We recently took a colleague, Alex Eggers, to his first-ever business trip—down to Washington, D.C., for IIEX. Nothing dramatic happened (thankfully), but it got us reminiscing about our own “firsts” and the unforgettable lessons they came with.
Business trips, especially your first one, are full of expectation, anxiety, improvisation, and often, unexpected disaster. But looking back, these trips weren’t just about the actual meetings. They taught us how to handle chaos, connect with people, and just roll with it—skills that, frankly, are essential in client relationships.
Here’s what we mean.
The Diet Dr. Pepper Incident (or, Why I Ended Up in an ‘I ❤️ LA’ Shirt)
My first business trip was a day trip from Seattle to LA, where I flew down and met my manager, the head of sales for this sampling company, and met a client at a VERY large entertainment client. I had bought a new suit and a crisp white button-down shirt, feeling like the real deal.
Then came the caffeine. We stopped at Chick-fil-A before the meeting to settle my nerves. My manager reached across the car to grab his (EXTRA LARGE) Diet Dr. Pepper. The cup caved. The soda exploded. My brand-new white shirt? Now a wet, translucent mess.
We had just 15 minutes before the client meeting, and were in West Hollywood, where there were no clothing stores to run into.
With no time to find a proper replacement, we hit a kitschy souvenir shop on Sunset and bought “I ❤️ LA” t-shirts—for me, my teammates who were also attending the meeting, and even the clients. It could have been a disaster, but instead, it turned into a memorable, funny shared experience. The meeting went great. And we built an unexpected bond.
Speeding, Mount Rushmore, and Handcuffs
First business trip for John Zarella, our president and founder? Let’s just say it included Mount Rushmore, an unpaid speeding ticket, and the authorities crossing state lines to resolve the situation. (Ask him sometime.)
The Real Lesson: Relationships Aren’t Built on Perfection
We told Alex these stories before his first trip to make a point—your first business trip won’t be perfect. And that’s OK.
Here’s what those trips taught us, and why they matter in client relationships too:
- Stuff will go wrong. Flights will be late. Drinks will spill. You might even get arrested (not recommended). What matters is how you respond.
- Be flexible. Turning a shirt disaster into a bonding moment says more about your professionalism than wearing the perfect outfit ever could.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. Clients are people. Being human, showing humor, and leaning into the absurd moments can build stronger connections than any slide deck.
- Plan—but don’t over-plan. Know your stuff. But don’t stress when it goes sideways. Preparation helps; adaptability closes the deal.
From First Trips to Long-Term Trust
If you’re preparing for your first business trip, don’t just focus on the logistics. Focus on your mindset. The ability to pivot, laugh, and make the best of it is what clients will remember.
And if you’re a vendor, consultant, or agency trying to build client relationships, remember this: business is personal. People don’t just hire capability, they hire chemistry, presence, and trust. Sometimes, that trust starts with spilled soda and a t-shirt.
What About You?
We’ve told our stories—now it’s your turn.
What happened on your first business trip?
What did it teach you about working with people?
Final Thoughts
Over the last 35 years, the Research Results team has put these lessons into action. Our clients can see that in our close-knit culture and focus on relationship-building. We call it our “secret sauce.”
For more information on how we can help with your back-office support needs, contact Ellen Pieper, Chief Client Officer, Ellen_Pieper@researchresults.com, or 919-368-5819 today.