In the past, business executives frequently boarded planes to meet with their clients. Then the pandemic came along, putting business travel at a halt. Airplanes, trains and buses, while operational, were only allowing a small percentage of their capacity.
In an effort to maintain practices as much as possible, many companies took to the internet for video conferences. The software offered a way to remain connected on some level to clients. Now that the virus is basically a non-event, businesses are once again returning to their in-person meetings.
Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why we think business travel should be an essential part of your career.
Why Business Travel Should Be Your Main Priority
Step Away From the Office
Without business travel, it’s all too easy to become comfortable. When you’re too comfortable, the world around you becomes stagnant. Therefore, stepping away from the office is a business travel must. It’s beneficial to step outside your comfort zone, the office environment, and enter new territories.
Away from the office, there are no distractions allowing you to focus on your selling points. Regardless of the hotel, most have safety protocols in place so you can relax completely. This business travel essential will allow you to take a breath of fresh air and get a new outlook on things!
For instance, if your stay is at the Ravel Hotel in Long Island City, NY, you’ll have all the comforts of home at your fingertips, plus a few extras, such as fantastic city views, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a large modern conference room to host meetings in style.
Furthermore, there’s something about a quiet hotel room to get the creative juices flowing. On your own, free from distractions, you are able to find solutions and expand on your presentation.
In-Person Meeting
Next on our reasons why business travel should be a main priority this year is the importance of in-person meetings. There’s something about having an in-person presence that often helps seal the deal. It’s easier to feel out your potential clients and understand what they’re looking for.
During this meeting, you can speak openly and each person can see the emotions of the other. An in-person meeting often eliminates the complications that follow online video conference sessions including problems with an internet connection that affect sound and vision. They also offer a better way to give a presentation.
The Firm Handshake
Talking via the internet also removes the element of the signature greeting of a firm handshake, which can speak volumes about the interest of the other party. Without business travel, this would become nonexistent! A good handshake is a fantastic way to set a strong first impression.
Furthermore, a vigorous firm handshake translates to respect and admiration. A cold shake puts forward the feeling of doing something out of necessity. Without meeting in person, you’re left clueless at the start.
Remain Connected
Next up on our list is the ability to remain connected. When you work in separate places on the same project it’s difficult to remain on the same page. When you travel, you stay informed on every level. You can become more knowledgable about your company and the people that work within it.
You share your findings so there’s no knowledge missing. You also can bounce ideas off every team member to increase the chances of finding solutions faster.
Always Have the Upper Hand
Companies that travel to their potential clients show initiative and resolve. They quickly gain the support and interest of the host. It’s a fact that companies give more of their time to those who take the time and expense to physically meet.
If you end up making business travel a top priority, you will show your clients that you’re serious in their endeavours. You’ll stand out among all other companies and always have the upper hand!
Promote Your Business
Zoom meetings did serve a purpose during the pandemic. They were an essential tool to keep business running. However, now that the restrictions are minimal, you can once again return to the arena. Nothing replaces physical and social interaction and you can remain in the conversation longer.
Traveling often to meet and greet clients puts you in the spotlight on the regular. Because of this, your appearance matters. Instead of sitting at home in your pajamas, you’ll have to wear business or business-casual attire. It’s time to show that you mean business and put your best foot forward!
Know People on a Personal Level
In recent times, supply chain issues are the new norm. When you travel to meet with other businesses and vendors, you go from a name to a familiar face. It becomes personal. You gain credibility which translates into preferential treatment.
If availability is lower than normal, your presence will almost guarantee that you will still receive what you need in a timely fashion. In such a rapidly paced world, this is just another reason to choose business travel.
Make New Connections
Business meetings often include unexpected guests of interest. Laborers, contractors, and vendors to name a few. Having these connections can help increase sales without additional effort and ensure that you remain one step ahead of the competition.
Not only that, but the more you network, the more opportunities you have to improve your career and become a well-known name throughout your social circles! Who knew business travel could be so influential.
Discounted Airfares
Because they’re enclosed, people are still a bit hesitant about boarding luxury cruise ships and airplanes. With prices below pre-pandemic rates, it provides a fantastic opportunity to schedule a business meeting for much less.
Now is the perfect time to choose business travel and impress your clients! With discounted travel rates, it’s easier than ever to book a flight.
Improve Productivity
Looking to improve your productivity? Business travel is the answer.
At the office you have all day to complete projects. However, when traveling for business, everything has an identified time frame. This naturally begins to change work habits for the better. It cuts down the possibility of procrastinating and pushes you to complete meetings and material ahead of schedule.
To Conclude
Experiencing new places across the states and around the world exposes you to various elements, ethnic cuisines and cultures. You gain a wealth of knowledge that improves your standing with any company. You walk with your head up high with a spring in your step that spews confidence.
For nearly two years, most companies put their business trips on hold. Instead, they used available resources such as Zoom to offer the next best thing. The good news is that the clouds are dissipating and business meetings are now returning with a vengeance.
By choosing business travel, companies can not only remain “in the know”, but stay connected on a personal level and make stronger impressions with clients. When it’s easy to just plug in a computer and meet clients, it really says something when a company chooses to meet face-to-face.
Before you embark on your business travel adventures, make sure you have everything you need! If you’re planning to travel long-term soon, make sure you check out our fitness guide on how to stay in shape while you’re globetrotting!
