Evian

Evian, France

• Market Research
• Hewlett Packard European Sales Training

How to Make the Best out of a Business Trip

Business trips are a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and your company. However, you must be able to take the best and these tips will help.

Steps

Do the most you can to prepare before hand.

• It is very important to know what is going on, even if your role is small.
• Prepare like you are the one presenting just in case you are needed…you never know.
• Ask questions before the trip so you are well prepared.

Listen and Observe.

• Pay attention to what is going on, do not wander off because one day that will be you.
• Take good notes to reflect upon after the meetings.

Participate.

• Even if you have a small role, the experience of presenting is important.
• Ask questions when needed so you can understand what is going on.
• Show others that you are part of the conversation.

Act as if you are the one presenting.

• When questions are asked, answer them to yourself, and compare your answers to what is actually said.
• Learn what the best way is to answer questions, even if you do not know the answer.

Reflect.

• Reflect by yourself or with your partner about the meeting and the outcome.
  • Ask the following questions:
  • "What were the concerns from the meeting?"
  • "What are the key points from the meeting?"
  • "What needs more work?"
  • "What are the next steps?"
  • "Was the meeting a success? Why or why not?"

Get to work!

• Use the new knowledge from the meeting and add value to the project.
• Contribute and start preparing now for the next meeting.
• Keep in contact with the other company or partners, show the progress, and ask for their input.