Whether it’s forgetting to pack dress shoes or scheduling a meeting with a different time zone, business travel mistakes can be costly. Learn how to make your corporate trips more successful by preparing thoroughly for each one.
There are many reasons to go on business trips, including closing deals, prospecting, training and educating employees, and networking with new people. There are also digital resources that help streamline booking, expense reporting and policy compliance.
In-Person Meetings
While it may be tempting to cut costs by eliminating in-person meetings, it’s not the best choice. Whether you’re meeting one-on-one with a client or conducting an all-hands business meeting, in-person meetings are vital for the success of a company. In-person meetings facilitate better communication because attendees can read nonverbal cues and body language, which can often be misinterpreted during virtual meetings. Additionally, it’s easier to build rapport with a client when meeting them in person.
In addition to facilitating reduced turnover and higher performing employees, in-person meetings can also foster team building and lead to new ideas and growth for companies and organizations. In fact, a recent survey found that nine out of ten U.S. corporate travel managers agreed that face-to-face job meetings advance professional growth.
Meeting with a client in-person is a great way to show that you value their time and business. It’s a clear sign that you’re invested in their success and will go the extra mile to ensure they are taken care of. Additionally, meeting a client in-person can help establish trust, which is essential for building long-lasting and effective relationships.
In-person meetings can be costly and difficult to coordinate, but they’re worth it for a variety of reasons. To ensure you’re making the most of your business travel, make sure you prepare for each trip thoroughly. This can include everything from booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and Ubers to preparing expense reports. Lastly, it’s important to have a set process for how to request permission for business travel. This can be through a messaging program, an online form submission, or something else. Ensure that everyone on your team is aware of the process so it can be followed quickly and efficiently when needed.
Face-to-Face Interactions
Face-to-face interactions are vital to professional success. Even though technological developments allow cooperation on a scale previously unimaginable, it’s difficult to replicate the value of personal interaction.
Whether a person is explaining a new policy to a colleague, persuading a client or negotiating an agreement with an important contact, it’s always best to communicate in-person when possible. It allows people to convey the exact message they intend, to read nonverbal cues and to ensure that the information is received accurately and in full.
Many businesses and organizations put together conferences, meetings and incentive travel events to strengthen relationships and encourage teamwork. While this type of event has been disrupted by the pandemic, there’s no denying that these in-person gatherings create a bond between individuals and the organization that virtual interactions simply cannot duplicate.
In addition, face-to-face interactions are a key factor in organizational productivity and idea generation. Studies have shown that when people meet in person, they’re more productive than those who communicate via text or phone. They’re also more likely to be engaged and dedicated to their work, which will positively impact both the company and its clients.
Additionally, when a person meets in person, they can document their conversations and follow up with any questions or concerns that arise immediately. This can save time and resources that would otherwise be spent rehashing the same points over again or clarifying confusion. It’s important to note that these benefits can only be realized if the corporate travel process is managed effectively. This is why it’s essential to have a clear and intuitive system that walks employees through each step of the process, from request approval to compliance checks.
Meeting New People
When traveling for business, you can meet many new people. It is not only great for building relationships and growing your network but it also gives you a chance to learn about the world and its culture. It is also a good way to break away from the monotony of daily routines, which can be debilitating to productivity.
Business trips often involve working in teams with coworkers and clients. It provides an opportunity for team members to build stronger bonds outside of work, which ultimately yields better results when they return to the office. Moreover, traveling together can create a sense of community and comradery that can’t be replicated by a night out or afternoon excursion.
In a time when virtual interactions are gaining popularity, it is important to realize the value of face-to-face meetings in real life. In addition to establishing a more productive rapport with clients, meeting them in person helps employees adopt certain skills that they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to develop on their own, such as time management.
Meeting new people while on the road can be a challenge for some business travelers, but there are numerous ways to make this process easier. For example, downloading apps such as FLIO, TripIt or AroundMe can help you connect with fellow travelers who may share similar interests. You can also try wearing a shirt or jacket that represents the city you’re visiting to attract attention from potential new acquaintances.
Whether you’re an experienced business traveler or just starting out, there is always room for improvement. Working with a travel management company that can offer an intuitive experience for booking trips and that utilizes global networks of travel options from preferred providers is an ideal solution to making business travel as seamless as possible for all parties.
Extensive Networking Opportunities
One of the best things about business travel is the extensive networking opportunities that come with it. Attending industry events, conferences, and trade shows can allow employees to meet new people, learn about current trends and best practices in their fields, and build relationships with potential clients or partners.
Additionally, networking events are a great way to foster employee engagement and team building. They allow employees to interact with people from different departments and build a stronger sense of community within their organizations.
While online or phone-based communication can be efficient, nothing beats the benefits of in-person interactions when it comes to establishing trust and rapport. When employees meet with their clients and partners in person, they can more easily understand each other’s needs and goals, leading to a more productive relationship. They can also pick up on nonverbal cues, which can help them better address any concerns that may arise. This can save time and effort down the road and prevent small issues from becoming larger problems later on. In addition, in-person meetings can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of client and partner concerns that could impact future business.
Building Relationships
If your business travel involves visiting a potential market, this is the perfect opportunity to establish relationships with local partners. The right partner can help your company grow its business and expand in new locations. These partners can include hotel chains, airports, restaurants, currency exchange agencies, car rental companies and more. By working with a travel management company that offers a global network, you can access all of these services in one intuitive tool.
Attending conferences and workshops is a great way to build your professional skills, learn new things about your industry and develop relationships with other professionals in your field. These opportunities can also boost morale among team members, especially if they’re traveling together for business. Meeting in person can result in greater collaboration and big thinking that just can’t be accomplished via video conferencing.
Business travel is a huge part of most people’s work lives. However, it’s not without its downsides. A few examples of business travel hassles include missing important meetings because of a flight delay or cancellation, losing expense receipts and getting stuck in an unfamiliar city. These issues can have a significant impact on the outcome of your trip and can even lead to lost revenue for your organization.
Traveling for business can be hard on the body and mind. However, a few key strategies can make your trip much more enjoyable and productive. Get a good night’s sleep and stay hydrated. Avoid eating too many processed foods and focus on a healthy diet while you’re away from home. If you’re suffering from jet lag, take steps to adjust your sleep schedule in advance of your trip. Lastly, take some time to explore your destination!