New York City is famous for its energetic citizens roaming around the center or buzzing between towering skyscrapers. NYC is a dream come true for many entrepreneurs or business owners because it offers some of the best opportunities for expanding their companies and know-how. And although it’s an expensive city to live in and start a business, it will propel anyone into the mainstream.
Still, NYC isn’t a city for the weak, mainly because it’s so filled with advertisements, content and different SMEs that you can barely stand out from the competition. There’s so much going on that you must be confident enough to face all the challenges.
Of course, the first quest is traveling to NYC and getting accustomed to the business environment. It may be overwhelming to get around one of the most crowded cities, so we’ve made a brief list of tips to keep in mind for your first trip to NYC as an entrepreneur.
NY airports: which is best?
There are three important airports where you can land in NY, each with different offers and opportunities. Choosing the one closer to your accommodation and office would be best. Know that even if you’re not a successful business owner, there’s nothing wrong with going business class to NY because you still have work to do, and such a trip would be more efficient.
For example, LaGuardia Airport is the closest to the NY center, so if you find yourself in a hurry or have a tight schedule, you can simply take a cab to your location and arrive in no time. But if you have plenty of time, you can arrive at JFK airport and take the subway for an enhanced experience. There’s also Newark airport, a huge location close to Manhattan. Still, there are many other airports, so you can choose one that suits your needs best. All it takes is a good organizational strategy.
Getting around NYC safely
One thing is certain about this city: everyone is busy, so they hurry to reach places. Therefore, expect pedestrians to step on it without thinking about it too much, so you should do the same to blend it. It would be best to walk in less-crowded places so you can get accustomed to how people get around.
If you have to check your phone for a quick message, don’t do it in the middle of the sidewalk because it’s most likely that someone will stumble into you. Find a nice coffee shop and do your work there. There are numerous cafes for people who work remotely, such as Patis Bakery at Arthouse Hotel, Devocion or Café-Flor, so whether you’re looking for a quiet space or one roaming around with people, you’ll find your cup of tea fast.
Befriend the subway system
Taking a cab every time you have to attend a meeting might be tedious due to all the traffic. But what’s more concerning is the price, which can be a little bit too much if you’re frequently calling a taxi. So, if you want to escape the congested traffic, try taking the subway. First, find and download the app for the NYC subway and get accustomed to the map.
Then, upon going to the subway, purchase a metrocard to help you skip lines and get into the metro easily. Keep in mind that these cards are available for about a year after purchase, so you can keep them and use them whenever you’re back in NYC.
What’s most challenging is understanding the directions. Plan your route thoroughly and see what metros are available for your travel before leaving the house so you don’t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
A day for business+leisure: what to do
If you can balance work with leisure, be sure you have plenty of activities to do while visiting NYC. You may be overwhelmed by the number of things to see and locations to stop by for lunch, but it'll be enough if you only explore the area around work. Still, here’s what you should consider for some time for yourself:
• Have a cup of coffee at Shakespeare & Co. for an exclusive experience where you can also have a look at a rich bookstore collection;
• Take a walk at Central Park, where the 843-acre backyard has some of the most impressive views of nature;
• Watch the animals at Bronx Zoos, home to more than 650 different species of animals;
• Enjoy dinner at the famous Keens Steakhouse, one of the oldest restaurants in NYC;
• Unwind at the Comedy Cellar, the place where notorious comedians do their shows regularly;
Workout in the heart of NYC
Although it’s business travel that you pursue, you should also maintain your physique and take care of your health with a little bit of exercise. For example, if you’re a fan of running, you can try the paved trail at the Hudson River Greenway. The area has a unique view featuring the Little Red Lighthouse and the George Washington Bridge.
If you’re into something special, there’s a special event from April to October that includes rowing! The program offers free community rowing that doesn’t require previous experience. Still, if you prefer more common ways of working out, you can get a Planet Fitness Black Card, so you can do a quick session wherever you are around NYC. The city also has special events created by brands like Athleta or LuLuLemon, so if you’re lucky, you can participate in a yoga or dance class during your stay in NYC. There are plenty of opportunities to stay fit, so don’t miss out on any of them.
Final considerations
Although NYC is a pretty big city, and you might get overwhelmed, try to enjoy the trip! If you also have time to spare, walk around the city and learn more about its beautiful history. You’ll see why this is the perfect place for business, and maybe one day you’ll have your own company here.