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Leaving On A Jet Plane? Business Etiquette To
Go
Business
travel is often a necessity whether you work for a Fortune 500
company or own a small home based business. Only so much business can
be conducted by telephone, e-mail, computer and fax. There will come
a day when you need to travel for business and how you conduct
yourself will make all the difference in determining your success in
getting that new client or sealing the deal.
Always remember
that you are representing your company during your entire journey,
starting and ending with your trip to and from the airport. Be
considerate to airline personnel, hotel porters, restaurant employees
and anyone else you meet on your trip. You never know when someone
you meet may be related to the CEO of your client company or when
someone you treat badly makes a formal complaint to your employer.
Stay on your best behavior when you are traveling and you will build
relationships that can impact the bottom line. As a bonus you will
enjoy your trip a lot more when you treat others with courtesy and
kindness.
After your travel reservations are made do some
research. Start by studying the customs and culture of your
destination if you are visiting a foreign country or by reading an
online newspaper from the US city where you will be staying. Use the
internet to select a restaurant for wining and dining your client,
and make reservations ahead of time. Refresh your memory on the
basics of introductions, table manners and gift giving before you
leave home.
If you are traveling with someone else, ask that
you be seated next to your business associates on the airplane.
Sitting together will ensure you keep your conversations confidential
and other passengers will appreciate not having to listen to you talk
across an aisle or over the seat. Avoid alcohol on the airplane and
during your entire trip. Traveling is not an excuse to indulge in
alcoholic beverages and your boss will not appreciate being billed
for your overindulgence or hearing about your wild antics on the
plane.
Prior to traveling familiarize yourself with the gift
giving etiquette of the company you are visiting. Be aware that many
corporations and government offices have strict rules about accepting
gifts. Call the company receptionist or the secretary of the person
you will meet with on your trip to inquire about the company
guidelines and ask for suggestions if a gift is appropriate.
Use technology sparingly in order to show respect for those around
you. Make use of earphones with your laptop or hand held gadgets.
Turn your cell phone off while flying and when attending a meeting.
If you do have to take a call, let others know ahead of time and
leave the meeting when the call comes in.
Be punctual for
all of your meetings and dress professionally. Leave your casual
clothes for evenings and weekends when you won't be spending time
with your client. Plan on keeping yourself occupied on off hours and
do not expect your client to entertain you. If you are invited to a
casual meal or other activity on off hours, feel free to accept but
pay attention to your attire. Even if your host suggests that you
dress casually, keep in mind that you are still doing business and
make sure you keep the "business" in "business
casual."
Refrain from discussing inappropriate issues
while traveling such as religion, politics and your latest surgery.
Respond respectfully when asked your opinion on sticky subjects then
move on quickly to another topic. If anyone, including a client,
begins to bash Americans, do not take offense. Tell them you
understand how they might feel that way and change the subject.
Client meetings are no place to advance your personal causes or
opinions.
When you return to your office, send a handwritten
thank you note immediately. Let your client know how much you
appreciate their hospitality and how much you enjoyed your trip. A
handwritten note is much more personal than a hastily sent e-
mail.
Paying careful attention to your business etiquette
while traveling may help you achieve that promotion you have wanted,
seal that deal you have been working on for months or enhance the
otherwise lukewarm client relationship. You may not have control over
your travel schedule, where your luggage ends up or the clients you
need to meet, but you do have total control of your own behavior and
your personal attitude By minding your business manners your trip
will be pleasant, productive and profitable.
© Lydia Ramsey.
All rights reserved. Reprint rights granted so long as article and by-
line are published intact and with all links made live.
 
About the
Author
 Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional
speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING
THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. Learn from Lydia by using her four
LIVE business etiquette broadcasts on DVD or by reading her newest
book "Lydia Ramsey's Little Book of Table Manners." You can
purchase these business etiquette tools at http://www.m
annersthatsell.com/tms/index.html.
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