Ariel Chavez (Source: Ariel Chavez)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Cruise Planners Franchise Owner Ariel Chavez.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I’m originally from La Paz, Bolivia. Traveling and living abroad were dreams of mine since I was a little boy. My parents gave me the great opportunity to study abroad, and that’s how I arrived in Mobile, Ala.
After working on highway design as a civil engineer for almost 10 years, I wanted to take a sabbatical year and travel around the world. I had the idea to open my own engineering business to keep my professional license. While I was researching how to open and run a business, I came across Cruise Planners. It sounded very intriguing, so I did some research on becoming a travel advisor, and I decided to buy a Cruise Planners franchise and the rest is history – no regrets.
How did you build your business over the years?
The first two years were probably the most demanding in terms of networking and letting people know I had opened my own business in a completely different industry. Some people thought I was nuts to leave my engineering job and open a travel agency.
During those first years I was out and about everywhere, telling people about my new business. New clients and bookings started to come in, and then those clients came back to book other trips and brought family and friends.
Word of mouth is definitely a powerful tool to grow your business. Also, Cruise Planners offers a list of ideas, suggestions and training you can take advantage of – which were also helpful tools.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I establish a good relationship with my clients so I can learn about their travel style, and I listen carefully to their feedback. When I get a new client, I send them a questionnaire, which I have developed over the years. Their answers help me better understand what their needs and wants are.
I try to be the best matchmaker I can be. If they love their experience, they will likely come back for more. They might not know of other or newer brands entering the market, and it’s my job as their verified travel advisor to inform and guide them as best I can.
Many of our clients are now more like friends. They send us Christmas cards and even gifts for our kids. I consider myself fortunate to work with such kind and wonderful people.
What have your greatest challenges been?
My husband and I are foster care parents, so sometimes fulfilling our parenting obligations while trying to run a small business can be challenging. I think effective time management is not easy to accomplish. With the help of my Cruise Planners’ coach and CP Maxx, Cruise Planners’ CRM, I have been able to identify and prioritize those tasks.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
Last year my team and I had a holiday party to celebrate our best year in business. I felt such joy realizing we have built a successful small business from zero. I also remember the first time we went over $1 million in annual business. When I started, I never thought that would be possible – but it was!
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Be consistent and curious, and set achievable goals each year. Find a good mentor or coach who is willing to help you. Cruise Planners provides experienced coaches and a full support team. Talk to other senior agents and pick their brain. Adjust their ideas to your own needs and business goals. Keep educating yourself and travel so you have knowledge and first-hand experience to share with your clients.
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