So, you've gone on your business trip, you've closed the deal and you've crossed all your "t's" before you returned home. Now, you need to do a few more things after you finish your trip. The following are a few tips you should follow after your business trip is over. These suggestions will help you to close the loop and be more successful on your next trip.
Send Thank-You Notes
Remember all those business cards that you collected? Now, it's time to start pulling them out for reference. Send thank-you notes (not emails -- written notes are more personal) to your business contacts, restaurant managers, and hotel managers. Your business contacts will remember your professionalism, and the hotel and restaurant managers will remember you the next time you return to town. It's all about developing relationships, and sending thank-you notes lets people know that you think highly of them.
Fill Out Your Expense Reports
All of your organization is about to pay off as you sit down to do your expenses. Take your organized receipts, and begin plugging them into the appropriate areas on your expense report. Make sure your entries are correct so that you can get reimbursed quickly.
File Your Notes
Take the time to file your notes from your trip. If you liked the hotel, but were not as happy with the airline, take the time to make a note so that you remember for your next trip. Keeping notes ensures that you will not make the same mistake twice, and maximizes your efficiency on your next trip.
Unpack Your Things
Unpack your suitcases, and place your travel items in an easy-to-remember place. Place clothes in the wash, or take them to the drycleaners. Make sure you stow your packing list where you will remember it for your next trip.