Out of town assignments, conferences, sales trips…these are some of the perks of a job. If they are company sponsored and company paid, your time belongs to the company. Your behavior out of town can make or break your career. Just ask the Secret Service Agents or military caught in the recent scandal in Columbia. What happens in Vegas, contrary to popular opinion, does NOT stay in Vegas. Improper conduct, misuse of company funds or fudging your expense report can cost your job.
While having fun is part of the package, there are limits. Here are seven tips for making the most of an out-of-town business trip without jeopardizing your job.
1. Get the best rates. If the conference hotel has a block of rooms, that’s probably the place to be. If you’re making your own reservations, look for a hotel and rental car that meets your needs at a reasonable price. You need a place to sleep and do some work, not entertain 20 of your new friends. Remember, you’re spending someone else’s money.
2. Be a good hotel guest. Hotels want to make guests comfortable and fix problems, but if you’re unreasonable, constantly complaining or asking for special favors, it will eventually get back to the home office. Be pleasant and courteous, even when dealing with problems or poor service.
3. Stay within budget. Budgets are tight, so don’t assume that the $50 room upgrade or two martinis at dinner are “no big deal.” Unless you have authority to approve upgrades or splurge on the lobster thermidor for six, watch the bottom line. Your boss will appreciate it.
4. Know when to say when. Relax, enjoy an adult beverage or two, but know when you’ve had enough. The group you have “one too many” with at dinner is the same group you will face in meetings the next morning. Knocking things over, falling down or asleep from too much alcohol may be funny in the movies, but not in real life.
5. Don’t fraternize with the clients. True love can strike anywhere, but keep it professional. The combination of alcohol, a romantic restaurant, music and escape from the ordinary can be a powerful aphrodisiac. The trip will come to an end, and it’s back to reality.
6. Keep receipts. You should be able to back up all expenditures. If you take along a spouse, child or friend, and be sure to deduct any of their expenses before submitting your expense report. Be honest about extra expenditures. The umbrella for the two-day rainstorm may have been a reasonable expense, but the phone charger you bought because you forgot to pack the one from the office may be your responsibility.
7. Show appreciation. Send an email to your boss thanking her for the opportunity to attend the conference or take the business trip. Give a short summary of events and any observations or suggestions from the trip. You just may get tagged for the next trip.
A few minutes of craziness or giving in to temptation isn’t worth losing a good job. Make the most of an escape from the workplace on the company’s dime. Come back relaxed and with no regrets.
Any other suggestions for keeping it professional on the road? Share them in the Comments section below.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!