Tiffany Bondurant (Source: Tiffany Bondurant)
Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on accomplished advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Tiffany Bondurant, founder of Lounge Couture and an affiliate of Global Travel Collection.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
I had a few business incarnations that started in commercial photography, then moved into feature film production, often assisting high-profile, high-net-worth individuals. I was lucky enough to travel to some amazing places with my employers, which gave me a lot of insight into what luxury travelers need in terms of travel design and support.
I moved into the private concierge business and realized how important travel was as a component. It was the request that came in the most, and I saw how important a travel expert could be.
I started my own company and decided that learning travel would be my focus. I literally walked into a travel agency and asked to learn Sabre and find me an amazing mentor. I had experience helping travelers, but I really felt at a disadvantage without all the resources at my fingertips.
How did you build your business over the years?
Word-of-mouth referrals have been the core of my business growth. I have approached local magazines and have written travel articles for them. I have focused on networking, participating with a local charity and meeting a new circle of potential clients and used paid advertising in high-end magazines geared to my client demographic.
All that effort does bring in a few new clients, but really doing a great job and getting referrals has been the key to growth.
I handle both corporate and leisure travel, which has enabled me to grow without hiring a team. It provides consistent income to have a diversified client base.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I believe my ability to read the client and adapt my personality to how they like to be handled has really helped my success – really figuring them out so that I’m offering recommendations that resonate with them rather than just assuming everyone would like the same hotel.
Also, I have gained a lot of first-hand knowledge by traveling consistently and staying on top of new and up-and-coming destinations.
I’m a ‘knowledge is power’ person and being able to confidently provide guidance and options really builds trust with clients.
What have been your greatest challenges?
My greatest challenge has been – and still is – creating boundaries and having enough staff to handle after-hours work. I’m still working on strategies to grow while maintaining the level of service clients expect. It’s not easy, that’s for sure!
What are your greatest accomplishments?
My greatest accomplishment is creating a business that has enabled me to thrive as a single mother. I was able to make a successful income for my family unit and still make football games and be there for important moments.
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Pay attention to the details and the providers you use. Use your buying power to create strong relationships with suppliers. Trust your instincts – don’t be afraid to tell the client they are wrong. Standing up for my knowledge when it’s been questioned by clients and being present to really problem-solve when needed have retained long-term clients.
It has always surprised me that sometimes the most loyal repeat clients come back because of how efficiently a problem was solved when one came up – maybe even more so than because of how great the trips I plan are.
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