Tips for Saving Money on Business Travel

 

Business travel is very different from traveling for pleasure. Traveling for work has its limitations with respect to duration and expense. Since economic viability is of importance when it comes to any business undertaking, one has no choice but to consider ways in which unnecessary outflow of cash can be harnessed without much ado. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make your business travel easy, affordable, and smooth. We have mentioned these things in the form of simple, easy-to-understand tips. Once you're equipped with these tips for saving money on business travel, you can effortlessly save hundreds to thousands every year. Shall we start noting them down?

#1. Evaluate phone charges.
Thanks to the perpetually skyrocketing roaming call and data charges, one of the most exorbitant bills you pay after a business trip is your phone bill. An intelligent way to tackle this problem is to buy a local SIM card every time you visit a new place where you are likely to spend a substantial amount of time. By cutting down on roaming charges, you'll save a LOT of money by paying for only local outgoing call charges. As far as internet data charges are concerned, the best advice I can give you is to use Wi-Fi. Mostly all airports and hotels now offer free Wi-Fi services, so this shouldn't be a problem. Finish as much work as possible using the Wi-Fi connections at these places; it'll drastically reduce your costs later on.

#2. Carry enough reading material.
This may look like a weird, quite unconventional a tip that may not really be of any help, but before you jump the gun, hold your horses. Think about it, don't we usually end up buying a magazine or a book at the airport in order to keep ourselves entertained throughout the journey? While working on the flight is a good option to finish pending work, sometimes you only want to unwind. Instead of spending a few dollars here on reading material at the airport, load a few articles, books, and even movies on your cell phone. This way, you won't add to your luggage and your expenses.

#3. Say yes to public transport.
By using the public transport in any city, you can further reduce your business travel expense exponentially. How does this work? Seek details of the area of your travel for the day from the hotel reception. Ask them to provide commutation details, such as modes, alternative routes, and approximate charges. This way, you can cut back on almost 80% of your commutation costs when compared to the amount you would have to shell out for a cab. If the hotel doesn't have these details, use Google Maps. It's one of the best apps for such kind of information. You might pay for Internet data charges, but they'll still be lesser than the cab fare you would be required to pay.

#4. Lookout for deals.
There are a million travel deals you can tap and cash in on if you keep an eye out for them. The best and most profitable of the lot is the frequent-flyer program (FFP). Almost every airline, old and new, offers this loyalty program. Under this, you become entitled to several discounts, privileges, and offers, especially if you fly quite often. The best places to find these deals are airline magazines. Always go through these magazines, usually kept in the seat pocket in front of you, and you'll be surprised to find some of the best deals you've ever come across. Apart from this, you can also apply for a debit/credit card that has a tie-up with an airline.

#5. Never fall prey to luggage fees.
The most unforgivable mistake you can make is to create situations to pay luggage fees. It's not always possible to weigh your luggage at the last minute, but it's always possible to save a lot of money in this area by being a smart packer. Business trips don't need much luggage and there are a few tips you can follow to reduce your luggage just in case you're combining meetings or planning on a long trip. You already know how you need to replace magazines and books with eMagazines and eBooks. In a similar way, cut down on multiple gadgets and instead carry one that functions as an all-in-one cell phone, music player, tablet, camera, and laptop. Apart from these, don't carry too many clothes, food items, and/or stationery. Calculate the number of days you are going to spend at a place and pack the exact number of clothes in keeping with your itinerary. Fill the empty spaces inside your shoes with jewelry, socks, handkerchiefs to save on space. Keep things as minimal and compact as possible.

#6. Go for rooms with kitchens, not minibars.
Though a business trip may not give you time to cook, it's advised that you pick hotels that have rooms with kitchens. This way, you can cook your own meals even if you choose to make just an omelet. Minibars seem tempting; all you have to do is open the door and serve yourself. However, bills that come with the usage of minibars are usually far from attractive and highly inflated. Items available at a minibar are always charged at a higher price, sometimes as much as 30% more. A room with a kitchen will also enable you to save the money you would otherwise spend on eating out. By choosing this option, you can work, eat, and rest in just one place.

#7. Befriend locals.
The best people to help you when visiting another city are not guides or agencies, but locals. They know the city the best and have no hidden motives; they don't gain or lose anything by cheating you. They're the best people to approach when you need help with directions, prices, or suggestions. Just by asking a local for something as simple as directions, you save on Internet charges by not using apps, on money you may end up spending while commuting via wrong or longer routes, and in the end, time - the most crucial element while on a business trip. They also come to your aid when you're looking for inexpensive places to eat, relax, or work.

