Being the largest city in the Midwest, Chicago is surely one of the top travel destinations for any business traveller. Surely, getting accommodations won’t be such a work out, and cars or cabs are accessible.
The “Chicago Loop” is the famous historic commercial center of Chicago and Chicago’s central business district is bounded on the west and north by the Chicago River, on the east by Lake Michigan, and on the south by Roosevelt Road. From the O’Hare International Airport, one can hail a cab to the Loop. The cab fare will cost around $40.
Of course, lots of hotels are available in Chicago. Early booking to one of these hotels could provide hotel car service to get you to and from the hotel or around the bustling city. One can also just hail a cab.
Being a major transportation and telecommunications hub in North America, Wi-Fi or internet access won’t be a problem in Chicago.
Wi-Fi access points: The O’Hare International Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 offers Wi-Fi for a fee of USD$6.95 a day. The price is the same at Midway Airport but its access point is located in the food court. The Chicago Public Library offers free Wi-Fi access to all visitors. Hotels such as The Blackstone, Comfort Suites, Amalfi, Four Seasons, Avenue Crowne Plaze, Willows, and House of Two Urns offer free Wi-Fi access, too.
Of course, money apparently is an undeniable need. There are many available ATMs in this city, but it is still advisable to change your money beforehand since US dollars are the only currency accepted here. Also, you can compare banks or money exchange establishments for good rates. Usual business and working hours in Chicago start from 9am until 5pm. But there are some offices which close slightly later. The banks are usually open from 8am until 4pm during weekdays and only until midday on Saturdays.
US Dollar exchange rate as of July 22: $1 = €1.285
But just knowing about the location of your needs won’t guarantee that you can easily make your way through this “Alpha World City,” so here are a few reminders on how to interact with the locals especially with Chicago business clients or partners. Like what they say, “When in Rome, do what the Romans do.”
Being an American city, English is the primarily language used in Chicago. But like any other state or country, Chicagoans have their own local customs or jargon. An example which may also be useful when doing business in Chicago is “huddling” which means conducting a meeting or discussion. Although beepers are obsolete, try not to be confused when a receptionist or secretary tells you that he or she will “page” your business partner. It simply means that he or she will notify your business partner about your presence. And yes, “Starbucks” is a brand but it usually means coffee.
Although Americans are less formal in attire and manners compared to Europeans, appropriate business attire and gesture should always be upheld. But short sleeved shirts are acceptable during summer. Then, punctuality is a quality that every businessman should possess. No matter where he goes, this trait should also be with him. Another appropriate business gesture is to briefly shake hands as a customary greeting. Often, new acquaintances are addressed with their first names. Usually, lunch breaks are used for business meetings so one must bear that some selected restaurants require a strict dress code. Also, most places are non-smoking zones so try to ask around about possible areas for lighting a cigarette.
Giving gifts can be a way to strengthen business relationships or bonds so make sure that your gifts are unique and should reflect a special bond. It won’t work if your gifts seem more like bribery. This idea doesn’t only pertain to doing business in Chicago. It can be applied when you business travel to other places.
Then there’s the topography. Chicago is pretty much lined with skyscrapers in various heights, making it a typical urban city. But take note that it is nicknamed the “Windy City” since it can drop to a temperature of -27°F or -32.8°C so never forget to wear the appropriate clothing during the cold months. The highest temperature ever recorded was in July reaching 105°F or 40.6°C.
Just keep these ideas in mind and you’ll surely be prepared to seal successful business deals on your business travels to Chicago.
Visit Biziker for a comprehensive list of a variety of exhibition centers, restaurants and other venues in Chicago worth checking out while on a business trip.
Sources:
http://www.worldexecutive.com/locations/north_america/usa/illinois/chicago/currency.html
Travel tips:
http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/travel_tools/travel__tips.html
Chicago loop:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Loop
Ohare airport to Loop:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/44366/ohare_airport_in_chicago_cta_and_metra.html
Loop image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alvin_Meyer3.jpg
Street map/image:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Loop_Map.png
Climate exchange:
