There’s a lot that can be accomplished with modern communications tools.  Web-Ex meetings, e-mails, Skype, etc. all facilitate conversation among peers and customers.  According to a recent survey of federal officials, though, nothing beats face-to-face meetings to get things done.  Seven in 10 said that face-to-face contact “offers the best way to build public-private partnerships,” according to a recent survey conducted by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition.  So, if it’s been awhile since you’ve been on the road to see a customer or business partner, perhaps it’s time to get moving.  Whether by plane, train, or automobile, focused travel can more than pay for itself.  People undeniably get a better sense of their customer’s environment when they’re actually inside that environment.  This not only helps create a better understanding, but can help your firm craft better solutions.  Without a doubt, business travel can be draining, but as the survey results show, it’s vitally important to improve your business, strengthen partnerships, and develop a smarter workforce.