Etiquette While Away on Business

Whether you’re the low man on the totem pole or the CEO, there are basics of business etiquette that you have to keep in mind when you’re away on business. This guide will help you avoid potential social blunders.

Etiquette Back Home

Before you depart, tell your most important people—managers, customers, whoever you deal with daily—where you’re going and when they can expect you back. You don’t necessarily have to give them a way to get in touch with you while you’re gone, but it’s rude to disappear, and that kind of rudeness can spoil valuable relationships.

Etiquette on the Way

You might be an influential Vice President back at the office, but between home and your destination, you’re just another passenger taking up space. Be considerate of your fellow travelers, and don’t talk about your business unless it comes up naturally in conversation. You’ll leave a much better impression by showing even a little bit of courtesy, and that perception of your business can pay off later.

Etiquette in the Field

When you get to where you’re going, keep the courtesy and consideration going strong. Understand that when you’re away on a business trip, you are the face of your company to the people you meet. Being a representative is a tremendous responsibility—don’t forget that! Behave as you would back home, as if the area you’re visiting is your very own market. Even if it doesn’t immediately benefit you, it’s still good practice.

If you’re provided with an itinerary for the trip, stick to it. Someone took the time to plan things out effectively for you, and you should respect that effort. Most importantly, following a schedule will help you get the most out of the experience; what good is attending a convention if you miss all the seminars?

Etiquette Upon Returning

As soon as you get back to work, answer every message left for you and find out what you missed. Provide your superiors and peers with a report of the trip; casually talking about the trip is fine, but don’t waste too much time. It’s best to get back immediately into the swing of things, applying the knowledge and skills you hopefully picked up while you were gone.