Better Corporate Travel Management for Small Businesses

When it comes to corporate travel management, big businesses usually have big resources.

They hire dedicated travel managers or sometimes entire teams whose sole responsibility is to handle tens or even hundreds of millions in annual travel spend. 

For small businesses, however, it's a different story. Often, the task of managing travel falls to someone who already has a full plate – an Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Accounting Manager, or HR Analyst. These unsung heroes juggle numerous responsibilities, with travel management being just one of the many hats they wear.

But just because small business (SMB) travel programs are smaller, often spending no more than a few million dollars a year, it doesn't mean they can't deliver significant savings. In fact, with the right approach, SMB travel programs can be highly efficient and cost-effective. Implementing simple strategies like managing unused tickets and establishing clear travel policies can lead your team to substantial savings. For more on how TMCs can save you money, check out our blog.

The Good News for SMBs

Here's the good news: because SMB travel programs are smaller, they can be quite agile without the complexity of travel platforms built for massive enterprise needs. This means you can leverage better booking and management technology that you and your team will actually enjoy using. Modern, user-friendly platforms designed with SMBs in mind can streamline the booking process, making it faster and more efficient. If you're curious about the ways better TMCs leverage technology for clients, our blog on Technology and TMCs has all the details.

Everything in One Place

Time is money and providing a central platform to book business travel within company travel policies saves tons of time. Whether travelers book themselves or travel arrangers (like Executive Assistants or Operations Coordinators) book for travelers, a great travel platform allows bookers to book any combination of airlines, hotels and car rentals in one place, on one booking. Travel policies should be clearly, automatically applied so bookers can confidently choose itineraries and rates that work for the traveler and the company. 

Who wants to book travel online? Everyone, from the C Suite to the new hires. See more.

Savings too

While the biggest discounts are reserved for the largest companies, small businesses can still save. Smart, clearly-displayed travel policies help travelers make responsible spending decisions. If unused tickets are easy to apply online, travelers can save 10% on airfare annually with their unused ticket credits. And airlines, hotels and car rental firms offer small business programs with savings and perks, which a travel platform consolidates in one place for easy booking.

Visibility Still Matters

While SMB travel administrators may not have as much data to manage as their large enterprise counterparts, they still need to quickly and confidently report on their travel spend and locate travelers when needed. Visibility into travel spend is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring that the company is getting the best value for its money. This is where a good TMC comes in, providing robust reporting tools that give you the insights you need without overwhelming you with data. For more on the benefits of working with a TMC, check out our blog.

Service is Still Essential

Even though SMB travel programs are smaller, the need for reliable, round-the-clock service remains critical – so travelers have someone to call at 2 AM instead of that Executive Assistant or Office Manager! Business travel is unpredictable, and trips can get disrupted by everything from weather to unexpected events. When this happens, having 24x7 assistance can make all the difference. A good TMC offers support around the clock, ensuring that your travelers have help when they need it most. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially for smaller teams where the person managing travel can't be on call 24/7.

Next Steps

Small businesses are in a unique and enviable position when it comes to choosing a travel management provider. Unlike large enterprises, SMBs don’t need to navigate the complexities of massive travel platforms. Instead, they can opt for more streamlined, user-friendly solutions that meet their specific needs. The right TMC can provide the perfect balance of savings, technology, visibility, and service, making travel management not only more efficient but actually enjoyable for you and your team. So take advantage of your position and select a travel management provider that is tailored to your needs and preferences.

Time savings adds value

Read about how one travel booker at busy communications infrastructure company, Network Connex, saw efficiency and time savings make her life easier. 

Partnering with a Travel Management Company offers your organization a multitude of benefits, from consolidating bookings and achieving cost savings to enhancing control, visibility, and service. The right TMC can transform your corporate travel management, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to your business needs. Embrace the future of corporate travel management with a TMC that meets your needs and drives your travel program forward.