Superstition... or Discipline?

This week my travels take me to San Francisco. You would think that all trips are the same, and logically they should be, but there's something about the longer trips. I live outside of Washington, D.C., so San Francisco is about five and a half hours in the air. Most trips that require connecting flights are about as long, but for the sake of this story, let's just stick with the fact that San Francisco is a long way from Washington, D.C.

Line up a bunch of Road Warriors, and you will hear the strangest superstitions you can imagine. Line them up for longer trips, and those superstitions tend to increase in number. Here are just a few of mine for those longer trips.

'˘ I like to work out before trips. Before West Coast trips it's an obsession.
'˘ I wear special socks on these trips.
'˘ I wear a special shirt and pants as well.
'˘ I won't read the sports page from the Washington Post.

I suppose I could go on, but by now you are getting the gist of it. Like most Road Warriors I have my superstitions, but I don't call them superstitions, and contrary to popular opinion from my friends, I don't call them compulsions either. To me, they're logical.

'˘ I like to work out before trips. Before West Coast trips it's an obsession. That's because there's a lot of sitting and the better the workout, the easier it is to sit.
'˘ I wear special socks, shirts and pants as well.They're soft, and they're comfortable enough to sit in for five to six hours.
'˘ These compulsions crisscross many of the things I do including never eating popcorn until the first words are spoken in the feature film I've come to see. But that's because I want to eat my popcorn while watching the movie I paid to see – not the advertisements I didn't pay to see.

Now before you say, "Could this be more silly? I think Jolles and his blog have jumped the shark!" I say to you I'm quite proud of my superstitions, but if it's okay with you, I'll call them my disciplined moments. In my humble opinion, I think discipline is the secret of many successful people. No, I'm not talking about the military discipline we so often associate with that term. I mean something much deeper.

It starts early in life. Maybe it's piano lessons, maybe it's school homework, or possibly shooting baskets. To be successful, they all required some form of discipline. The discipline to play piano for 30 minutes a day, or the discipline to wait to turn on the television until the homework is done, or even the discipline to take 50 lay-ups a day using your other hand.

As we get a little older, the concept of discipline remains with us. Once we get our first job and move out into that first apartment, a new series of disciplines are needed. The discipline to begin saving money, or the discipline to put up with a low-level manager, or even the discipline handle our new-found, late-hour freedom.

As we mature and get a little older, that one word continues to permeate our lives. Now on the discipline table the stakes continue to grow. The discipline to manage money, manage what we eat, to find a spouse, and the discipline to work hard and stay put when that marriage requires effort.

If you don't believe in the powers of discipline, answer the following questions. First, "What is the one goal in my life that is not impossible, but I have not conquered?" Once you've written the answer to that question, ask yourself this question. "What effect would a disciplined approach to that particular issue have in my quest to achieve this goal?"

Lesson: Road Warriors learn this lesson of discipline, or they don't remain Road Warriors for long. It's not superstition to set small goals, and maintain the discipline to achieve them. One step at a time…

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Best Shopping for the Road Warrior

It's clear we've all been high jacked into the holiday season slightly early this year, and I'm here to tell you there's no turning back. I feel your pain. I too can barely stand the sappy holiday tunes blaring out of every retail store and coffee shop. The thought of shopping right now gives me hives—I really need Frosty and Rudolph to back off a bit and give me some space to procrastinate. At this point, it's best we accept that the holiday syndrome of seeking out the perfect gifts is upon us all and it's game time.

With the economy where it is, resourceful shopping is the theme this season. This is the perfect time to sit and think quality versus quantity. The easiest way to conquer your holiday shopping list painlessly and successfully (and on time!) is to tackle it bit by bit as you make your way through various business bound destinations during the next few weeks. Multi task if you will. Stop looking at your list as if it's a three-hour root canal, instead, consider it a self-guided retail adventure in a cool city.

No matter what your business destination, wrap up that last meeting as quick as you can, grab a cab and get your shop on. Below are a few of my favorite spots to shop while on the road in various cities.

San Francisco

San Francisco is one place you can truly experience the joy of ditching the miserable shopping malls in exchange for pounding the pavement to more creative and cultural destinations. Say bye-bye Union Square and hello Mission District. No matter who is on your list, one afternoon in The Mission will guarantee everyone on your list is covered.

