This article
originally appeared in the May issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe
here to receive your free copy each month.
Editor's Note:
The following is written by Drew Daly, senior vice president and general
manager for CruiseOne and Dream Vacations.
Summer is
approaching fast, and Memorial Day is just around the corner. That means it’s
prime time for travelers to start dreaming about and booking summer getaways
with loved ones. I recommend that advisors use this time to promote products
that appeal to those looking for quick getaways and family-friendly vacations.
The season
supplies the ideal climate for advisors to get involved locally, whether that’s
attending street fairs and food and wine events or connecting with your
neighbors at other community engagements. When you prioritize attending
functions close to home, you remind your local network that travel advisors
exist — and that you can save them time, energy and money for vacation
planning. (Pro tip: Remind potential clients that short getaway cruise
vacations are available, and close-to-home cruising means that they can simply
drive to the port.)
Every event is an
opportunity for a conversation — and this business is built one conversation at
a time. If the people in your community don’t see you, then they can’t know to
take advantage of your expertise or book travel with you.
Many travelers
have been cooped up all winter long and are yearning to socialize with their
neighbors and local community. Wine and food festivals are often a perfect
place to publicize your travel business. Check with your chamber of commerce to
review its summer programming calendar for other events; or, even better,
partner with a few other local companies and create your own event where each
organization can promote itself.
Take some time to
brainstorm five ideas for things you have always wanted to do with your travel
business, then review that list. What has prevented you from acting in the
past? What’s stopping you now? We create our own mythical obstacles and
subconsciously get in our own way. Largely, it comes down to a perception of
time scarcity.
Make the time to
get more involved and act on one of your ideas. Reflect, and ask yourself:
- What would you do with more time?
- Would you reach out to customers you
have not heard from in a while?
- Would you take time to prospect for
new customers?
Invest the time,
and stay active in your communities so that you can build relevance — and
relationships.
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