Travelling abroad can be one of the most thrilling experiences of your life, but did you know that doing so can also teach you some important skills for life? In fact, taking that next trip can provide you with some vital insight into how to succeed in business, in ways you might not have even considered.
Whether you’re just starting out in the business world or are looking to hone your skills for future success, taking that next city break could do you a whole lot of favours – teaching you how to communicate, plan your time, problem solve and more. So, if you need another excuse to get booking your dream getaway, then look no further – read on to find out how vital it could be to your professional development, then start packing that suitcase.
Communication
The first and most crucial business skill to get to grips with when travelling the world is communication – especially when dealing with clients who speak different languages to your own. But communication is about far more than just speaking a few words of French or Spanish – you also need to have the skills of persuasion. The more polite and understanding you are to local people, the better your experience will be, and this will serve you well when you need to persuade a new business acquaintance to sign on the dotted line for that big, important deal. In business, communication is key – whether you are talking to your colleagues or a client.
You need to be able to get your ideas across in an effective way and make sure that people know exactly what you want and expect. You also need to be able to listen effectively to their ideas and needs.
Planning and time management
When you’re travelling abroad, it helps to plan an itinerary to organise your time – that way, you’re sure to get the most out of your trip and manage your time effectively. From booking tickets ahead, to deciding which activities you’ll do each day, and working out how to get from place to place – there’s a lot to consider. Bu it’s well worth the time and effort if it means you’ll go home feeling fulfilled at the end of it.
Planning and organisation are both crucial skills you can carry over with you into the business world and will ensure that you are efficient and always one step ahead of the game. Good time management is essential to ensure that you can work to deadlines and get things done, proving that you’re reliable and contributing to that next big deal you win.
Spotting a scam or a bad deal
There are plenty of scam artists around the world that regard tourists as easy targets, and often, this really is the case. Fail to prepare, and prepare to fail – it’s vital that you educate yourself about what to look out for beforehand if you want to avoid being conned.
Tourists often don’t understand the local language and are unaware of local customs, as well as carrying cash on them wherever they go – so it’s little wonder that scammers can spot them a mile off. Read up, learn a bit of the language and try to pay by credit card wherever you can – these are the things that will minimise risk and ensure that your trip remains a successful one.
Going travelling for an extended period or going on several trips can help you to develop your ability to spot scams – a skill that will prove invaluable to you in the business world. For example, travelling abroad will help you to familiarise yourself with a range of currencies – an essential skill for Forex traders – and combined with the ability to identify scams, you will fast become known as a competent and clued up trader. This is the type of shrewdness that is praised by experts and dedicated online resources like Forexfraud.com, which helps Forex traders identify common scams in the industry.
Stress management
Travelling is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable pursuit, but anyone who has ever been in danger of missing their flight because of a delayed train will know that it isn’t always the case. With so much to organise and with many of the accommodation, travel arrangements and activities reliant on each other, things can quickly become stressful – but these types of trips will teach you to deal with it calmly and effectively to come up with the best end result.
The business world can be equally stressful, whether it’s making a big investment or getting a new client on board, and each situation must be dealt with in a cool, calm and collected manner to maintain your good reputation. Fast-paced, high pressure environments are commonplace, and it’s crucial that you’re able to keep up. Travelling will help you not just to get used to stress, but thrive under it, too. It’s a great reason to book a trip – just try to get some relaxing in, too.
Adaptability
When things go wrong, as they inevitably sometimes do, you can either sit there and complain or you can do something about it. Good planning is essential for any successful trip abroad, but you might also need to take action and make some fast decisions on the fly. For example, when travelling, you might suddenly be presented with a new and exotic food – you can either bow out of trying it and risk offending your hosts, or you can adapt to the scenario quickly, steel yourself, and take a bite.
In business, the same level of adaptability is key to the success of projects. Things won’t always go the way you want them to, so it pays to learn to think on your feet. Being able to make fast decisions based on your knowledge and instinct is one of the biggest differences between those who succeed in business and those who do not.
Teamwork
Travelling in a group will require teamwork – not just to ensure that the finer details are planned, but to ensure the entire trip goes smoothly on a day to day basis. Whether it’s working out how to use the train system or putting your heads together to work out how to communicate with a local, you can all help each other out – but it’s important to learn to listen carefully to others to ensure that you’re all on the same page.
Whilst many successful businessmen and women happily work alone, having a good team behind you can make all the difference. Collaboration is a vital part of doing good business, whether with clients or your own colleagues, and it’s vital that you learn to get along with people to create a smooth and harmonious working environment. The ability to work as a team is one of the most useful skills you can have – so go and book that trip, invite some friends, and put it all down to doing your research.
