Spa Visits and International Business Travel

Many women enjoy spa treatments during business travel. Spas are often open late at night, early in the morning and most major hotels have them so it offers something to do during nonworking hours. Businesswomen in particular enjoy spa visits because they add needed relaxation to hectic trips, solitude and a safe haven to relax in. Many international destinations are known for their spas treatments such as the Turkish bath, Budapest thermal baths, Chinese reflexology and Thai massage.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your spa treatments while on the road.

• Do some advance research on the spas in the areas visited, the types of treatments offered and the price list.If you cannot conduct research in advance, ask the hotel for recommendations. Many times the hotel will have the price lists at the concierge.
• Spas are not equal. The quality of service and the facilities will vary dramatically country to country even if the spa is hosted at a five-star hotel. If you can visit the spa in advance and ask for a quick tour before booking a treatment, do so! Look at the rooms and make sure you feel comfortable. I recall booking a spa treatment in a top five-star spa in Tel Aviv and being fixed on the mold spores growing on the ceiling of the treatment room and wondering if it was going to drop on my face.
• Be prepared for the uniqueness of your global treatments. When I was in Turkey a group of us businesswomen decided to go and try a Turkish bath. We were pretty shocked when they had us fully undress and have our massages as a group on very large slabs of marble by naked mature women who rolled and poked us and eventually hosed us down with large fire hoses. A unique bond was created by the experience to say the least.
• If you receive recommendations from friends make sure they understand what your preferences. My British colleague gave my Los Angeles colleague a spa recommendation in Europe and she was extremely disappointed because she was accustomed to L.A.-type spas, treatments and facilities and felt the European spa did not match in terms of expertise and customer service.
• If you desire to visit a five-star spa but are staying at a three-star hotel, visit the concierge at the local five-star hotel for spa recommendations when you get to town or contact them in advance by calling or emailing.
• Assuming you are staying at a respectable hotel, you may want to consider a massage in your room. Many hotels offer it and the environment in your room may be nicer and cheaper than the spa. The hotel personnel (who bring a massage table and all the necessary items) are local independent experts who are eager for repeat business and tips, so you might receive a higher quality of service. I had one of my best massages in my hotel room in Amsterdam by a physical therapist who picked up extra money as a masseuse in the evenings after work. His philosophy was he would stay and work on the parts of the body you wanted and he would leave when you were extremely satisfied and he would charge only for that time whether it be 45 minutes, 76 minutes etc.
• Ask specific questions before you book the service. Many spas may think you desire a relaxing massage and facial when what you want is very deep pressure and plenty of facial extractions. It is important to articulate what you want up front and before you book, as they may need to book a certain specialist. I was in the Cayman Islands and finally had to ask the esthetician if she was going to do extractions in between the 7 layers of the mask to which she answered in surprise, “that’s disgusting!”
• If you book a massage make sure you request if you have a preference for a male or female; many times the spa will just book whomever is free.
• Ask about pricing in advance; some hotels will price services in US Dollars or Euros. Others will post prices in the local currency, which can have advantages and disadvantages when the currency is translated.
• Ask about tipping in advance, too. In some cases the service fee is already included, in others 10 percent is the norm for tipping while some spas will automatically add on 18 to 20 percent.
• Ask what you need to wear for the spa treatment. I had a Thai massage but did not realize to wear the “special” outfit I was handed when I came in (I thought it was for after the massage), so I came out in a towel. The male masseuse (to my and his embarrassment) sent me back in to the changing room to put my clothes on.
• Talk to your masseuse or esthetician. I had a reflexology treatment in Beijing so severe I was practically crying and I had to ask her repeatedly to lighten up. I had a massage in Berlin that was just too soft and had to continually ask for more pressure.
• Be prepared for more openness than you are accustomed. I was in Vietnam at a hotel that had a very busy massage spa. I had an excellent male masseuse who felt very comfortable working on me and leaving the door open to chat with customers and other staff as they came in and out of the room. I felt very uncomfortable, as I was pretty much naked except for a tiny towel they gave me. No one else seemed to care.
• Be prepared for product selling, this happens quite often with facials and beauty treatments. The staff may make a commission on products customers purchase, so they may be extra persuasive about a product you need or a condition you have in need of resolution. This is often done by handing you a treatment list of what they did and what they recommend, which is available in the shop or on your way out.

