ALT-2 Careers how to Make the most of Globe Trotting Business Trips
It's exciting; it's exhausting. You are pinching yourself becasue you've been chosen to go on a globe-trotting business trip for your company. You dread leaving your family and friends, but can't wait to see San Francisco, Paris, or Bangkok. Whether it's across the country or the globe, here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy your trip, as well as improve your career.
Always the Job First
It's easy when your brain is swimming with pictures of exotic lands to forget that the main reason you are going is to work. Although you may regard this opportunity as a priviledge, it's also a responsibility. Your company doesn't care if you get to see the major tourist sites or just the inside of your hotel room. You are being sent to do a job and that should always be the top priority. You are representing your company to the people in that particular country; you need to be professional, courteous, and attuned to the business practices there.
Read Up on Local Business Practices
With the plethora of business and travel books available today, with the Internet and thousands of tested travelers' advice out there in cyberspace, there is no reason you should remain in the dark about the business practices of the country you are visiting. Is a welcome gift from you expected? Have it ready. Are you expected to entertain your hosts in a restaurant? Be prepared with suggestions and plans when you arrive. Is it normal for them to leave early, take a long break in the middle of the day, start before sunrise, go drinking until late in the evening with their coworkers? Know their work customs, and be prepared to adapt. Learn a few words in the language of the country you are visiting. (Small courtesies go a long way.)
Remain Professional
It's easy when you are out of your normal office environment and even your regular time zone to forget your normal business habits. It's up to you to behave properly. Trust me, everything will be reported back later. Late for a meeting? Your office back home will know before you return. Your business behavior will be on view to everyone; everything you say will be questioned...not because people are trying to trip you up. Rather, your business partners abroad will be trying to read your signals. Be clear, frank, and polite. Be businesslike. Even drinks are still a work occasion if your business partners and colleagues are there.
Don't Overdo the Phone Calls Home
It's hard to be separated from your loved ones on a business trip, but try and limit your calls home. Don't let family members interrupt your business. Strange time zones make email a better option in some cases. Let your family know when you will be calling to check in, and keep that appointment. Same with the office back home; if you say you will check in at a certain time, do so. People can accept long-distance travel from you better on a regulated schedule.
Enjoy Your Trip, Keep a Low Profile Upon Return
Of course you should enjoy this adventure. See as much as you can after-hours or on your days off. Take extra vacation days from work, if possible, and see some of the place at your own expense. Enjoy being a tourist after you've completed your business, and you will find life a lot more stress-free. See what you can in the time available; don't try and cram every important site into a short time frame.
When you return to the office, bring trinkets or an office gift to share. Talk about your trip on your first day back or over lunch. By day two, people will be ready to get back to what's going on at the office, even while your mind is still overseas. It's normal. Don't keep raising the topic. Those who didn't get the priviledge of going don't need to keep hearing how great your trip was.
Finally, realize that the opportunity you've been given is a great one. Live up to your responsibility. Enjoy the atmosphere and sites when you can as a globe-trotting executive. Be a good business person for your company, and a good family member and friend to your loved ones when away. Thank everyone when you get back to your home office. Soon enough, you can start dreaming of your next globe-trotting business trip.
