The Leone Company has a client that takes me out of town, on average, once every four to six weeks. I now have him speaking regularly at industry conferences across the country, as sharing his expert knowledge with hundreds, if not thousands, of potential clients within his target market is the best way to cultivate new business. (Side note: I’m happy to discuss opportunities like this for you!)
Without a doubt, this increased amount of business travel took a bit of getting used to. I had grown accustomed to staying in town and, most recently, I had been used to working from my home office, enjoying organic snacks throughout the day with a set routine. But, let’s be honest: there’s something exciting about breaking up a regular work schedule with the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Here are just a few tips, tricks and systems (would you expect any less from me?) I’ve picked up and created along the way:
- Use travel time to catch up on reading. For some people, a few hours on a plane may be an extension of regular office work, but for me, it’s pure, uninterrupted time to get those things done that have been piling up on my desk. Literally. Like that stack of industry publications that I love to read but always come in quicker than they hit the recycling bin. (Driving instead of flying? Audiobooks are still amongst my favorite ways to pass the time.)
- BYOS. Bring your own snacks. One’s brain, stomach and budget can only survive on the mini-bar and sugary morning danish for so long. My personal favorites include my own stash of herbal tea, apples, peanut butter with crackers and a few protein bars. For others, it’s their own coffee with their favorite creamer.
- Remain loyal to your hometown time zone. As tempting as it may be, know that it’s just going to be harder to get back in the groove when you return to the office. That series of late nights in Sin City hits harder than you think when returning to the East Coast.
- Let your staff (and other clients) know of your change in schedule. If you’re going to be generally unavailable for more than a day, make your staff and clients aware of the best way to reach you, even if you think they won’t notice you’re out of town. When you’re new to the role of freelancer, contractor or agency employee, people sometimes forget they have more than just one company to report to. And, let’s be honest, you’ll need to plan ahead with them anyway.
- Be sure to get a few minutes of YOU time daily. With conferences, client dinners and answering emails in the day’s remaining minutes, it’s easy to go a few days without a breath of fresh air, a walk to clear your head, or a few stretches to your favorite tunes. In order to continue to be productive, make sure you re-group.
Have a favorite tip? List it below!
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