Lands' End Business Outfitters Blog

Top tips for business travelers (from Twitter friends)

This is prime event season. Thousands of business travelers are packing their bags and heading out. Conventions, trade shows, annual meetings...We asked our Twitter followers for their favorite business travel survival tips. Rules of the road, so to speak, that make a trip more manageable. Here's our top five (in no particular order).

1. Breath mints. Those early-morning flights ask a lot of your morning toothbrush routine. Do your neighbor a favor and pop a little minty freshness. 

2. Book the earliest flight home. Later flights are more likely to be delayed. Being up before 3 is hard, but you'll be home at a decent hour. 

3. Meeting soon? Pack an undershirt in your travel case. Quick change and you'll feel as good as that No Iron Pinpoint is making you look.  

4. Patience, patience patience. A smile at the baggage carousel/during check-in/security goes farther than a scowl. 

5. Pack your own travel blanket. Long flights, layovers - perfect pillow when you need it most. 

Thanks to our Twitter followers for the great tips. If you'd like, join in on the conversation. Or share your own travel tips by leaving a comment. 

Happy travels!

Customer service still matters.

Fifty-five minutes on hold waiting for a live person to help me out. The reindeer lawn decoration wouldn't light, so I called the service hotline number printed in big numbers at the bottom of the instructions. I was at the mercy of an automated voice, ticking off my place in line. "You will be helped next" was repeated for at least 20 minutes. Fifty-five minutes later I was instructed to return the item to the store it was purchased for an in-store credit. Total service time: less than five minutes. Thanks. No, really. 

 This little exercise made me so proud to work for a company that not only stands by every purchase, but makes solving customer issues its top priority. The path was laid out for us over 40 years ago in the form of two simple words: Guaranteed. Period.® It's more than a return policy, it's our way of business.

Received the red logo'd shirts only to find the boss wanted blue? Forgot to order gifts for the shipping department and the party is in four days? Give us a call. Instead of hearing "No" from us, we'll find every way possible to say "yes."

Peace of mind. That's the best holiday gift we can offer.  

 

His favorite shirt for 20 years gets new life.

Traveling with a tailor is bound to give you some great material. 

Our makeover team had the pleasure of meeting Roger, owner of an incredibly worn, blue, button-front work shirt. Looking at it was like reading Roger's work story. "This paint stain here? That was two wall colors ago." Roger Halloway, director of facilities at World Bird Sanctuary, was proud to show us the label. "I've had this shirt for over 20 years," he said.  "Got it from Lands' End in the 80s and I've worn it ever since." Geralyn remembered the shirt:  "I think it's a Paintbrush Denim," she said. Geralyn's been with Lands' End for 25 years. "I remember it came in a bunch of colors." She was right. We found the shirt in a catalog dated 1987.  

Roger was proud of the fact that despite being butter-soft with wear, there were no holes in the fabric. "The only thing is this missing button. That's why I wear it over a t-shirt." 

While Roger was busy modeling his new makeover look, Deb, our tailor, pulled out her sewing kit. "I can fix that," she said and quickly removed a button from the cuff. Perfect fit for the placket. She pulled a comparable button from her kit to replace the one from the cuff. You should have seen Roger's face when he saw his old favorite. "It's good for another 20 years!" 

His makeover look was a thankful solution for days he'll be meeting visitors (see below). But as we left, we watched him go back to work wearing his old denim shirt, neatly buttoned.

 

33 business days and counting

It's office gift buying season. Have no clue where to start? You're not alone. Selecting gifts that demonstrate the "I value you" message can be a challenge. Here are a few tips from our resident experts:

Jolena Siegenthaler, national account executive:  "Don't make it work related. It's great to have the company logo, but the item shouldn't scream 'use this when preparing your next presentation.' Pamper your employees a bit. Give them a frame to display their family photo. Consider a wine kit to relax with after work. Or even a spa set. I think gifts that offer a break from the daily grind are always well received."

Matthew Meholic, senior national account executive: "My best advice is to follow the three U's - useful, unique and unisex - when collectively rewarding or recognizing the group. This is a safe way to ensure everyone feels valued. Here are a few of my favorite things: Budget under $10? Think earbuds in a case. They're great for the gym or slopes. Under $20? Thermal Bottles. Who doesn't appreciate a classy bottle to take to meetings. Under $50? Ballpoint and Rollerball Pen sets. Makes an impression on your clients and their documents!"

Need more ideas? Leave a comment. We'll get back to you right away.

Office Holiday gifts are tricky business. Here's help.

Budgets are lean. Employees are asked to do more with less. Recognizing good work and thanking loyal customers has never been more important. We all get that. But how?

We've pulled together a few can't miss ideas to help you out. Got fifty people and a budget of about $5/each? Don't think frugal equals throw-away. It just takes a little thought and a plan.

Think flashlights. They're practical and useful, two things your team will appreciate. After the office party, hand them out with a note tied around each that says, "thanks for helping us find our way" or "your bright ideas never stop amazing me." 

Think drinkware. Warm wishes come easy with a sturdy mug. Add a packet of tea or cocoa. Hand them out at a skating party and you've created a memory marker. 

Think totes. Your department is full of soccer moms and dads. Bet there's camping enthusiasts, bicyclists, movie buffs...Start with a basic bag (complete with your logo). A few creative additions inside turns the reusable bag into thoughtful gift wrapping. And tells them you value their 5-to-9 time, too. 

Have some clever office party ideas to share? We'd love to read your comments.