The Curiosity Shoppe 55 Valencia Street 415.671.5384 Curiosityshoppeonline.com

This is the essence of inspired shopping. If you have time for only one shop pre-flight make it this one. This little wonder of whimsy is really a one stop-shopping emporium. If the most interesting object in your home is your television, than you really need a dose of curious. You will find things like vintage books, one-of-a kind jewelry, an apple jacket, (yes folks apples get cold too!) or perhaps your spouse deserves their very own colorful mermaid bottle opener--who doesn't! For the tots, grab an uber cool wood yo-yo for a great deal. The shop has letterpress art prints and other irresistibly affordable works for art enthusiasts and budding collector.

826 Valencia 826 Valencia Street 415-642-5905 826valenica.org

When I want to channel my inner Johnny Depp I slide into this haven of pure pirates booty. Novelist Dave Eggers launched this shop as a way to promote creative writing and the arts. It's a very under the radar spot. This self-proclaimed pirate supply store hawks everything you can imagine: from cool Jolly Roger Flags, and dice, to eye patches and even peg legs. 826 Valencia has a treasure trove of options.

Paxton Gate 824 Valencia Street 415-824-1872 Paxtongate.com

Let me warn you, this is truly an "only in San Francisco" store. It doesn't really get any more irreverent. It's likely the most unique and fun filled shop you'll ever buy anything from, so enter with an open mind and embrace the quirkiness of it all. Grab some azure butterflies under glass, gorgeous rare potted plants, dinosaur teeth, or skeletons of all sorts. It's a Goth slash taxidermist slash antique shop. I secretly want to have a birthday party here.

Dallas

Texans know how to get their shop on and I'm in training whenever I travel there. The mix of savvy shops listed below will bring your in-laws around to finally liking you.

Madison 45a Highland Park Village 214-528-8118 kkmadison.com

There's a gift I want at Madison purely for how coffee table worthy it is, but the wordsmith in your life will adore it for it's actual purpose. It's a must have sexy leather bound edition Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary. These come in happy and bright colors that might actually have you ditching Google and turning pages to spell check, old school style. If your boss is on the brink of a breakdown after all the layoffs give her an alligator-embossed Think Pad – for all her genius ideas and inspire her to find a way to move the company forward. Madison is packed with wondrous gifts for everyone from design gurus to chefs, traditionalists and those like you, on the go.

The Fitting Room 4111 Lomo Alto Drive 214-520-3600

For the fellow jet setters on your list, help them catch some zzzs on their next flight with Armand Diradourian's swank cashmere travel sets. Go ahead and grab one for yourself-- you deserve it. You can give your girls the gift of pretty with Baekgaard's hot pink mini-manicure kit or for the girl who has everything: a snakeskin wallet from Zina Eva-- maybe even slide in a few Benjamin's just to close the deal.

Forty-Five Ten 4510 McKinney Avenue 214-559-4510 fortyfiveten.com

This just might be the mother lode of high end shopping--8, 000 square feet of world-class goods. I personally need someone to hold my hand in here. It's a cool mix of fashion, accessories, and collections for the home, all merchandised with its own sassy point-of-view, along with its own café, the T Room. Your mama always said to say please and thank you --Well here's a nice way to say both--The Lucky 7 note cards, featuring horseshoes, four-leaf clovers, and monkeys are a nice treat. Pick up some soft and fuzzy cashmere balls, or Apothia's Chrismukkah candle. Random but also brilliant.

Los Angeles

Hollywood and Highland is so over. Abbott Kinney in Venice is where the real action is. Not only is this boulevard of retail loveliness only a few minutes' walk from the surf, sand and a handful of sales, it's also only a 15 minute drive from LAX. Score. I'm going to go ahead and say call in sick and make a whole day of it. Act like a local, shed the suit, grab some coffee, hit the beach for a splash in the surf, and then mosey on back to the boulevard for some pre-flight shopping. Start off at Westminster Avenue and Abbott Kinney and make your way towards Venice Blvd. This street is packed full of chic clothing boutiques, quirky shoe shops, unique house wares stores and eco kids shops. It even sports a rare bookstore. And there's a whole bunch of pretty, sunny people to stare at too!

Strange Invisible Perfumes 1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd 310-314-1505 Siperfumes.com

This is not your grandma's perfume shop. Strange Invisible Perfumes most closely resembles the sort of scent-making Willy Wonka would whip up. Owner Alexandra Balahoutis has concocted 22 ready-made, all-natural essence perfumes to tickle your senses. And if you want to really go the distance, (and you should) book a consultation with a perfumer and swirl up a custom scent for her that you can't resist.

