How To Save Time On A Business Trip
Business trips often entail swinging between meetings and networking events while sticking to a tight schedule. Your ability to effectively manage your time will help you optimize your stay and make the most of your trip. The right time-saving moves will also ensure that you’re not late for important meetings, especially when they have costly consequences for your business. You can even get the business side of your trip done quickly with enough time to explore your new destination. So, are you preparing for a business trip? Learn how you can save valuable time.
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As stated earlier, business trips usually include a marathon of networking and socialization events. While this is important, you don’t want to get caught up in a whirlwind of too many events, as some could be just time-wasting. Instead, select only a few events that directly serve your business needs (and maybe personal interests). Scrutinize your event itinerary and identify key individuals or businesses you want to connect with. Remember, it’s about quality interactions, not quantity. You'll have a more successful business trip if you’re able to land one business deal with one important person or company rather than hearty interactions with many contacts that lead nowhere. So, narrow your focus and engage in more meaningful connections with strategic people beyond merely exchanging business contacts.
Image Credit: Shamblen Studios
It's also worth noting that saving time on a business trip includes detailed planning. For example, don’t just assume that traffic will flow with speed so you can reach your meeting on time. Plan for a reliable and fast mode of transportation, with a backup option available if necessary. Check and compare various transportation modes in your destination and select the most time-saving option. Also, plan for the little things like food, shopping, and even laundry. For example, you can choose food ordering services to deliver your meals instead of waiting in high-demand restaurants. You can also find a local laundry service to handle all your laundry needs while you focus on the most important aspects of your business trip. Doing this is particularly important if you’re expecting a lengthy stay and might have to change clothes many times but you prefer to travel light. You can search online for such services even before you set off. For example, if you’re heading to Malaysia, an online search for dobi layan diri can show reliable laundry services in your destination. Oh, and “dobi layan diri” means “laundry self-service” in the Malaysian language, so keep this in mind.
Finally, staying connected with business partners, workers, and colleagues back at home is important for making timely business decisions while away. While most modern hotels offer Wi-Fi and connectivity services, most are slow and unreliable, and they could waste most of your time when you need to handle important business tasks online. So, carry a portable Wi-Fi device along to ensure that you always have a fast and reliable internet connection. Also, consider synchronizing your online activities to make them accessible on various devices like your tablet and smartphone, not just your laptop. This way, you can get work done even on the go.
