Time management is essential for all professionals, but it’s especially important during corporate travels, because on business trips, time mismanagement can lead to financial consequences.
Most travelers have tight schedules and must manage multiple responsibilities, attending meetings and networking events, all while managing their workloads remotely. Managing your time properly can help you stay organised, focused, and productive during business trips.
Here are our top tips for better time management on your next business trip.
1. Always plan ahead
This one might sound obvious but it’s worth mentioning anyway. As time management expert Brian Tracy says, “Every minute you spend in planning saves ten minutes in execution.” So, make sure your itinerary is clear and concise; include buffer times between meetings, and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Consider using a travel management platform like Tumodo to consolidate all your plans, reservations, and schedules in one place. Which brings us swiftly to the next point…
2. Make the most of technology
Take advantage of your smartphone, smartwatch, and other tech for time management. Whether it's syncing your calendars, downloading offline maps, or using collaboration tools to stay in touch with your team, technology has countless time-saving qualities for you to leverage on your travels. You can even schedule emails or automate replies to make sure you stay on top of your inbox when you're on the move.
3. Up your airport game
You need to get good at dealing with airports and all the admin that goes with them. Check in online beforehand, pack light so you can skip baggage checks and pickups, and keep all the necessary travel documents organised and readily accessible (again, this is something Tumodo can help you with). All of the above will help you breeze through the airport with ease.
4. Stay productive
Time spent in transit doesn't always have to be downtime. Keep important documents, work tasks, or reading materials easily accessible in your carry-on luggage. Whether you’re doing a quick dry run of an important presentation or catching up on industry news, it’s always a good idea to turn waiting time into productive time.
5. Set your priorities
Outline what you need to accomplish during your trip and prioritise accordingly. Whether it's closing a deal, making new business contacts, or exploring a new market, setting out clear goals will help you focus your time and energy where it's needed most. With that said…
6. Practice selfcare too
Time management isn't just about squeezing in as many tasks as possible. It's also about maintaining your personal wellbeing. Keep hydrated, eat well, and try to make time for some form of physical exercise, even if it's just a short walk between meetings. Taking care of yourself will help you stay focused and productive. Also, ever heard of bleisure? It’s an emerging travel trend combining elements of both business and leisure; find out more about bleisure it here.
7. Reflect, re-evaluate, and revise
After each business trip, take a moment to reflect on what worked for you and what could be improved. Adjusting your approach and learning from each experience can lead to even more efficient travels in the future. Before you know it, you’ll be the one dishing out the tips.
Remember, business travel shouldn’t be a frantic scramble from one meeting to the next. Thoughtful planning, the right tools, and adaptability are all the keys to your success.
If you’re interested in discovering how Tumodo can help streamline your business travel time management, get in touch with us. We’re always happy to help.
Safe travels!