Business trips are an important part of building relationships and closing deals. However, these trips can also be quite costly and require time and effort. If you see the value of taking business trips, but your boss does not schedule as many as you would hope, there are a few points you can make that might make them more willing. Below we have listed some ways you can request to go on more business trips, so keep reading to find out how to help management see the value of business travel.
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Face to face interactions build trust and relationships
Communicating through email or phone calls can make it difficult to gauge chemistry and intentions within a conversation. However, when having face-to-face meetings with your clients, you have the opportunity to pick up on non-verbal cues, build a personal relationship with your client and show them that you care about your partnership enough to travel to them. Building relationships with your clients is the best way to develop trust for both parties and nurture existing relationships.
Closes more deals
There are many reasons why face-to-face meetings can close more deals for your business. Sitting in front of your client while discussing the deal removes external distractions, allows you to use body language to your advantage, and allows for a more clear conversation. On the other hand, discussing deals virtually or through online communication can make it hard for a client to absorb the points you would like to get across fully. Additionally, many clients are more likely to close a deal with an individual willing to go the extra mile.
Builds company networking
When you travel for work, you find yourself in many new places surrounded by many new people. A new environment allows for new networking capabilities. Your business may be well known around your town, but there is a good chance there is little to no knowledge of your company in other locations. Every business has an elevator pitch, and with all of the layovers, hotel stays, and restaurant visits, there are plenty of chances to talk up your company. You can build your company’s network worldwide from the exposure that travel provides.
Discounts available
The price of business travel is usually why management does not plan very many trips. The cost is not as harsh on the company’s bank account when using the many discounts provided by restaurants and hotels. Restaurants and hotels enjoy working with businesses because it usually results in a large amount of revenue. Many of these hospitality companies will provide %10-%30 off of lodging and dining.
Gain a new perspective for marketing
Marketing is one of the most important parts of growing a business. When traveling, you have the opportunity to interact with and experience many different cultures, people, and ways of life. Seeing how other people live can show you new ways to market your products or services to them and see the issues they face. Most great companies are successful because they solve a problem or fill a need. Gaining these new perspectives can allow for a more meaningful expansion into other areas.
Easier ways to plan a trip
The actual planning of a business trip is stressful, confusing, and time-consuming. Your boss needs to plan lodging, transportation, and dining for every employee who will be attending the event or meetings. All of the scheduling and research involved can quickly become overwhelming. However, there are some ways to plan a trip that can take most of the responsibility from the boss. You can write and submit a Request for approval or an “RFP.” An RFP is a way to let a hotel know what exactly you need in terms of rooms, amenities, and services. The hotel will then schedule and organize the entire hotel stay for the company. Additionally, travel agencies can be recruited to help plan and find the most cost-effective and reliable hotels, transportation, and dining for your entire crew.
We have gone over many valuable points to bring to your boss. Between the ease of planning, exposure to new places, and the importance of face-to-face interactions, requesting more business trips should require little convincing.