Amy Daniel. (Source: Amy Daniel)
Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Amy Daniel, owner of Montgomery, Ala.-based Customer Design Travel, an affiliate of Travel Experts.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I had finished getting my bachelor’s degree in environmental science, knowing full well I did not want to work in that field. I was still working at the same local credit union that I had all through college when I heard through the grapevine that a local travel agency owner was looking for her next salesperson. I finally got up the courage to cold call her and I told her that I knew she was looking to hire – and that I was her person! She absolutely loved it and had me in for an interview the next day. I was hired shortly after! I worked at that same brick-and-mortar agency for 23 years until I stepped out and started my own business, which was in 2020.
How did you build your business over the years?
I have built my business by forming strong relationships with not only my clients, but also with my travel suppliers and partners. This is such a key to success in our industry. Focusing on certain parts of the world and creating a portfolio of destinations and tour operators has also helped me build my business and niche over the years.
What characteristic make you a successful advisor?
I truly believe that this is a business of relationships. I also believe that people do business with people they like and trust. When I have a new prospective client – before we ever discuss travel – I try to connect with them on some emotional level first. I love building a rapport and relationship with people. It’s always been my goal for my clients to know and trust that I care about their families and the experiences they have through travel.
What have been your greatest challenges been?
When I started in this business 26 years ago, charging management fees for my services was unheard of. Many things in our industry changed and I realized that in order to continue to be successful and grow, I had to begin to look at changing my business model to incorporate fees. It took a little time for me to believe in myself enough to know that my clients would be willing to take this journey with me. I’m so thankful they did!
And the other pretty obvious challenge was our business surviving the pandemic. I’m so proud of all of us that were able to stick together and ride this out. It was the single-most difficult event we have weathered.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
I feel my single greatest accomplishment was starting my own business during a pandemic. It is thriving and growing and I’m so grateful!
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
I would always tell new advisors to learn as much as they can. Invest in yourself and in your career. Take the webinars, travel like you want your clients to travel. Get to know your travel suppliers and partners and develop great relationships with them. This is just as important as your relationships with your clients, in my opinion. Most importantly, surround yourself with other advisors who might be willing to help mentor you. We have a wonderful community of people in our industry who want to build each other up.
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