How to Make the Most Out of Your Business Travel

A company that sends you on business travel has placed trust in you; it’s also an investment.

At the same time, the days of spending your entire working years with one company have almost faded away completely.

Plus, data from several resources over the last decade show that most Americans work for corporations of 500 people or more. This means that most individuals who seek a promotion often find it with a competitor.

Thus, a business trip poses an opportunity to accomplish a few things. Since your current employer is investing in you, focus on the trip’s purpose. Then, ensure that you network with others.

Let’s look at seven tips on how to make the most out of your business travel.

1. Make a Good Impression

Corporate trips do not equal a vacation. Even if your superiors don’t spell it out, you represent them on the road. In addition, you represent yourself.

Therefore, pack your business attire essentials. Looking the part of the professional opens more doors for you including upgrades, early check-ins, and accommodations the hospitality industry makes for business travelers.

Also, remember your manners. Customer-facing representatives and veteran business professionals appreciate hearing “please” and “thank you.”

2. Get rid of Stress. Book in Advance.

All the veteran travelers know that if you leave booking an accommodation to the last minute you will get stressed and most probably won't succeed. So before you´re flying somewhere, always book your accommodation beforehand, especially if you're doing a business trip. So get prepared. Book your corporate apartment in San Francisco, Chicago, NYC, or any other business city in advance to avoid time and budget.¨

3. Learn the Ropes

Not only are corporate trips not a vacation, but they are also good for disrupting routines. Making the most out of your trip requires you to learn the ropes.

Tackling jet lag on the first try is a must. Otherwise, you’ll lose productivity. Therefore, learn how to maintain a routine on the road too.

You still need to eat, sleep, hydrate, and participate in physical activity. The difference is that you’ll fit these activities into different time slots.

Keeping up with your travel reimbursements is another important skill to master. Hotel Engine offers some tips and information to consider.

4. Pick Up Business Culture Nuances

Start-ups disrupted the American corporate culture in the late 2000s. After the dot-com bubble burst, technology innovators made another go at their agendas. The second time around, they showed that the industry learned from its previous mistakes.

Nonetheless, some business culture practices and nuances remain. Plus, veterans from the field expect others to respect them at the least.

Therefore, take the time to learn from the veterans. It makes the most out of your trip because it opens the door into beneficial circles.

5. Network with New Business Colleagues

Road warrior veterans advise new travelers to never eat a meal alone. In other words, always take the opportunity to network with new business colleagues, especially over a meal.

The American economy is a series of interconnected pieces. Even though you work in sales, the marketing department produces your materials. Plus, retailers rely on manufacturers to fill their shelves with products.

Therefore, make an effort to fill your Rolodex with contacts.

6. Catch Up on Your Reading

When everything goes as planned, even the most packed corporate travel itinerary has some downtime. It’s a great opportunity to catch up on reading, answer emails, and return phone calls.

During a trip, making the most out of it means staying productive the entire time. Thus, pack a book, download your favorite podcast series, or bring business documents that require review.

7. Earn Your Rewards

Anytime you take a trip for your company, accrue the corresponding rewards. The hospitality industry knows that corporate travel is on the rise and profitable.

Therefore, hotels, transportation providers, and restaurants will compete for your company’s business by adding attractive rewards.

Plus, the hospitality industry and corporate credit card issuers continue making redeeming the rewards easier.

8. Connect it to Leisure Travel

Business veterans know that they can combine corporate trips with leisure travel. It’s tough returning to the office on Wednesday if you flew back on Tuesday.

When it’s possible, pad the day you leave or return. For example, if your meeting or training will take place on Monday, head out on Friday and settle in beforehand. If your convention or seminar ends on Thursday, hang back until Saturday or Sunday.

You’ll need to work out the details with your company's corporate travel representative. You may become responsible for the extra nights of accommodation charges. However, you might receive some corporate discounts.

Conclusion

Corporate trips offer travelers opportunities to shine. First, focus on the purpose of the trip. Then, use it to expand your horizons. If you hope to remain with your company until retirement, use these trips to help you climb the ladder. Otherwise, network with potential future employers and business partners.