Friday, October 28, 2011

Should companies keep traveling?



"There's a link between travel and a company's top-line growth," said Alicia Tillman, vice president of global communications marketing services for American Express' global business travel.
In an earlier AMEX survey, the company found that companies that utilize business travel estimate that they won over roughly 50% of their perspective customers through face-to-face contact, compared with just 31% without in person meetings.
"Despite emerging technologies that can serve as alternatives to travel, nothing really replaces what you gain with those in person interactions," Tillman said, noting that travel is seen as a competitive advantage and helps build client relationships.

If I were a company owner that required my employees to do a lot of traveling, I would definitely be interested in utilizing virtual meeting spaces-cost efficient technology to offset the traveling cost. On shorter flights, flying first class would not be required, as it is debatable whether a relaxed person in first class is more productive than someone sitting in economy class. Also, corporations give out a blank check for business travelers to choose the best hotels in the market to stay in. I would pre negotiate a rate for my company before lettting my employee us the company card to unnessary pile up points for their personal benefits. There are slew of other ways to cut traveling expenses. This is just the start. Any one disagrees?

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