Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Tried, Tested and True. 
A guide to start your personal brand strategy
By Cory Andrichuk

After writing close to twenty articles for Joanie you probably know by now that I specialize in branding home-based travel agents to help grow their business, increase sales, and find more clarity, direction and happiness.  In doing so, I have grown my own brand accordingly and have tried to make a positive contribution to the travel industry.  I coach my customers based on my philosophy that a personal brand is the sum total of who you are and how you connect to your world.  Simply stated… a home-based travel agent’s personal brand should promote to their world that they are for sale!  The following suggestions below are tried, tested and true.  I hope they get you started or refine your personal brand.

Tried.  (def. To attempt, or to make an effort).  Whether you want to admit it or not, like it or not, you have a brand.  We are all a work in progress, on a journey if you will, and some of us have a louder more pronounced brand than others.  A personal brand has also been defined as your first impression, and what people say about you when you’re not in the room.  My advice is to be mindful of your brand (your feelings, image, attitude, mindset, circle of friends, customer-base, etc.), and aware of what others are saying about you.  I recommend that you proactively, make an effort to take control of your personal brand, especially in business, and make it work for you by portraying the type of person you want to be.  For instance, as a luxury cruise specialist, you might want to let your world know you are passionate about this exotic niche by accessorizing your wardrobe accordingly (add a diamond broach yacht to every business suit lapel).   Don’t be afraid to show some personality and be you!  

Tested.  (def. To examine critically).  By not proactively branding yourself and taking control of what people can and do say about you (both on and offline) you risk losing a great business opportunity to help grow your business.  Remember, when people better understand what, how, and why you do what you do, it’s so much easier to increase sales and grow your business.  You might be asking yourself, “How do I test/ examine my brand?”  Good question…

1. Ask your friends and colleagues what they think of you?  Remember perception is reality…

2. Talk to you customers and ask them why they do business with you? 

3. Google yourself today and read what others are saying about brand you.  If nobody is saying anything about you, or your business, get busy posting material about you and your accomplishments in your business!  Add travel to such online posts so that you are seen and perceived as an expert, and authority in your area of interest. 

True.  (def.  To confirm with fact.  Be accurate, genuinely in tune).  A great power brand like Oprah Winfrey is a perfect example of a true brand.  Oprah is consistent, congruent, and totally transparent in everything she does…Cool advice for anyone looking to grow their personal brand!  How do you know if your personal brand is true, genuine, and accurate?  Well… I would say your repeat customers, referrals, and testimonials are a great indication of how accurate your brand is.  A true personal brand confirms loyalty through repeat business.  Be accurate.  Be genuine.  Be you!