#8. Club trips to save thousands.
Most of the time, an executive travels to a specific place to work with a specific set of clients. In such cases, it is always advised to combine trips. For example, if you're meeting a client in Italy, you might as well make arrangements to meet another one in Spain right after your schedule in Italy. Imagine the amount of money you will be shelling out if you go to Italy, come back to your original country of work, and then fly out to Spain again! You can actually save yourself a lot of money by avoiding at least two extra to and fro trips by planning your travel smartly. This not only applies to places that are located in the same geographical area but also to places that are halfway around one potential business area. For example, if you have to travel from India to France, you might as well also plan meetings in New York and finish it off at one go. This way, you can save thousands. By planning multiple meetings in the same city, you save on both traveling and staying costs. The basic tip is to get maximum work done in one single trip in order to economically use financial resources in the best possible manner. Of course, it is not always possible to club your trips because the schedule of different clients may not always match. The point is to try and schedule trips in such a manner as frequently as practicable.

#9. Understand taxes and use them to your benefit.
Taxes levied on income from any source are waived off to a specified extent when certain stipulated types of investments/expenditure made can be shown. Travel expenses are one of them. Though only a portion is eligible to be waived off, the sum still amounts to quite a lot. So, educating yourself about how these benefits can be reaped optimally can result in saving money in the long run. Similarly, a lot of things come with additional taxes while an individual is traveling. These include food at the airport (sometimes), items at the minibar, services like laundry in a hotel, etc. Though a person learns more about these from experience, it's good to at least know the basics in theory.

#10. Look out for opportunities to make multiple bookings together.
Always remember that there are certain advantages and incentives of booking more than one ticket, especially in flights. It is always better to book tickets together in order to avail group discounts. This way, your company poses as a potential customer to the airline - a reason why they'll always offer you certain privileges that they won't offer other passengers. A company is a more respected entity with a higher brand value and credibility score than an individual in the eyes of airlines, hotels, and other business houses. A company is always more trustworthy than an individual. Also, in many ways, having your company as a client works in the favor of these houses when it comes to building their own brand value.

It's very easy to save money while traveling for business. Think twice before you spend. It is a common observation that we tend to shell out a lot of extra cash when traveling primarily because there is no time to evaluate and understand how little things can contribute to unnecessary expenditure. Sometimes, we also opt for convenience by throwing money at a problem instead of racking our brains over tiny little details due to lack of time. These tips for saving money on business travel and a little prior planning will not only reduce your overall expenses but also help you to travel smarter in future. Believe it or not, a few smart choices in the beginning will lead to your paying fewer bills later on.

Etiquette for business Travel

 This is an age of globalization and nations all round the world have come very close as it is imperative for all of them to work together for fast progress. Multinational corporations have their offices in almost all countries and to carry on operations smoothly, they need some employees to move for some time and work at their foreign offices. Those jobs, which involve traveling for company work abroad, are considered to be quite prestigious in society. Top-notch companies pay for air tickets, luxury accommodation and all needs of their employees when they are in a foreign land. At the same time, it is the duty of employees to maintain the business travel etiquette so that they create a good impression about themselves and their company when they are meeting with their clients.

Etiquette for Business Travel

Pack Your Essentials Properly
Make sure that you take along all essential items which you will be needing there. It should not happen that you leave important documents and fall into trouble later on. Along with the documents and office related things, packing the best clothes you have - both formal as well casual is also important. Other essentials such as your laptop, cell phones, etc., should also be apart from your packing list for travel. Packing for a trip will be easy if you can prepare a list of the essential things.

Follow Airport Guidelines
So, you are going abroad on a business trip with some of your colleagues and are quite excited about the same. Reach the airport on time and co-operate with the airport authorities by completing all the formalities properly. When you meet your colleagues at the airport, greet them with a warm hello followed by a handshake. Getting help from travel agents while traveling by air is a good idea. You should possess important travel documents such as passport, visa, identity and age proof, nationality proof, etc. Once you enter your plane, follow all instructions and air travel tips given by the cabin crew and staff and do not argue with them. Air travel restrictions are common for all and so abide by them to avoid falling into difficulties. Be polite and humble as this can alone get you a gentleman's tag.

Look Good and Presentable
Among the various business travel tips, being presentable and looking decent is an important one. So, when you are on a business trip, look into the mirror and make sure that you are wearing ironed, clean and good clothes. Wear the necktie and suit properly to look like a sincere professional. Have good posture while walking and sitting and a smile on your face. Maintain eye contact with people while talking and talk sensibly as these are the signs of a person having good body language. This is also one of the most commonly suggested international travel tips.

