NFIB

Business Trips Aren't Over Just Because You're Back in the Office
04/ 03/ 2002

It's tiring to travel for business, and most of us can't wait to get back to our routine. Relieved to be back from a business trip, most travelers neglect the little tasks after a trip that make them much more productive. When you return to the office, email, voicemails and memos await you, and leave little time to properly handle post-trip activities.

But taking the time to do a few quick tasks will keep you organized and possibly add to the success you experienced on your trip. In today's Workshop, contributor Jeffrey Moses provides a list of things you should know when you return to the office.

1. If you have to write a report about the trip, don't put it off. The sooner it's written, the more easily all the details will be recalled. Ideally, reports should be completed within several days of returning.

2. Schedule all follow-up phone calls, letters, emails and future trips with your new business contacts.

3. Make Rolodex cards for all new contacts and file, along with their business cards, brochures and any printed material.

4. Take a minute to write a thank-you letter or email to anyone you met with during your trip. It's a little thing that means a lot to people. They'll remember you for it.

5. Record personal information regarding hotel, airline and car rental preferences for future trips.

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