Small Business Big World Episode 20: Tips for Traveling for Business
This is Small Business Big World, our weekly podcast prepared by the team at Paper Trails. Owning and running a small business is hard. Each week we’ll dive into the challenges, headaches, trends, fun and excitement of running a small business. After all, small businesses are the heartbeat of America and our team is here to keep them beating.
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Traveling for business can be both exciting and daunting, and often leaves many feeling overwhelmed. However, with the right strategies, business travel can be a rewarding experience. In this article, we explore tips for traveling for business through the lens of Kortney Nedeau, an entrepreneur who has spent significant time traveling domestically and internationally for work. Her journey, offers practical advice for making business trips efficient and enriching.
At Paper Trails, we understand the fears and headaches that come with managing business travel, payroll, HR, and small business management. Our goal is to assist small businesses in navigating these challenges with ease.
The Journey of Kortney Nedeau
Kortney’s story begins with her grandfather, who sold shoe leather for 67 years. Inspired by this family legacy, Kortney ventured into the footwear industry, taking her across the globe from meeting designers at LL Bean to overseeing quality control in Asia. Her extensive travel experiences offer a wealth of knowledge on managing business travel effectively.
Streamlining Travel Hacks
One of the key tips Kortney shares for traveling for business is utilizing pre-check and global entry programs. These services expedite airport security and customs processes, saving valuable time and reducing stress. Additionally, she highlights the importance of strategic credit card use to maximize travel rewards. By choosing the right cards for different expenses, you can accumulate points and benefits that enhance your travel experience.
Balancing Work and Personal Life on the Road
Balancing work and personal life while traveling is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being. Kortney manages her schedule in one-hour chunks, allowing her to stay organized and make the most of her time. This meticulous approach ensures she remains productive without feeling overwhelmed. Embracing local culture and supporting small businesses also enriches her travel experiences, making each trip both productive and fulfilling.
Managing Travel Expenses with Strategic Planning
Traveling for business often involves managing expenses efficiently. Kortney uses specific credit cards for different types of expenses to maximize rewards. She also employs a detailed tracking system using an Excel sheet to monitor travel costs and bookings. This level of organization is essential for keeping travel expenses under control and ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Adapting to New Experiences and Changing Circumstances
Flexibility and adaptability are key traits for successful business travel. In this episode, we dive into the willingness to embrace new experiences and adapt to changing circumstances as a crucial factor for success. This mindset not only enhances travel experiences but also contributes to business growth and innovation.
Personal Growth and Cultural Appreciation
Beyond logistics, Kortney’s insights extend into personal growth and cultural appreciation. By immersing herself in local cultures and supporting small businesses, she gains a deeper understanding of the global market. This approach benefits her business while fostering personal growth and enriching her travel experiences.
Conclusion: Making Business Travel Efficient
This podcast episode offers a wealth of knowledge for both seasoned business travelers and those preparing for their first trip. Kortney offers practical tips for managing travel logistics, balancing work and personal life, and embracing local cultures that provide invaluable insights for making business trips more efficient and enriching. Tune in to learn from her experiences and apply these lessons to your own business travel endeavors.
At Paper Trails, we’re here to support small businesses in overcoming their travel fears and headaches, ensuring a smooth journey from payroll to HR and beyond.
This podcast is a production of Paper Trails. We are a payroll and HR company based in Kennebunk, Maine, and we serve small and mid-sized businesses across New England and the country. If you found this podcast helpful, don’t forget to follow us at at Paper Trails Payroll across all social media platforms and check us out at papertrails.com for more information. As a reminder, the views, opinions and thoughts expressed by the hosts and guests alone. The material presented in this podcast is for general information purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. By inviting this guest to our podcast, Paper Trails does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific individual, organization, product or service.