Paige Sturges (Photo Credit: Paige Sturges)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on accomplished advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Paige Sturges, a travel advisor with Carlisle Travel Management.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I started in the travel industry about five to six years ago. I have always had a passion for travel and have visited more than 30 countries.
For years, I planned travel for myself and my family, and I especially enjoyed finding new locations and places that were not the usual cities people tend to visit. Eventually, I thought, why not plan vacations for more people than just my family?
I also appreciated the flexibility the travel industry offered, which made it a natural fit for me.
How did you build your business?
The travel industry is very big, and there is always something new to learn. For me, the first step was attending different travel conferences and beginning to build a loyal client base.
I started by taking on every client who came my way so I could gain experience, whether it was a big trip or a small one. In the beginning, I worked with only a few locations, but over time I have expanded to destinations around the world, including Europe, French Polynesia, the Caribbean, Asia and many cities throughout the U.S.
Now, I work with a smaller group of regular clients, which allows me to dedicate more time and attention to each trip.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
The connections I have made with different companies and hotels around the world help my clients have more enjoyable experiences while they travel.
I also care deeply about every client’s personal experience. I approach each trip with the same level of care I would want for my own vacation.
What have been your greatest challenges?
One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with different travel trends and making sure I stay informed about what is happening in the world. Travel is always changing, so it is important to keep learning and paying attention.
Another challenge has been work-life balance. I have clients traveling throughout the year and at many different times. I had to find the right balance between knowing when to turn off work and staying available in case something comes up during a client's vacation.
What have been your greatest accomplishments?
Building a consistent clientele has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I love working with returning clients, and it makes me so happy that they come back to me year after year.
They trust what I put together for them, which makes the planning process much easier and more enjoyable.
It also brings me so much joy when clients come back and tell me how much they loved their vacation. That makes all the effort worthwhile.
What tips can you provide to advisors new to the industry?
Be patient. It takes time to build your business.
Also, always explore. I think the best advisors are the ones who travel themselves and want to share their own experiences with others. The more you see and experience firsthand, the better you can guide your clients.
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