Expert: Joel Linton - 4/4/2004

Question
Hi Joel,
I was just hired by what seems to be a fantastic company and I'm taking my first business road trip.  I am going to Indianapolis, from Cleveland.  I am staying in a hotel from Sunday to Friday.  I have never traveled for business and don't know what the protocols are.  What do I do after work?  Should I hang out in the room?  I'm not familiar with the area and I don't know anyone.  I know this is a broad question, but how is the best way to handle myself on this trip?

Answer
Dear Jennifer
The first consideration is that you should make sure you are staying in a safe area and in a decent hotel. Not knowing your company policy (do they make the reservations or do they allocate a budget for you to make the reservation?) that is the first and foremost consideration.

Decent hotels usually have good in-house restaurants too, so you would not have to get out to eat -- however this gets a little boring after one or two nights.

Decent hotels have a wide selection of TV channels too -- that will allow you to be in the room and be entertained.

Decent hotels (almost all) have broadband internet connection in the rooms, allowing you to log-on to take care of business and private email.

Check all these issue when making the reservation -- the hotel is going to become your home for 5 days and you need to be comfortable and safe.

Are you renting a car ? This is a good idea because it gives you some flexibility -- of where to go and what to do during down time, like to a store or a Mall or a movie.

Regarding after work time -- see how that goes, there might be a situation during your work day where you might feel comfortable to invite your client/customer to dinner.  Be careful with this protocol and be sure that you feel comfortable with this situation.

I never have a late night before a big meeting !  I have learned the hard way and am happy to advise against it -- have a good night's rest before and be sharp and awake in the meeting !  Don't rely on your alarm clock, the hotel wake-up call or Starbucks to see you through a day when you have been out past midnight have a good time !

I trust that this assists you and am happy to take more questions if you have any.

Good luck and all the best -- and let me know how it goes.

Kind regards

Joel