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Become a Home Based Travel Agent
Maximizing Your Time in Challenging
Times
By:
Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC
Joanie Ogg Marketing Group
Tom and I just returned from the
Leisure Travel Conference in Miami, Florida. The turnout, as
expected due to troubling economic times, was lower then last
year’s event. That being said, the mood of the agents in
attendance was positive, proactive and very focused on finding
solutions that would lead to success in their businesses. The
suppliers who attended were as concerned as th agents were about
the economic downturn and they too were seeking solutions to
work closely with the agents moving forward. We need them to
succeed and they need us to succeed. In other words, we need
each other and we are more likely to move forward to our common
goals of success if we find a way to help one another. That was
my personal observation after attending each general session,
the social events and the trade show.
I can honestly say that I felt better after the event. I had a
renewed sense of “this too shall pass” and “ we will get through
this.” I had to agree with several of the speakers who shared
that with their long tenure in the travel industry, they had
seen hard times before and we always seem to make it out the
other end not only in one piece but better for the journey.
Having been in this wonderful travel industry for 35 years does
make me feel old but it also makes me feel sage. If you have
enough tenure in this business to remember the many trials and
tribulations that have descended upon us, you are likely to
agree. Not everyone survived the challenging times to remember
the successes our industry has made. Perhaps that is because
they gave up or moved on. If so, they missed out on some
terrific feelings of pride and strength in our resolve to thrive
in this industry that gives us so much joy and so many rewards.
During the (what seemed like)
“Never Ending Journey” on Southwest from Ft. Lauderdale to
Denver to Albuquerque to San Diego I had a good deal of time to
think about what I learned at the show. I promise this is not
"How To" advice but instead it is a list of positive lessons I
was reminded of at the event.
Focus on Your Strengths
Now is a good time to hone your skills at what you are
passionate about selling. If you are trying to be all things in
travel to all types of travelers, you need to regroup and focus
on less. Less is more.
Get Smart
While we would all prefer the phone to be ringing off the hook
with potential business, it is probably not happening right now.
Now is the perfect time to get more educated. If you have put
off building your website, now is the time. If you cannot afford
to hire someone to do it for you, learn Dreamweaver or
Expression Web and do it yourself. You will not only feel
empowered by the knowledge, but you will be taking control of
your web presence. Take every webinar offered by suppliers and
soak in all the knowledge so that you are ready when that
business picks up.
Market, Market and Market Some
More
When times are a bit lean it is simply human nature to scale
back, but that is probably the worst thing we can do in the
marketing arena. When others are scaling back you should be the
one forging ahead. Reaching out to build your business by using
SMART MARKETING techniques now will no doubt reel in the rewards
when things pick up. Besides, you have the time to be creative
and think of some innovative ways to get your message out. Some
of the discussions on this topic in the
www.HBTACommunity.com
have been brilliant. You should check them out.
Get Out There
I am using Royal Caribbean’s terrific tag line because I know
they have a new marketing campaign, so they probably won’t mind
too much. Now is the time to reach out and make sales calls
anywhere and everywhere. You have the time so use it wisely to
iinitiate relationships with new prospects. There is no need to
hard sell, but instead share that you are available to assist
when they are ready to travel. Be sensitive and subtle in your
sales techniques during challenging times.
Time to Travel
I know this sounds a bit crazy, but there will never be better
deals out there to take advantage travel products that you sell.
If you can muster up the money to get out there and learn your
destinations and or specialties, you need to do it. Besides,
when things get better you will be so busy you won’t have the
time to invest.
Achieve Personal Goals
With perhaps a little more time on your hands, you can make time
for you. If you are going to sit at your desk and be depressed
that the phone is not ringing for an hour, go take a walk (or
run) instead. Clear your head of the clutter and make time
allocated to exercise your time to think creatively. Set a goal
to think through a business idea each time you set out on your
walk or run. If you are inclined to offer some time to a
charity or someone else who is in need, this is the perfect time
for you to make the time. If you want to feel good, do something
that makes you feel good!
Well, I have to sign off now. I am
going to go give some time to my new personal goal of training
for a marathon (my very first). I am sure tonight’s run will
ready me for the productive day I intend to have tomorrow and
the days that follow.
Bye for now! |
