1. They won’t go unless it’s really needed.
Do you ever wonder if all of your team’s travel is actually needed or necessary? Well, you can rest easy if you’re sending your best women out on the road alone. Considering the extra safety precautions she’ll have to take into account, alongside the preparation and planning work she’ll do to keep her family in working order while she’s gone, she’s only going to take that trip if it’s absolutely necessary and if it’s going to be more effective than getting work done via phone or email.
2. They are careful with expenses.
Most women are careful and conscientious when it comes to spending the company’s money and you’re less likely to worry about unapproved expenses, like visits to adult entertainment-themed restaurants, sneaking into those expense reports. Along the same vein, they are more tolerant of layovers or longer plane rides in order to nab cost-effective fares, since they want to make sure they are prudently spending company resources.
3. They won’t travel longer than needed.
Eager to get back home to their friends, family, and daily lives, many women will choose to come home as quickly as possible. That saves the company valuable expense costs for hotel nights and food.
4. They are focused and will get the job done.
Since business travel is viewed as more of a necessity than a perk by many women (particularly those with families), when they travel, they will focus on being as efficient and effective as possible. That means not only do they only take trips when necessary, but they try to make sure each trip they take is as effective and productive as possible.
5. They will plan and prepare in advance.
When you have to keep your family’s plans going while you’re out on the road, preparation is a natural part of the cycle. That preparation and planning bleeds into how solo female travelers do their jobs, too. It’s unlikely that she’ll show up at a meeting without critical documents or even thought-starters on how to further the business.
6. They will exercise good judgement.
Solo female travelers are used to taking precautions and making decisions based on safety. They are seasoned at evaluating situations and will not put themselve in unnecessary danger.
7. They will check in with you and keep you updated.
Checking in and keeping teams updated is the normal modus operendi for many great team leaders, and when your best women are out on the road, they still manage to do this — despite the travel.
8. They won’t draw too much attention to themselves.
It’s easier to spot business travelers than we think, and those working for well-known companies could become targets for thieves or other troublemakers. Solo female travelers are used to blending in as they travel. Calling attention to oneself, especially when travelling alone, isn’t recommended for privacy and safety reasons.
9. They are open to adventure and risk taking.
It takes a certain type to head out on the road by yourself, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a risk taker that will evaluate business opportunities holistically, it’s time to get your best women out on the road! Featured photo credit: Business Traveller and airport phones / Matthew Hurst via flickr.com
