Business Mobile

Experts say demand for “green” business travel is growing - really?

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:27:00 +0000

According to this news item, demand for "green" travel amongst business travellers is increasing:

Demand is growing for “green” services in business travel, a panel of experts told more than 225 travel managers and suppliers gathered in Toronto last week at a two-day conference sponsored by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Canada.

Panelist Michelle White, Director of Environmental Affairs for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, said many organizations’ requests for proposals (RFPs) for business travel agreements now include questions about what the chain is doing to mitigate its carbon footprint. Meeting planners, too, are looking to "green" their events, she said.

Call me an old cynic (no, really, I don't mind) but it doesn't particularly ring true with what I see - and if there is a mention of green issues anywhere, I often have the feeling it's only lip service being paid.

Then again, this meeting was held in Canada, and they do things differently - and often better - over there...

10 Business Travel Tips

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:50:00 +0000

Don't expect to get anywhere on time. Accept delays as the rule rather than the exception - you'll live longer.
Always print out and keep the confirmation of your seat booking just in case a computer goes down.
Whatever else you forget, don't forget your passport, cash/cards and medicine.
Always take your laptop as hand luggage, never check it into the hold.
If you're carrying or planning to buy anything which might break or leak, use a sealable bag. Take one with you anyway even if you have no plans to use it, you might make an unexpected purchase.
Take dark clothes, they'll look cleaner longer.
Tie something colourful around your bag or bag handle so it's easier to spot on the carousel.
Use Skype, and make sure your account has sufficient funds before you leave.
Take a network (Ethernet) cable with you, don't rely on the hotel having one.
If you have the opportunity to recharge your phone or laptop while waiting somewhere, do so.

Bias and discrimination - your thoughts as a business traveller

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:34:00 +0000

The Seattle time recently ran an interesting article about various forms of bias in the travel industry. Here's an excerpt:

Kathleen Anderson was the only woman in business class on a recent Northwest Airlines flight from Düsseldorf, Germany, to Chicago. And it cost her. A flight attendant waited until she had taken all the other meal orders before asking Anderson what she wanted for dinner. By then, only one entree choice was available. Later, the same attendant offered her mixed nuts in a shot glass, while the men were given their snacks in a larger bowl. "I sat there wondering, 'Is this the way women are normally treated in World Business Class on Northwest?' " she remembers...

What are your thoughts and experiences? Have you been discriminated against as a business traveller on grounds of race, age, sex, sexuality, disability or some other "reason"? Please let us know by leaving a comment.

Top Tips for Business Travellers in Saudi Arabia

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:49:00 +0000

- Saudi Arabia is a strictly Islamic country, and you should be observant of Muslim practices and laws when conducting business there.

- Be prepared to make frequent visits, as business is based on personal relationships in Arabic culture, and face-to-face meetings are preferred. Friendship and business are interlinked, and relationships are based on mutual benefit and reciprocity of favours.

- Appointments should be made in advance, with scheduled times regarded as approximate rather than fixed, due to the relaxed approach to time in Saudi Arabia.

- There is a five-day working week starting on Saturday. Normal working hours are 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. When scheduling appointments, it is important to take into account the five daily prayer times, as well as the Islamic religious holidays.

- Both men and women should dress very modestly for meetings, ensuring that most of the body is covered. Westerners should not wear native clothing as this may be seen as offensive.

- First names are only used between close friends in Saudi Arabian business. Arabic titles such as Haji or Sheikh, or professional titles (e.g. doctor, engineer, professor) should be used if known.

- Saudi Arabians usually shake hands as a greeting with foreign visitors, and may kiss close friends on both cheeks. You should shake hands with everyone present, starting with the most senior, and proceeding anti-clockwise around the room. Good eye contact is crucial as this will indicate sincerity. Saudi Arabians have a different sense of personal space to westerners and are likely to stand close when talking to you.

- Business cards are commonly exchanged, but are not essential. If used, they should be translated into Arabic on one side.

- Although meetings may appear disorganized, this is because they follow Arabic customs, in which personal and business lives are closely related. Business discussions are interspersed with small talk, and may be interrupted by personal visitors or colleagues.

- Business is hierarchical, with decision-making concentrated at the senior level of an organisation. The decision-maker is often the person who talks the least in a meeting, but will closely observe everything that is going on.

- Communication styles are courteous and often indirect, with great importance placed on preserving someone's dignity by avoiding disagreement or refusals. Modesty is highly valued, so you should avoid making exaggerated claims.

- Meetings are often lengthy, and negotiations may be tough, since Saudi Arabians are experts at bargaining. Stay firm and courteous at all times, but be prepared to compromise a little in the long-term interests of the relationship.

- The decision-making process is often very slow, due to the complex business bureaucracy and the Islamic custom of waiting for guidance from God. Avoid impatience, which will be regarded as a weakness.

