Essential Business Trip Planning

Proper business trip planning is your safeguard against unforeseen problems and circumstances. Effective and stress free business trip planning involves a number of considerations, the bulk of which are outlined below.

Here are 4 tips to alleviate stress and increase productivity when you take your next business trip:

Business Trip Planning Tip #1 – Be Organized

Business people are in a constant state of organizing themselves in order to be more productive and efficient. One practice to get into is to do tasks once, if possible.

· Create a travel checklist once for your personal use and file it where you can find it easily before taking your next trip.

· If you have a personal assistant or someone filling in during your absence, create a document outlining what you need to have covered during your absence. Chances are certain tasks will always need doing, regardless of the trip you are taking.

· Check your appointment schedule to make sure you’ve made any necessary cancellations or reschedules.

· Make sure family members and staff have your contact information in addition to your cell phone number. Hotel and host information should be provided.

· Make sure you’ve provided for home and office security.

· Be aware that your cell phone may not work in another country. Check with your host regarding this and to see if international calling cards are available.

Business Trip Planning Tip #2 – Map Out Your Trip in Advance

· If possible, book flights one month in advance for better rates.

· Check with your hosts regarding the best local travel options and whether or not they will meet you at the airport. Be sure to have their contact information readily available.

· Book rental cars and accommodations well in advance.

· Get in the habit of confirming all reservations, as well as any scheduled meetings or conferences.

· Obtain traveller’s checks – travel with minimal cash.

· You may want to inform your home country’s embassy within the country you are travelling to of your travel plans and dates within this country.

· Make sure you have any marketing materials prepared in advance, such as business cards, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, product samples, etc.

· Do you have your business objectives clearly defined for this trip? It is important to have a task list of objectives. This could include marketing strategy, competitor analysis, or local laws or regulations you need to be aware of.

Business Trip Planning Tip #3 – Airport Considerations

As we’re aware, airports have tightened security in the wake of terrorist activities and threats. Here are some reminders to avoid unnecessary delays:

· Do not wrap packages or gifts – use a gift bag if transporting gifts or purchase gifts upon arrival.

· Pack your own bags. Make sure you don’t have items such as cigarette lighters, scissors or other seemingly harmless items inside luggage.

· Do not leave your bags unattended at any time.

· Don’t take packages across international borders for third parties.

· Be prepared to answer security questions about your luggage – don’t take questions personally.

Business Trip Planning Tip #4 – Cultural Considerations

· Be familiar with the currency. Check exchange rates in advance.

· Familiarize yourself with the social customs of the country.

· Is this a country that welcomes people from your country? Knowing proper greetings and customs inform local people that you have made an effort to understand their culture.

· Do as much research as time allows into the country you are planning to do business with. Understanding how business deals are structured, how payments are made and use of credit are important considerations.

Source: http://www.futurebizpro.com/business – trip – planning.html

Дата добавления: 2015-07-25