I started writing on the plane, on my way to San Diego for my very first work conference! When the possibility of my team attending the Social Media Marketing World annual conference came up, I was elated. I wrote a quick pitch to my boss highlighting why attending this conference would positively impact my professional development. He was receptive, so I knew he was willing to send me off.  My boss wants to see me WIN. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to share how to maximize a business trip, if I was never given the chance to go on a business trip. Here are some tips:

1. Find a purpose driven career.

Journeys With Kris (JWK)  is all about navigating through the corporate world and surmounting personal adversities while catching more flights and really living our best lives all around. I can’t help you maximize a business trip if you don’t have the opportunity to go on a business trip. It starts with the profession that you have chosen and the people that you work for. Your company has to have a vision for your success and growth, all while achieving their business objectives. You as well darling, so focus on your personal career goals. Find something you like and break that glass ceiling.

2. Research on the city you are visiting.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” You cannot fully maximize a space unless you have a plan on how you are going to spend every second that you are not working. Research the city, popular things to do, What’s in close proximity to your hotel like restaurants, key landmarks and etc. Create an itinerary based on what sparks your interest. You have no time to waste, which is why the planning phase is crucial. All work and no play makes us dull children. However, all play and no work robs us of incredible learning opportunities and a wholesome life.

3. Arrive a day before the business mission.

I attended a 3-day conference and landed 18 hours prior to that. Touch down, get settled in your hotel, and head out into the city. If you are located downtown, that’s even better. The first day isn’t for you to fully explore the city and burn yourself out. Remember, your primary purpose on a business trip is business! Keep it casual - restaurant, cheeky shops, garden walks, museum exploring and etc. Remember to rest up because you have a full day of work ahead. Your company is counting on you to bring back valuable information.

4. Weekends are a gift from God.

Remember when I shared insights on how to maximize a weekend in Tulum? Bring that same energy on a business trip. Choose to extend your stay when booking your flight. Your company will not mind, because you are no longer spending their dollar. Here’s a tip - be prepared to extra on living expenses if you decide to extend your trip, since you will no longer be covered by the company. You should have figured out activities prior to the weekend.  Wake up early and knock out two or three activities. Have the time of your life. Come back more tired than you were when you left.

I want to encourage you to be the best in your field of work. If you clean tables, people should be able to eat straight off that table because you do a great job. If you make sandwiches, people should only want my sandwich made by you. If you are into real estate, I want you to sell me a house when I came in for an apartment. So on and so forth. Be the best you can be! More opportunities show up when you naturally excel. All of this leads to one thing, catching more flights.

Wander with me today, wander alone tomorrow.
Xx, Kris