Traveling for business can be both exhilarating and challenging. It offers the chance to meet new people, experience different cultures, and expand one’s professional network. However, maintaining and building business relationships on the go requires skill, tact, and the right strategies. You can draw wisdom from books, and this is currently the most effective way to understand the subtleties and develop communication skills between different cultures.
Here are 6 books for building business relationships while traveling:
1. “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi
Keith Ferrazzi’s seminal work, “Never Eat Alone,” is a masterpiece in the art of networking. His central tenet? Generosity. Ferrazzi advises never to eat alone when traveling. That lunch or dinner, it’s not just a meal; it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to connect. To bond. Ferrazzi believes in creating a community around oneself by building genuine relationships. His approach? It’s about giving before receiving. When on the road, this means seeking out locals, colleagues, or even strangers to share a meal.
Are you trying to figure out how you can maximize productivity while traveling? It’s not that hard if you read books on building relationships, building a business, and maintaining productivity during periods when you’re idle or waiting for something. How can I make my business travel easier? Use FictionMe – a story reading app that instantly frees up space in your carry-on and gives you access to a variety of books. FictionMe is both fun and self-improvement. Using a novel app while traveling, you can find the perfect books to suit your mood.
2. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie’s classic, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” is still essential reading for anyone wanting to build strong relationships. Published in 1936, its principles on effective communication, empathy, and relationship-building are timeless. For business travelers, the book offers practical tips on making a positive impression, building rapport, and influencing others. Whether you’re meeting new clients or attending a conference, Carnegie’s advice will help you handle social interactions with ease and confidence.
3. “Building Business Relationships: One Conversation at a Time” by Tony Alessandra
Tony Alessandra’s “Building Business Relationships: One Conversation at a Time” provides practical advice for establishing and nurturing professional connections. Alessandra’s Platinum Rule—treat others the way they want to be treated—emphasizes empathy and adaptability. For travelers, this means being attentive to the preferences and expectations of their counterparts.
4. “Global Dexterity” by Andy Molinsky
Navigating different cultural landscapes is a significant aspect of building business relationships while traveling. Andy Molinsky’s “Global Dexterity” addresses this by offering strategies for adapting your behavior to fit into various cultural contexts without losing your authentic self. Molinsky’s advice is practical and based on real-life examples. He discusses how to adjust your communication style, etiquette, and overall approach to different cultural settings. What’s more, the book is available a couple of clicks away in FictionMe from Google Play, like thousands of others. This is your chance to better understand the culture of other countries, their priorities, and therefore find more effective approaches to people.
5. “The Art of Social Media” by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick
In today’s digital landscape, social media is key to cultivating business relationships. “The Art of Social Media” by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick provides a thorough guide on effectively using social platforms. The book offers practical advice on building a strong online presence, engaging with your audience, and leveraging social media for networking.
6. Meaningful Alignment by Robert Schaefer and Susan Steinbrecher
“Heart-Centered Leadership” by Susan Steinbrecher and Robert Schaefer emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace. The book offers invaluable advice for developing healthy habits in daily interactions, which is crucial for building strong relationships with colleagues.
Practical Tips for Business Travelers
In addition to these comprehensive guides, here are some practical tips drawn from these books for building business relationships while traveling:
- Schedule Personal Time: Amidst the busy travel schedule, carve out time for personal interactions. A coffee meeting or dinner can be more impactful than a formal office meeting.
- Learn Local Customs: Showing respect for local traditions and customs can go a long way in building goodwill. Even small gestures, like greeting someone in their native language, can make a big difference.
- Stay Connected: Use technology to stay in touch with new contacts. A follow-up email or a message on LinkedIn can help keep the relationship warm even after you’ve left the country.
- Be Adaptable: Flexibility is key. Be prepared to adjust your plans to accommodate your counterparts’ schedules and preferences.
- Show Gratitude: A simple thank you note or a small gift can leave a lasting impression and show your appreciation for the relationship.
The Bottom Line
Building and maintaining business relationships while traveling requires a unique set of skills and strategies. Don’t assume that you can be productive, achieve goals, and connect with people from different cultures. But books can be your guide. So, pack your bags, grab a book or app, and get ready to take your networking skills to the next level.
