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Business travel is often a necessity whether you
work for a Fortune 500 company or own a small home
based business. Only so much business can be
conducted by telephone, e-mail, computer and fax.
There will come a day when you need to travel for
business and how you conduct yourself will make all
the difference in determining your success in
getting that new client or sealing the deal.
Always remember that you are representing your
company during your entire journey, starting and
ending with your trip to and from the airport. Be
considerate to airline personnel, hotel porters,
restaurant employees and anyone else you meet on
your trip. You never know when someone you meet may
be related to the CEO of your client company or when
someone you treat badly makes a formal complaint to
your employer. Stay on your best behavior when you
are traveling and you will build relationships that
can impact the bottom line. As a bonus you will
enjoy your trip a lot more when you treat others
with courtesy and kindness.
After your travel reservations are made do some
research. Start by studying the customs and culture
of your destination if you are visiting a foreign
country or by reading an online newspaper from the
US city where you will be staying. Use the internet
to select a restaurant for wining and dining your
client, and make reservations ahead of time.
Refresh your memory on the basics of introductions,
table manners and gift giving before you leave home.
If
you are traveling with someone else, ask that you be
seated next to your business associates on the
airplane. Sitting together will ensure you keep
your conversations confidential and other passengers
will appreciate not having to listen to you talk
across an aisle or over the seat. Avoid alcohol on
the airplane and during your entire trip. Traveling
is not an excuse to indulge in alcoholic beverages
and your boss will not appreciate being billed for
your overindulgence or hearing about your wild
antics on the plane.
Prior to traveling familiarize yourself with the
gift giving etiquette of the company you are
visiting. Be aware that many corporations and
government offices have strict rules about accepting
gifts. Call the company receptionist or the
secretary of the person you will meet with on your
trip to inquire about the company guidelines and ask
for suggestions if a gift is appropriate.
Use
technology sparingly in order to show respect for
those around you. Make use of earphones with your
laptop or hand held gadgets. Turn your cell phone
off while flying and when attending a meeting. If
you do have to take a call, let others know ahead of
time and leave the meeting when the call comes in.
Be
punctual for all of your meetings and dress
professionally. Leave your casual clothes for
evenings and weekends when you won't be spending
time with your client. Plan on keeping yourself
occupied on off hours and do not expect your client
to entertain you. If you are invited to a casual
meal or other activity on off hours, feel free to
accept but pay attention to your attire. Even if
your host suggests that you dress casually, keep in
mind that you are still doing business and make sure
you keep the "business" in "business casual."
Refrain from discussing inappropriate issues while
traveling such as religion, politics and your latest
surgery. Respond respectfully when asked your
opinion on sticky subjects then move on quickly to
another topic. If anyone, including a client,
begins to bash Americans, do not take offense. Tell
them you understand how they might feel that way and
change the subject. Client meetings are no place to
advance your personal causes or opinions.
When you return to your office, send a handwritten
thank you note immediately. Let your client know
how much you appreciate their hospitality and how
much you enjoyed your trip. A handwritten note is
much more personal than a hastily sent e-mail.
Paying careful attention to your business etiquette
while traveling may help you achieve that promotion
you have wanted, seal that deal you have been
working on for months or enhance the otherwise
lukewarm client relationship. You may not have
control over your travel schedule, where your
luggage ends up or the clients you need to meet, but
you do have total control of your own behavior and
your personal attitude. By minding your business
manners your trip will be pleasant, productive and
profitable.
(c)
2007, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. Reprint
rights granted so long as article and by-line are
published intact and with all links made live.
Lydia Ramsey
is a business
etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate
trainer and author. Learn from Lydia by using her
four LIVE business etiquette broadcasts on DVD or by
reading her newest book "Lydia Ramsey's Little Book
of Table Manners". You can purchase these business
etiquette tools at
http://www.mannersthatsell.com/tms/index.html.
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