In 2005, I booked a group with a local travel agency. When I returned home I received a check from them for $1,000.
If they could send me $1,000 for this small group, what would I make if I did this on my own?
Today, 95 percent of all my business is in groups (cruises & tours) while 90 percent are repeat clients and referrals. I now also host a cruise night at a local restaurant or winery between one and three times a year. I invite my local cruise BDM and we go over certain itineraries, ships and destinations.
Product knowledge and integrity are key to running a business on repeat-and-referral business.
Getting involved with your local community is also key to building you and your brand. Join your local Merchant Association, Chamber of Commerce and your town's Meet-Up groups. Be active in town activities like their Holiday Parade or luncheons.
Getting your name out on a regular basis builds a good reputation.
Because I do mostly groups, something that I heard over ten years ago has stuck with me like glue: "Every person you meet is a group."
That is, we all have different circles of friends, groups, clubs and activities that we like to do together. Why not travel together, too!
- Mazie Middleton (CLIA, IATAN, Travel Leaders Group, and OutsideAgents.com), Travel This Rock, Dunedin, Florida.
Experience: 12 years
Education: CTA, CLIA: ACC, MCC, ECC. DS: TRAVEL AGENT ACADEMY & TRAVEL AGENT UNIVERSITY; Cruise Specialist for Carnival, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Scenic, Emerald, Viking and AMA
The Agent's Corner is dedicated to sharing the stories and advice of successful travel agents. To share your story, contact Tammy Levent(tammy@tammylevent.com)
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