September 16, 2009 12 Comments

Sponsored Post- British Airways Wants to Equip You

The following is a sponsored post, commissioned by British Airways, by way of Izea, a company upon whose board of advisors I serve. The words and ideas below are mine. This is a paid post.

I’m on planes for the next several days, as a way to do business. I count on airlines to grow my business, even though the Internet is a huge part of what I do. That’s why I decided to take this particular opportunity, because it matches my own business interests, and because I think it’s a neat opportunity.

This is for US Businesses Only

(according to folks who read all the fine print)

British Airways is giving away 100 Business Opportunity Grants to people who qualify. Basically, British Airways is saying what I always say: it’s great to meet people online, but deals get made face-to-face. I agree with this.

Obviously, there’s other incentives at foot for the airline industry. Travel’s on tough times right now, and companies need any incentive they can to keep us engaged. But there is some logic behind what British Airways is giving away. Here’s what they say on their site:

We reaffirmed this belief through our collaborative research with The Harvard Business Review, that proved the great importance of conducting business in person and its direct relationship to the bottom-line. The study shows that 87% of professionals think that face-to-face meetings are essential for sealing the deal, while 95% said it’s the key to successful, long lasting business relationships. So, it’s an imperative you get quality face time with your clients, no matter how far you need to travel.

And this is what they’re giving away if you get the grant:

  • British Airways airfare for 10 round-trip Club World business class flights.
  • 5 free British Airways World Cargo freight shipments of up to 500 kilos to worldwide destinations
  • $1000 toward accommodation at Courtyard by Marriott
  • 5 Regus Businessworld Gold Cards providing access to business lounges worldwide
  • Canon PIXMA MX860 Wireless Office All-In-One Printer

It’s a pretty decent deal, I think. For the snarks, yes, this is for publicity for BA, but if you can make a business advantage out of it, why wouldn’t you?

If you want to know more, apply for a Business Opportunity Grant .

Thanks for your time.

The preceding was a sponsored post for British Airways, by way of Izea

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  • KeithBurtis

    This is opportunistic to the end user. Who knows maybe the right person will see it and take advantage. Personally I'd love to see more virtual and less flying based on the environmental impact. However, business IS done face-to-face and there is a definite advantage for both parties. You can't replace the human energy.
    _keith

  • http://www.tina-m.com/ Tina Mammoser

    Thanks for that Chris! I, for one, am happy to see these sponsored blogs sometimes. Personally one of the biggest barriers to my business is travel (both in the UK and abroad) so this is exactly the kind of opportunity I need! Coincidently I drafted a business plan of action last week which included contacting UK train companies regarding some form of service/product exchange to enable me to create my works. And another item on the list was to research opportunities in the USA (since I'm actually American) – this is one step I can take right now.

    Thank you again. :)

  • http://twitter.com/mark_copeman Mark Copeman

    Chris – don't forget you have an audience outside of the US… you should put in big letters this competition is only open to US residents… then UK folks like me wouldn't spend 5 mins trying to make the form work ;-)

    Good luck to the winner – nice prize!

  • davelutz

    Here's a link to a study that was released a couple days ago by the Nat'l Business Travel Assoc. (NBTA) entitled, “Can we afford not to invest in business travel?” http://tinyurl.com/ngonpw The study claims a 15:1 ROI on $'s spent on business travel. Sounds a bit high to me, but I don't doubt the fact that ROI is positive and the risk of not traveling is even greater.

    Bottom line is that travel & entertainment are easy cuts to help improve short-term results, but can be harmful to a company's long-term growth and valuation. While many are growing their community and earning trust online or virtually, those that are willing to give the customer or prospect face2face time are building better relationships and will eventually kick your butt! Face2face interactions, dramatically accelerate sales cycles and improve close rates.

  • http://tedmurphy.org ted murphy

    So wish that I was eligible to win this. It has been awhile since I traveled to see our oversees clients. Got me thinking that I need to make a trip to London sometime soon. I have been to SES London but no other shows. Anyone have suggestions?

  • http://detroit.fwix.com Jamie Favreau

    Great idea. I posted it on Twitter since I know of a lot of business people who could take advantage of this. Sponsored or not this is a great idea.

  • http://www.purelife-shoes.com/ Timberland shoes

    I can't agree more.

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  • http://www.staffingpower.com/ jobseeker33

    In my thought travel’s on tough times right now, and companies need any incentive they can to keep us engaged.

  • http://www.staffingpower.com/ jobseeker33

    In my thought travel’s on tough times right now, and companies need any incentive they can to keep us engaged.

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  • http://www.memorybits.co.uk/ usb flash drive

    One of the biggest obstacles to trade my personal journey (both in Britain and abroad) so it really kind of opportunity I need! Incidentally, last week I train the UK some form of service / product exchange for companies to include contact able to create my works of action drafted a business plan.