I used to run a blog dedicate to Business Travels best practices. Although I stopped working on this project for quite some time, I keep on using regularly some of the materials I published then. That’s why I have decided to use this more recent project to republish some of the information.
The #1 reason we travel
Whatever the industry, wherever the destination, there is a common root to most Business Trips. Despite being constantly challenged by technology, this reason shall remain the primary ones for the decades to come.
We travel to meet people.
Understanding and being reminded of this focus is essential as most Business Trips are usually overstuffed with meetings, presentations, conferences and additional transport time, all on top of your daily tasks. Consequently Business Travellers must set their priorities right to ensure the genuine success of these travels: creating rapport with the individuals you will then have to collaborate with from distance.
This means that you most likely won’t be as productive as if you were in your usual environment and that people should not expect the same availability from you as they usually do.
That also mean that you shall try to free yourself as much as possible from the daily tasks. This requires indeed a rock solid back-up plan, but which is also an amazing opportunity to empower your colleagues with new challenges. On top of that, you also must be able to channel the ad-hoc requests (especially if you are in a client facing role) to trained staff so this minimizes productivity disruption.
Being with people requires to be present in the moment, which commands the ability to switch your brain off the ongoing topics, without creating stress and focus only on the ongoing discussion. The back-up plan is even more essential.
Being present in the moment means also to have the relevant level of attention, which can be indeed tricky as Business related travels prove quite tiring: see below, The 2 Essential Commands of Business Travellers.
There are some basic tips to make the most of your discussions with colleagues and clients you meet during the business trips (which can indeed be applied to any meeting).
Don’t forget the reason for your journey, that is the simplest way to make it a success.
The 2 Essential Commands of Business Travellers.
Travelling for Business is a privilege but also a goal for a lot for fresh graduates from the most prestigious Business Schools and Universities around the world. Nowadays, having the experience to travel and to be confronted to an increasing number of business experts, best practices or ways of life is highly regarded by HR and Head Hunters.
Travelling for Business carries also responsibilities. As a company representative, your actions and speeches will be scruted carefully by your peers, clients and colleagues.
While the Goal of your Business Travel shall be clearly expressed there are 2 Essential Commands that will help you to make your trip a success.
These 2 Essential Commands are to look after 2 precious things:
1 – Your Sleep
2 – Your Health
In the busy world of Business, Sleep remains one of the most overlooked elements of success. Sleep is an essential pillar of Athletes development, to the same proportion as Training and Diet, with top performing athletes notoriously famous for getting extensive hours of sleep – Read The Seep Revolution by A Huffington for more details. This shall come as an inspiration for all of us.
Absence of sleep causes devastating effects on our attention ability. This proves a recurring issue for Business Travellers who are required to spend long hours meeting with people and getting to build rapport with them. The higher the attention level, the more effective will prove the meeting.
Here are our Sleeping Tips for Business Travellers.
Being energized and open for communication requires usually to be in the best possible health conditions. Keeping up with regular (daily if possible) physical exercice, healthy diet and resonnable quantities of coffee and alcool will provide you with a high level of energy along the trip.
Be also attentive to weather conditions: travelling weakens the body and germs abroad are likely to be different from the ones your metabolism is familiar with. Make sure to have the appropriate cloathing (if not, please rush to the nearest Uniqlo to get your hands on this additional layer – especially ahead of flights).
Others basics include:
* Washing your hands along the day (#1 route for germ spreading)
* Drinking enough water (Travellers tend to drink less when they are out of their normal environment). Tip: get a couple of small bottles in the morning (2 x 500mL) and be sure to finish them before leaving for diner.
* Stacking up on fruits and nuts to maintain high intake of Vitamins
As a conclusion, true to our motto, the reason why we travel is to spend time with people hence we wish to give them the best possible attention, which requires to be on top of our game, rested and fresh.
Personal Optimum 