In the fast-paced world of business, savvy CEOs and entrepreneurs never waste a moment, even during layovers. From conducting walk-and-talks to leveraging cloud-based productivity tools, discover the twelve strategies these professionals employ to optimize business efficiency while on the go.
- Conduct Walk-and-Talks During Layovers
- Harness Layover Time for Creative Work
- Review Product Features and Market Strategies
- Draft Thought-Leadership Pieces for LinkedIn
- Host Remote Brainstorming Sessions
- Network in Business Lounges
- Engage in Deep Work Sessions
- Evaluate Brand Strategy and Reconnect
- Adjust Investment Strategies and Portfolios
- Analyze Performance Metrics for Operational Efficiency
- Strategize Supplier and Manufacturing Relations
- Leverage Cloud-Based Productivity Tools
Conduct Walk-and-Talks During Layovers
Turn layover time into “walk-and-talks.” When you’re stuck in an airport, knock out calls with your team and go for a walk. Layovers can make you groggy and frustrated. Get out of your seat, walk, and chat with people on your team. Even if you don’t have a set agenda or plan to talk to them on that day, call them and discuss different topics.
Here are some topic ideas:
– How are you feeling overall with your role? The business?
– What new ideas have you had recently? Let’s brainstorm them.
– What issues are you seeing with the team? Operations?
– What do you think of this growth idea… “insert idea”…?
These “walk-and-talks” may be out of the norm for you and your team, but they could turn into new ideas, feedback, criticism, mindset shifts, etc. Turn that layover into a business catalyst!
Connor Gillivan
Entrepreneur, Owner & CMO, TrioSEO
Harness Layover Time for Creative Work
One strategy I swear by to make the most out of layovers and optimize business efficiency is what I call ‘Layover Leverage.’ Picture this: I’m stranded in an airport, but instead of twiddling my thumbs or browsing overpriced souvenirs, I whip out my laptop and dive into my creative zone. Airports are bustling hubs of inspiration, with a diverse crowd and dynamic energy that can fuel some of my best ideas.
I often find a quiet corner, plug in my noise-canceling headphones, and start brainstorming or fine-tuning campaigns. It’s amazing how a change of scenery can spark creativity. Plus, with fewer distractions than in the office, I can focus intensely and get a surprising amount of work done.
And if I need a break, people-watching at airports is a goldmine for understanding different demographics and behaviors, which can be incredibly useful for crafting targeted marketing strategies. So, next time you’re stuck in transit, think of it as an unexpected opportunity to get ahead.
Lukasz Zelezny
SEO Consultant, SEO ANT LTD
Review Product Features and Market Strategies
Leveraging layovers for maximizing business efficiency has become an essential part of my work routine, given my involvement with diverse projects like Adaptify AI. One successful tactic I’ve developed is dedicating layover time to conduct in-depth reviews of our product features or market strategies. This focused environment allows me to deeply analyze customer feedback and performance data, which I can then utilize to make strategic decisions swiftly.
For instance, during a layover at Heathrow, I revamped the user interface of a SaaS platform I was working on by assessing user interaction data collected via our analytics tools. This uninterrupted focus led to identifying a critical design flaw that was causing user drop-offs. The insights gained during this layover allowed me to sketch out a more intuitive layout, leading to a 30% reduction in user churn rate after implementation.
Additionally, layovers provide a unique opportunity for uninterrupted creative thinking. I often use this time to explore potential AI enhancements for Adaptify AI, without the usual office distractions. This has led to several breakthroughs, such as the development of a new feature for predictive analytics based on trending data inefficiencies spotted during these isolated brainstorming sessions.
Thus, transforming layover time into productive solitude has not only enhanced my strategic and creative output but has significantly propelled the projects I manage, ensuring they adapt and thrive in highly competitive environments.
Hansjan Kamerling
Co-Founder, Adaptify AI
Draft Thought-Leadership Pieces for LinkedIn
Part of the routine tasks that I have to do to make my business visible on social media is to share thought-leadership pieces on LinkedIn. Much of what I share comes from keeping up with industry news and reading up on notable business figures and their lives. I’ve found airport layovers to be a great time to dedicate to drafting the think pieces I share and making notes on the newsletters and books that I read.
I always carry my notebook with me, and a book or downloaded newsletter that I read in airport lounges as I wait for my next flight. The ambiance of a new environment always inspires my creativity, and I’ve managed to derive great insights, which I then share with my audience on LinkedIn.