In most situations, spas and treatments available are a global pleasure many businesswomen should enjoy — particularly when you are on the road. With a few tips and pointers perhaps your choices will be easier at your next destination.

Read more international business travel articles at www.globalwomen.biz

Women And International Business: Breaking the Myths

Researcher Nancy Adler conducted a monumental study in the mid 1980s to address myths about women and international business. Her study investigated if commonly held myths about women in international business were true including: women are not interested in International business, women were not willing to travel overseas for a variety of reasons namely family responsibilities and women would not be viewed as credible in overseas business due to the local perception of women.

Her study results revealed that many of these false perceptions were indeed myths often held by male managers and HR personnel and women were interested and willing to conduct business overseas.

Today many of these same myths still exist despite the dramatic increase of women in business and women owned businesses and women traveling overseas.

Here are some facts published by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) (www.dol.gov), The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) (www.nawbo.org), and the Small Business Administration (SBA) (www.sba.gov), on women in the work force:

• Women account for more than 48 percent of the work force in America.
• Women comprise more than 43 percent of employees in American executive, administrative and managerial occupations and this number is growing.
• Businesses owned by women number more than 8 million in the U.S.
• More than 33 percent of women business owners report that they exported in their first or second year of operation and the majority reported they were successful on their first transaction.

It is no longer just a rumor that women have become major players in the U.S. workforce and in the global business environment. More and more women are traveling overseas to conduct business for their corporations or for their own business ventures.

My own research indicates women can and are successful in international business, despite the variety of viewpoints they encounter around the world. Specifically, my research has demonstrated that establishing credibility during the initial stages of business is one area that businesswomen find critical to their success.

Establishing your credibility
For men, credibility is often derived from their gender and their status in the company. For women, credibility is more often derived from their individual skills. Women report they often have to work extra hard to establish credibility because of their gender.

Some women explain:

When I conduct business in most countries I am consciously aware that my male colleagues have more credibility than I do, just because of gender differences. In most countries women are not expected to have significant positions of authority, so I am frequently viewed in the same way. I am first assumed to be an administrator, not the decision-maker in the group, whereas my male colleague is first viewed as the manager or decision-maker. I feel I have to work doubly hard to establish my credibility before I can effectively conduct business and I’m aware that I need to do this immediately so that the business can start. (Chicago)

When I travel outside the U.S. for the corporate office, I am viewed as foreign first, and female second. However, I feel I am still met with some degree of skepticism as to what my role is and how much authority I have for the corporate office. Due to this, I take extra steps to make sure that the proper introductions are made in advance to limit concerns that men might have about my credibility. (Los Angeles)

As a woman business owner I realize that I am not the norm in many countries. Therefore I have to develop methods by which to establish my self and my company as credible for my foreign business associates. This requires preparation and advance communication about my firm, our success and our viability — perhaps more than is required for men who run their own firms. (New York)

Here are some pointers for establishing credibility:

• Be visible. Attend and host meetings between your company and your international counterparts whenever possible. International travel is often associated with decision-makers in a firm, so being present adds to your credibility.
• Introductions are important, particularly for women. If you are doing business with a firm for the first time, have yourself introduced by a higher-ranking person in your company who already knows the people with whom you will be dealing.
• If you cannot have someone introduce you, ask a higher-ranking person in your company to send a fax or written correspondence in advance, outlining your title, responsibilities and background.
• Make sure your business card indicates a distinctive title such as “Manager” or “Director” so that your position can be clearly understood. If there is any doubt about your title, it may be automatically assumed that you have a lesser role than other members on your team.
• In general, foreigners will often look and respond more to the men on your team than the women. This is because there are fewer women in executive positions outside of the U.S. Prepare for this, including making seating arrangements placing you in a position of authority.
• If someone appears confused about your name and rank, offer him another business card, even if you have already given him one. This is a subtle way of reinforcing your title and ensuring acknowledgment of your participation as an active member at the meeting.
• Women should lead business discussions when possible. If there is only one woman and everyone is of equal rank, let the woman take the lead to help establish her credibility.
• A female team leader may experience a problem establishing her credibility unless team members defer to her as the authority figure on the team. American men need to be aware of their tendency to jump in and answer questions, especially when a woman is speaking, undermines her authority and the team’s effectiveness. Women should advise team members not to answer questions directed to her and to otherwise defer to her whenever appropriate. A good response when asked a question that should be directed to a female colleague is: “Jane is the best person to answer that question.”
• Be professional. Present yourself in a sincere, confident, professional manner, both in appearance and speech, to create a good first impression. Be yourself. Do not come on too strong, but don’t defer when it is appropriate for you to respond. Deferring to age and position is, however, always acceptable for both sexes.
• Be aware of women’s roles in other countries. If you understand where women are in their own corporate environment it will give you insight into how the culture may perceive you.

Despite commonly held myths about women in International travel, businesswomen are traveling and conducting business globally in increased numbers and they are successful. Establishing credibility in advance is one of the key areas where women can ensure her business success.

Tracey Wilen writes more articles about women and international business at www.globalwomen.biz.

Tips to Avoid Culture Shock During International Business Travel

If traveling outside of the U.S. on a business trip, you are probably looking forward to new, exciting experiences. Unfortunately, when you arrive in your first foreign country, instead of feeling excited and full of energy, you may unexpectedly feel depressed, disoriented and lonely — especially if traveling alone.

The greater the difference between the foreign culture and American culture, the more pronounced these feelings might be. The technical term for this is “culture shock.”

For many Americans in foreign countries, the language barrier is often the most difficult issue. If you do not know some simple phrases in the language of your host country, you can feel very isolated. Dealing with foreign currency can also be a problem to overcome.

While a brief, voluntary exposure to a new culture can be temporarily unsettling, with some awareness of what you are experiencing and a few techniques to deal with it, you will soon begin to enjoy your visit.

Before your trip, learn as much as you can about the culture you are going to visit. Read some books on the history and customs of the country. Travel videos are especially helpful and readily available from the library. Get some foreign language audiotapes from the library as well and learn a few important phrases, such as “Where’s the bathroom?” “Waiter,” “How much is this?” “Please” and “Thank you.”

Also learn something about food names and ingredients so you will feel more secure in ordering from the menu in a restaurant. If you have the opportunity, seek out some ethnic restaurants at home and try out these exotic foods before you leave.

Once there, stay in one of the many American and other international hotel chains, which are in most countries. The staff there usually speaks English quite well and the hotel will quickly become your home-away-from-home if you feel comfortable in it. Look for a hotel with a gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, several restaurants, a sundry shop and perhaps a lounge where you can relax in the evening.

Women traveling alone have the added burden of being an anomaly in some foreign countries due to few women holding executive positions. So, you might find people staring or being downright rude. Ignore them. Focus on your strengths, take a few deep breaths, relax and move on.

Adusting to a new culture

Recognizing that any uncomfortable or negative feelings you’re experiencing in this new culture are normal should help alleviate your discomfort. Remind yourself that you are traveling for a purpose and that you’ll be going home when your job is done. Here are some suggestions that may help ease your adjustment:

• Take care of your health. Get plenty of sleep and be careful about what you eat and drink. Get daily exercise.
• Relax. When the noise and crowds get to you, take some time out for yourself. Consider bringing a relaxation CD with you to listen to for twenty minutes a day. Luxuriate in a bubble bath.
• Don’t stay in your hotel room; stay active: jog, swim or join a local exercise group if you have an extended stay. Take a walk through a local park or visit a museum (check with your hotel first on which areas are not safe and should be avoided). Re-center yourself by focusing on your strengths and pursuing your interests.
• Keep your sense of humor. Look for the amusing aspects of your situation. At least you will have lots of good stories to tell when you get home. Laughter releases tension.
• Know you are envied. Many people appreciate the exotica of other cultures and would give their eyeteeth to be in your position. This should bring you some sense of satisfaction.
• If you are traveling for an extended period of time, try bringing a few things from home to put in your room, such as photos or your favorite pillow.
• Travel with a companion. If you know someone else who is also traveling on business, think about coordinating your schedules to meet for dinner or for sightseeing. It is easier to face a new environment as a team than to face it alone.

