Too Busy for Your Own Good (43 page)

Start the interview with “If you could pin down three things that have contributed to your success in ___________ , what would they be?”

Let them go
on and on
about themselves—ask, “What else?” and encourage, “Go on, please.”

Shut up
about yourself—this is about them.

Find a way you can help them somehow.

From my interviews and stories from hundreds of students, at the end of the day they've found that usually the “higher up” (or more famous) someone is, the nicer he or she is. Believe it and dream of really
big
mentors!

You might think that a business trip is only a time to “get out of Dodge” and see the world, but it means much more to your company. In our digital world of teleconferences and webinars, a face-to-face meeting is often the best (or only) way to get the job done. Be aware that the costs of travel and lodging to get eyeball-to-eyeball and toe-to-toe are high, not to mention the wear and tear on you. It can be inconvenient and exhausting, but without the following, it can be a waste of time or a disaster.

Plan
. Keep a file with all papers you'll need for the trip. Confirm transportation (include alternatives). Double-check guarantees on lodging and make copies of all documents, including your boarding pass.

Location, location, location
. Request a non-connecting room away the elevator, ice machine, and vending. Give up the view or mini-suite for these if you are a light (or anxious) sleeper. After more than twenty years on the road, I know what I need for my safety and tranquility. When we travel together, my poor husband has learned to wait in the lobby until I get the room I want.

Condense
. Purge your purse for travel (wallet streamlined, key ring ridded of nonessentials,
one
check).

Consider not carrying a purse at all
. Tuck your wallet safely in a zippered briefcase compartment or business tote.

Seat bag
. A small, brightly colored zippered bag with reading glasses (or contact case), single-use eyedrops, earplugs, lip balm, mints, business cards, dollar bills, pad and pen, moisturizer, nail board, etc. The bright color ensures it isn't left behind in the plane's seatback pouch or passenger seat of the rental car.

Packing list
. Shoot for carry-on all the time. When it's a huge event, I send a box to the venue marked “Hold for Connie Merritt, Arrival (date).” Recently, while on a multicity trip, a meeting planner thought she'd help me by opening my box. Surprise! I had several books, a gift for her, and clean pjs!

ID
. Put your identification on things just like when you went to summer camp. It eliminates “Is this your charger or mine?” For my electronics, I wrap a piece of purple electrician's tape around cords—it keeps mine separate, and I can spot it when I'm packing up.

Nonperishable snacks
. Carry a health bar, breakfast bar (or cookies), apple, string cheese, nuts, pretzels, and so on in your briefcase, tote, or carry-on for flights and long drives.