By Diana Smith
In order to have a successful business travel outside of your country, you need to put some effort in proper preparation. Depending on the purpose of your business travel and the country you’re visiting, you can make this trip and your surroundings work in your favor.
Plan the itinerary
For any successful business trip, not to mention an international one, you have to carefully plan everything. Clearly define the goals you want to achieve and work out the details for realization. Also, try to schedule enough meetings in advance so that you can have a clear image of your duties. You should have some free time between these meetings as well, in case some unforeseen circumstances occur or you have to attend another meeting.
Inform yourself
If you don’t want to waste any time, while on your foreign business travel, it would be wise to check the place you’re going to. Spend enough time on Google Maps to inform yourself about the way the traffic works and find the best routes to take. That way, you’ll get used to consulting a completely new city plan which will reduce the required time when you’re actually there. Moreover, by reading reviews and visiting forums, you can get some insight on best local restaurants and other significant places.
Educate yourself on the country’s customs and culture
This is really important, especially when you’re about to visit the country with completely different cultural values from your own. Get acquainted with all the rules of proper cultural business etiquette of the country you’re visiting, because this can save you a lot of embarrassing moments and even land you a good deal. Showing that you put enough effort in getting to know their own customs really speaks in favor of your professionalism.
Learn the language
If you’re lucky enough to have a considerable amount of time before your foreign business trip, do your best to learn the basics of the native language. Not only will you get around easier when you have to ask for directions and order food, but you will also show that you take their cooperation very seriously. Even if you have only a month or so before the trip, you can still use that time to learn some basic pleasantries, thus showing your respect towards potential business partners.
Businessman using digital tablet pc in hotel room
Be fully prepared
When the time of your meeting comes, you have to be fully prepared. This doesn’t only mean that you’ll have to nail your presentation and be eloquent and persuasive, but you’ll also have to provide some additional information about your business. Therefore, handing out the pamphlets or USBs with additional information will be considered very prudent and professional. Don’t forget about promotional swag, either. Depending on the type of business you do, there are various products you can choose from. For example, the USB drives you use for additional info can have your logo on them, or you can get some promotional T-shirts to make things even more interesting and appealing to the potential business partners. This will show that your business is not a risky – but balanced and well-organized one, with all of the aspects clearly covered.
While all the above-mentioned tips will significantly help you with your foreign business trip, in the end it will all come down to the way you present your business. Therefore, try to practice beforehand and act as natural and as confident as possible when giving the presentation. Also, prepare yourself with adequate answers for all the possible questions, so that you never seem unsure or confused.
Image Credits: http://search.creativecommons.org/
Author: Diana Smith https://plus.google.com/u/0/116091795770131287107/posts
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