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    Joel and

    Throughout his life, Joel M. Abels, Travel Trade's editor and publisher, made it his mission to keep travel agents from going it alone in business... (more)

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    Travel Agent Professional April 2012

     

    feb 2012 Issue

     

    Issue

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    America's Vacation Center/Avoya Travel

     

     

     


    Rusty Pickett

    By Mary Brutscher
    Former Host Agency Owner &
    Travel Educational Instructor
    cruisefacecruises@yahoo.com
     

    Taking Care of Business

    Things continue to change in our industry. Companies continue to merge or be sold, to the point where sometimes, it seems to be a little hard to keep up with who owns what.

     

    One thing that does remain consistent, however, is the need for travel agents to find a way to be successful and profitable while keeping costs down at the same time. Some of the options may have changed a little bit over the last few years, while others remain the same.

     

    Many agents I know still weigh the pros and cons of affiliating with a host agency or remaining under their own memberships and affiliations. Identity and supplier support, along with commission rates, still seem to be the biggest concerns to agents when making these choices.

     

    There are some suppliers who will allow the business development managers (BDMs) to support the independent agents in their area, even if the host is located in another state. (Royal Caribbean is one of those suppliers and hats off to them for continuing to be proactive in their support of the agent community.)

    At the same time, as an independent travel agent, you should be able to use your own DBA (doing business as) identity while booking under your host agency. You will also, usually, have much higher commission rates with the supplier than you would if you were booking under your own affiliations, unless you have been doing business for several years and continue to work with a good client base.

     

    Through the host's memberships, you may also have special promotions to sell the the client than you would have if you go it alone. Additionally, while you will more than likely have a monthly fee with the host, you may get other perks such as a free Web site or free promotional mailers.

    For some agents, there is nothing that compares with owning your own business and being completely independent and not affiliated with any host, even if the commissions received are lower. These agents know that all they have to do if they experience a supplier problem is pick up the phone and call the supplier or shoot off an email to the supplier BDM. They also know that if they elect to host a sales event, they can contact the supplier for assistance and co-op marketing.

     

    For these agents, I believe it is important to also affiliate with a good consortia. With the right consortia, there will be additional marketing opportunities to take advantage of as well as the support of the consortia when needed.

     

    Other concerns continue to be competing for the business and selling enough travel products not only to stay afloat, but to make a profit as well. The business is out there, even with today's economy, but many agents still sit there at the computer and beside the phone and 'wait' for the business to come their way.

     

    That may have worked in the past, but it doesn't work today! It is pretty much guaranteed that if you are sitting by the phone and computer waiting for business, someone else is out there getting that business that you are waiting for! Get out there and network! Do some social marketing! Get involved in the community! Make your agency a local name!

     

    Networking. Not all networking opportunities are created equal! If you join a networking group that costs a lot each month and produces no leads, no marketing ideas, etc., leave the group! Don't waste your time or money. Look for something that will combine both the networking opportunity as well as a service to your community. Not only will you receive leads from your fellow club members and be getting your name out to the community, but you will also be giving back to the community. Check with your accountant or tax adviser, some of these opportunities may also be tax deductible!

     

    You need to also look at local clubs and associations that others in your area may not think of and join and make your services available. A local husband and wife agency team in my area (that I highly respect) has been very proactive in this area and as a result, they are achieving success where others have failed.

     

    Social Media marketing can be a good tool, but if you are not careful, it can be a huge turnoff as well! If you are constantly on a site such as Facebook or Twitter promoting yourself and your business, chances are you will have the opposite affect than what you are striving for.

     

    If, however, you promote with an uploaded flyer or an interesting article, or even a joke, it is a softer approach and much less likely to turn off your targeted audience. Also, look at blogging and develop a following by inviting current clients, friends and families to subscribe to your blog as well as recommend it to others.

     

    Niches! Niche marketing is still a fantastic business model. Once you discover your niche and develop a following, you may be able to do less marketing, depending upon what your niche is. Let your favorite supplier(s) know that you are working on this niche and find out if they have any special tools available to you or any ideas or suggestions on developing this niche with their company.

     

    Customer service is still the best marketing tool available to anyone in business. Offer a good product along with good (and honest) customer service and you will develop a client base of good customers. You may lose a few that are still looking for nothing but the bottom line, but chances are that you will be better off without those customers in the long run.

     

    As you provide exceptional customer service, you will receive more and more clients through word of mouth! People want to know they can trust the person they are doing business with, especially in today's environment. By always offering top-notch customer service, sprinkled with honesty and integrity, your business will continue to grow.

     

    Happy Sales!
    Comments
    RCI

     

    Kenny G.

     

    Great Deal! Don't miss out!

