When you go on a business trip, you want to return with a sense of accomplishment. Trips can take up a lot of time and money, so unless you’re really getting the benefits from them, there’s no point in going on them. Here’s how you can make your business trips a success every time:
Have Clear Goals
Have clear set out goals for each business trip you go on, so you can easily see if you’ve done what you set out to do. Make them as specific as you can for each trip, so you can say for definite whether you accomplished your goals. Make sure they are realistic. You could have goals like the following:
- Make 10 new business contacts.
- Hand out 100 business cards.
- Speak at a conference.
As you can see, these goals are easy to tick off. If one of your goals was simply, ‘make new business contacts’, you won’t have a specific number to aim for. Having a number will keep you motivated and allow you to measure your success.
Get Everything Done Before You Go
Before you go on your business trip, get as much done in the office as you can. If you leave things until the last minute or intend on carrying them over on your trip, they could interrupt what you’re supposed to be doing. You don’t want to have your head swimming with incomplete spreadsheets if you’re supposed to be speaking at a popular conference! Get things done before you go, and if you can’t manage everything, make sure you delegate. You don’t need unfinished tasks hanging over your head. If it’s up to you to arrange certain things, such as a venue for your event, finding a company to sort it for you is a must. A place like Calders can give you an idea of what to look for.
Use Your Travel Time Wisely
You may be travelling on a plane or train. However you’re travelling, make sure you are using your travel time wisely. You can do this even if you don’t have the internet. You could practice your speech. You could practice listening to others and initiating conversations – your networking skills! You could even compose emails and send them later on. This will save you lots of time.
Only Pack What You Need
When you’re going on a business trip, you don’t want to end up lugging a heavy case around. You’re going to get around much faster if your case is light. If you can get away without checking it, then don’t. You’ll get through the airport much faster and won’t need to worry about losing your things. Write down exactly what you need and take only those things.
Prioritize New Connections
Make sure you prioritize your new connections. Plan on following up when you return home. You could even have a picture taken with them and send it them to make sure they remember you!
Take Time To Relax
Although business trips are all about business, take a little time to relax too. You want to be on top form! Explore a little or eat out. You deserve it!