Exploring on your own

• Plan to do some sightseeing in your spare time. Therefore, make a list of the key tourist attractions and find out how to get there from your hotel. Visiting even one city site on the way back to your hotel from a meeting will help give a deeper understanding of the culture and the people.
• Ask for the business card of a reliable taxi service as well as the hotel card with its address and phone number in the local language and be sure to keep it with you when you go out. Show it to the taxi driver when you are ready to go back to the hotel. Some hotels even offer a shuttle service to the center of town as well as to the airport so you don’t have to bother with taxis. Become friendly with the hotel concierge who will usually have walking maps, restaurant suggestions, theater and museum tickets, and shopping tips.
• If possible, take a city tour soon after you arrive. This is a safe and comfortable way to become familiar with your new environment. Short tours (about four hours) in English can usually be booked through the hotel. Tours also provide a good opportunity to meet other women business travelers.

• If the area is safe for walking (ask at the hotel), get a map and explore to see how people live and work. (Remember only do so during daylight hours and in safe areas.)

• Establish familiar grounds. Frequent certain lunch and dinner spots and evening hangouts to help you establish a rapport with the owners and locals and make you feel like you’re part of the group.
• Talk to locals who speak English. They appreciate the chance to practice their English and will be delighted at your interest in their culture and more than happy to answer your questions about it.

Adapting

• Be flexible. Allow plenty of time to get to appointments. Bring a book to read in case you have to wait. Try to figure out ways to avoid offending your hosts while satisfying your own needs.
• Be patient. People in foreign countries are not usually as direct or in as much of a rush as people in the U.S. When you feel yourself getting uptight, take a few deep breaths and visualize a calming scene.

Remember people don’t behave the way you expect or want them to, and getting upset won’t make you or them feel any better.

• Ask your hosts some questions about their country and culture. They will usually enjoy talking about it, which will help you better understand and appreciate what you are seeing.
• Keep an open mind. Focus on the good aspects. When you’re in another country, remember to do as the locals do, since it is your ways that may seem strange or offensive to them.
• Try to remember to keep a sense of humor. When you feel confused, embarrassed, or upset, smile, smile, smile.

Easy travel

• Many airports have services for business travelers who are delayed. Some excellent stop-over points include: Heathrow Airport, London, England; Frankfort International Airport, Germany; the Miami Florida airport for those en route to Latin America; and the Singapore airport for those traveling in the Far East. Services may include health clubs, showers, swimming pools, movies, city tours and nap rooms.
• If you plan to travel a lot, it is wise to join one of the many airline hospitality clubs offered by major airlines. These clubs provide a quiet area in which to relax in a comfortable environment during a long delay. You will most likely also meet other traveling businesswomen there. Many of these hospitality clubs serve refreshments and offer various other amenities such as TV, flight confirmation and magazines.

When traveling overseas and living in another culture, remember needing time to adjust is normal. Many in the same situation feel depression, disorientation, alienation, boredom and even intimidation.

Exhaustion is also common when traveling. Jet lag is a physical phenomenon and the greater the change in time, the more time needed to adjust. Major cities in Europe, Asia, and South America are quite congested and have a higher level of noise and air pollution than your comfort level. When all of the noise and congestion begins to feel overwhelming, take time out to relax.

Be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat lightly and drink lots of fluid, preferably bottled water. Bring your laptop computer. Remember your friends and family are only an e-mail away. Above all, keep your sense of humor. This is an experience to be enjoyed; make the most of it.

Wilen-Daugenti is the founder of www.globalwomen.biz