- Gift-giving is not common in Saudi Arabian business culture, as gifts are seen as personal and are only usually exchanged between close friends.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:49:00 +0000

A very happy New Year to all readers and all the best for 2008!

I'm looking forward to getting back in the saddle this month after the usual craziness of December. Hope everyone enjoyed themselves...see you soon in the forums!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:44:00 +0000

A very merry Christmas to all!

Hope you have a great time over the festive period.

Drive carefully, stay safe and see you after Boxing Day...

Dutch business culture

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:41:00 +0000

Some thoughts on business culture on Holland from the BusinessMobile.com team. What do you think? Are they accurate?

The Netherlands has a formal business culture in which honesty and courtesy are highly valued. Contacts and networks and very important, and you should try to arrange introductions through a third party.

Appointments should be made well in advance, preferably in writing. Normal business hours are 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. You may wish to avoid the holiday months of June, July and August. Turn up on time, as punctuality is seen as very important.

Although Dutch is the official language, most business people can speak English so it is not necessary to have correspondence translated, or to arrange an interpreter. However, you should ideally have your company promotional materials translated into Dutch.

Normal business attire varies considerably vary between industries. Unless you are aware that informal dress is the norm in your business area, wear a conservative suit for meetings.

A brief, firm handshake, with good eye contact, is the normal business greeting. Don't smile too much as this may be seen as insincere.

People should be addressed by their personal or professional titles with family names, unless you are invited to use first names. Academic titles are not normally used in speech.

Business cards are exchanged on meeting, and should include details of higher educational qualifications, which are highly regarded in the Netherlands. However, you should not refer to your qualifications in conversation, as the Dutch respect modesty.

Meetings are usually quite formal and well structured, with adherence to the agenda. The Dutch communication style is fairly quiet and reserved, but also direct and frank. You will be expected to give a well-structured, factually accurate presentation, with clear evidence or data to back up any statements made. The Dutch have a very analytical approach and will examine your proposals in great detail. You will be taken at your word, so don't make promises you can't keep, and avoid hard sell or exaggerated claims.

Since team-working rather than hierarchy is the main feature of Dutch business culture, decision-making is usually consensual. Once made, decisions are quickly implemented and will be regarded as final.

Business lunches and dinners, usually held in restaurants, are popular. Gifts are not usually exchanged in Dutch business culture, but if invited to someone's home, bring a small, good quality gift such as flowers, a plant or chocolates.

Business in the nude

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:51:00 +0000

Christina Binkley's article at the WSJ reminded me of the time I met some work colleagues in the Netherlands for an invigorating game of squash. Afterwards we decided to relax in the sauna and I was shocked to find everyone else had neglected to wear a towel! I still get ribbed today for hiding my most valuable business assets.

Behind stories like this and those related by Christina, though, lie an important point. It pays to do your homework before travelling to another country on business. Get it right and you'll make a good impression, get it wrong and you risk having wasted your trip.

Do you have an interesting story to tell about a cross-cultural faux-pas in the business world? Leave a comment or drop us a line!

Thanks for your feedback!

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:54:00 +0000

Many thanks to those who contacted us with comments and suggestions for new content at the Business Mobile site. It looks as though there are a number of popular suggestions, including both general business travel tips and more detailed information on airport facilities and suitable accommodation in most of the major cities.

We're on the case...

Business travellers - what do you want?

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:45:00 +0000

We will shortly be expanding our country and city guides aimed at the business traveller but we'd like to know what kind of information you want.

Would you like to know more about travel options from the airport or train station? Would you like to know where the best business traveller-friendly hotels are and what facilities they have to offer? Do you need to know where the nearest Starbucks is?! Whatever your priorities, please let us know and we'll try to meet your needs.

The Nokia E51 is here...damn it

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:04:00 +0000

The Nokia E51 is sleek, stylish, business like and packed to the gills with all the features anyone could ask for (see Nokia's web site for the full spec.) That's gotta be good news, right?

WRONG! The problem is it just looks too good and the E65 I bought just a few months ago is starting to look decidedly...second rate. Don't get me wrong, it's a good phone (actually, I'd even go so far as to say it's a great phone - I'm still blown away by the built in web browser) but the inescapable fact is, it's Mocca. Yeah, Mocca, or to those of us who don't watch interior design shows, brown. I mean, brown? For a phone? What kind of latte were they sipping?

Ho hum, just another couple of years to wait before I upgrade again. Hopefully brown won't be the new black by then or I really will be confused...

We're back from London!

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 10:24:00 +0000

The Business Mobile team is back from London and a very jolly time we had there. The City is pretty much the same as always although we did notice that every third shop is now a Starbucks (about which we have no complaints - the Gingerbread latte is very nice). We also managed a trip on the London Eye which was...very high indeed. Fortunately there's a seat you can sit on as you cover your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.

