I can verify this statement through experience. About two years ago i co-founded a collaboration software called GroupTable. What I’ve found through my interactions with GroupTable and other collaborative software applications is that they are best utilized to keep a group cohesive and connected when apart….not as a replacement for physical meetings.

Here’s just a few ways you could take advantage of travel services like those offered by British Airlines to grow your business:

• If your considering a new supplier or distributor…why not fly out and check out their facilities? Seeing their establishment and meeting their team can help you make a more informed decision. This kind of thing could save you thousands of dollars or help you rest easy knowing that your making the correct decision.
• Trying to close a big client? Show your commitment by flying out to meet him. Much of sales in any industry is developing a relationship built on trust, communication and rapport. Of course you have to have a good product or service, but developing a great relationship will only result in the deal getting closed faster, future sales and lots of referrals.
• Spending time face to face with a potential partner can really help you get a sense of who they are. After handling business go have a drink with them and get to know them more personally. Would you want to be in business with someone you don’t know or don’t get a good vibe with?….I know I don’t
• More productive meetings…if meetings are structured properly and those attending are prepared in person meetings have the potential to be much more productive than virtual meetings. Many times quick meetings can be done effectively through collaborative tools like GroupTable, but for extensive meetings that are more involved having a large whiteboard to diagram and plan things out is very helpful. Though many collaborative tools have whiteboards you don’t get the same effect or end result.

Now we all know that we’re in a economic recession and most businesses are cutting back on nearly all expenses including travel. Once you give it a try I’m sure you’ll see that face to face meetings often pay for themselves.

Still not convinced….How can you find the budget to invest in seeing this for your self?

Well I the great news is that British Airlines has a contest where they are offering a business grant to 100 companies. Each grant consists of a years worth of business class travel anywhere British Airways flies! But….that’s not all!

I can’t help that I sound like an infomercial it’s cool what they are doing

See for yourself…

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

Applying for the grant is easy all you need to do is answer a few questions about your business objectives in 2010 and how this grant could help.

I strongly encourage all aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to enter the contest by visiting: Business Opportunity Grant Contest

It’s all based on risk and return.  If you are involved in a venture that needs full attention to succeed it’s ok to put other ideas on the back burner.  However, I feel that just as a successful student may take 5 classes at a time and be able to get good grades in all of them, if you delegate your time and resources properly you can do, and succeed, in multiple ventures at a time.  Again if you are involved in a venture that needs your full attention to succeed and feel the return will be worth it, by all means that venture should have nearly all of your energy.  However if it doesn’t and you can put people or resources in place to make something happen….why not?

Diversification is key to obtaining wealth (Any investor worth their commission, or degree would tell you the same).  If you have your hands in a bunch of different endeavors and have proper people in place to help them grow, your likely hood for success & wealth rises immensely.

I can’t tell you how many times that I had an idea that I thought would do great and then someone else launches it.  I take it as a compliment, however compliments won’t put dollars in your bank account.  Ideas are really nothing until they’re implimented.

If you have an idea that you feel could be a success and don’t already have your hands in too much, what are you waiting for?  You don’t want to be that guy (or girl) that says “Hey….I had that idea” after a million dollar company is born.

There are ways to fund or grow a company with slim to no budget.

Make it happen!

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Since it is Valentines Day I spent some time reflecting on my wonderful relationship of three and a half years with my boyfriend David. However, being the girlfriend of an entrepreneur is challenging but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. So for those of you in the same boat as me, hang in there it will be well worth it! Here are some tips that I found helpful:

1. You must be able to block out the alerts coming from the cell phone. It will drive you nuts with all of the e-mails, phone calls/text messages and Twitter updates.
2. Only expect a tiny little corner of the bookshelf. Most likely the book shelf will be completely stacked with books like “Future Millionaires”, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and “Founders at Work”.
3. Let him know that dinner is ready about 10-15 mins before it actually is. Therefore, he can finish his e-mail, conversation on Twitter or phone call in a timely manner before his food gets cold. I can’t tell you how many meals I’ve had to microwave.
4. Always be supportive. Being the girlfriend or wife of an entrepreneur requires you to be their support through the many ups and downs of the roller coaster ride.
5. You may have to move across the country because he needs to go to the state/city that will be best for his venture.
6. Be prepared for him to NETWORK everywhere you go!
7. Be prepared for him to be in front of or at least near his computer 75% of the day
8. TV shows like BIG IDEA will be filling up your DVR
9. Get used to going to bed alone. Especially if you work early and want to get at least 8 hrs of sleep. Most likely he will finally shut off the computer and crawl into bed around 2 or 3 am.
10. Most importantly, understand that you are with an extremely motivated, self disciplined and inspired person, be proud of them. It takes special people to be entrepreneurs.

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Not bad for her first post huh? Thanks for being the best & most understanding girlfriend ever! Happy Valentines day babe!

- David

Do you have any helpful tips that you would add to the list? If so drop them in the comments below.

I’ve been extremely busy lately and haven’t had much time to come up for air and post on my blog.  I was out of town for a week in Vegas for Affiliate Summit West then came  back and have had a lot of obligations for both IZEA and my start-up (GroupTable) lately.  It’s the beginning of the semester so many students across the country are going back to school and so GroupTable’s usage is really picking up.  GroupTable also has a bunch of other things in the works, which I’m not able to talk about until they come to the light, but trust me it’s awesome.

(But time consuming)

Rest assured I will have some good posts in the near future.

Thanks for your patience