Executive business trips: when a group of top managers meets their partners
Although sales staff are the most frequent travelers, a company's manager may also decide to meet with customers and partners. But for some occasions, it's necessary for an entire management team, or just a few members of management, to make the trip. This is what we call a group business trip.
For business travel by managers, see this article.
This type of business trip is recommended when a company is called upon to attend an international conference or symposium, for example. The main aim is to multiply contacts and forge partnerships, even if this is done unofficially at the outset. It also helps to build confidence with potential partners. Indeed, when a management team, or part of a management team, travels, it gives an idea of the importance of the company.
Executive business travel: good preparation is the key to success
You don't go to war without sharpening your weapons. And you can't go to a major event without preparing for it too. As you can see, for your group business trips, it's important to work together to know who's going to be on the trip, and to be efficient in the field.
Preparing a group trip is not very different from preparing an individual trip.
- To begin with, you need to glean as much information as possible about the event, the partner who will be hosting you or the convention. In the case of a conference or convention, it's important to obtain a list of participants to get a feel for the event. Who are the potential customers you can approach? Don't forget to find out what these customers expect and what they do.
- Then plan your trip. Make hotel reservations, buy plane tickets... In short, make sure you have a way to get there and stay put.
- Finally, draw up a field deployment plan so that you know who's doing what, and you don't get confused.
Executive business travel: how to make the trip a pleasant one for everyone?
Although work is the primary objective of your trip, it must also be pleasant so that the team can work in good conditions.
- It's important to adapt to the group, talk to everyone and foster team spirit. To do this, it's important to avoid subjects that could cause arguments.
- Try to help others by lending a phone for a call, or helping out a colleague who needs a charger, for example.
- Making conversation is essential. Of course, work will be one of the most talked-about topics, but you can also find other subjects. Try not to get too involved in the other person's private life. As far as possible, avoid irritating subjects such as politics and religion.
- Take the lead when it comes to relaxing. If you know the city or the country, during free time you can suggest restaurants or tourist sites to visit.
- When you're on the move, even in your spare time, it's important to always look your best. Although suits are de rigueur in certain circumstances, it's important to choose comfortable clothes.
Good organization on group business trips saves time and money
Your executive business trips are also a major source of expenditure. CTA Business Travel can help you avoid a big hole in your company's coffers.
Depending on your needs, the agency prepares a personalized follow-up. A dedicated account manager is at your disposal. The account manager's main objective is to find the best solution for your company's travel policy, while effectively meeting the needs and expectations of your staff and management.
What's more, the agency makes it possible to optimize spending costs. This means that the agency offers you quality services at affordable rates. This includes access to one of the largest inventories of hotels and car rentals on the market, as well as an ultra-competitive fare database updated in real time. Not to mention the centralization of all your data, such as airline tickets and invoices.
The agency also offers its customers a reporting service. This is a powerful analysis tool that includes an extensive list of data, such as the evolution and breakdown of business travel expenditure, analysis of fare classes, and more. This service provides a global view of costs generated, identifying expense items, general travel trends and savings opportunities, and thus enabling the company to adjust its travel policy.
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