More and more professionals are heading to new shores for work assignments these days. Indeed, given the rise in prominence of trade shows, conferences, and the value of face-to-face business meetings, it’s likely that business travel will only increase in the coming years. However, it can be difficult for inexperienced individuals to adjust to working while traveling. With that in mind, here are five best practices all globe-trotting professionals should follow:
FIND A WORKPLACE
Some employees have the uncanny ability to perform their best under adverse conditions. These are the kind of people who could file a report in the middle of a tornado. However, for the rest of us, it’s often a good idea to identify a place (or places) where you feel comfortable hammering out emails and checking in on assignments. Whether this is a nearby coffee shop, your hotel room, or a public park, find somewhere that you can focus and won’t be distracted.
BE COGNIZANT OF TIME ZONES
Remember that just because you’re up and working, it doesn’t mean that your team members halfway across the globe are also. In fact, it’s crucial for first-time business travelers to always consider the time-zone differential before they send a text or make a work-related call. The last thing you want to do is wake up a coworker at two in the morning!
NETWORK WITH FLEXIBILITY
In many instances, professionals who are attending conferences or trade shows try with all their might to push their product to as many “interested” people as possible. Yet, this isn’t an effective way to network and make sound business connections. Instead of memorizing a sales pitch, be willing to engage with others on a variety of topics. It’s more important to be genuine than it is to inundate someone with sales jargon.
PACK ACCORDINGLY
Regardless of the objective of a business trip, make it a point to pack accordingly for your stay. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to spend an afternoon at the local laundromat, nor should you have to purchase necessary items while on your journey.
ENJOY YOURSELF
At the end of the day, a business trip can still be a special way to experience a new part of the world. So don’t pass up a chance to explore a historical city, visit famous landmarks, or enjoy delicious gourmet food. You’ll regret it if you miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime moment!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Whether you specialize in developing sophisticated lab equipment like holdex tube holders or you work at a digital marketing agency, chances are you’ll find yourself traveling for your job sooner rather than later. Bookmark these five best practices and refer to them before your next business trip. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
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