Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Mahsa's Essentials for Business Travel - ListenMR

Hello dear reader,

I am writing this post from my cushy bed in my hotel in Montreal. I am here for work for three days then I am heading back home to Toronto. I have had the pleasure of going on a few of these short business trips since January (Vegas, Ottawa, Vancouver, Israel and Montreal ? holla!) which leads me to believe that I am an expert on what to pack.

Here is what you should take on your carry-on size suitcase (if you need to take a large suitcase on a 3-4 day trip then you better check yourself, before you wreck yourself):

Toothbrush, floss and toothpaste (I always forget toothpaste ? this is not good when you don?t have anyone to steal this from)

Tip: Usually any decent hotel you stay at will offer you a complimentary toothpaste, toothbrush or any other necessary toiletry if you do forget, so do not fear!

Why this is important: You?re on a business trip so you should assume that you will be meeting people ? make sure your breath stays fresh and pleasant.

(No, we were not sponsored by Colgate ? although we are open to it?)

Three pairs of shoes: I always pack one pair of heels (to wear with my longer dress pants and for fancy meetings), one pair of comfortable and good-looking flats (that I will usually wear in the airport or if we decide to walk somewhere) and one pair of rubber sandals (to wear in the shower ? thanks to my sister in public health, I know all about the bacteria and diseases that can be picked up from a hotel room because of bare feet ? google it.)

Tip: If you don?t have longer dress pants then you don?t need heels, you will only need one pair of comfortable flats!

Why this is important: You want to make sure you look good and that your feet stay healthy!

Two Pairs of pants: Always pack two pairs of pants. Usually you can wear one pair for two days, but it?s also good to have another one as backup in case you spill something on it or get caught in the rain.

Tip: It is better to pack a variety of nicer tops than to waste good suitcase space because of pants. Dress pants are dress pants ? no one will notice you wore the same black pants two days in a row. Change up your outfit with accessories and your tops.

Why is this important: You need more space in your suitcase to take back the things you buy on your fancy business trip. ;)

A blazer or cardigan: I always pack a blazer or cardigan for my trips because they help to complete an outfit and make me look more professional.When you?re in your 20s you need all the help you can get to look more mature and to be taken more seriously.

Tip: A blazer or cardigan can keep you warm on the cold plane too!

Why this is important: For the love of God, you?re on a business trip.

Mousse, hair straightener or magical de-frizz potion: I have big Persian hair, so I tame it with mousse, a hair straightener or some funky hair oil (which I have stolen from Rashel?s side of the sink). You never know when you will be caught in the rain or need to do a quick touch up between meetings. Always pack your hair products!

Tip: For a quick fix, a hair tie or bobby pin can also help to tame your hair.

Why this is important:? As all image consultants, and our good friend Janeen at Fashion Assist will tell you ? first impressions and how put-together you look make a big impact on people?s perceptions of you. You are likely meeting with people that you have spoken to via phone or e-mail but have never met in person ? don?t disappoint. This is very important in creating a professional atmosphere in the meeting.

Proper currency, credit cards and/or points cards: Depending on where you are traveling to (domestic or international), don?t forget to get proper currency for the country you are visiting, or to have cash or credit on you for emergencies (i.e. buying water or quickly grabbing a taxi).

Tip: Most international bank machines will allow you to use your debit card to withdraw cash for a small fee. Check with your bank to find out what you will be charged if you were to withdraw cash in a different country.

Why this is important: Always be prepared for the worst and expect the best!

Laptop or tablet: I usually take my laptop and Playbook (yes I have a Playbook!) with me on trips. The laptop has all of my files and will allow me to work (or blog) later on from my hotel room. The tablet will allow me to quickly look things up during meetings and keep me occupied during long airport waits.

Tip: Don?t forget your chargers (this includes your phone charger) and make sure they are readily available so you can charge on the plane or in the airport.

Why this is important: We all need to stay connected, if this was a regular leisure trip I would say leave everything at home ? but it is not. You are on a business trip.

Next time you?re venturing out in the world of business trips, think of me.

Happy travels!

~M

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Source: http://www.listenmr.com/?p=1134

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