Saving Time 3

Season 3

Travel

Business means travel and if the position is important, it may be extensive-domestic as well as foreign. It can be a great waste of time if travel is not managed properly. However, if you are well organized, travel can be a major time-saver. It gives you uninterrupted work time. There are no phone calls, no casual visitors, no meetings, and if there is a crisis, someone else takes care of it. In two hours of travelling time, you can accomplish what would take you three hours of normal time in the office. If that is to be achieved, travel has to be planned and managed well to get the maximum out of it. The entire travel should be organized in such a way that you get the most out of your time from the moment you leave until you return. If you have layovers, put that time to effective use. Schedule appointments at car park, make phone calls or do some reading.
Carefully plan the papers you would need during the tour.  You cannot make decision on matters unless you have the necessary background files with you. Be sure to include all the things you may need: writing materials, calculator, dictating machine and laptop computer. Do not forget extra batteries and the phone cord for uploading material to your assistant's computer.
Prepare a detailed appointment schedule with names, addresses, and phone numbers of all business contacts, including residential numbers. Dates, times, and places of appointment should be listed along with any pertinent instructions on locating the addresses.
Don't waste time in making the travel arrangement yourself. Leave to the professional travel agent. After your appointment are confirmed, have the car booked accordingly. Avoid arriving or departing during the local rush hour.
If you travel frequently, make a checklist of personal items for both cold and warm whether destinations. Try wherever possible to restrict your luggage to a carry bag; you will not waste time on waiting for the baggage in your arrival.
Before you leave, discuss how the work would be organized during your absence . discuss possible problems that may arise when you are away. The office persons should know the extent of their authority during your absence. They should know which decisions they can take and which should wait for your return.
Make arrangements to phone the office at a set time every day.
Travel only when it is a must. Look at all the other ways of accomplishing your travel mission. See if the other party can be invited to come see you. You can send someone else or use others communication methods.
If you travel everyday to work by bus, train and car, you can put that time to good use. Various alternatives available are: business reading Reading, writing reports or replying to the correspondence. The mobile is a great time saver.



......MC Kings.....