When you look at some of the largest YouTube channels you can see so much cross-promotion and collaboration between the top channels. The majority of them are all located in L.A. They saw an opportunity and went for it.

If there is an opportunity to leverage relationships and collaborations based on location, then that may be something to consider for your business. Remember, a temporary creative move leaves the doors open for moving back, so don’t be afraid to try somewhere new.

Where will you go next to hit the refresh button on your business? Is there any place that particularly sparks creativity for you? Tag me or comment on my latest post @AskHeatherMariannaBlog. I love hearing from you!

XOXO, Heather