Conduct
Throughout your travel, your conduct should be extremely good. Do not make gestures and actions which can be irritating for other people or your own colleagues. If you are traveling with your boss, do not get too casual, give him the respect which he receives in the office. There would not be any ban on cracking jokes, laughing or having fun, but you should know exactly when to indulge in some good fun. Carefully listen to what the other person is speaking and then give your own opinion. You cannot just start entertaining everyone in an ongoing meeting or serious discussion!

Party Behavior
Party behavior is also an important section in business travel etiquette. Often these days, parties are arranged in hotels or restaurants for employees for some recreation. However, since it is an office party, you need to follow some behavioral norms. Avoid over drinking and making any kind of obscene gestures which can annoy the people around. Always be in your senses and be extra polite when it comes to interacting with female colleagues.

Dining Etiquette
In the course of your business travel, you are always under observation. So, even while dining with your colleagues, you must follow important etiquette. Never go late for the dinner and keep others waiting for you. If this happens, apologize immediately for your late arrival. Start your dinner along with all others and not before them. Avoid talking over the phone while eating or talking too loudly which can be disturbing for others. If you have to attend an urgent call from someone, then excuse yourself and come back immediately after attending the call.

By following these business travel etiquette, your journey would be a very memorable one. If you are planning for a business trip in a hurry, then last-minute air travel tips will help you a lot. So, hoping that you will carry out these suggestions, I would like to sign off here. All the best!

Four Jobs You Can Get With a Diploma in Graphic Design

While it's easy to conclude that most degree courses end up in one straight path--like nursing, or education, or engineering, unfortunately (or very fortunately), that is not the way graphic designing in the Philippines go. With an expert knowledge in computer graphic design, you can get into a huge number of industries and businesses and earn a job even at the comforts of your own home.

So to students out there, here's your guide to the vast fields you can explore with a graphic design diploma:

1. Self-Employment

Most professional artists end up being freelancers and entrepreneurs, selling their talents and taking the credits for it. Unlike those who work for a designing firm, they own the copyrights of their work and they get the full earnings for their talents.

But why do most designers take this path? Their skills are in demand locally and abroad, yet they chose to tread alone? Here's the definite answer: artists are artists. They want individual expression without external control. If you can relate, then maybe you should try freelancing at least once. The only downside is that venturing on your own is very risky. You have to get your own clients, you have to sweat the marketing stuff, and you have to learn the art of communication with many kinds of people. Nevertheless, it's an adventure.

2. Marketing

Marketing is for graphic designers who are interested in building brands. If there's anything thrilling about the profession, it's the simple satisfaction of having your work identified with a known product or company.

There's a 'fame' factor to artists who are signed with big brands. You are crowned not just with plain bragging rights, but also with big opportunities. In addition to a bright designing career, some knowledge on marketing is a big asset in any career or business you might want to pursue.

3. Media & Entertainment

If your passion is decoding how animated movies and TV shows are made, then there are no second thoughts on whether you will fit working with the mass media.

Most artists who work for movies and TV shows have a personal bias towards non-commercial types of work. They just want to design for the sole purpose of entertaining people while earning enough to butter their bread. But who could've guessed that it's also a lucrative career?

4. Web

The Web is perceived to be the most promising portal of growth for designers. Why you say, people and businesses are starting to realize that the Internet is already playing an integral role in today's digital age.

Notice how many hours are we spending to surf the Web compared to the past decade? That'll grow, or even double for the next years. If you want endless possibilities for your career, you can never go wrong with online graphic design.

But of course, the first step is actually getting the hang of graphic design in the Philippines. Want to explore these possibilities? Go with us at: http://www.ciit-ph.com

Measuring Instruments: How They Increase Productivity and Help You Avoid Errors

Why You Need Measuring Instruments

In any business there is always going to be a focus on results. To achieve the best results every aspect of your business has to be efficient. Inefficient processes can cost a business time, resources, and money. Every component of the product creation process must be carefully measured to avoid errors. From creation to shipping every step in the process must be accounted for and variables measured. An over looked tool in production efficiency are measuring instruments. If your production is sloppy and inefficient the wasted time and production materials are very costly to your bottom line.

Proper use of measuring instruments makes sure your production process doesn't have any wasted steps. This also increases productivity, decreases waste, and makes a business safer. The following are several measurement tools that could be useful to you. If you're already using them make sure they're working properly. If not consider adding measurement instruments that are relevant to your production supply chain process.

