Tips To Implement on Business Trips
⌛ By Kaylin R. Staten ⌛
Over the course of my decade-long career, I’ve found myself in different cities for one common goal: to learn something new to bring back to my daily PR toolkit.
I’ve traveled from St. Louis to Atlanta and Orange County, California, to New York City. I’m not going to lie: I love business trips. Business trips combine my loves of working and travel. So, it’s a match made in heaven. As a lifelong learner with a penchant for experiencing new environments, it’s a match made in heaven.
Here are five things I’ve learned to implement on business trips:
Pack lightly.
I’ve been known to pack too much for any trip, no matter the number of days or ports of call. So, I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. (Spending more than 200 Euros to get my “trunk” suitcase from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport in Paris to American soil will teach you lessons.) Only bring what you need. For a business trip, that usually entails some business-casual attire, a laptop or tablet, charging cables, a notebook and pen, business cards and more. Don’t try to bring your entire makeup collection or every single curling iron you own. Bring less so you can bring back your new resources and perhaps a few souvenirs.
Don’t go to sleep right away.
The jetlag struggle is a very realistic one, but do not go to sleep once you get to your destination and get settled in. I learned this when I was in college. Although I only traveled to the Popular Culture Association Conference from West Virginia to St. Louis, jetlag caused me to lie down on the hotel bed and pass out for a couple of hours. This is so tempting -- especially when traveling overseas and hopping through time zones -- but, more often than not, you will feel worse than you did before you hit the hay. Try to stay up until a reasonable time. Unpack your suitcase, get a feel for the neighborhood, eat a meal at a local restaurant. You want to feel rested as you tackle your business on your trip!
Network.
As a natural introvert, it often pains me to make small-talk with someone I’ve just met. However, it’s vital to network when you’re out of town on business. Whether you’re attending a conference or are in town to close a meeting, network with as many people as you can. I have a general rule of thumb if I’m in an environment consisting of virtually no one I know: I get at least five business cards. And when you get back to the office (or before), add your newfound associates on LinkedIn.You never know when you’ll need their advice, products, services and more.
Take breaks.
If you’re in a town for a few days on business, be sure to schedule some fun time. That could consist of taking a tour of the city or just sitting in your room catching up on “Law and Order: SVU.” No matter what it is, take some time to catch up on your work and self-care. (I couldn’t pass up going to Hollywood when I was in Orange County for a conference.) Again, learning and exploring are the best of both worlds, in my opinion.
Put your new knowledge to good use.
Often, we file away our folders, papers and other conference/meeting paraphernalia upon returning to the office. Make it a habit of writing down at least five things you would like to implement before heading back home. That way, you can hyper-focus on new goals and objectives and how they fit into your overall communications or business plan. Don’t let all of the sessions, meetings, conversations, networking and other experiences go to waste!
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Kaylin R. Staten, APR, is an award-winning public relations practitioner and writer based in Huntington, WV with nearly 16 years of professional communications experience. As CEO and founder of Hourglass Media, she uses her compassionate spirit and expertise to delve into the heart of clients’ stories. She is a recovering perfectionist, mental health advocate, wife, cat mom and Leia Organa aficionado. Connect with Kaylin on LinkedIn.