Lessons from the Road

“Boots on the Ground” isn’t just a tag line we use here at Good Steward Consulting, it is a vital part of how our company operates. Rarely is there a day that no one is traveling; we make a point of getting out into project host communities. When traveling to other communities, our good stewards have learned a lot — travel tips, how other communities operate, and more — keep reading to learn some of those lessons yourself! 

• If you have to take a call from the road, but you're not driving and instead parked in a parking lot... 

  • Make sure you find a tree to park by for some shade because you just might get sunburned. 

  • Keep your vehicle running to circulate air, especially if you’re on camera, or at least crack a window. It might get hot sitting in the sun. 

  • Don’t set your phone on the steering wheel, which is located in the sun. Your phone may overheat and turn off. 

• Just stop for the gas, it will save worry for the rest of the trip and you’ll be sure to not run out! 

• Gas station lunches on the road can actually be good! Don't knock it until you try it! 

• Make sure your GPS route is loaded up before you get out to the middle of nowhere with no internet/cell service. 

• Furthermore, when the GPS tells you to go left but "you know better" and turn right - just follow the GPS - you are not smarter than the GPS. 

• Make nice with the local bartenders and elderly in the towns you work in. They’ll tell you everything you need to know, and you’ll make new friends. 

• If you're meeting for a meal (if time allows) order beverages right away but wait to order food until after the more thorough discussion. It's hard to take good notes, etc. and eat at the same time. You can hold a drink in one hand and a pen in the other. 

• Pack slippers for hotel rooms - sometimes the stains on the floor are questionable.  

• Leave your luggage in the bathroom, NOT the spare bed, couch, or luggage stand – your items are less likely to catch bed bugs in there. No really. 

• Playing "Name that Tune" makes the drive go by faster! Especially if you have a travel partner or two. 

• And finally, take lots of pictures!