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Thursday, July 24, 2008
"P" is for Planning
I read an interesting article in Travel Trade this week by Nick Rago, CEO of Consultants to Management. His article was entitled "Rago's Recipe for Successful Travel Business. This morning I want to discuss his ideas on one of the "P's".
"Profitability, People, Planning and Perserverance are the Key to Success ...there is no sense being in business if you're not earning a profit... the key to profitability is Planning ...the process of having written goals, both personal and business. Have not only a one year plan but also a one-month plan, a one-week plan and a one-day plan. Your plans should take into account who you clientele is and what you sell. Know your prospects, define the market you want to serve, know your products and the suppliers - which supplier is paying the highest commission and which products bring in the highest revenue.
If you are thinking about a travel career, planning is crucial to your success. It doesn't matter how many trips or cruises you have taken, you were the consumer not the agent. There is alot to learn about this business if you want to be good and earn money. Explore our website or give us a call so we can help you get started with your travel career.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Personalized Service with a Smite
Personalized service is what will set you apart for other agents in your area. But what is personized service ... first and foremost ...start with the basics ... a smile and use your client's name. Over the weekend, I had a chance to witness again how important this basic step can be ...
My husband and I hosted an open house for his company at our home. Figuring I need another set of hands to help me, I asked our 17 year old neighbor girl to help me greet and serve the appetizers. Hillary showed up right on time, dressed very nicely and bubbling with enthusiasm. I showed her where everything was and had written down the instructions to warm the appetizers. People started to arrive and I sat back and watched. The minute Hillary opened the door or saw someone in the room she had not met, she immediately introduced herself with a big smile on her face. Then to may amazement, as she was serving the appetizers, she would address each one of them by their first name. How she recalled all their first names having just met them for the first time was impressive but watching the faces of the guests reacting to her re-enforced my belief that personal service can make or break a relationship. These guests probably ate more meatballs and ribs then they would have but no one could tell Hillary "no". Many said they wished she was looking for a job as they would hire her in a minute. At the end of the day, our open house was a success and Hillary went home tired but with double the compensation I had told her she would receive in her pocket - she definitely earned it!
Moral of the story - a smile and using a name will not cost you anything but could get you lots of clients.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ask Why???
I just read an article today by Michael Schrobat, owner of CETC Travel and the Seattle OSSN Chapater Director, entitled "Ask Them Why They Didn't Book". Every agent has been there .... spent hours planning a vacation for a client ... went the extra mile to make sure the clients had specific information on the destinations they were visiting and then when the deposit is due ...they fall off the face of the earth and you can not reach them. So what do you do ? First, don't react (although that is what you want to do). Send the client a letter. Tell them you are concerned that you haven't heard from them and you hope all is well. Remind them that their deposit is past due and they risk losing the type of accommodations and activities they told you they would prefer on their vacation. Ask them if there is something else they wanted that you did not confirm. Many times there is a good reason you haven't heard from them like they have been out of town on personal emergency or away at a soccer tournament. Maybe the car broke down and they used their deposit to pay for the repairs. Give the client a chance to explain the situation before you write them off. Even if they do not book this time, the effort you put into saving the client will make them remember you the next time.
Why haven't you enrolled yet? If you are re-visiting our website, you know the interest is there. Career Quest is one of the top online travel schools used by some of the major host agencies for training. If you are serious about starting a travel business, stop procrastinating and sign up today.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Does Marketing Scare You?
Probably the number one worry new agents talk about is Marketing. In most cases, this will be the agents first experience handling their agency's Marketing and it can be scary.
Marketing is taught in all our training programs and graduates have told us that our approach was easy to understand and has been effective. First, our definition is simple ... Marketing is making the phone ring ... and how do you do that? By promoting yourself and your agency in your local community. We have lots of ideas we share with our students and encourage them to call us at any time to discuss their ideas.
Career Quest has a special tuition offer available today only - July 9 -contact me at nkist@careerquesttraining.com if you would like more details.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
With the current Economy...Should I be in Travel?
There is one fact that never changes..."Americans live for their vacation time". Whether one week, two weeks or just a long weekend, the American worker needs a stress breaker and a vacation is the best way. Yes, fares have gone up an yes, there are no fees for checking baggage, BUT if travelers plan ahead, there is still alot of good deals especially if you are booking now for 2009.
Yesterday, I was checking rates for a cruise next Easter for friends. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could still book a balcony cabin during easter break for $1000 per person.
The main reason you decided to work in travel (or for those of you now looking into a travel career) was because you love travel. The main goal when booking travel for your clients should be finding the "best value" for their money. Not "cheapest" but "best value".
The key to your success will be your marketing effort and this does not have to be costly. Get out there - network - pass out business cards - write an article for your local newspaper - you have to promote yourself and your services.
I had an e-mail yesterday from a graduate who is hiring people to work for her she is so busy. She is doing something right! Ask yourself this ... have people stopped driving because of the price of gas? NO
Have people stopped traveling because of the higher fares or checked baggage fees ...just go to your closest airport on a Saturday morning and you'll get your answer.
Don't sit back and wait for business to knock on your door ... get out there a promote your services.
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