Invest in Travel: 6 Smart Travel Tips for Entrepreneurs

by YFS Small
culled from:http://yfsmagazine.com
If you’re an entrepreneur in the startup stage, traveling is a great way to spark creativity and make connections. While money is tight for any new small business, don’t rule out trips. Migrating away from your comfort zone and meeting new people should be viewed as a business investment.
Follow these six tips for smarter business travel to get the most for your money and maximize your experiences.
1. Find an Appropriate Time
Equally important as how you invest your money as an entrepreneur in the startup stage is how you invest your time. Are you at a point where you need to be cranking out code behind your laptop for the next month? Stay put — you’re likely to be more productive at home or in the office. But if you’re at a stage that requires time to brainstorm and reflect, pack your bags! A change of scenery could be just what you need.
2. Take a Chance
Get creative with funding and planning your trip. Funds (and lodging) can come from a variety of sources, and keep in mind that you may need to make some sacrifices along the way. If you need to crash on a friend’s couch to afford two weeks in the Caribbean working from your laptop, that’s okay. Or you can try Couchsurfing.org, a site that connects people looking to exchange free lodging for cultural experiences. Traveling brings a fresh perspective and inspiration that makes it worth the plunge.
3. Create an Agenda
Build an itinerary before you go, especially if your trip is longer than a week. It’s not necessary to do “work” every day — you can and should submerge yourself in the culture and have some fun travel experiences. But do set parameters for what you want to achieve by asking yourself these questions:
a. What do you intend to accomplish?
b. How will you achieve your goals?
c. How will you stay connected with your team?
Even if you’re embarking on a short trip, the goal is to forge meaningful relationships and bring back new ideas.
4. Write and Reflect
Don’t just talk about starting a travel journal. Do it! When most people take a trip, they focus on “getting away,” partying, and forgetting about real life as much as possible. Instead, allot time to reflect and record your thoughts and experiences. More importantly, continue to reflect upon your experiences when you return; give yourself time to debrief, celebrate your trip, and come back to reality slowly. Reread your writing and look at pictures so your trip has a lasting impact.
5. Don’t Always Focus on ROI
Travel should be about personal growth and developing relationships with new people. It should not be viewed as a business development transaction — not all benefits can be measured in ROI. If you’re taking a short, retreat-based trip, for example, focus on meeting new people and creating contacts. Don’t hesitate to talk to strangers. Bounce ideas off those who you feel can be of help. Various opinions and outside perspectives never hurt.
6. Keep in Touch
Keep track of the people you meet along the way. Maintaining contacts can be beneficial in the long run, and social media is a great tool to stay in touch. You can create a solid network of people from across the world using Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
A break from the everyday routine and a change of scenery can boost productivity, reenergize you, and get those creative juices flowing. As a new entrepreneur, you should view every dollar spent as an investment. Do take a trip, but plan it wisely to reap the maximum benefit, and don’t forget to stay in contact with all the great people you meet along the way.
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