Blogging on a business trip can be exciting. Your friends and family back home get to keep track of how you’re doing, and your colleagues benefit from your experiences almost immediately. Unfortunately, there are a few things you may do which can turn a positive into a negative very quickly. Worse, they could wind up costing you your job.
DON’T forget why you’re there!
Yes, blogging, Facebook, the Interwebs: They’re amazing. They’re fun. They’re usually more interesting than work, but your boss sent you on the trip to do something important. If you don’t make your job your first priority, you might find yourself without one.
It’s fine to take pictures and write posts on amazing non-work related things you see and do on the road; just do it after work responsibilities end for the day. This means staying to attend important networking meetings, dinners, and the like as well. Remember, the more experiences you have, the more you can share with your friends.
DON’T share too much information!
First and foremost, you don’t want to blog about anything that reflects poorly on your company. Anyone can read the things you post online; it doesn’t matter if you only use your first name, your nickname, or another pseudonym. Most of us write about things that could easily identify us to people we know in real life.
Facebook is rife with poor fools complaining about their mean boss or lazy coworkers. Those kinds of posts have cost people their jobs, or prevented them from getting new ones.
In addition, the business you’re conducting may fall within confidentiality guidelines of your company and need to be kept under wraps. Pay particular attention to those guidelines as breaking them could mean a lawsuit on top of losing your job.
DON’T be caught without the essentials!
Sometimes, relying on technology can really put you in a bind. If you know you need your computer or cell phone, bring extra batteries, chargers, and memory cards. If you plan on using programs, have copies available on USB or disc. Consider bringing along a spare disposable camera, a voice recorder, and a pen and paper, in case you really find yourself in a bind.
Blogging during a business trip adds an entirely new dimension to the experience. You hear, see, and digest information in a new way, mentally preparing yourself to share what you learn with other people. You feel like an authority, whether in regards to business or just plain business traveling. However, if you aren’t careful, one common mistake (or three) could spoil your trip.
What’s been your experience with blogging during business trips? What other pointers could we add here?