Clooney Wang
CEO, TrackingMore
Host Remote Brainstorming Sessions
Leveraging layovers effectively has become a staple in my routine as a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, especially given the dynamic environment of start-ups and tech companies I frequently collaborate with. One practical strategy that I employ is using layover time to conduct quick but productive remote brainstorming sessions with my team. Here’s how it works:
Before the flight, I prepare a list of topics that require fresh ideas or solutions, often revolving around our recent challenges in digital marketing or product development. Through a conferencing platform that reliably functions on mobile devices, I schedule and run short, focused brainstorming sessions during the layover. This method not only capitalizes on what would be downtime but also pulls in diverse inputs from team members in different locations, enhancing creativity and problem-solving.
Another specific instance where this paid off was when I faced a product launch setback due to unforeseen market shifts. During a two-hour layover in Atlanta, we held a rapid virtual meeting that led to the pivot of our marketing strategy, integrating real-time consumer data that one of my team members had just analyzed. The outcome was a 20% better alignment with market needs and a successful launch.
Furthermore, I often use layovers to refine our digital strategy by analyzing the latest trends and performance metrics from ongoing campaigns. Without the distractions of a traditional office, I find it easier to think critically and strategically. This focused review during layovers routinely results in actionable insights, often leading to small but impactful tweaks that enhance campaign effectiveness.
Thus, transforming layovers into sessions for strategic collaboration and deep focus on analytics not only maximizes my productivity but also drives continuous improvement and agile responses within the industries I work in.
Haiko de Poel
Owner, Mass Impact
Network in Business Lounges
As a recruiter, I’ve made many connections in the business lounge—both candidates and clients. So when it comes to making the most of a shorter layover, consider sticking around the airport. Heading out into the city can be a little more fun, but you’re less likely to run into a captive audience of fellow professionals, and the tight quarters of a waiting area can be the perfect place to start up a conversation that leads to more.
Optimizing this strategy requires a little self-promotion, so I’ve adorned my luggage and laptop with the Redfish Technology logo. People are more likely to recall visual branding, and several times I’ve been stopped by people who remember me from a previous interaction. When they need sourcing services, I’m at the forefront of their memory.
Rob Reeves
CEO and President, Redfish Technology
Engage in Deep Work Sessions
We are a global digital marketing agency known for our innovative approach to SEO and digital strategy. I’ve learned to turn the inevitable layovers into productive work periods. Here is a distinct strategy I employ to optimize business efficiency even while I’m between flights:
One effective strategy I use during layovers is to dedicate this time to deep work sessions, focusing on tasks that require more concentration and thoughtfulness than might be hard to tackle in a bustling office environment. I prioritize project planning, strategic review, or creative brainstorming, which can be done effectively in the relative quiet of an airport lounge.
Utilizing noise-canceling headphones, I create a “bubble” of concentration, which allows me to dive deep into analytics reports or new marketing strategies without the usual interruptions. This not only makes the layover time productive but also speeds up decision-making processes that are crucial for maintaining our agility at our organization.
Jason Hennessey
CEO, Hennessey Digital
Evaluate Brand Strategy and Reconnect
In my role as the Chief Marketing Officer at FireRock Marketing, efficient time management during business travel, including layovers, is crucial. One strategy I’ve found particularly effective is using layovers as an opportunity for concentrated brand strategy evaluation. For instance, I often carry with me a snapshot of our current projects and the analytics associated with recent campaigns. This allows me to use what would otherwise be dead time to analyze data patterns and brainstorm improvement maneuvers for ongoing or upcoming campaigns.
A specific example was during a layover at O’Hare where I revisited our customer segmentation approach. By diving deep into the analytics, I realized that our engagement with one segment could be improved. I sketched a rapid prototype for an adjusted marketing funnel exclusively for that segment. Implementing this refined approach resulted in a remarkable 15% increase in conversion rates once it rolled out.
Additionally, I use layovers to reconnect and network. Not long ago, while waiting at JFK, I ended up sharing a charging station with a fellow marketing professional, which led to a discussion on digital marketing trends. This chance encounter turned into a collaborative webinar that significantly expanded our reach and brought fresh perspectives to our strategies.
Hence, viewing layovers as a window for strategic contemplation and networking can transmute them into one of the most productive parts of your journey, catalyzing significant business growth and efficiency improvements.
