How to Make Business Travel Better
and the line is much shorter. In some cases, flyers wait a mere five minutes in TSA Precheck compared to 80 minutes in the standard security line. Learn how to apply at tsa.gov/tsa-precheck. Book a Hotel NearYour Meetings Transportation fees can take a hefty chunk out of your travel budget, even after you step off the plane. BusinessTravel News’ 2015 CorporateTravel Index estimated travelers drop an average of $46.89 per day on their rental car. Even rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft can add up fast when you use them to get back and forth between your hotel and the conference center each day. Save yourself some cash and book a hotel within walking distance of where your meetings will be held. Plus, after sitting in meetings all day, a brisk walk outside can do wonders for your health. Eat Right and SleepWell When you’re in a rush to get from the hotel to your meeting, you might be tempted to grab a donut from the coffee shop. Resist the urge!You don’t need to add to the stress of the trip by falling into unhealthy habits. Don’t let your diet become nothing but fast food. Pack an extra water bottle, avoid alcohol or heavy foods before a flight, and get enough sleep each night. Until teleportation technology like that in “StarTrek” becomes a reality, traveling for work will continue to be a hassle. But if you’re smart and well-prepared, it doesn’t have to be something to dread.
The Global BusinessTravel Association estimates around 488 millionAmericans fly for business every year.There are millions of conferences,meetings, and continuing education courses across the country.These trips are important, but getting to them can be a pain. If you were exhausted by your last business trip, here are some tricks to make the next one easier. FlyThroughAirport SecurityWithTSA Precheck One of the most trying parts of airline travel is the time-consuming experience of theTransportation Security Administration, orTSA. Long lines inch slowly along as you hurry to remove your shoes, empty your pockets, and locate all the liquids in your carry-on luggage. Say farewell to this headache withTSA Precheck.Travelers who qualify forTSA Precheck don’t have to remove their shoes, jacket, or belt; electronics and any 3-1-1 liquids remain in your carry-on;
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NETWORKING TIPS FOR SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS
Remember, networking is not the same thing as a sales pitch. 2. Don’t Forget to Listen Networking works best when it’s a two-way street.You can’t expect somebody to listen to you for five minutes, only for you to head to the snack table as soon as they start telling you about their company in return.The mutually beneficial nature of networking allows for a conversation about business to become a platform for building a relationship. Odds are everyone at your conference is trying to network just as much as you are. 3. Have a Card, Seriously Imagine this scenario:You’re at a conference and you’ve just finished up a fruitful, engaging conversation.The person you’re talking to hands over their business card, and you realize
you don’t have one to provide in return. Nobody wants to end up being the person scribbling their contact information on a napkin. 4. Network From Home LinkedIn isn’t just for finding a job or screening employees. It can be a powerful networking tool for business owners. Because you can see the connections of your connections, it’s not hard to reach out to people in similar roles or industries. 5. BeYourself Your personality and values should be an integral part of your business, and networking should be an honest conversation, even when the end goal is developing a business relationship. Be confident in who you are, and you’ll find that people will believe in your vision.
Successful networking benefits all business owners, whether they’re just getting started or trying to grow their business.These face-to-face meetings with other entrepreneurs, however, can be awkward and difficult for some people. Interfacing with industry leaders, experts, and like-minded CEOs doesn’t have to be anxiety- inducing, even if you’re naturally shy. Here are some tips to help you network more effectively at your next industry seminar or small-business conference. 1. Prepare There are a few great ways to get yourself into the networking mindset before an event. You should have a few talking points ready. It shouldn’t sound like a formal presentation with bullet points. A few words about who you are, what you do, and why you do it will suffice. And you don’t want every word drilled down.
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