5 Professional Tips For A Successful First Business Trip

Are you heading off on a business trip soon?

First-time business trips can be terrifying, stressful, and rewarding at the same time. If you find yourself needing to conduct business on the road, chances are the stakes are high, and people are counting on your performance. 

As such, the pressure might be overwhelming, which creates more room for error. Even though you are expected to deliver; no need to panic. There are many resources and tips you can apply to make your business trip a success. 

Remember, even the most experienced professionals had their first time business trip nerves at some point. 

Below are 5 expert tips that will not only help you succeed but help you become a business trip pro in no time. 

#1 - Create a Checklist

To many people, this may sound like a pointless fact in this situation, but in actual sense, it could be the difference between zero to hero. As such, take your time and think of things you need to be successful in your goals. 

Furthermore, a checklist helps a person have organised thoughts.  As you apply each item on your list, ensure to cross-off those you have already applied or used. 

You should only discard the checklist only if you have gone for more business trips and gained some experience. 

Nevertheless, all you need to remember is that having a checklist helps calm the nerves. 

#2 - Pack Smart 

Packing is very important to the trip, and sometimes it can be tricky. 

Frequent flyer and hypnotherapist speaker Leonie O’Connell says it’s important to remember that, when packing for a vacation, there are those dresses and other essentials that you must have. She explains “this technique also apply when it comes to business trips. First, you have to remember that it is wise to pack light to avoid checking your luggage every time. On the other hand, you also do not want to limit yourself. You need to achieve a balance. So make a list of needs and wants and pack your ‘needs’ first to see if the rest is really necessary.”

Packing light will allow you to navigate seamlessly everywhere you go. You should not forget to include attractive official outfits. Remember, the trip is business-oriented, and you need to make an impression.

#3 - Manage Your Time

There is no way to emphasise the importance of being timely while on a business trip. 

As such, it is important to be overly cautious by building a cushion just in case of something going wrong. When it comes to business, it is wise to focus your energy on preparing for your meeting, and not stressing over flight time and delays. 

You will not lose anything when you arrive early. In fact, missing flights and arriving at a business meeting late is a clear sign of being irresponsible and undependable. 

Let’s not forget that it might cost your business or company a lot of money, which is not a great way to impress your bosses. 

#4 - Track Your Expenses

A majority of first-time business travellers forget to keep track of their expenses because the whole experience is overwhelming. 

As such, before starting the trip, it would be wise to review and clearly understand your company’s policies. That is because some companies have very strict guidelines while others do not. 

Nevertheless, in both cases or scenario, you should understand the basics. What does this mean? Examples include:

• What qualifies as expenses
• How to go about getting reimbursements
• Going through important travelling expenses guides for the business

If you are not sure specific purchases qualify as travel expenses, it would be wise to ask yourself the following questions in your decision-making process. 

• Is the expense reasonable?
• Is the expense necessary or ordinary?
• Can you continue without that specific expense?

According to tax specialists Metro Bookkeeping, “as a first-time business traveller, it might be overwhelming to a point where confusion comes in and overlook important expense documentation. When in doubt, it is wise to hold on to all the receipts, and you should never be shy to ask for receipts also.” 

#5 - Put Your Health First

It doesn’t matter how important your business trip is; you should prioritise your health and sleep ahead of everything else. 

The truth is that it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road, but the value it delivers cannot be emphasised enough. Remember, if you are well energised and healthy, you can maintain a successful meeting and overall experience. 

The million-dollar question is; how do you stay healthy on the road? Here are 3 effective ways you can stay healthy:

• Commit to your health
• Create time for the gym or workout
• Do not give up on your healthy diet
• Do not go hard on the drinking

A business trip is an excellent way to prove your worth to your boss. However, you can reduce stress, focus on your health and put your best foot forward by following these 5 simple steps.

Headed to the terminal soon? Book now and save!!!

Written by: Hazel Philips