If you’re into people-watching, flying and the airport are entertaining places to be. You’ll see all kinds of personalities. That’s especially true for the wide variety of business travelers.
Some immediately head for the VIP lounge. Other travelers frantically search for an outlet to re-charge their mobile devices.
Some will try to find a less-hectic spot for e-mailing or reading. Others search in shops for last-minute gifts for family or friends. And you’ll see others on their smartphones barking instructions to their assistants.
Despite their personality differences, they all share one common trait if they want to have a successful business trip.
What do they have in common?
They need to need to mindful of unwritten rules for etiquette in their business travel.
Here are six top etiquette tips:
1. Thoroughly plan your itinerary
Of course, you’ll have scheduled appointments. But don’t risk being embarrassed. Making certain you have current meeting locations and telephone numbers before your trip.
Map the distances and duration of time it will take to go to the locations for your meetings. Take precautions for your phone in terms of your network signal and battery.
Hopefully, your phone has a removable battery. Carry backup battery, charger and a power bank.
2. Arrange for your rental car in advance
Plan to be on time for your meetings. Actually, a little early is best. As much as you can before traveling, plan your rental-car details. If you have a driver, make certain the driver knows the locations.
If you feel uncomfortable with the driver, request another one. At the conclusion of the day, tip the driver.
3. Plan to look your best
Plan to dress for success. An image of professionalism counts. If you’re traveling abroad, fit in culturally.
4. Strategically pack your bags
Naturally, anticipate what you’ll need. Then, pack an additional set of clothes in case of surprises like an unplanned meeting. Travel with clothes that aren’t prone to wrinkling.
If you’re so inclined, pack a travel iron. Or plan to have your clothes pressed at your destination. However, if you have the right clothes and insert bags between your clothes you should stay wrinkle-free.
Despite their personality differences, they all share one common trait if they want to have a successful business trip.
5. Treat hotel personnel like you are a valued frequent guest
Whether it’s your first stay or one of many at the hotel, act as though you’re a valued frequent guest – treated as a priority.
If you’re a valued guest, it’s probably because you treat the hotel staff well. Your stay will be more pleasant if you treat the hotel staff as courteously as possible. Be generous with your compliments when you get great service.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re paying the tab or your company is.
Tip the personnel well. When the hotel asks for your comments, give your input on the service and facilities. If you plan to return, be sure to inform the hotel if you have any preferences.
6. Stay alert
Make sure you don’t get tired by getting a good night’s sleep. If it’s hectic and you’re rushing from meeting to meeting, eat well but light and stay hydrated. Plan to carry healthy snacks so you’re energized and not hungry.
From the Coach’s Corner, a related thought: Think safety. Be cautious. For example, if you’re uneasy in your lodging, change it. End your evenings early. Don’t stay out late unless you’re sure it’s safe.
Additional business-travel strategies:
13 of the Best Business Travel Tips — Jet lag, bad hotel beds, and lost luggage – just a few of the miseries of business travel. But travel is vital to manage operations, close sales and to build relationships.
Before You Travel Abroad, Take 6 Financial Precautions Today — Whether you’re traveling to a foreign country for business or pleasure — there are at least six steps you should take. You need to do more than just making sure that your passport is current, planning your itinerary or deciding what to pack.
To avoid the Agony of Lost Luggage: 6 Precautions –You’ve confidently waited at the airport’s carousel for your luggage. But it wasn’t there. Your hands began to perspire as you became more apprehensive. Next came the migraine. If an airline has ever lost your luggage, you know how aggravating it is. It’s a major inconvenience. Here’s how to prevent it.
Travel — How to Avoid Foreign Currency-Exchange Fees — When traveling abroad for vacation or business, foreign currency-exchange fees can get costly for thrifty-minded people. There are steps you can take to avoid extra fees in exchanging currency. The pitfalls to avoid range from using airport exchange tables to using credit cards that surcharge the purchase of products and services.
11 Travel Tips – Save Money, Prevent against Cyber Theft, Fraud — The most vulnerable travelers are businesspeople. That’s because they have to use Internet and e-mail. They’re in danger expressly from vulnerabilities, such as from wirelessly accessible passports to using WIFI.
“Chance favors only the prepared mind.”
– Louis Pasteur
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