No matter where you are or what you’re doing, you are always in a position to attract, retain or repel clients, says Linda Allan, a certified management consultant in Toronto who specializes in business behavior. And that is especially true when you are travelling for business.
Every aspect of your travel can reflect on your business — from your appearance to and the contents of your briefcase to the way you react to problems. Following these tips will help you stay professional and have a successful trip:
> Organize your briefcase
Make sure your business materials are packed neatly and are well organized in your briefcase, especially if you occasionally work in public spaces.
“Financial advisors often work in the airport and on the plane,” Allan says, “[and] in the hotel lobby if their rooms aren’t ready.” That means some of your work habits are on public display.
Simply stuffing items into your case or opening it to reveal papers in disarray, she says, can be off-putting to people nearby. A neat and orderly public “work space” will make you look more professional.
> Pack as if you expect strangers to see into your bag
Arrange the items in your suitcase neatly, particularly if you are flying. Its contents could become more public than you would like.
More and more travellers are having their bags searched at various points in airports because of security procedures. Opening your suitcase to reveal a mess of wrinkled, unfolded clothes and other personal items in front of other passengers would be embarrassing, Allan says.
Also, whenever possible, use only carry-on luggage to avoid the hassles of checked luggage. Make sure that you have packed an appropriate amount of clothes and haven’t under- or over-packed.
> Dress professionally — always
The business trip begins the moment you leave your house, so dress appropriately.
If you’re flying on business, jeans, shorts and sweatpants are not appropriate attire, says Allan. You might run into a client at the airport or be met at arrivals by your hosts.
That doesn’t mean a full suit and tie; business casual is fine.
> Remember, you’re not travelling alone
Be conscious of other people on the flight.
When you are waiting at the gate to board, resist the urge to spread out your work materials and take over the surrounding seats, says Allan. And, when you board, don’t leave behind garbage from your coffee and muffin.
Once you are on the plane, be considerate of your neighbours. If you want to work while in the air, ensure your laptop screen is tilted so no one can read it.
> Keep your cool when problems arise
Something will always go wrong when you travel. Keep cool no matter what happens.
“Whether [there is a problem] at the ticket counter or you have to be pulled aside for a body scan or a suitcase search, just remain calm and composed,” Allan says. “Your professionalism is on the line. Everything will work out.”
IE