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For recent graduates transitioning into the real world, the business trip can be a stressful, career make-or-break experience. To assist those new to business travel, Embassy Suites has announced the results of a recently conducted, nationwide survey that taps into the minds of seasoned business travelers and offers words to wisdom to all rookies out there.
Veterans reveal that being prepared is the number one secret to a successful trip. Seven in 10 experienced business travelers advise newbies to always have cash on hand for cabs. More than eight in 10 pack the night before departure and over half bring hard copies of important documents with them on the road (58 percent) or carry electronic copies on disks or flash drives (52 percent).
But even the most prepared traveler can still encounter mishaps on the road. Admitting to their most common mistakes and mishaps, rookies can learn what to avoid and how to deal with uncomfortable situations.
Thirty-three percent have spilled food or drink on the clothes en route to a client meeting; consequently, over half of respondents recommend business travelers always pack an extra suit. Nearly one in four (24 percent) have mispronounced a client's name or referred to a client by the wrong name. The lesson? Do your research, or follow the steps of 64 percent of respondents and apologize profusely to the client. Less advisable perhaps is to turn bright red and run away (3 percent). While only 9 percent of respondents have overslept and missed a meeting or business function entirely, 41 percent suggest setting two alarms for the morning of an important meeting.
Rookie travelers have this guidance and other useful information at their fingertips at BusinessBalance.com, a website loaded with tips, tools and resources to help all business travelers find balance on the road.