There has been a lot of talk of government restrictions on corporate travel. Frivolous expenditures in other departments has brought meeting travel under scrutiny. However, if planners study the guidelines and make the government a partner instead of an adversary, they can make the recession work in their favor.

First, Look at the Bright Side

No one likes a perennial Pollyanna, but if you look at the positive things the guidelines will do it can help you work your way into a special place in the companies you serve. It will make you a better planner. When you talk to your clients your voice will have a new spirit of confidence. You will have ready solution for their problems. You will be able to give them more value.

Second, Study

Read all the expectations the government has, then research how much it’s hurting the travel industry in its various sectors: hotels, convention centers, restaurants, advertising specialties, etc. Brainstorm ways that you can help the government have less negative effects on the local communities. Write these down in the form of a mission statement and save for some of your advertising. Rehearse all of this information verbally so you can relay it to others naturally and clearly.

Next, Get Involved

If you belong to a professional group, get involved in helping other planners make changes. Help them realize that what the new guidelines ask for is transparency, and this is good in all forms. It can help planners do their jobs even better than before and increase their business.

Also get involved in writing to the government. Make suggestions on how you can both work together to make transparency work better for all, and find out if there are guidelines for you to help your clients even more.

If you treat the recent issues as an advantage instead of a problem, you will fare much better than the negative nay-sayers. Stay positive and stay in business.