In 2022 we’re well and truly up-to-speed with online meetings and virtual events, but there’s something to be said for the energy, connection, collaboration and relationships, which are amplified by real-life interactions. So, how do you decide which meetings and events are worth travelling for, and how can you make the effort and expense of business travel worth it?
After a number of business trips this year, including a flight to Melbourne to attend the Inside Small Business 2022 Top 50 Small Business Leaders event, here are my new rules for business travel in a post-pandemic world.
Make it worth your while
First up, can you justify the travel? So much can be done virtually now, and your wallet and the environment will thank you for it. But if there’s a conference you’ve been dreaming of attending, or you know the vibe of a real-life meeting is going to truly help your project progress, then make the trip worthwhile by squeezing in more than one thing. When I travelled to Melbourne, I took the opportunity to meet up with a few of my clients in real life who I’d only met via email and zoom before. It was time well spent and helped me get more ‘bang for my buck’ out of the journey interstate from my home base in regional NSW.
Carry-on done right
Reduce your risk of waiting in unnecessary queues at the airport and stick to carry-on luggage. Unless you’re going away for a week or more, carry-on should be plenty, and it reduces any risk of lost baggage. I recently upgraded to this Carry On Pro case from Aussie brand July and I love its detachable laptop sleeve (for easy laptop removal at security screening) and ejectable battery pack, making device charging a breeze. It’s no fun trying to book an Uber or navigate your way in a new city with a dying phone battery. So, be prepared.
Homely touches
If you’re heading away for a few nights, packing a few homely touches can help smooth over any rough travel edges. For me, I love packing my favourite tea for brewing in my hotel in the morning (New York Breakfast from T2 in case you were wondering). It’s only a small thing, but it helps my morning routine feel more normal and helps me adjust to a new setting. Perhaps your thing might be a vial of essential oil, a cosy cardigan, or your favourite fluffy socks. Being away for business doesn’t have to feel impersonal and sterile with the right pre-planning.
Find your co-workers
Sometimes when you’re on the road, getting some deep work done in a cafe just isn’t going to cut it. Enter: co-working spaces. Most major cities will have a co-working space with options for casual visits and day passes. For example, Hub Australia has locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, ideal for finding a desk to work at, with cafe facilities, printing facilities and even meeting rooms if you’re also hosting a client catch-up as part of your travels.
Be open to new connections
Try to stay open to connecting with new people and expanding your network. If you’re at an event, be open to introducing yourself to new people. If you’re using a co-working space, say hi to the people around you. In this way, I’ve been lucky enough to find new clients and collaborators when I’m travelling for business. Pack your business cards, or create a vCard QR code, so that new contacts can instantly scan your essential details. And once you’re back home, be sure to follow up.
Business travel done right can be a huge boost to your business, so get those diaries out, sign-up for frequent flyer points programs, and start booking your trips for the new year.
