When you think of a list of the top reasons to visit Bali, being a ‘don’t miss’ for location independent professionals no doubt makes that list, which is part of the reason I came to Bali in the first place. I never anticipated how the island, the people I met and my own crazy dreams would lead me to where I am today: founder of a remote operating digital marketing agency and co-founder of DMSS, the first and online Digital Marketing Conference in Bali, Indonesia.
How did I get here?
My journey to DMSS started long before getting to Bali. With more than ten years of experience in SEO, I worked in Brisbane and Melbourne for a handful marketing and SEO companies. At these companies, I gathered skills in technical SEO audits, CRO and PPC techniques and dozens of SEO strategies including keyword research, landing page optimization and how to structure and manage tasks within a team.
At some point I realized, “I can do this on my own, and better even, than being employed by a company”. So, I set out to not only begin my own company but to create a more flexible, enjoyable life for myself.
There’s something freeing about realizing that you can not only do your job well, but that you have the power to create something of your own with that knowledge and experience. I wanted to have the ability to make my own schedule, hire who I liked to work with and do it all online, from anywhere in the world that suited me at that time.
I ended up in Canggu, Bali became that place for me.
As anyone that has been to Bali understands, Canggu is a unique pocket on the island. Separated from the madness of Kuta and closer to the ocean than quiet Ubud, it has attracted nomads for an easier pace of life without eliminating the midday kombucha and avocado toast or sunset Bintangs. For me, the waves of Echo and Batu Balong Beach were also a driving factor for setting down roots in Canggu.
It was around this time that Dojo Bali came into the picture. After working and speaking at Dojo for just a short amount of time, I was inspired by what I saw and knew that, somehow, I would create an event that emulated the same values and professional opportunities for skill-sharing.
Michael and the whole team at Dojo have created something unique to many other coworking spaces around the world. The combination of community events and professional experience of it’s members make it the perfect place to meet life-long friends, swap professional favors and be productive. The open concept is stimulating, the pool is refreshing (seriously, I’m the only one ever in there but nothing recharges a tired mind like a midday jump) and the staff unbeatable.
Dojo is even where I met my business partner and partner in crime. I happened to be giving a talk when I was approached by Viola, my current business partner, DMSS co-founder and best friend. It’s safe to say Dojo was the birthplace for DMSS.
DMSS: Digital Marketing Skill Share. What does that even mean?
A conference didn’t quite encompass what Viola and I were trying to create. The image the comes to mind of a conference is presenters speaking atattendees, participants that return to their room as soon as possible each night and unexciting conference rooms filled with people, some relevant, some bringing nothing to the table.
We wanted to create just the opposite of this, a room filled with relevant and passionate digital marketers who continue to share and collaborate even after the day’s scheduled events are over. We wanted to get the biggest names in digital marketing from around the world to present, share, learn, observe and level up with on another.
With DMSS 2017, we accomplished that and even more. We had no idea that the outcome would be so positive and couldn’t be happier with the feedback.
That’s what made DMSS such a success. We don’t just try to fill the room, we fill it with the best. We don’t just teach basic level workshops; we dive deep into exactly what participants want to learn, giving away insider secrets and unique perspectives. We don’t just teach; we party and network and take in Bali at the same time.
Join us this year!
If you missed last year, this year will be even more epic. Most of Dojo will be in attendance, as well as many past Dojo members. Only the best in digital marketing names will be there including representatives from Google, Moz, Ahrefs, Buffer, Hootsuite, WWF, Booking.com, Active Campaign and many amazing small companies founded under Dojo’s roof.
Book October 6th-8th this year to level up over a single weekend, more than ever before.
If you can’t make it but will be in Dojo sometime soon. Come to one of my talks, come find me working or get in touch otherwise. There’s always more to learn on this tropical paradise island we’re so lucky to call home.