Surfing Cowboys 1624 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice 310- 450-4891 Surfingcowboys.com

I'm a collector of Hawaiiana, so this spot is on my top ten list. Surfing Cowboys is part vintage furniture showroom, part vintage photography shop and part pop culture bookstore, with a little modern-day jewelry thrown in for no reason at all. If anyone on your list owned a surf or skateboard back in the 80's slide in and scoop up a cool board for memory sake. If you're seeking a perfect Hand Tinted Yosemite California Print, look no further.

Firefly
1413 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
310- 450-6288
Shopfirefly.com

Let's face it none of us need anymore of anything. Firefly makes you want to give not only to friends and family but also back to yourself. Grab a pair of sparkly and colorful Haviana's slippers for the tween on your list, or one of the cooking or coffee table books. There's lots of comfy clothing for women and babies, as well as silly cards and yummy bath products by La Luz and Mistral. And once you've crossed everyone off your list, there's a nice slab of sidewalk out front, too—perfect for a last minute bask in the California sunshine before boarding your flight home.

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How to Manage Travel Expenses

Managing your travel expenses is an important way to cut your company's costs. Managing those expenses well is also important in ensuring that you get reimbursed fully and promptly.

Although many businesspeople know their way around booking their travel, you'd be surprised how many don't know their way around an expense report. It's just as easy to make mistakes that will cost you big money as it is to do your expense report right.

Here is what I do to manage my travel expenses:

-- "Book in advance" is perhaps the most obvious and yet most commonly ignored piece of advice anyone can give you about how to manage your travel costs intelligently.

-- One caveat to this rule is if you think you may need to make last minute changes to your flight. You need to balance the price of that low fare ticket with the risk of having your travel plans change and possibly paying a higher airfare and/or change fee penalties.

-- Think about where you're going vs. the time of year you're going. Mull vacation patterns and how they could affect your own travel costs.

-- If you have the choice, you may be able to cut costs by using the "less obvious" airport. For example, in Chicago try Midway vs. O'Hare when you booking a low-fare carrier. Just remember that the airfare isn't your trip's only major cost. Thus if you're thinking of opting for Midway you'll want to factor in the cost of that rental car or taxi before you book.

-- On the other hand, if I was in Boston and in a hurry to get to my next destination, I might not worry about saving $100 by flying out of Manchester, N.H. Then again, if I wasn't in a hurry, maybe I'd also consider the fares out of Providence or some other regional airport.

-- Engage the services of a travel agent, whether through your company or on your own. Travel professionals can find you the best deal while also providing expertise and assistance when you need it.

-- If you have flexibility in your flight planning, consider websites that use "predictive modeling." For example, FareCast.com tracks up and down patterns of certain airfares. It predicts when certain airfare deals will emerge.

-- Consider the length of your trip. Does it make sense to rent a car, take a cab, or hire a car service? If your schedule is not too pressing, you can save by taking an airport shuttles or even a shared taxi.

-- At the hotel, remember a few basic cost-cutting rules: (1) Avoid the minibar; (2) limit your room service; and (3) be wary of the hotel restaurant, which can be as costly as the first two.

-- If you are a frequent user of hotel Internet services (both DSL and wireless), consider investing in a wireless network card, available through your wireless provider. This will enable you to access the Internet from anywhere you have a cellular signal and at a considerable cost savings.

-- Eating while en route is more of a wildcard than ever before, in terms of convenience, cost and quality, so it is best to bring your own. Always buy a bottle of water after you clear airport security. Consider buying two -- the second bottle will become indispensable if your flight gets marooned on the tarmac.

-- Examine your options for getting back from the airport. Depending on your schedule, you can save money taking the subway or a bus. That is, unless your flight is returning after the bus stops running.

-- Don't forget to save your receipts from the subway or bus, taxi or shuttle, tolls or parking lot. This will save you time and hassles with your accounting department.

-- Being organized helps in the long run. In fact, before my business trip I create a folder that will hold every important document, including flight itinerary, directions to the hotel, and business meeting agenda. Into this trip folder also goes key items that will accumulate during my trip, including those all-important receipts.

-- Actually all of those loose receipts, boarding passes, and so on, are placed inside a large envelope, which I clip inside my trip folder.

-- Some travelers prefer those clear plastic envelopes that have a string which wraps around a round clasp. This way you not only can see what's inside, you can be sure the contents won't spill out.

-- Another tip: Write on each receipt what it was for ("Business breakfast on Nov. 10; guest John Doe w/O. Wild," for example). Don't take for granted that you will remember the details. After the trip, I sift the receipts into piles that are organized by date and function.

-- Do your expense report within three days, otherwise you'll get backlogged and end up losing money. (Think about organizing your receipts and even doing your expense report on the plane, train, etc.)

