If you're like many entrepreneurs, you're probably familiar with the endless struggles of business travel. Between the layovers, hotels, and meetings, business trips can be an exhausting experience. But by planning ahead and making all the right moves, you can find ways to avoid burnout and stay productive.
That's why we asked 11 entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneur Council the following question:
Q. What’s your top tip for staying productive and energized while on a business trip?
1. Make To-Do Lists According to WiFi
To stay productive, I make lists. One list is all work that can be done with internet connection at the airport or hotel, and the second list is all the work that can be done on the airplane without an internet connection. –Peter Bonac, Bonac Innovation Corp.
2. Feed Your Creativity
Business trips are a great way to tap into your creativity. Some of my best ideas have come to me while I’m on the road and talking to people outside of my own company. When you work long hours, it becomes difficult to think outside of the box, which is why I always try and use trips to realign myself and reignite my creative side. –Jonathan Shokrian, MeUndies Inc
3. Try Something New
I often draw the most unexpected and brilliant inspirations when I experience new scenery. Even walking through a park in NYC gets the creative juices flowing and springs new innovations. So every time I travel, I make a point to try something new and enjoy the new scenery, even if it means scheduling an extra day. –Elle Kaplan, LexION Capital
4. Give Every Meal a Business Purpose
Engage past, current, and future customers, hires, and anyone you can network with. I meet with anyone willing to sit down with me when traveling to our China offices, as do the rest of our founding triumvirate. These meal meetings are an efficient change of pace during our demanding three to four week trips. Oh, they can be tax deductible too! –David Mainiero, InGenius Prep
5. Splurge on Airfare and Accommodations
You'd have to do your own cost-benefit analysis, but when I have long-haul flights and a tight schedule, I've found it valuable to fly business class or first class to skip the jet lag. It's also worth staying at a 4- or 5-star hotel where you know they'll have everything you need (a gym, a business center, etc.). Having status at the major chains (e.g., Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood) can cut costs and add benefits. –Justin Cooke, Empire Flippers
6. Stay Connected to the Office
When traveling, I make it a point to check in with the office throughout the day. This keeps me grounded and reminds me of the purpose of the trip. It also ensures that projects won't get stuck on my desk while I'm out. The team also knows to ping me for approvals to ensure deliverables are met. –Megan Bedera, Amplify Relations
7. Stay in the Heart of the Action
When you have a choice of where to stay, always center yourself in the heart of the city so you can experience it firsthand during your downtime. As a natural byproduct, you will walk more, discover what's unique about the city, experience new things and places, easily find "hot spots" to eat at, and much more. Staying in the heart of the city will stimulate your mind and body. –Eric Mathews, Start Co.
8. Add an Extra Day
It might seem counterintuitive to be out of the office longer, but I always add an extra day on either end of my trip to settle in. Arriving and immediately going into sessions or speaking takes a lot of sustained energy, so even a few hours to work in quiet time or relax by the pool is helpful. After the event, having another extra day helps me wind down, review notes, and follow up with contacts before leaving. –Kelly Azevedo, She's Got Systems
9. Pack Snacks
I optimize time by jamming in as many meetings as humanly possible when traveling. This often means that instead of eating lunch, I'm in a car headed from one meeting to the next. I find that packing snacks, like GoMacro bars, are healthy tie overs until my next meal. While it's always better to keep on schedule with meals and sleep, it's better to be prepared with these in your bag than not! –Kim Kaupe, ZinePak
10. Stick to Your Schedule
Schedule your time wisely to include sleep, meals, work, exercise, and social time. Email (unfortunately) doesn't go on hiatus during a business trip, so leave an hour during each day to catch up on work not related to the trip. Schedule time for meals and sleep, since not having them will lead to a drop in productivity. You should also try walking to your meetings, especially in urban settings like New York City! –Tim McHugh, Saddleback Educational
11. Choose the Right Hotel
Don't stay at a hotel that is a full-time party. Choose a quieter area or one that will have a business room so you can stay focused on your work. Even a larger suite with a desk in it can help you be more productive. –Elliot Bohm, CardCash.com
