Ashley Prater. (Source: Ashley Prater)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Ashley Prater, co-owner and co-managing partner of Under the Sun Travel.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I started 10 years ago in travel after I answered an ad on Facebook. The agency was looking for a destination wedding specialist, and I had planned my own destination wedding. I interviewed and started as an independent contractor.
How did you build your business over the years?
This is such a great question! I am very big on networking. I went to any free networking event, worked with wedding professionals locally, passed out cards to every business in town and talked to everyone about my business. I also worked very hard over the years on my social media accounts.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
For me personally, I know that being outgoing and personable is an attribute. In addition, I find that being passionate about adding personal touches to your customers trips is what builds a client base.
What have been your greatest challenges been?
Like many other agents, March 2019 hit my business hard. It would have been easy to give up. But I knew that I would find a way to bounce back. My perseverance paid off, and we will have our most successful year ever this year.
What are greatest accomplishments?
I love my career and have always loved training new agents. Building my training platform and starting our independent contractor training program has been very rewarding for me.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
My personal advice to all of our advisors is, ‘You get out what you put in.’ It is hard work to get your name out there. I tell them to set an amount of time week to devote to their business. If you aren’t actively booking during those hours, be actively promoting yourself through networking or undergoing training to increase your knowledge base.
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