London is an exciting place and a major hub of business activities. As one of the most populated cities in England, it boasts an array of activities and sights to see while you are there. Preparing for your business trip does not have to be too difficult though; just use these simple tips as a guide to help you get started.
1. Know Where You’re Going
London is a big place with lots of confusing streets and several options for transportation. As a non-local, finding your way could get tricky. Firstly, where is your hotel? London’s major business spot is in Central London. Try to book a hotel near this area so that you do not have to trek very far. Travel companies like FCm Travel Solutions Australia can provide you with destination guides, which are great for helping you get acquainted with places so that you know what to expect before you get there.
2. Know the Itinerary
London businessmen are known for being very punctual. This means that you should be too. It might be worthwhile to book your flight for at least a day or two prior to your first meeting to account for any mishaps in your travel. Arriving earlier than your expected meeting will also be helpful to give you a little bit more time to figure out the city and where exactly you have to go. Stake out your hotel, the meeting place, and possible places to eat afterwards. If you arrive a few days early, this will give you time to rest and prepare for the meeting without having to rush after a long flight.
3. Prepare Your Etiquette
Business etiquette can be different than ordinary etiquette. This is true no matter where you go. What is the London etiquette? Do they shake hands? How do they prefer to be greeted? What is the proper business attire? Most London businessmen are quite proper and expect a level of formality upon a first encounter. This means shaking hands and addressing individuals by their title and surname. You would expect formal business attire to be common among London’s elite. Understand what Londoners value that might be different from you. Something they do may come across differently than intended and vice versa. Take time to know what these differences might be so that you can respond accordingly should they come up.
4. Stay Hydrated
Travelling – especially when you’re travelling towards a big meeting – is draining and stressful. Make sure you take care of yourself during your travel. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to and including your flight. Also be aware of any time difference between London and your home so you can take this into account. Sunshine is a good way to help repair your internal clock from jetlag, so if it’s daytime when you arrive, stay outside!
London is a great city with so much to do and see. Preparing for your business trip there doesn’t have to be stressful though; just follow these tips and don’t forget to enjoy the scenery of this beautiful city!