Depending on your line of work, business trips can happen quite frequently. These trips often require significant planning and time commitments, so it’s important to get the most of them. Otherwise, the investment in resources can be for seemingly nothing. We’ve rounded up the best goals to set for your next business trip to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
1. Networking
Regardless of the exact reason for your trip, networking should be one of the top priorities when on any business trip. You won’t need to endlessly mingle with professionals during an already stressful trip, but a little effort can go a long way. In fact, it can be as simple as handing out your business card when you’re introduced to someone new. Don’t forget to grab theirs in exchange. You never know when it can come in handy down the line!
2. Try Not to Eat Alone
Similar to the above tip, avoid eating alone. When you eat alone, you’re losing valuable networking time in an open environment. When you’re at a conference or otherwise rigidly structured event, there is often little time to have full conversations and network in that way. During breaks, such as lunches or even at dinner time, it is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and get to know one another deeper.
3. Learn New Skills
Even if you’re at the top of your game and believe there is no room for improvement (which is rare), you should still be open to learning new things. If you’re going to a conference or simply trying to close a deal with an important client, be sure to soak in as much as possible to help you grow. Set a goal to study and learn one or more effective ways of doing something in a new way.
4. Study the Locals
Making it a point to study the locality you plan to visit can make all the difference. Especially true for international travels, it should always be a goal to study and learn about the location beforehand. Only then can you fully enjoy the trip, and you may find that any professionals you’re meeting are more receptive to you.
5. Stick to a Schedule
One easy-to-set goal is to stick to a pre-planned schedule in order to stay on track with your trip. It’s easy in lax work environments to wrap up a work task and then go out to explore the new place you’re in. While you should take advantage of traveling, don’t forget that work is the primary reason for being there. Make sure you have a proper work-life balance while away, too, with a preference for absorbing all you can on your business trip.
6. Get the Most Rewards
Your company may have a set way to fund the trip, but if you’re self-employed or otherwise self-funding the trip, you should make the most of it. Use cards and reward programs to help capitalize on the money invested into the trip. Using tax deductions can significantly help to limit the financial burden, but secondarily adding points programs and other benefits will help fund your next trip. If you’re staying for a while, it’s also worthwhile to search for extended stay deals, like here.
7. Don’t Let Jet Lag Get to You
Jet lag can put a serious damper on any trip, especially business ones. When you’re expected to be at your best, the fatigue can easily get to you. Try to plan for the problem before it takes you out by bringing the proper tools to help you get back on your feet. Sleeping aids like melatonin, eye masks, and noise-canceling headphones can help you to regain a solid sleeping schedule. On the other hand, bringing energy supplements or vitamin boosts can help you to feel better upon landing.
Conclusion
All of these tips can help to make your next business trip a success. Though the work doesn’t stop during the trip. Make sure that you’re setting a goal ahead of time to follow up after the trip. You can send a thank you email to the host or organizer of the event, send a secondary introduction to anyone you networked with, and any other finalizing to cement your goals!
