In the digital age, face-to-face client interactions have drastically reduced. Email, videoconferencing and social media make communicating across huge distances fast and simple, meaning that in theory, customer relationships should be frictionless.
But the flipside is that some clients miss the personal touch associated with a firm handshake and in-person bonding and brainstorming. In a large nation like Australia, some coast-to-coast firms capitalise on business travel to keep their contacts sweet.
But it’s tricky ensuring talented travelling staff feel cared for and composed so they perform at their peak. So here are three tips to make business travel smooth and simple.
- Accommodation
There are always budgetary limits to consider, but when management cuts corners in booking the cheapest accommodation possible for staff, they’re sometimes shooting themselves in the foot.
Uncomfortable beds mean that employees are tossing and turning the night before high-powered meetings and turn up to negotiate suffering from sleep deprivation.
Substandard food drains their energy too — and the resultant slump means their sales pitches won’t be sharp and persuasive.
But there are plenty of corporate accommodation options that are comfortable but cost effective — Canberra emporium Hotel Kurrajong is an excellent example.
Designed by Commonwealth Chief Architect John Smith Murdoch, it brilliantly blends comfort with sublime Art Deco ambience — just the ticket for keeping employees fresh and focused.
- Corporate credit cards
Company expenses should cover business-related food and entertainment during trips — only a cheapskate firm would expect staff to pay from their own pockets.
But expecting them to use their own money and claim it back either isn’t ideal either. They may have unforeseen cashflow problems during that particular time period that mean money’s not available up front.
Allowing them access to a company credit card for the duration is by far the most convenient choice — you can set daily spending limits and still monitor any expenditure that’s inappropriate.
Staff might also be slightly safer carrying a card than cash if they’re working alone in an area where crime’s a consideration.
Credit card comparison site finder.com.au will help you select a corporate card that’s tailor-made for your requirements.
- Airport parking
When employees are travelling by air on their business trip, they often feel more chilled-out and in control if they travel to the airport in their own car.
But this sense of serenity is sometimes smashed to smithereens by the stress of trying to find a convenient parking space that’s safe and conveniently close to the terminal.
Booking ahead is always the best plan and it can sometimes secure discounted rates — airport parking comparison experts Looking4.com will help you find the best deals from Perth to Sydney and everywhere in between.
If you really do your research, you might find a valet parking provider that provides great value for money and delight your exec with door-to-door service.
Creating a corporate travel package that caters for employee needs without costing the earth is a challenge that’s not insurmountable — these business travel tips will help you tackle it with ease.
Does your company have a good business travel policy? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
