If you’ve just started up a new company, chances are you’re avoiding business travel like the plague. Common sense tells us that when you’re trying to keep overheads low, the teetering piles of expenses that go along with intercontinental (or even national!) travel is something that should be dodged at all costs. From transfer costs to flights, accommodation, rental cars, per diems and more, a business trip is an entrepreneur’s living nightmare. So, what if we told you that a business trip might be exactly what your fledgeling business needs to get off the ground?
Here are a few reasons why entrepreneurs should invest in corporate journeys in 2019:
Travel is one of the simplest ways to grow your reach as a business owner. Sure, you can do so via LinkedIn and other networking platforms, but there is something much more tangible about meeting someone in person, shaking their hand and feeling their presence. Try to plan your trips to coincide with industry events in world cities, so you’ll be able to connect with like-minded business owners on an even playing field. Alternatively, reach out to LinkedIn contacts in the city you’ll be visiting, and lay the groundwork for future collaboration, or perhaps mentorship, in person while you’re there.
When you’re working for yourself, the threat of burnout is very real. Once you become your own boss, you are far less likely to be lenient in terms of time off, sick leave, etc. Entrepreneurs know that time is money and they drive themselves very hard to stay ahead. Travel helps you to decompress and take your mind off your day-to-day responsibilities, if only for a while. Travelling to foreign countries also helps to recharge your creative energy. It's a great way to gain a new perspective and find fresh inspiration.
As an entrepreneur, the ability to read people (colleagues, competitors, clients, etc.) is absolutely essential. Travel to new places exposes you to people from all walks of life, often forcing you to read body language, facial expressions and gestures in order to make sense of conversations in new languages. This type of interaction is invaluable when it comes to making snap judgements about individuals in your business sphere.
There you have it - a few important reasons why every entrepreneur should factor corporate travel into their business development strategy. Keep an eye on the blog in the coming weeks and months for more insider info on tailoring work trips that make your life easier from start to finish. In the meantime, contact our team of dedicated corporate travel planners if you would like to learn more about our services.
