Don’t panic, help is at hand with some top tips for anyone facing this daunting prospect...
Do your pre-trip prep
Take the time to arrange a pre-meeting to discuss the objectives, what you need to prepare and what you hope to get out of it. This is an opportunity to show initiative and take ownership of certain tasks. Also consider where you’ll need to be and when, along with accommodation arrangements and whether you’ll be expected to wine and dine clients. All this means that if your boss is unable to make the trip at the last minute for any reason, you’ll have everything you need at hand.
Make the most of travel apps
A decent travel app will minimise stress levels and save time – something which is often in short supply on business trips. All too often, you’re given minimal information and are expected to simply assume that everything will go to plan. When it comes to flights, travel apps such as the SkyTeam app allow you to take matters into your own hands by providing easy access to flight and airport information, along with seven-day weather forecasts and worldwide airline flight schedules.
Remember you’re colleagues, not best friends
Don’t feel pressurised to spend every waking hour of your business trip with your boss. They might want to go sightseeing and ask you to join out of politeness but only do what you are comfortable with – don’t feel obliged. Also, keep a check on discussion topics. After a couple of drinks you might feel like indulging in some office gossip, but remember to keep things professional and avoid such subjects.
Sell yourself
Think of the trip as an opportunity to showcase yourself. Do your homework beforehand, get enough sleep during the trip and work hard to build a rapport with the clients you’ll meet. Don’t be afraid to suggest new ways of doing things either – if your boss has been in the job for years, it’s highly likely they’re doing certain things out of habit, not necessarily because it’s the most efficient way of working, and will likely be grateful for a fresh take on the situation.
Be self-aware
Business abroad can be a minefield of poor communication and misunderstanding when you are working with different cultures and languages. In meetings always give people your full attention, and preferably make notes with pen and paper rather than on your phone or laptop. What is key is to make it abundantly clear you’re taking everything onboard. Do everything you can to showcase yourself as trustworthy, reliable and business-savvy – and avoid sitting there tapping on your device when you could be engaging with your client.
Follow your boss’s lead
This is especially important if your boss has an existing relationship with the clients in question. They will know their individual quirks and the way they like to conduct business. Pay attention to any areas your boss covers in extra detail and ask them how you help develop the relationship.
Embrace lounge life
When heading out to or back from your business meetings, avoid the hustle and bustle at the airport and head to a lounge for some productive time - whether it’s catching up with work in one of the business centres, watching a movie or enjoying a pre-flight snack. Airport lounges are great whether you’re looking to work or unwind and offer an abundance of power points to keep your gadgets fully charged. It also gives both you and your boss a little space, before you find yourself seated next to each other on the plane. And if you’re a member of frequent flyer programme you might well be able to enjoy the lounge for free. For example, SkyTeam’s Elite Plus benefits, gives you access to over 750+ lounges worldwide. You can even invite your boss to join you as a plus-one.
Always have a debrief
Once back in the office, take the time to talk about what went right about your trip and what went wrong. Is your boss happy with the outcome? Are there ways in which you could have worked better together? And don’t be afraid to voice any concerns – if work trips with particular individuals are going to become a regular occurrence, it’s important to air any potential issues early on.
If you regularly fly for work – with your boss or not – find out about the benefits of signing up for SkyTeam member airline frequent flyer programmes to start earning and redeeming miles with all SkyTeam member airlines. No need to register for several programs, their alliance-wide offer has you covered. Find out more…