At Dittoe PR, we have the privilege of working with an abundance of national clients located across the United States. Keeping in touch with these clients regularly is easy (shout-out to technology), but on the occasion we need to connect with them for a strategic meeting, conference, event or face-to-face check-in, we find ourselves packing our bags and hitting the road.
As enjoyable as it is to take a break from the day-to-day office tasks and strategize with our clients over a cup of coffee or assist in putting on a major event, it can also be stressful at times. Back home in Indianapolis, the workdays carry on. Our email inbox doesn’t magically halt and each client’s account teams are still expected to execute efforts and drive results. So how do we, as professionals with multiple clients or projects, stay productive during travel? Well, with practice, planning and discipline, of course!
Plan Ahead
Working with account teams has its perks, but don’t leave them hanging! Be sure to prepare your teams before you leave to ensure they are aware of travel plans, availability for communication and client work, and the best way to reach you.
A good rule of thumb is to schedule a quick meeting to hammer out any last-minute projects that need to be finished up before you leave or hand off any unfinished business that will need attention while you are traveling. At Dittoe PR we often collaborate on shared “planners” to track projects and priorities, so everyone is on the same page regardless of schedules. That way both parties feel prepared and confident to handle anything that comes their way.
Wi-Fi Works Wonders
Whether you find yourself on a long flight or road-tripping, the uninterrupted time to yourself may produce hours of productivity otherwise lost. If you are on a plane for an extended period, it may be a good idea to invest in Wi-Fi to research, write or answer emails.
On the other hand, if you are a passenger on a road trip and able to work in a moving car, bring a hotspot to get some work done! If Wi-Fi access isn’t an option, preparing notes for an upcoming meeting, creating content or scheduling priorities will keep you cool, calm and collected while on the road.
Inbox Insecurities?
The dreaded inbox. Everyone hates to think about their inbox when they are away. It may be scary to think about, but there are ways to take control. If you have the ability to respond in real time, take a few minutes to respond from your phone. If it’s going to take more of your time, flag the email and wait until you get to a quiet space where you can respond from a computer.
If you are on a work trip where you won’t be able to check your email as often as you would like, set up an email schedule to help balance the workload. Check and respond to emails a few times a day, for example, at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Setting an out-of-office message directing urgent emails to a colleague will also help to lighten the load.
All the Apps
On the road, your phone is always with you. That’s why it is so important to make use of apps on your phone that will help assist with work tasks. Get things checked off your to-do list in quick 10-20-minute periods while waiting for a client meeting to start, standing in line at the airport or waiting for a keynote speaker.
Some of the best apps to download are Microsoft Outlook, Dropbox, Google Docs, Google Drive and Slack (Dittoe PR’s personal lifeline).
Time To… Relax?
Traveling for a client can be extremely exhausting, so don’t forget to take some time for yourself! Make it a point to try out a new local restaurant, see the sights or visit a museum. You’ll never regret making time to explore. Even if you aren’t much of an adventurer or you don’t have time to see the sights, take a break at the end of each night and give yourself some quiet time. This will keep you energized and ready to take on the next day!
Work travel can disrupt day-to-day life, especially to anyone with a type A personality. Luckily, armed with the right tools to help us get through chaotic moments of traveling, we are able to navigate our workload with confidence.
Ready for us to come visit you? Contact Lauryn Gray at la****@di******.com , or request a consultation today.
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