11/ 08/ 2005
by Steve Strauss
Q: I just got a new job that will require a fair amount of travel. Any tips on making the most of my travel time?
A: Though we live in an era where technology, such as the Internet and Web conferencing, has reduced some business travel, it’s still a way of life for entrepreneurs and many business professionals.
For some of us, business travel is an opportunity to take a break from the daily grind. Others are simply too busy to not work while traveling, which begs the question: How do we make the most out of this time? My suggestions are:
1. Go mobile: Wireless technology has made it possible to never be far from the office. A good wireless laptop allows you to work on planes or trains and transmit your product home (or wherever) the next time you hit a wireless “hot spot.” Even better, some laptops are so advanced that you can always stay online no matter where you are.
Even if you don’t want or need a wireless laptop, don’t overlook the opportunity to use wireless technology in your phone or PDA. Tools like BlackBerrys allow you to send and receive email and attachments in the palm of your hand. It makes time in airports productive.
2. Catch up: How many articles, magazines and business books do you have sitting around you have been meaning to read? Bringing them along on your next business trip is a great way to catch up. If you have work-related reading, such as reports, memos or files languishing in your in-box, grab them and go.
A few hours on a plane or train is also a good time to write that report without interruption. The key, of course, is making sure that your laptop has a long-life, lithium battery. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting a large project when you know that it will take longer than your allotted travel time. No problem. The key is to “chunk it down.” Before you go, divide the project into workable chunks, then dedicate your trip time to a few chunks. This has the added benefit of making your project much more manageable once you get home.
3. Use the clock: Time differences can be your friend. If you’re based on the West Coast and travel East for a few days, you work until 8 p.m., calling and e-mailing people on the West Coast until 8:00 p.m. East Coasters can use the same strategy in the morning.
4. Sharpen your saw: In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey tells the story of a man who took forever to saw down a tree because he was too busy to stop and sharpen his saw. If he had, his job would have gone much faster.
As busy as we are these days, it’s hard to take time to sharpen the ol’ business saw. But trips are a perfect time to do so. Books on tape or audio seminars are a great use of travel time.
5. Plan for fun: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Sure, it’s great to be productive on your trip, but don’t forget to plan for some sightseeing or nightlife. It takes the edge off.
