Business travel is often a necessity if you work for a Fortune 500 company or a small home based business. Only so much business can be conducted by telephone, e-mail, fax and computer. There will come a day when you need to travel for work and what to do will make a difference in determining the success of getting that new client or seal the deal.
Always remember that you represent your company during your entire journey, beginning and ending with the trip to and from the airport. Be considerate to airline personnel, hotel porters, restaurant employees and others who met during the trip. You never know when you meet someone may be related to the CEO of your company or client treat you bad when someone makes a formal complaint to the employer. Stay on your best behavior when traveling and building relationships that can affect the bottom line. As a bonus you will enjoy your trip much more when you treat others with courtesy and kindness.
After your travel bookings are made to do some research. Start to learn the customs and culture of destination if you are visiting a foreign country or a newspaper online by the U.S. cities where it is housed. Using the Internet to choose a restaurant to eat and drink your customer, and book in advance. Refresh your memory on the basics of introductions, table manners and give before you leave.
If you are traveling with someone else, ask to be sitting next to your business partners on the aircraft. Sitting together will guarantee to keep your conversations confidential and other passengers do not appreciate having to listen to you talk through a corridor or on the seat. Avoid alcohol on the airplane and during the entire trip. Traveling is not an excuse to indulge in alcoholic beverages and your boss will not like the bill for your indulgence, or hear about your wild antics on the floor.
Before traveling to familiarize yourself with the gift etiquette of the company that you are visiting. Be aware that many companies and government offices have strict rules on accepting gifts. Call the company receptionist or the secretary of the person you meet with your trip to verify the corporate guidelines and ask for suggestions if a gift is appropriate.
Use technology sparingly, in order to show respect for those around you. Make use of earphones with your laptop or hand held gadget. Turn your phone off during the flight and when attending a meeting. If you need to take a call, let others know ahead of time and leave the meeting when the call comes in
Be punctual for all your meetings and dress professionally. Leave your casual clothes for evenings and weekends when not spending time with the customer. Plan to keep busy schedules and do not expect the client to entertain you. If you are invited to an informal dinner or other activity in respect to the time off, feel free to accept, but pay attention to your clothing. Even if your host suggests dressing in case, keep in mind that you are still doing business and make sure you keep the "business" in "business casual".
Refrain from discussing inappropriate issues while traveling such as religion, politics, and your last surgery. Respond respectfully when asked your opinion on topics of sticky then quickly switch to another topic. If anyone, including a client begins to bash Americans, do not take offense. Tell them to understand how you might feel that way and change the subject. meetings with clients are not the place to advance your cause or personal opinions.
When you return to your office, send a handwritten thank you note immediately. Let your customers know how much I appreciate their hospitality and how much you enjoyed your trip. A handwritten note is much more personal than a hastily sent e-mail.
Pay close attention to your business etiquette while traveling can help you achieve the promotion you wanted, seal that deal he had worked for months to improve the relationship with the customer otherwise lukewarm. You may not have control over your travel plans, where your luggage ends up or the client must meet, but you have total control of your behavior and your attitude on the part of personal ways of looking after your Business travel will be pleasant, productive and profitable.
(C) 2007, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. Reprint rights granted provided the article to be published online and intact with all links made live.
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