Thinking about the business travel aspects of our journey, everything went smoothly. There was a slight delay at the gate in Amsterdam but nothing too irksome. Our trusty stead was the Fokker 50, a twin prop 50 seater which feels very snug (i.e. somewhat cramped) inside. It also makes a noise like a World War 2 bomber when it takes off which is great for fans of the Dambusters. The journey was uneventful and the service from KLM polite and efficient. Transit through London City airport was equally uneventful (both on the way out and on our return) so for once, at least, we've got nothing to complain about. If only we could say the same for all business trips...

Health tips for business travelers abroad

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 07:30:00 +0000

Most business travelers face few serious health risks in their daily lives. For those traveling overseas to more exotic locations, however, the health risks may be more significant. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when traveling abroad.

It is important to investigate the standard and type of healthcare available in your chosen destination, especially if you suffer from a medical condition which requires ongoing treatment or medication. Most countries have at least adequate basic healthcare facilities, but more advanced treatments and procedures might not be available in some less-developed locations. In many countries you will have to pay for medical care, although emergency treatment in public hospitals may be free of charge (for short-term trips within the EU/EEA, there are reciprocal arrangements for free or low-cost healthcare on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)).

When taking out health insurance, be sure to check factors such as the annual and lifetime policy limits, whether there are any exclusions which are likely to affect you, whether you are limited to treatment from specific types of healthcare providers, and whether the policy covers emergency evacuation for medical treatment.

Before travelling to your destination, make sure you find out which inoculations or health certificates are needed for entry.

Enquire about any specific health risks in the country you are planning to move to. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, tuberculosis, Hepatitis A and B, various forms of encephalitis, typhoid and cholera are common in many countries, but the risk of being infected may vary considerably between different areas of the country, and between urban and rural areas.

Although it is important to be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions, try not to let exaggerated concerns about health risks worry you unnecessarily.

Do you have a useful business travel or mobile technology tip?

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:47:00 +0000

Do you have a useful tip for other business travellers? Would you like to review your latest mobile or wireless purchase? How about adding something to our travel and technology guides? Whatever it is, if it's of use or interest to other mobile professionals we want to hear about it!

Help make Business Mobile the most useful travel and tech site on the web and send us your tips, reviews or other information today. We'll be more than happy to link back to you when your submission is published at the site or in the newsletter so remember to include your full details if you wish.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Panasonic Toughbooks CF-W7 and CF-Y7

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:23:00 +0000

Is it just me or does Panasonic release a new Toughbook every few weeks? The latest models due to hit the shelves (in this case from mid-December in Asia) are the CF-W7 and CF-Y7, both promising the near legendary durability of Panasonic's most recognisable line of laptops.

I love the fact that each time a new model is announced the specs state that you can drop it from an even higher height than the previous version and still expect it to survive a fall. That reminds me of an incident which happened a few years ago when I was speaking to a colleague on the fourth floor of a building with a structure which let us look down onto the lobby below. He had placed his laptop (in a fully loaded travel bag) down by his feet while we chatted and enjoyed a coffee but when he moved his feet he knocked the bag over and it slipped through the railings of the balcony. Both of us stood frozen in horror as it plummeted four floors towards the packed lobby below...

We were lucky - it missed someone by no more than a few inches (I think it actually brushed the arm of his suit) but almost seemed to explode when it hit the ground. I don't know how a Toughbook would have fared but I suspect even Panasonic's beast would have suffered a scratch or two!

Flying to London City

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:11:00 +0000

Yep, the Business Mobile team are off to London later next week and will be keeping an eye out for anything of interest to business travellers, whether it's related to transportation (we're flying to London City airport) or mobile technology. The approach into London City is usually at a fairly steep angle which doesn't go down too well with some members of the team but rest assured we're not backing out now!

And one more thing, I'll tell you later about who we were sitting next to the last time we were waiting for a flight at London City...

UMPCs getting better, slowly

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:47:00 +0000

One area of mobile computing which has promised much but delivered little so far is that of UMPCs (Ultra Mobile PCs). Characterised by a small form factor - around 5 to 7 inches wide - yet offering the benefits of full PC funtionality the UMPC should be a dream come true for business users but most models to date have failed to impress.

The OQO Model e2 is the latest attempt to address the compromises all too evident in earlier UMPCs and it does a pretty good job. With a VIA Esther 1.5GHz CPU and 1GB of RAM its performance won't dazzle but it does just about enough of everything well to make it a viable purchase.

What are your thoughts on UMPCs? Let us know!

Saved by a 3G card

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:21:00 +0000

When I was on holiday in Italy last year I booked my hotel room safe in the knowledge that the hotel offered WiFi (albeit, as a paid option). They even gave me the room right above the wireless router so I'd get the best connection possible.