Accelerometers

A question you may ask yourself during design is, "Is this thing durable enough?" The accelerometer measures force of movement. It gives you an accurate reading of acceleration as it relates to free falling. Some more advanced models will also detect direction. Now measuring shock and force of movement can be highly useful. If you are in an industry that produces any type of product that has to have a certain degree of toughness this is one of the measuring instruments you'll want to use. This isn't just for vehicles either. Some items such as protective equipment have to be able to take a certain level of force impact. By using an accelerometer you can make sure that the safety equipment you're selling can provide the needed level of protection.

Pulse Encoders

A pulse encoder is a measuring instrument that senses location and speed of certain repetitive linear motions. These measuring instruments are useful in certain devices, for example, material handling machines and cranes. These types of machines have a limited range of motion and often make the same movements over and over again. If a crane or sorting device is off it can cause damage or accidents. A pulse encoder makes sure a device is operating within its design specifications.

Fluid Property Sensors

These measuring instruments measure what you'd expect. They measure the properties of liquid components. By this they could measure, oil, fuel, coolants or lubricants. They measure any property that you'd consider important to know. For example fluid levels, viscosity, and temperature are all mission critical things to know. Like car mechanical devices need the occasional oil change. You don't want the engine of a production device needing repair due to oil burn off. Likewise you don't want perishable stock going bad because the refrigeration unit needed more coolant. With these measuring instruments you keep your downtime low, limit equipment damage, avoid equipment failure and keep production running.

Temperature

You've probably been in a building of some type that is either too hot or too cold. Temperature measuring instruments help you avoid that by giving you the needed information to avoid abnormalities. There is a marked difference between an overly hot office and an overly hot production factory damaging expensive equipment. Temperature is important and certain equipment needs a certain range to work properly. Too hot or too cold and efficiency of production goes down and damage might occur. You should always have temperature measurements available to you, so if cooling or heating repair is needed you'll know. There is a wide range of measuring instruments for temperature so make sure to find one proper to your industry.

The article is written by Patrick Perry, as a specialist in Business articles. For more information, Embedded Sensors is the trusted experts with embedded sensors.

Cool Business Cards Captures The Mind Of Clients

Every business has some identification icon by which it can be identified easily. That is named as logo. For the small business and medium business logo may not be so much popular as like giant corporations. Then to identify it, brochure etc, are very affordable and adorable items. To make presence one's business in the world making Amazing Business Cards, flex, banners, folders, leaflets, pamphlets etc, are very good idea.

The best Business Card Designs are nowadays are very much available in the market and many online makers are ready to provide you the most Creative Card Design. Here are some words from an expert card maker.You are in a meeting as a business representative and want to let know about your organization or business activities, the little business cards can make it very easy to introduce very effectively speaking not lots of words.

According to the experts, a card should make future contact. So the card should have the power to do it effectively. Paper and color selection are very necessary here. The glossy paper is really long lasting. But it depends on the many other things also. If printing is not clear, it may lose its appeal. There are many good quality papers and it does not cost much. It should be actually dust free while making the card. Unique design and shape are necessary. it should be easily carried. Design choosing is very much important matter.

Before design you can ask the designer to show other cards they have made already for the other clients. It will be helpful to custom and choose your one. Origami business cards include a conversation like feature which will make a recipient to contact with you later to do business. Your name, contact details, address, company info will be presented in this way that people get a message form that. That is why the designs need true professionalism. The most Creative Card Design needs to use font, color and card background color uniquely.

The panels in the card can play a vital role here.Now it is matter to choose an expert designer. Nowadays it does not involve hovering in shops. Many online designers are available. You can choose them following some steps. At first you need to visit the site and then view the samples of their earlier projects. The design actually speaks the ability of the producers. If the designs looks effective to you then go for testimonial and feedbacks or blogs. Theses feedbacks give you confidence. The card producers normally hold these links. Must see the pricing factors if present in their links. If everything seems affordable then contact them for your orders.The Amazing Business Cards is very significant thing for any business and professionals like teachers, doctors, lawyers etc. If you have your own identity then must take the advantage of it to increase your earning. Being a competitive market, the tool is really effective and you should not lose it. Capture the mind of the clients easily.

Industrial Filtration: The Many Different Designs and Uses Available

Industrial filtration systems refer to a wide range of topics and products coring a number of different industries. The uses are many and for whatever filtration needs you may have there are many solutions. What follows are several different industrial filtration systems.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters are a type of two-part filter. They are made of an outer casing and a removable internal filter element. These devices are often used in water treatment but there exist versions that can be used on oil and gas based substances. Water based systems can be as simplistic as a single faucet to entire large tank systems with thousands of gallons being circulated.

