How to Behave on
Business Trips
Doing business away from the office should be enjoyable and productive On business trips across town or across the globe, you are the highly visible representative of your company, so conduct yourself accordingly. Without being paranoid, act as if every word and action is being evaluated. By Bill Lindsey
Respect 4 Strangers and Unusual Customs
1 Set a Great Example You represent the company, so be smart and aware. During business hours, dress the part. For dinners or social times, if in doubt, dress conservatively. At lunch or dinners, avoid overindulging in food or drinks, even if your host is behaving badly. Acting as if you were being observed is a great way to avoid embarrassing behavior, especially when you’re wearing clothing or carrying luggage emblazoned with the company logo.
COCO FLAMINGO/GETTY IMAGES
2 Be on Time Adhere to the schedule for meetings, seminars, meals, and any outings. Don’t be the guy that holds up the bus or makes everyone wait. When you arrive, greet everyone respectfully and politely, making eye contact and smiling. You don’t want to find out the receptionist you were dismissive of is the CEO’s daughter. Consistently being a bit early prevents missed appointments and identifies you to clients and coworkers as someone who takes business seriously.
What’s considered normal behavior differs as you travel across the country or the globe. By always being respectful and polite, the chances of offending someone drop considerably. If in doubt, smile and keep your mouth shut, showing respect even if the behavior is off-putting to you personally. Loudly pointing out that Americans drink their beer ice cold won’t go over well when your London clients take you to a British pub.
Step Away 3 From the Phone A missed, unexpected call is rarely cause for panic; your phone has the ability to take a message, and if the caller didn’t leave one, it probably wasn’t important. Mute your phone’s ringer during meetings or while manning a trade show booth, leaving it in your pocket or briefcase. You can check it during breaks. Taking or making calls can be construed as rude, especially when someone is expecting your full attention.
5 Be Patient Cutting in line to jump into an elevator to get to your meeting or the trade show is rude and disrespectful. Even worse, imagine arriving at your meeting, or having a prospective client approach your booth, and recognizing them as the person you jumped in front of in line. If, during a meeting, you are eagerly waiting for a chance to speak, relax, take a deep breath, pay attention, and make eye contact; you just might learn something valuable.
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