Ryan Esco
Chief Marketing Officer, FireRock Marketing
Adjust Investment Strategies and Portfolios
Maximizing layover time is something I’ve found essential in my role as CEO of BlueSky Wealth Advisors. One strategic approach I employ specifically during layovers is the review and adjustment of our investment strategies and client portfolios. This is crucial, given the dynamic nature of financial markets and client needs.
For instance, during a recent layover, I used the time to conduct a thorough analysis of emerging market trends that could impact our investment strategies. By accessing real-time financial data and leveraging financial analysis tools on my laptop, I was able to identify an underperforming asset class. This allowed us to reallocate resources more efficiently, enhancing client portfolio performance.
Additionally, I make it a point to catch up on financial regulations that may impact our business operations or client advice. This proactive approach during layovers not only ensures I am up-to-date but also prepares me for any strategic shifts we might need to implement quickly. This in-depth, focused work, often difficult to manage during a regular workday, turns layover time into one of the most productive parts of my travel schedule.
David Blain, CFA
Chief Executive Officer, BlueSky Wealth Advisors
Analyze Performance Metrics for Operational Efficiency
As the Founder and CEO of TRAX Analytics, optimizing layovers for business efficiency isn’t just a necessity; it’s a strategic advantage. My approach focuses particularly on leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance operational processes during these idle times. For instance, during layovers, I often engage in real-time evaluation of our TRAX Analytics platform’s performance metrics across various airport clients. This allows me to pinpoint operational inefficiencies or successes quickly and make agile decisions to adapt our strategies accordingly.
One specific example of this was during a layover at JFK Airport, where I utilized our SmartRestroom and CleanConnect solutions’ live data streams to assess the janitorial efficiency in airports. By analyzing data trends right on my laptop, I was able to identify patterns and propose on-the-fly adjustments to our operational algorithms, enhancing cleaning schedules to reduce downtime and improve traveler satisfaction.
Moreover, layovers present a unique opportunity to refine our platform’s features without the usual office distractions. For instance, reviewing feedback from the field technicians and clients during these periods helps me focus deeply on immediate enhancements we can roll out to boost functionality or user experience. This focused work during layovers not only enhances product development but also directly translates into superior service delivery, evidenced by the improved efficiency stats at client sites post-updates. Thus, transforming layovers into productive work zones ensures continuity, innovation, and client satisfaction in our operational technology deployments.
Tracy Davis
Founder & CEO, TRAX Analytics, LLC.
Strategize Supplier and Manufacturing Relations
In my extensive experience as the founder and owner of Altraco, a firm deeply embedded in designing and manufacturing for diverse industries, I’ve learned the value of optimizing every snippet of time, including layovers. A key strategy I employ is the evaluation and strategizing of our supplier and manufacturing relationships. When caught in a layover, I often dive into reviewing recent supplier interactions and production reports. This not only allows me to catch potential issues before they escalate, but also ensures that our supply chain remains robust and responsive.
For instance, during a recent layover in Hong Kong, which acts as a pivotal hub for our Asian manufacturing activities, I utilized the pause to realign our strategy with a key supplier who had been facing delays. By reviewing our communications and recent audit results during the layover, I was able to draft a comprehensive improvement plan. This plan was then discussed over a conference call facilitated right from the airport lounge, leading to a strategy that enhanced our production efficiency by 15% over the next quarter.
Moreover, I prioritize layovers as moments for deep-diving into new research and innovative practices that could be applied within our manufacturing process. This proactive approach isn’t just about solving existing issues but is geared towards forward-thinking solutions that preempt future challenges. By turning layovers into productive work zones, I ensure continuity, efficiency, and innovation within our operations, demonstrating how travel time can be transformed into an opportunity for significant business advancement.
Albert Brenner
Co-Owner, Altraco
Leverage Cloud-Based Productivity Tools
When it comes to optimizing business efficiency during layovers, I utilize technology to stay productive on the go. One strategy I employ is to leverage cloud-based productivity tools and mobile applications to manage tasks, collaborate with team members, and stay connected with clients. By accessing documents and resources remotely through secure cloud storage platforms, I can address urgent matters and make informed decisions regardless of my location.
I use layovers as an opportunity to prioritize tasks that require uninterrupted focus, such as strategic planning or creative brainstorming. By maximizing the downtime between flights, I can accomplish important objectives and maintain momentum in advancing my business goals. In essence, by harnessing technology and strategic time management, I ensure that layovers become valuable opportunities to enhance productivity and efficiency in my business endeavors.
Handy Barot
Founder & CEO, StorX Network
