Traveling and business have gone hand-in-hand for a very long time. Traveling allows you to see the world, get to know new people, and find new markets to serve. While there are several things you may want to do when traveling, focusing on business should be at the top of your list. Use these suggestions to improve your career, find new opportunities, and possibly start a new life.
1. Go To Networking Events
Nancy Etz recommends that you go to networking events while traveling. When you are traveling, you are likely not thinking of business at all. This is fair because you work very hard and need time to relax. However, you should think of travel as an opportunity to meet new business contacts.
Find a networking event near your location that will allow you to go out for the night, have a few free drinks, and some free food. These events are typically parties held in the nighttime where everyone can relax. Instead of staying in your hotel one night, go to an event. You never know who you will meet.
2. Friends And Family Know People
As you travel to see friends and family, you should ask them if they know anyone in your industry or who might need your services. This is a normal conversation to have with family and friends because they are likely asking how you are doing, how work is going, and if you have anything planned while you are in town.
You can easily point out that business has been going well, and they might tell you about someone they know who needs your services. You could even ask about businesses that you saw while you were driving around. You might get a phone number, email, or even a meeting with a new client. You can take a short appointment to grab coffee, and you could meet someone who will change your career path.
3. You Might Meet Contractors While Traveling For Work
You might meet contractors when you travel for business because they are in the offices where you are working. These contractors might work in a completely different field, but they may be interested in your talents.
You can share your business card with these people, or you might agree to have a meal with them just to talk. This is a very simple way to meet people in new industries without making cold calls or going to events.
4. You Could Meet International Clients
If you are traveling overseas, you might meet international clients. Business makes the world work, and Nancy Etz recommends that you get to know businesspeople in the locations you are visiting. You might meet a shop owner in Bermuda who needs a business manager. You might run into a tailor in Panama who needs a graphic designer, or you might meet an artist in India who needs help with their website.
You can begin to build an international clientele, or you might receive business cards from people who want you to contact their friends. You may think this is unconventional, but most business deals happen by chance. Both sides were not necessarily looking for a deal, but a good opportunity presented itself.
5. You Will Be Exposed To New Industries
You could be exposed to new industries when you are traveling. For example, you may have family members who live in the Napa Valley. They are surrounded by the wine industry, and you might get to know people who work in that industry. You may find that some of the smaller vineyards need an IT guy, an artist, or someone who handles traveling sales on the east coast.
You also need to be open to the idea of working in new industries. You could change your career entirely if you want to start working in a new industry where your skills are needed. A business manager assumes they will sit in an office every day, but you might end up working at a brewery you found that needs your help. Never be afraid to make a change when you find new businesses and industries you would not have applied to in the past. When you are trying to build up your career, you can use traveling to make connections, gets to know people, and even find new industries to work in. Most people who are working in their “chosen field” need to find more contacts around the world or broaden their horizons. You might meet someone through family and friends, or you could meet international clients on a well-deserved vacation