Mona Deane. (Source: Mona Deane)
Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Mona Deane, owner of Enfield, Conn.-based Horizon Escapes.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
My travel career began in 2006 when I joined a brick-and-mortar agency as a leisure travel advisor. I used my knowledge to educate my clients while designing vacations filled with memories that would last forever. This learning experience provided me with the skills needed to pursue my dream of opening my own agency. By continuously adapting to the changes in technology and the needs of my consumers I founded Horizon Escapes as a home-based agency in 2013.
What characteristic make you a successful advisor?
I absolutely love what I do! I have passion and a great deal of personal travel experience. Having experience in destinations helps you become the expert. This will help you actively listen to your client’s dreams and design a vacation that matches their vision and budget.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
Working through the pandemic was our greatest challenge. We faced several obstacles, hurdles, and restrictions. As a team, we all rose to the challenge together and supported each other. We took this time to learn new destinations and grew our relationships with several partners and suppliers. This enabled us as a team to prepare for today’s demand for travel post pandemic. I’m beyond proud to be a leader of a team that did not give up. The team grew and broke barriers together. This experience strengthened the bond as we all consider each other family.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
My advice would be to get proper training. There are several organizations that provide valuable educational resources depending on your niche. These communities are all filled with agents and suppliers that are willing to help each other. Start small, visit a few different resorts brands, then continue to grow your knowledge. Having this knowledge and the proper tools to keep you organized and ready will help you design seamless experiences for your clients.
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