business travel is often a necessity whether you work for a Fortune 500 company or own a small home based business. Only so much business can be conducted via telephone, e-mail, computer and fax. There will come a day when you need to travel for business and how to conduct yourself will make all the difference in determining your success in getting that new client and close the deal.
Always remember that you represent your company during the entire journey, beginning and ending with his trip to and from the airport. Be kind to airline personnel, hotel porters, restaurant staff and anyone else they meet on your journey. You never know when you meet someone related to the CEO of your client's company or when someone treat you badly makes a formal complaint to your employer. Stay on your best behavior when you are traveling and you will build 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 trip reservations were to do some research. Start by studying the customs and culture of your destination if you are visiting a foreign country, or reading online newspapers from the U.S. city where they will stay. Use the Internet to select a restaurant for food and beverages for your clients, and make a reservation ahead of time. Refresh your memory about the basics of introductions, table manners and the gift before you leave home.
If you are traveling with someone else, please be seated next to his business associates on board. Sitting together will ensure you keep your conversations confidential and other passengers will appreciate not have to listen to a conversation across the aisle seats or more. Avoid alcohol on the plane during the entire trip. Travel is not an excuse to indulge in alcoholic beverages and your boss will not appreciate to be billed for overeating or heard about your wild antics on the plane.
Before traveling to familiarize yourself with the etiquette of gift giving that you have visited. Be aware that many corporations and government offices have strict rules about accepting gifts. Call the company receptionist or secretary of the person you will meet on the trip to inquire about the company guidelines and ask for suggestions, if appropriate gift.
uses technology sparingly, in order to show respect for those around you. Use the headset with your laptop or handheld gadgets. Turn your phone off while flying and when attending the meeting. If you have to call, let others know ahead of time and leave the meeting when the call comes in.
Be punctual for all meetings and dress professionally. Leave your casual clothes for evenings and weekends, when you'll be spending time with his client. Plan on keeping yourself occupied in off hours and do not expect the client to entertain you. If you are invited to a casual meal or other activity on the off hours, feel free to accept, but pay attention to your clothing. Even if your host suggests that you dress normally, keep in mind that you are still doing business and make sure that the "job" in "business casual ."
Refrain from discussing inappropriate issues while traveling, such as religion, politics, and his latest operation. Respond respectfully when asked his opinion about the sticky topics then move on to another subject soon. If anyone, including clients, starting bash Americans, do not take offense. Tell them that you understand how they might feel that way and change the subject. Client meetings are no place to advance their personal causes or opinions.
When you return to your office, send a hand thank you note immediately. Let your client know how much you appreciate their hospitality and how much you enjoyed your putovanje.Rukom text message is much more personal than the speed of e-mail me.
to pay careful attention to your business etiquette while traveling can help you achieve that promotion you want, seal the deal you worked on for months or otherwise tepid improve customer relations. You May not have control over your travel schedule, where your luggage ends up, or customers you need to meet, but you have complete control of their own behavior and your personal attitude towards the welfare of its business conduct your trip to be enjoyable, productive and profitable.
(c) 2007, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. Reprint rights granted so long as article and by-line are published intact and all links made live.