by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 12:00 AM ET, Fri September 15, 2017
When you go on a job interview, one of the first questions the potential employer asks is "what kind of skills do you bring to this job?"
When it comes to becoming a travel agent, veterans tell us exactly what six skills you must have to succeed in this career:
Education
Debbie Brisky is the owner of Beach Monkey Travel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and said that her agency devotes time every week to training.
"It drives me crazy that so many grab the title of 'travel agent' without spending the time getting educated," she said. "Then they turn to seasoned agents to help them when things go wrong or it wasn't a right fit for the client. Travel agencies are desperately trying to compete and show the value of using an agent versus booking yourself. Agents that don't take it seriously are staining the reputation of those that do."
Consistency
Kelly Ortiz said that consistency is the theme word at her company, Guru Travel in Elgin, Illinois.
"First with branding," she said. "Branding is one area where I have sought out help from the beginning. Being able to make small improvements across the board from using the same imaging, colors, fonts and messaging, makes the world of a difference.
Social media is another area where she said that travel agents need to be consistent.
"If you are going to post once a month, then post once a month," she said. "People will shop your page and look for consistency before they even consider you."
Finally, she said that travel agents need to stay true to their methodology: "Focus on something you enjoy and take every class, visit as many resorts, have breakfast with every vendor and don't say no to invites to events. This will consistently put you at the forefront not only in your vendor's minds but also your audience.
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Hard-working
"This does not mean you work all the time or that you neglect your life, but you place boundaries within your life and your work schedule so that you can work effectively on each trip you plan," said Samarah Meil, Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas.
"Sometimes going the extra mile is not hard either. Communicating frequently with your clients before, during and after travel is one way you can keep yourself in front of the traveler and show them you care."
Open-mindedness
"I believe that having an open mind is key to becoming a successful travelprenuer," said Beth Johnston of Beth's Beautiful Getaways in Pinckney, Michigan.
"As a later-in-life travel designer, I learned that I did not have some of the same mindset blocks that some agents have that have been in the business for a long time. I was willing to ask for help from younger professionals and use their tactics and advice without any barriers.
"It hasn't been easy sometimes, but I know I have stretched myself. You must be willing to take risks. I also think that caring and kindness go a long way. Your clients want to be able to know, like and trust you."
Good Listener
Marianne DeIulio, an Independent Travel Consultant with Just Travelin' in Yorktown, New York said that she tries to be a good listener.
"Ultimately, this is their trip and I don't push them in a direction that I want," she said. "I try to provide them with an array of options based on a phone or in-person consultation and then we work from there. When I am at agent events, I always listen to others talk about their business, this is a great tool to implement new ideas and hear what works for others.
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Confidence
"I try not to lose faith and let the internet or clients' booking on their own get me discouraged," said DeIulio.
"People use the internet every day and it's not going anywhere. My clients value my services and know that I am always in their corner. If they are traveling and run into a problem, I am a phone call or text message away and I will give them my 110 percent."
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