Isn't it amazing, in this day and age of amazing communications, how much you still have to travel?
I'm obviously a huge fan of the internet, and all the benefits it, VoiP and web-conferencing has brought to my professional and personal life.
But for business, nothing equals shaking someone by the hand and getting the measure of them face to face. So I'm off again, back to the US to see a mix of suppliers, development partners and customers. And maybe a cheeky few days off for myself whilst I'm there!
When I travel in the UK I tend to use Easyjet, as they are reliable enough and undeniably cheap - that makes a big difference to any companys costs. The transatlantic routes are still expensive, with really very few competitors, moreso if you fly from Glasgow like I do.
I always use Icelandair - great service, convenient, nice aircraft but surely it's only a matter of time before the Easyjets throw their hats into this area - the Florida charter market is still huge, so I wonder if they'll ever do that?
Back to business - we deal a lot in the US, not just because there are some very clever people there but there's a real match of mindsets. No communication problems, no major time differences, and they are both innovators and open to innovation. Is it worth opening an office there? We're certainly talking about it. But where?
See, here we are again - it all links. On one hand I say that the internet and virtual presences are great, and on the other we're talking about expanding into the US.
My rambling point? A handshake can't be done over the internet. And until it can, we'll still have to travel to really progress things and develop relationships based on trust, respect and friendship.