Business Traveling Tips

Traveling for business can be a tension-filled event. Delays, lost materials, and unhappy customers can cause harm to the individual handling the task as well as the organization they represent. To avoid these consequences, a few techniques can be applied to make traveling for business a much smoother affair.
Traveling for business can be a tension-filled event. Delays, lost materials, and unhappy customers can cause harm to the individual handling the task as well as the organization they represent. To avoid these consequences, a few techniques can be applied to make traveling for business a much smoother affair.

Plan Ahead

The biggest headache for business travelers is when presentation materials are corrupted, lost, or forgotten. To ensure a presentation is ready to go, make as many backups as possible. For example, a PowerPoint presentation can be saved on a computer s hard drive, a flash drive, and in a file sent via email. In case computerized files become unavailable, prepare a hard copy and store it in a secure location.

Expect Delays

Whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile, there is every chance you could be delayed a few minutes or a few hours due to traffic, mechanical problems, or weather issues. In any case, a secondary presentation methods needs to be deployed. For time-sensitive meetings, locate a quiet area in a train station or airport to conduct a phone conference. If access to the Internet is available, see if a remote web presentation can be held.

Pack for Contingencies

Whether a last-minute golf invitation or drastic shift in the weather, business travel itineraries can change without notice. To avoid embarrassment, pack for any contingency, but keep it light. In addition to extra business attire, pack at least one casual and one athletic outfit. Before leaving, review the forecast for your destination to determine if any warm or cold weather items are needed. Even if traveling for business over a period of a few hours, make sure to pack extra garments in case what is currently worn gets dirty or damaged.