Sales & Marketing Management - July/August 2008 - (Page 33)

utable security consultancy to respond to international threats and incidents. The simple fact of the matter is, sales forces working abroad without the above components in place are at greater risk of being victimized. That said, in the absence of such a program being available, the following 10 tips are immediate steps travelers can take to reduce their risk of becoming a crime victim abroad: 1. Go to www.travel.state.gov and download the U.S. State Department’s up-to-date reports on the country you will be traveling to, so you’re aware of the threats and behavior that can get you into trouble. 2. Purchase a quad-band, unlocked cell phone that will work anywhere in the world. Your U.S.-based cell phone may not work abroad and, if it does, the per-minute cost could be as high as $5. A quad-band cell will be your life-link in the event of an emergency. Ensure the phone’s speed-dialer has the numbers of key company staff at home and abroad, your hotel phone number, your international medical provider, the number for local police and hospitals, and key contacts at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate—particularly the regional security officer (RSO). 3. If at all possible, don’t rent cars abroad. You could be jailed if you injure someone and, depending on where you are, may increase your risk of being carjacked. Less seriously, you stand a good chance of being cited by police for not knowing the rules of the road. 4. Try very hard not to stand out as an American. Avoid apparel, logos and insignias that identify you as such, and get a passport wallet that doesn’t feature the Great Seal of the U.S. Laptops should be carried in a padded knapsack—not an upscale black computer bag. 5. If you’re carrying a laptop, digital camera or MP3 player, consider insuring this equipment through www.safeware.com. Coverage includes theft, loss, damage and confiscation. 6. Register your trip with the U.S. State Department before you leave on your trip (travel.state.gov). This will enable U.S. diplomats to reach you in the event of a threat against Americans, an evacuation of U.S. citizens or notifying you of an emergency back home. “Try very hard not to stand out as an American. Avoid apparel, logos and insignias that identify you as such, and get a passport wallet that doesn’t feature the Great Seal of the U.S. Laptops should be carried in a padded knapsack—not an upscale black computer bag.” 7. To learn more about the level of corruption in a given country, visit www.transparency.org. 8. If you need to carry business equipment or professional samples through foreign customs, obtain an ATA Carnet (www.atacarnet.com). 9. Have a physical examination before any international travel. Keep in mind that more than 6,000 Americans die abroad every year. 10. Be aware that overseas, you’re viewed as wealthy. Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home, carry little cash, leave unnecessary credit cards at home, use hotel taxis only and dress down when you can. Above all else, remember that being out late at night (especially alone) is a recipe for disaster. Educating yourself on threats abroad isn’t being alarmist: It’s essential in an unpredictable world where anything can happen. —By Edward L. Lee II Edward L. Lee II is a retired U.S. State Department special agent and RSO who spent much of his career protecting U.S. diplomats and American business executives abroad. He is now managing director of Sleeping Bear Risk Solutions and the author of Staying Safe Abroad: Traveling, Working and Living in a Post-9/11 World. For more information about the company or the book, visit www.sbrisksolutions.com. [THE PULSE] SOURCE: TOPAZ INTERNATIONAL/BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWS POLL www.salesandmarketingmanagement.com 94 PERCENTAGE OF CORPORATE TRAVEL BUYERS WHO SAY AIRLINES WILL FURTHER INCREASE ANCILLARY FEES THROUGH UNBUNDLING SERVICE OPTIONS. JULY/AUGUST 2008 SALES &MARKETING MANAGEMENT 33 http://travel.state.gov http://www.travel.state.gov http://www.transparency.org http://www.atacarnet.com http://www.safeware.com http://www.sbrisksolutions.com http://www.salesandmarketingmanagement.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sales & Marketing Management - July/August 2008

Sales & Marketing Management - July/August 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Brian Tracy University Smart Sales Sales Strategy Smart Marketing Marketing Strategy Smart Management Management Strategy The Mother Lode of All Market Data Returns Embracing the Future Training Technology Incentives/Motivation Don't Become a Target Abroad Book Excerpt On the Road The Way I See It

Sales & Marketing Management - July/August 2008

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