Business travel is much different than trips for leisure or vacations. The most striking highlight on a business trip is that you are representing a company or a brand and the impression you make will have a long-term impact on the people you meet (mostly clients). That goes on to become a pressing factor in the nature of your relationship in future. Consequently, it is advisable that you follow a few travel etiquettes on a business trip that showcases you differently than others.
1. Dress Smart
The way you dress up is the first thing that people would notice. Of course, business travel also has pleasurable getaways but even so, your suitcase should have apparel that fit your profession. This is true even if you are staying for a single night. Packing something formal in your bag should be representative of your goal of the visit. Consequently, along with the beach shorts and Friday dress, take along smart casuals, if not formal suit, even if you’re heading for a meeting in the Maldives!
2. Being on time
Backpackers and vacationers can afford to be ready for surprises but a corporate would not appreciate that. Regardless of how you are traveling, ensure that your route is properly mapped and you have comfortable amount of time to reach your destination on schedule. Even small things like having your tickets ready when getting through the line can help you a lot in being on time. Book your vehicle in advance and start early to not have to rush. Timely arrival only goes on to show that you are serious about the trip and are not taking it as another vacation that involves only a few hours of work.
3. Limiting your social updates!
If you have been in any kind of social network for a while, it becomes impulsive to share photos and constantly update about your trip in your network. However, your social attentiveness should never come in the way of the meetings or engagements.
4. Meet and greet
A work trip is a great opportunity to make new connections for your business. However, you need to be specially prepared for the same. Learning to say ‘hello’ in the native language can go a long way in making an impression. This will mean that you have put in some extra effort to be courteous and that you are willing to accept the customs as they are. Needless to say, a smile on your face and a humble body language will make a lasting impact on the people you are going to meet.
5. Being sensible in your talks
Whether it is at your hotel or at the bus station stop; you will be meeting a lot of locals. While these people will in no way be related to your job, you cannot afford to avoid them. In fact, as put earlier, this can be another opportunity of making a good impression of your brand or the company you work for. Talk about your work but also allow others to share theirs, even if they are from a different industry. When traveling via public transport, you can gain a lot of knowledge about the region, the customs and other unique identities of the place. This information can be used to your advantage when you are actually meeting the intended people during your trip.
6. Minding your platter
This is especially important if you are traveling with another person. Your table habits must follow the norms and whether or not it is in your habit to have a bigger breakfast, you should keep it to the standards. Here’s another important thing that you need to be mindful of. If your travel partner has asked for a non-alcoholic beverage during dinner, you shouldn’t be going around looking for wine. That’s rude. You can always have your fill when you are done for the day and have met your tasks. The aim of your business trip should be to blend in and not attract unnecessary attention.
7. Being organized
If you have been in any sort of business trips before, you already know how important it is to know your things. From credit cards and room keys to the parking ticket and the boarding pass, organizing everything neatly helps you get back to them faster when you need them. Being absent-minded is a serious ‘crime’ when you are on a work trip. Of course, you too would be annoyed if your business partner would be searching for his/her keys when it’s time to leave the hotel and get to the meeting venue. When on a business trip, a professional attitude should take over the moment you step out of your home. While some lacking might emerge, especially if it is your first trip, you should make conscious efforts to keep it to a minimum. Everything else would be understood and your humbleness appreciated.
