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The jetsetters and go-getters of the world may often, ostensibly, be the luckiest people on the planet. You see them in a new city twice a week, checking in and out of beautiful hotels, eating FREE food at amazing restaurants, and racking up frequent flyer miles and reward points like no tomorrow; however, as a seasoned business traveler you know there is a lot more to the story, of course there is also the novice business traveler who may be having some misinformed ideas about what her/his newly acquired job description entails. This article is for you. There is a level of professionality that must be maintained at all times when traveling for business. These types of trips are not meant for leisure, and while there may be a few quite enjoyable aspects of business travel, it is important to remember that the goal of this trip is to conduct business, so below are a few helpful tips to get you through your first few trips without being overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

Pre-Departure

Research: Before you leave on your first big business trip, it’s important to know a little bit about the city or country you are traveling to. It is both courteous, and completely beneficial to you to know a little bit about the customs and behavior norms that surround the people you are going to negotiate with. It would be quite embarrassing for instance to show up to a meeting in Japan (where a small gift is expected upon arrival) and be empty handed. Negotiating practices are also important to know a little bit about, some cultures may be a little more aggressive or passive, in either case you will want to adjust your approach accordingly. This is, of course, more relevant for international, but important for domestic travel as well. Negotiation styles can vary even within our borders.

Dress for the occasion: While we, of course, would all like to think ourselves such evolved creatures that we are too sophisticated to be swayed or influenced by something so shallow as appearances, in the business world the reality is quite the contrary. Appearances are a huge deal. What you wear is the first statement you make to a potential client, or negotiating partner, what you say here matters. Casual dress at dinner, for instance, doesn’t fly. So when you’re packing, keep this in mind. Just because you are in a new city does not mean that you shouldn’t still dress as if it was just another Monday in your office. Business casual is always a safe bet. It should be noted, that this rule also goes for your in-flight outfit. There is often no time to change upon arrival, and looking professional on your flight will help you to feel more ready for your trip as well. Stay in the business mindset by dressing for the occasion.

During the Trip

Business Dinner: Breaking bread with a client can be a good time, and even fun, it is so important to remember that this is still business. Negotiations are always taking place, and you are always representing your employer. So, with that in mind, let’s cover a few dos and donts for the dinner table. First off, gender blindness is important. So please do not pull out chairs for the businesswomen you are dining with. Holding doors open is polite, but as silly as it may seem to some, let everyone handle their own chairs. During dinner, it shouldn’t need to be said, but basic table manners are obviously a must. Additionally, avoid checking your voice and sending messages, if you absolutely must take a call, do so quietly and discreetly if possible. Post dinner, and in other areas of your stay, tipping is an important factor to consider. Appropriate tipping can say a lot about you, and by extension your company, so as a general rule 10% for taxi rides, and 20% dinner, additionally services that do not have a charge, such as housekeeping and bellhops, should be tipped generously and the city’s cost of living should also be taken into consideration. If you are at dinner, and you are not the host, no need to worry about the tip, the host will or at least should get the bill. If you are the host, never ever let a guest pay, you should always take care of the bill, don’t forget to observe those tipping rules.

Always Professional:
While traveling is a great bonding experience, and a great learning experience for you novice business travelers out there, it cannot be stressed enough that this a professional environment and you should always conduct yourself as such. Drinking the occasional cocktail at dinner is fine, so long as your boss does the same, but over drinking and embarrassing yourself and the company, is a big no no. It is important to treat any business trip with the same respect you do your office; show up early, follow your boss’ lead, and conduct yourself in a manner that is positive for yourself and your employer.

Post-Departure

Debrief: Upon return home, after your first, and every business trip be sure to do a little self debrief. Improvement is, or at least should be, always welcomed in your work life so take the time to work on yourself. Ask yourself what worked this trip, what didn’t work, why or why not? Don’t be too hard on yourself, but definitely take time to try to set out some new goals for yourself for your next trip, whether that be conversation skills, better research, or negotiation skills, work on your traveling practices and become the seasoned jet-setter who gives these tips to new travelers in your own company.

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