The Millennial Travel Agent: Projecting Professionalism

Having worked in Corporate America most of my career, I’m certainly not unaccustomed to a more traditional view of professionalism. However, as the Millennial travel agent, I see many ways in which it manifests in a more modern sensibility.

As travel professionals, part of the challenge is indeed appearing professional. With few barriers to entry these days, nearly anyone can claim to be a travel agent.

What sets us apart from the amateurs and fly-by-night schemers is our professionalism.

Whatever image you want to project, professionalism is more than just your outward appearance—it strikes at the heart of your entire brand.

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Online Impressions Matter

Your virtual storefront is a starting point for many prospective clients and sets the tone for their perception of you. For starters, your website must have a unique domain name, which can be purchased for just a few dollars. Even if you’re using a template such as Agent Studio, having a custom URL demonstrates that you are indeed a legitimate business.

It’s equally important to have a unique URL for your email account—no Gmail, Hotmail, or AOL email addresses allowed!

And just as we urge clients not to DIY their vacations, nor should we attempt our own websites and logo designs. Unless you are confident in your creative skills, an amateur’s hand will beget amateurish results.

The creative design of your business is not the place to cut corners on freebies. Spend wisely here, as your investment will pay off in the long run by creating a strong first impression of quality and legitimacy.

Hit Me With Your Best (Head)Shot

People want to work with people, not faceless corporations. Therefore, it’s essential to put your best face forward with a professional headshot.

In other words, no selfies or blurry smartphone photos.

This doesn’t mean you need to have a stiffly-posed portraits shot in a photographer’s studio. Inject some personality into your photoshoot and consider using the services of Flytographer on your next FAM trip or vacation.

For example, Easter Island (or Rapa Nui, as it is known to locals) is one of my favorite travel destinations.

On a recent trip, my photographer-guide shot from a unique angle so that I could pose as one of the iconic Moai statues. I use this image on my business cards and in other marketing to showcase the off-the-beaten-path experiences I can plan for my clients.

Make a Sartorial Statement

When we think of professionalism, we often have cliched ideas of a power suit and briefcase. While this might be appropriate if you are selling corporate travel or private jets, most of us don’t need to be quite as buttoned up.

Instead, create an image that is on brand with the type of travel you sell.

For example, since I specialize in travel experiences that typically take place in nature, I often wear a nice flannel shirt, a vest, jeans and a pair of stylish leather boots. Certainly not what I would wear on the trail, but the goal is to translate trail wear into stylish everyday clothing.

You can do the same.

If you sell beach vacations, I’m certainly not advocating wearing a bikini to work every day! But consider incorporating bright pops of color that inspire those beach vibes, like turquoise and coral. Your outfit selection shouldn’t be costumey but should reflect the type of travel you sell in an upscale way.

Communicate With Integrity

Above all else, being professional means acting with integrity. Say what you’ll do, and then do what you say. Our goal should be to under-promise and over-deliver so that we are providing the best value to our clients.

It’s important to set expectations of when you will follow up with prospects and to use proper grammar and spelling in all communications. When presenting clients with an itinerary, be sure to put a bit of time and effort into an attractive layout and appearance. Fortunately, with apps like Travefy, beautifully-designed itineraries are only a few clicks away.

Communication etiquette should extend to your suppliers too.

Basic manners and an awareness of cultural differences go a long way. Consider opening or closing your emails with local salutations. Especially when organizing a familiarization trip, put in the effort to develop an authentic relationship with the supplier. The whole point is to foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, so get started on the right foot.

Professionalism is indeed conveyed in every action you take. By putting in the extra effort, you’ll be rewarded with long-term success and a brand that you can take pride in.

How do you convey professionalism in your business? Do you take a more formal or casual approach? And what additional tips and strategies are keys to your success? Leave a comment and let me know what works best for your business!

Until next time, stay inspired.