Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. It’s one of the most challenging journeys one can embark on, as most startups and new businesses fail. There are plenty of tips to give you a better chance at succeeding, but I want to talk about one that isn’t mentioned nearly enough: travel more.
There are several benefits to traveling, which can have a positive impact on your business. Here are three reasons why traveling will help make you a more successful entrepreneur.
1. You learn to leverage technology fully
Many entrepreneurs haven’t fully embraced technology yet, and still rely on communication methods and procedures that keep them locked inside an office all day. When you travel, you are forced to leverage technology to run your business.
I love to travel, but I also love my business. Because of technology, I can run my marketing agency from a laptop and smartphone from any corner of the world. Most VoIP phone systems have apps you can install, turning your smartphone into your office phone and allowing you to stay connected to your office regardless of location.
Team collaboration tools like Slack and various applications such as video conferencing software and cloud file management and storage can help you stay connected to your entire company while allowing you to perform your work anywhere with an internet connection.
When you fully leverage technology, you see how much freedom you can have. Many founders convert to a remote structure once they experience firsthand how the entire business operation can be handled without office walls.
2. It helps to spark your creativity
Sitting at your desk and staring at the same scenery daily will not positively impact your creativity. If anything, it will lead to burnout and harm your performance and business.
Successful entrepreneurs are good at handling unexpected obstacles and solving complex problems. Traveling keeps your mind sharp, and you will find that your creative juices constantly flow while traveling.
Personally, some of my best ideas have come while traveling, and I don’t necessarily mean while sitting on a beach somewhere. I recently got the idea for a new startup while at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, waiting out a layover.
3. Traveling exposes you to different cultures
Experiencing different cultures allows you to study how people interact and go about their day-to-day lives. It also lets you see firsthand how businesses in other areas operate. So, embrace as much of the culture as you can, whether you are embarking on a tour of Nicaragua or spending a few days in Hawaii like I just did.
Also, traveling helps you to build a strong network. Because of travel, I have business contacts from all over the world. As an entrepreneur, a strong network of like-minded people is crucial. Having a diverse network will play a significant role in your success down the road.
Take time to introduce yourself to people and be friendly. You never know who you will meet in your travels. I’ve made a lot of contacts over the years by starting a conversation while waiting for planes, having dinner at hotel bars, and exploring different areas.
Tip: if you want to network fully while traveling, keep an eye on local Facebook groups and search for local entrepreneurial groups. Local meet-ups are held frequently all over the world.
Conclusion
Try to break away from the typical office setting as much as possible, even if you can’t travel the world — working remotely from a Starbucks or a co-working space can help spark creativity, and being in the same environment as other entrepreneurs from different industries and backgrounds can benefit you greatly.
