Make The Most Of Business Trips

Business travel is not like a vacation. Sure, it might involve exotic
locales, a variety of cultures and customs, and introductions to new
people, but many frequent fliers would be happier if they could just
stay home.
Traveling on business can be tiring and stressful, whether you go
abroad for a meeting with a client or supplier, or fly to a nearby city
every week to meet with your staff or your boss.
If your company asks you to take a business trip, here are some tips
that will help you enhance your professional image while doing so.





Research your destination

Whether you'll be traveling to Bangkok or Boston, go online and read up
on the area, its history, and its points of interest. Asking your
client, supplier or colleagues pertinent questions will enhance your
image and prove that you're interested in more than just business. It
will increase your success at nailing the contract or delivering an
exceptional presentation.

Learn the customs

Understand local practices, food specialties, and other specifics
regarding your destination to ensure you make a positive impression
with your customers or associates. There are many cultural differences
in the handling of business cards, the use of first names, the
importance of being on time, and the significance of certain gestures
that could make or break your business deal if you have not done your
research.


Allow for delays

Plan your schedule with plenty of time between your expected arrival
and your first meeting. Flight delays happen, as do traffic delays en
route to the airport. A smart business professional will build extra
time into his schedule to allow for delays.

Take a tip tutorial

Learn about local tipping practices in advance. This will avoid
embarrassment if you're picking up the tab for dinner. In some
countries, a gratuity or service charge is automatically added to your
bill; in others, visitors from abroad often mistake the tax for a tip.
Checking this out in advance will eliminate the guesswork and make you
look worldlier.





Pack appropriately

Ensure your pockets, briefcase and carryon bag do not contain any
prohibited articles. Even nail files and small scissors will be
confiscated, and you may be subjected to a search. If you're flying
with your boss or a colleague, they won't be impressed, nor will they
be happy if you're fumbling to find your ticket or reservations record.
Act like the important businessman you are -- you never know who you
might run into at the airport.

Carry necessary documents with you

Ensure you have proper documentation, including your passport and visa.
Your professional image will be tainted if you have to cancel a meeting
or presentation because you were refused entry into a country.
Furthermore, carry important business documents in your cabin baggage.
If you're traveling to make a presentation or bid proposal, have
backups of your material on a CD or floppy disk in your pocket.

Carry cash

Have some cash in your pocket for immediate needs like taxis or tips.
Check in advance that your ATM card will work in whatever country
you'll be in, as you may need a special PIN number. Carry two credit
cards, in case certain stores or restaurants do not accept one. This
will avoid social and professional faux pas.

Carry a change of clothes

Pack your carryon bag with your shaving gear, toiletries, a clean
shirt, a tie, socks, and shorts, in case your baggage is delayed.
Attending an important meeting in old jeans or sweatpants because the
airline lost your suitcase will reflect badly on you.





Dress for success

Ask any business traveler; those chosen for complementary upgrades to business class are generally well-dressed.
Your career may take a positive turn if the passenger seated next to
you becomes an important business contact. Even if it's someone's
grandma, her son may be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and she might
be so impressed with you that she insists he calls you.

Shut off your cell phone

Never talk business on your mobile phone in the airport terminal unless you can find a quiet, secluded spot. No one needs to hear your company's business.

Maintain confidentiality

If you carry some work to do on the plane, make sure it's nothing
confidential. To pass the time, people will invariably look over your
shoulder, even from across the aisle. This is not the place to peruse a
top-secret new product brief.

Make connections

Business travel often means you only see the insides of airports,
airplanes and hotels. Join colleagues for an evening out, in order to
build a more personal connection and commitment to yourself and your
company. Calling a friend overseas could save you hours of research on
a future project. Try to see some sights. At your next networking function,
mention the monuments in Berlin or the architecture in Vienna, and
you'll be recognized as a successful businessman with global
experience.

Use your laptop

Transcribe your notes while they're fresh. You'll look very
professional when you print your report immediately upon returning to
your office. During a long flight or jet-lagged sleepless night, make
notes on new projects you could develop. Answer your e-mail and mention you're responding from Zimbabwe or Portland to impress the addressee with your initiative.

Bring a book

Reading a book
in the terminal and onboard your flight will help you relax and arrive
refreshed for your meeting or conference. Remember that people judge
you by what you read. A book about business or leadership will boost
your look and your knowledge. Pick up the latest Forbes, Fortune or The
Wall Street Journal .







No matter what type of industry you're in, business travel will usually be necessary as you climb the corporate ladder. Even if you detest traveling, it's a career-limiting move to refuse without a very strong and compelling reason.
Focus on the long-term benefits, accept the assignment and make the
most of your trip. By planning ahead, you'll reduce the chances of
unexpected problems, increase your personal enjoyment and enhance your
professional image. Bon voyage!


Resources:

www.cnn.com

www.businesstravel.about.com