In today’s globalised business world, companies are increasingly interdependent on one another. It has never been more important therefore, to maintain strong and cooperative relationships with your business partners, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders. An increasing number of companies are beginning to recognise the market potential of the BRIC economies - Brazil, Russia, India and China – and other emerging markets, so it comes as no surprise that many companies are actively seeking to establish a solid network for themselves internationally and as a result, the number of business trips continues to rise. After all, maintaining close personal relations with strategic partners is crucial in today's interconnected and highly competitive business environment. And what better way to do so than by visiting these strategic partners on regular business trips?

Organising the Perfect Business Trip

The aims and targets for business trip can differ somewhat depending on the purpose of the trip. Business travellers may have targets set on establishing connections with new clients, suppliers and business partners or rather targets to strengthen ties with the existing ones. Other business travellers may be taking a trip for the purpose of attending a specific conference or trade fair. While it’s clear that the exact purpose of business trips tends to vary, one thing does remains certain – the average business trip will be far from your typical holiday. In business time is money, so when a company sends an employee on a business trip they are investing both valuable time and money. In order to make the most out of the trip, there will usually be a tight agenda of meetings, presentations of conferences during the allocated period. Organising the trip as thoroughly as possible, therefore, goes a long way in reaching the pre-set goals and making your business trip a worthwhile investment.

Here is some useful advice to follow in order to make the trip as successful as possible:

1. Basic Planning: Every business trip starts with a basic planning process. So you will first need to check for flights to your destination of choice and book the right accommodation option. List all the meetings and activities that you have planned during the trip. This will allow you to plan for a realistic time schedule in which all the planned activities can be pursued. In doing so, don't forget to plan for some leisure activities and down-time, especially on longer business trips. Hopping from one business meeting or conference to the next is tiring and you will need some time to relax, even if business trip schedules tend to be rather tight.
2. On-site transportation: This point is easily overlooked, but having an reliable on-site transportation option can diminish stress-levels considerably, allowing you to focus and prepare for your onward meetings. After a long flight you may want to use a limousine service like this one here for the airport transfer. This sophisticated form of transport will not only guarantee you with a smooth transfer to and from the airport, but will also be an excellent way of getting from one venue to the next. At the same time, it is definitely a sophisticated way of getting around or even collecting your business partners.
3. Presenting a certain image: While on a business trip, you should always remember that you are indeed also representing your company. In this sense, it is essential to uphold a professional image at conferences and within meetings. Naturally, this means following a certain dress code and showing up in your most appropriate business attire for meetings and conferences. For more informal occasions such as evening entertainment events with business partners, a smart casual dress code may do just fine. In any case, be sure to pack enough sophisticated suits, shirts and ties.

By following this advice your next business trips are more likely to be a success. Upholding a professional and sophisticated image, as well as being well-mannered and courteous goes a long way in helping your to establish strong and prosperous business connections with others.