-- If you can keep all of your receipts, boarding passes, and other paperwork organized during your trip, you'll find that completing your expense report will be a breeze when you sit at your computer.

-- It's vital to know what your company policy is on reimbursement. Some employers will not reimburse employees for expenses from their house to their home airport, some not for expenses at the home airport. Some won't reimburse for any expenses incurred after you land. Know before your fly so your expense report will fly through your company's approval process.

-- Often I will get reimbursed long before my credit card bill is due. Avoid risks of past due fees or having to dig into your own bank account.

-- The minute I get my expense check I put it into my checking account. Then I write a check to my corporate credit card to pay the bill. Better yet, see if your company offers a direct deposit option for expense reimbursement.

-- To keep your finances organized, you might consider separate accounts for business vs. personal expenses. Some have separate ATM cards representing their separate business and personal checking accounts, and of course separate business vs. personal credit cards.

Checklist. Remember these key how-to points:
-- Book early.
-- Search for the lowest "logical" airfare.
-- Consider the impact of schedule changes.
-- Factor in the travel season.
-- Consider alternate points of departure.
-- Engage the services of a travel professional.
-- Remember that your time has value.
-- Weigh your ground transportation options.
-- Bring your own food, for both comfort and cost savings.
-- Invest in your own wireless connectivity.
-- Never assume when it comes to public transportation schedules.
-- Save your receipts.
-- Stay organized and create a trip folder.
-- Safeguard your receipts in an envelope inside the folder.
-- Write down the details on your receipts.
-- Start your expense report before your trip is over.
-- File your expense report within three days of the end of your trip.
-- Know your company's reimbursement policy.
-- Use your reimbursement money to pay off your trip's charges.
-- Keep your personal and business finances separate.

Check Out These Links:
When Managed Travel Isn't

How to Work While Stuck at an Airport

Hotel Booking for Business Travelers

The Secret Is "Don't Assume"

Top 10 Business Trip Bloopers

Saving Time on Your Flight Starts on the Ground

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In a Time of Fear, Some Perspective

Turn on the television, pick up a newspaper, or stop by your local water cooler and it's all around you. There are a lot of Chicken Little's predicting financial doom and gloom--most mistakenly given a pulpit on television. If you are not worried about your financial future, you are a stronger person than I am. I train the financial institutions that are being shelled right now, and my business is right in the cross hairs of companies that will be seriously impacted by the economic crisis.

Yesterday I was getting ready for a different trip. Rather than a trip to the airport, it was a trip to Southern Maryland to a small piece of property that we own. It's a magical get-away on the water in a small town near Solomon's Island, Maryland.

My older daughter had surprised us and drove with a friend from Syracuse, New York, where she attends school to be home for a few days. Imagine that? She cared about us enough to not only take the six hour drive from Syracuse, but to surprise us in a well planned sceme worked out with my younger daughter. I needed a few items so I drove to our local mall, and moved through as quickly as I could.

While I was there in that mall, my mind was somewhere else. It was in a dark place. It was reminding me of the decades of travel to acquire enough wealth to put aside for my children's education and my retirement. This dark place seemed to delight in reminding me of the delays I had endured. It seemed to enjoy showing me the lonely nights I had spent in so many hotel rooms, and the disappointments I had experienced from time to time. This dark place was powerful, and because it rarely puts its hands on me, it made sure to whisper in my ear just how much harder my life would be, and how much harder I would now have to work.

I feel for anyone who walked by me during those few minutes because I'm quite sure the picture of the man they were looking at would not be a pleasant one. And then I saw her.

Almost on queue, out of nowhere, a little girl in a wheel chair was pushed directly in my path. She was about ten years old, and she was so beautiful I froze in my tracks. Her hair was combed with pretty little hair clips, just like the ones my girls wore when they were her age. She had some significant handicaps, but she wore none of this on her face. What she wore on her face was joy. She was going into the Disney store where the princesses and fairies were waiting to greet her. She wore her blessings on her sleeve.

As this wheel chair, and this darling little face, moved on I began to think. What was it I had been sulking about? In a blink of the eye I was no longer in a dark place at all. I was jolted back to reality, and a place that does not tolerate dark places. My daughter came home from school for four days to be with us. My younger daughter could not wait to be with us too. We are healthy. We are happy. We are heading to on oasis to be with each other.

Lesson: Do me a favor. Walk away from your computer, and take a true account of your life. My guess is, no matter what our economic crisis is, or will be, you will find it laughable to even care if you have your health and family.

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