I like to take the backroads when I’m making sales calls in a particular state or region. I think we all agree it’s the best way to see Americana. Up here in the Northeast we don’t have a lot of different weather scenarios. An occasional hurricane but mostly wind and rain. So imagine my surprise when I’m driving in upstate New York and see this. If you look closely in the clouds you’ll see the twister just about to touch down inside.
I try and get out in the woods a couple times a week with my dog to get some fresh air. I’ve got plenty of trails just outside my door so I’m able to mix it up pretty easily. Sometimes just going in reverse on a trail loop changes the perspective altogether. Case in point, is finding this tree on a trail I’ve been on several times but always from the different direction.
It’s kind of cool because you can see a couple faces, or at least I can. That looks like it would have been a painful growth.
So I’ve been thinking of unique ways to approach business travel given what has become somewhat the new normal of distancing and staying out of large crowds.
My thought is why not use a camper van for the majority of my overnights and take advantage of the local attractions without having to mix with a bunch of people at the airport and hotels. I was going to do something like similar in July by renting an RV and road trip it to my Top Priority Accounts. Problem was I couldn’t find a smaller RV to rent.
I had planned to spend the full month of July on the road going from New England, down the Jersey Shore, over to Virginia and Washington DC, then through the Appalachian and Allegheny Mtns. to get up through Pittsburgh to make to the U.S. side of Niagara Falls and finally work my way back to New England. I couldn’t make it work in 2020 but I definitely want to give it a go for 2021.
I’ll start this off with one flight I’ll always remember as my worst flight. I’ve had enough “mechanicals” and even a few emergency landings, but I wished I would have just stayed home one miserable week in February.
I had to do a chemical training seminar in Flint, MI somewhat at the spur of the moment requiring to fly from Indy to Detroit. I know it’s not very far but I was able to get in the night before and the weather was crap. I figured it would be easier just to fly up and be wheels up and down in like 30 minutes. Those were the worst 30 minutes in the air I’ve ever experienced.
It was ice cold and windy. Because the flight was just a short hop, we were on a small puddle jumper. It was small enough and early on when they only had a curtain separating crew from passengers. Of course you have to get onboard by going outside, not inside through a jet bridge like a regular sized aero plane. That walk was cold enough and the cabin was cold enough to keep your winter coats on (a really nice dark green wool one for me).
It didn’t take but a few minutes after wheels up before the flight was flapping all over the place. We went side to side, up and down, yawning left and right. You could see the captain doing all he could to keep the plane flying in one direction. Everyone, I mean everyone was gripping the seats in front of them. People were getting sick and letting out screams. It was pretty intense. I was sweating worse than at my wedding and when we finally landed (sideways!) and got off the plane, the sweat literally froze on my face and neck. It was the most bizarre sensation. I guess because the blood had run out of my face I didn’t have enough to keep it from freezing.
As we walked into the terminal they said they were closing the Detroit airport due to the weather.
Hello Fellow Business Travelers!
My name is Charlie.
Like you, I have spent many days, nights, years on the road and in the air going to that next appointment, annual sales meetings,Trade Show or using my points for much needed R&R. And like you, I have a million stories (most of them hilarious) about “interesting” meetings, people, incredible travels and awesome adventures. All because I am a Business Traveler.
Think about all the funny and interesting stories all of us have from being on the road. Famous People, Funny Awkward Moments, Extreme Flights, Sales Meetings and Awesome Perks. Wouldn’t you like to hear from other Warriors and their stories? Let’s have some fun, shall we?
You know, they’re funnier when you share.
Cheers,
Charlie
System 6 Performance Sales 