As a business owner, I treat every member of A’s Net like a valued client. Responsiveness is non-negotiable, even if it means sending a quick text from Vietnam or taking a client call from a café in Paris. But staying accessible while traveling doesn’t have to mean being glued to your phone 24/7.
Here are five ways I stay connected without feeling overwhelmed. I think they can work for you too.
Set Clear Expectations Before You Go
Let your clients and network know you’ll be traveling, but also reassure them of your availability. A simple email or post saying, *”I’m on the move, but I’m still here for you, just expect a slight time delay,” sets the tone while keeping you in control.
Use Time Zones to Your Advantage
If you’re crossing time zones, plan ahead. Block off an hour in the morning or evening when you’ll be available for urgent messages. Tools like World Time Buddy help you align schedules so you can be present when it matters most. (Confession – I found the 12-hour time difference difficult during my most recent trip to SE Asia, and only managed to take the most urgent of calls.)
Automate and Delegate Where Possible
Leverage technology to maintain responsiveness. Set up auto-replies for emails, schedule social media posts in advance, and use a virtual assistant or trusted team member to handle non-urgent requests. Not everything needs your immediate attention! (Thank you to Rich Buyer and Christina Shaw for picking up the reins and running calls in my absence.)
Stick to a Simple Communication Plan
Decide on your go-to communication channels. Maybe it’s WhatsApp for quick updates, email for more detailed inquiries, and Zoom for pre-scheduled calls. By streamlining your responses, you avoid the chaos of bouncing between platforms.
Give Yourself Permission to Unplug
Yes, responsiveness is key but so is recharging. If you’re constantly available, you risk burnout. Schedule downtime where you’re fully present in your travels, then come back refreshed and ready to engage. Your clients, prospects and networking connections will appreciate the energy you bring when you’re fully present. (I had long periods of time when being on the phone or screen wasn’t an option and truthfully, it felt great.)
What’s your go-to strategy for staying connected while traveling?