When used in industrial filtration systems they help in industries that work with hydrocarbon based liquid chemicals. The construction of cartridge filters does depend on use. Water filtering cartridges tend to be made out of high-end plastics while those working with hydrocarbons are made of stainless metals. When used in industrial filtration systems the cartridges are housed in filter housings that resemble a large standing tank.

Bag Filters

Bag filters are systems based on high capacity filter bags. If you choose to use bad filters you have a variety of options. Bag filters can differ in length, degree of filtering, and liquid capacity. Bag filters are also stored in housing units that pump the desired liquid substance through them. These industrial systems can differ in design for their indented use. For bag filter housing units you have single bag types, multi bag types, and duplex types. A single bag type is suitable if you don't have to filter a vast amount of liquid plus they take up less room. A multi bag system is a larger unit with multiple internal bag housings for filtration of greater volumes. Duplex systems are for more unique uses. If your choice of industrial systems involves mixing they can be very useful. These units are separate filtering tanks that are linked together. In this way you can use them to filter in stages or mix substances together.

With bag based industrial filtration systems your choice comes down to the type of bag used. Materials used are commonly cloth such as felt or polyester. The designs can differ a great deal. Single layer bags are often cost efficient and useful in general filtering. For heavier basic filter there are double-bagged options and filters with internal pleating. When it comes to specialized filtering heavier polyester filters are an option. These filters can handle far more corrosive chemical substances and filter out gel like substances. As a general rule the more cohesive and heavy the substance you're trying to remove is the heavier systems in use will be.

Strainers

These industrial systems are the types that come to mind when you normally think of filtering. These are large metallic tanks that use basket filters for the industrial filtration systems. These strainers high operating standards as it relates to liquid pressure. Most can also handle temperatures well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. When it comes to strainers there are two types for you to consider. Your choice will be based on the amount of use your system will be getting. When it comes to industrial filtration systems not all of them are running constantly. How much filtration you do will be based on industry. In this respect a strainer designed for quick element changes should be purchased if you're filtering a high volume of material at a fast rate. For a slower more deliberate filtration method there are strainers designed for extended use.

Natalie Kennedy writes a series of articles about Business. The business File-Trek is a credible source of information for those who want to read more about industrial filtration.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Kennedy

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Interesting Ideas And Insights For Home Based Business

Many people have learned that one path to financial success is a home business. This might be the case, but they need to know where to start. Remember, if you want your business to succeed, you need to learn everything there is to know about operating a successful home business. This article discusses the things you need to know to get started.

If you are attempting to decide what product you want to sell or service you want to offer, choose something that would make your life a little easier. If your product offers a solution to a common, everyday problem, people will be more interested in buying it. If you develop a solution to a common problem you face, your product is sure to be a success.

A great tip for your home business is to research search engine optimization and use it to improve your rankings with Internet search engines. It's important because it directs traffic on the web to your site. There is more than one way to optimize and as a consequence, there are differing opinions. Take note of several approaches and use the ones you find to be the most fitting.

The Internet can be a lifesaver when it comes to blossoming as a home business owner. The marketing that you can do on the Internet can give you a big boost in income. Blogs, article writing, forums, and emails are all great ways to get your business more visibility for free, leading to more traffic.

It is all too easy to become consumed with your work when working at home. Designate a specific area that will be exclusive to business activity and keep it separate from leisure and family space.

Laugh as much as you can! When you laugh, you give a boost to your brain, your lungs, and many other systems in your body. Best of all, it helps to remove stress and improve your outlook on life. So give yourself a break that will bring you back to your home business with enthusiasm. The choice is up to you: "Peanuts" cartoons, a viral video of someone's dog doing tricks, "Saturday Night Live", whatever it is that makes you laugh.

Creating realistic expectations of your home business will help you stay in check with your opportunities. What is the potential of your product, and will it gain more interest over time? Does your business operate honestly and ethically?

You should select a business name that has meaning with regards to the products and services you are selling. Your business name is your brand name and your brand name should relate to your customers what products you are selling. Consider using a fun anecdote or a story of inspiration. This makes your brand recognizable and will aid in developing the loyalty of customers as time passes.

Develop a regular schedule of time to devote to your work at home that is separate from your personal time. Establish a cut-off time, and stop answering business calls after that time. In order to lead a balanced lifestyle, you need to set time aside for things besides work such as yourself and your family.

Speak with a business attorney before starting a home business. Laws regarding home business vary from state to state. If you take the time to speak with a business attorney, you can learn more about the laws in your state. This can help you to avoid legal troubles in the future.

Now that you have a greater idea of what you need to do to create and manage a home business, you should start feeling like you can accomplish your home business goals. Remember that the information you learned is only going to work if you apply it. If you follow the tips in this article, then your home business should succeed.