To begin with everything was OK, internet browsing and email downloading accomplished without a problem. However, it soon became clear that sending email wasn't working and I just couldn't work out why. Initially I thought it might be a connection problem, perhaps it was dropping out during an extended handshake with the SMTP server. Then I thought it might be the SMTP server itself so I downloaded a number of free versions to run directly on my laptop. Nothing worked. Eventually, after a lot of testing, it became clear that the problem was probably a firewall configuration setting somewhere (either at the hotel or their ISP), probably intended as an anti-spam measure. Chances of getting it fixed by the hotel receptionist in a reasonable time period? Pretty slim.

Fortunately one of my travelling companions had a Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G data card with them. After installing the software and logging on to their account I could send mail to my heart's content. In the end it was a valuable lesson, WiFi is popular and usually works well but you never know if the provider is set up properly or securely for your needs. When I got back I bought a 3G card of my own and have been enjoying peace of mind and freedom of movement ever since.

10 tips for business travel

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:55:00 +0000

Don't expect to get anywhere on time. Accept delays as the rule rather than the exception - you'll live longer.
Always print out and keep the confirmation of your seat booking just in case a computer goes down.
Whatever else you forget, don't forget your passport, cash/cards and medicine.
Always take your laptop as hand luggage, never check it into the hold.
If you're carrying or planning to buy anything which might break or leak, use a sealable bag. Take one with you anyway even if you have no plans to use it, you might make an unexpected purchase.
Take dark clothes, they'll look cleaner longer.
Tie something colourful around your bag or bag handle so it's easier to spot on the carousel.
Use Skype, and make sure your account has sufficient funds before you leave.
Take a network (Ethernet) cable with you, don't rely on the hotel having one.
If you have the opportunity to recharge your phone or laptop while waiting somewhere, do so.

iPhone in the UK

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:14:00 +0000

Yes, it's finally made it to the other side of the pond. The Times says it's "expensive but exceptional" and there were queues around the block for the first sales. Most of the media coverage to date, though, has concentrated on the fact that Apple's new offering is locked (initially, at least) to the O2 network which is a bit of a shame as there are a lot of things to talk about when it comes to the iPhone. It's certainly something of a fashion statement but in a sleek, minimalist way which will probably appeal to the suits. Whether the speed or the functionality of the phone (and the Edge network) will suit the most demanding business apps is another matter...

Using your iPod as a productivity tool

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:32:00 +0000

I was checking out inFlightHQ.com recently and happened to come across the following:

I consider my iPod to be one of my most valuable productivity tools (particularly when flying.) Thanks to programs that can convert text files into spoken audio (and automatically implant these audio files into iTunes), I can get through tons of reading during normal "dead times".

Now, I use my iPod to listen to a lot of podcasts while I'm on the move but the above was something I haven't tried. If you've given this a go we'd love to hear from you...drop us a line in the forums.

Nokia E65 impresses

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:06:00 +0000

A while back I blogged about how inadequate most mobile devices actually are and how little progress there's been in terms of functionality over the past few years. Well, judging by my new Nokia E65, I think we might actually be turning the corner. Web browsing is finally feasible in a full-on, grown up way rather than some cheap imitation, email support is adequate (although it's a pity nothing these days ever syncs with Pegasus) and Office file support out of the box is good enough to at least view spreadsheets and documents. All in all, a very handy little device in an attractive form factor. Did I mention you can also make phone calls with it?

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 14:59:00 +0000

A very happy New Year to all our members and visitors!

2007 figures to be a big year for Business Mobile - we hope you'll join us.

Best wishes,

Rod

Season's Greetings!

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 16:53:00 +0000

So, another Christmas in the bag and if you're anything like me plenty of New Year's resolutions regarding weight loss coming up very shortly. Looking towards next year as far as Business Mobile is concerned, we feel as though the foundations have been laid and 2007 is the year we really start to build. That's going to be a two pronged strategy with content being developed in-house but also a much greater emphasis than previously on submissions from our members and visitors (after all, you're the experts.) More news on that in the New Year but until then, enjoy the holidays!

Business travel and technology - Indian style

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:31:00 +0000

It can be tempting for some commentators to assume that high tech business travel is the exclusive preserve of Western society but nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone familiar with Asian culture already knows that mobile technology is both advanced and widespread but what about India? The following article by Sanjiv Bhagat provides some valuable insight:

Business travel is becoming a way of life for many Indians. There has been a phenomenal increase in Indians taking business trips. Over the past 10 years, the modern-day road warrior has changed and technology is enabling the business traveller to stay in touch and increase productivity while on the road. A business traveller appreciates the fine things in life. He is demanding and wants to be pampered and at the same time being a trendy socialite is exposed to international cultures, customs and the good life. Last but not the least, this profile of a traveller has exposure to frequent international travel and clearly understands the importance of technology.

Full article here