     

    Sunshine Travel is pleased to announce 2012 China Leisure Tour Packages for any of following destinations (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou & Guilin)

     

    7 Days/6 Nights Tour Package is for

    $299 (per person double)
    Guaranteed departure based on 2 passengers on any of date you choose.

     

    Package service includes:

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    • Optional daily sightseeing tour transfer with guide & vehicle service. (Entry ticket to site visit & lunch is not included and optional.) 

    Please visit our web for detail info: www.chinaasiatour.com
     
    Auto

    

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 3)

    April 19, 2012: Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the final set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived back from your trip. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 2)

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the second set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived at the car rental location. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before

    You Leave For Europe

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is compiling a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below are the first suggestions on being prepared before you rent a car. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe: New mandatory ruling for automobiles in France

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is prepared to service their clients with the new ruling in France requiring mandatory breathalyzers in all passenger vehicles. (continue)

     

    Host Agencies

    Amadeus and Expedia sign multi-year agreement in North America

    MADRID, April 19, 2012 – Amadeus, a leading travel technology provider and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, and Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's largest online travel company, today announced they have signed a multi-year content and technology agreement for North America. (continue)

     

    Sales Tip #11:

    Build Your Professional Brand
    Create a Lasting Impression
    with These 3 Tips

    One of the best ways to maintain a customer database full of people who want to hear from you, book with you and send referrals to you is to build a strong and professional brand. Each travel agent has their own personal brand, and it's important to make sure that you take advantage of yours!: (continue)

     

    Travelsavers And Network Of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (Nest)
    Introduce New Customer Loyalty Program

    April 2012: Travel Club, a new complimentary customer loyalty program for clients of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST travel professionals has just launched. The benefits of the program are two fold: (continue)

     

    American Marketing Group

    Launches Family Lifestyle Campaign

    April 2012: American Marketing Group continues to expand upon its award-winning lifestyle direct mail program with a new family-themed campaign, available to licensed travel professionals of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST (continue)

     

    Steven Thompson, CEO
    Of Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Will Address "Well-Being And Medical Travel Conference"

    March 28, 2012 (Oyster Bay, NY) – It was announced today that Steven J. Thompson, MBA, Chief Executive Officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine International, will address the constituents at the "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (wellbeingtravelconference). (continue)

     

    Patient Travelers Give Candid Recaps at "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    A specially assembled panel of patient travelers will candidly discuss their experiences in traveling abroad for medical and dental procedures at the upcoming "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (continue)

     

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic Host
    The Sales and Service Team of American Marketing Group's

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic recently hosted American Marketing Group's sales and service team on a four day FAM in London. The whirlwind tour of the world-class city incorporated all of the most renowned sites. (continue)

     

    "Best of the Best Globe Award"

    Avoya Travel™/American Express® has been awarded an American Express Vacations 2011 'Best of the Best Globe Award'... (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012" GIVEAWAY

    Any one who registers by April 15 will be entered to win an ultra-pampering personal spa package at the Centre for Well-Being at the 5-star Phoenician luxury resort. A $300 value, the prize-winning package includes a choice of two 50-minute spa services...(continue)


    20% Growth for ExpediaCruiseShipCenters

    Expedia CruiseShipCenters has entered its 25th year in business in good stride with 2011 sales figures showing a remarkable 20% growth over the previous year! (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    The "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012" -- which will take place on June 20-21, 2012 at The Phoenician luxury resort in Scottsdale, Arizona... (continue)


    Sandals honored Avoya Travel/ American Express

    'Best of the Best, Western' for the company's dedication to outstanding customer service and creating exceptional vacation experiences for Sandals Resorts' guests. (continue)

     

    NCL Honors Avoya Travel With Top Travel Award

    Avoya Travel™/American Express®, one of the leading travel companies in North America and beyond, today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line has presented the company with its 2011 'Home-Based Agency of the Year' award. (continue)

     

    OASIS Reports Record
    Growth in 2011

    OASIS, www.OasisAgent.com, a leader in the development of programs for home based independent travel agents, reports another year of record growth. (continue)

     

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services &
    Analog Analytics Team Up to Provide

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services, a new American Marketing Group company, has won the account as the exclusive travel provider for Analog Analytics' Bigger Better Deal™ solution. (continue)

     

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    Joel M. Abels • Rusty Pickett • Scott Koepf• Cruising • Airline • Europe • Hotels • Luxury Cruising • Paull Tickner • Mitchel J. Schlesinger • Sherry Laskin • Les-Lee Roland • Mary Brutscher • Sue Shapiro

    Royal Caribbean • Travel Industry • Travel Social Media • Travel Technology • Travel Trade News • Vacation • Home Based Trade • Home Based Travel Agent •

    Professional Travel Agent • Travel Agent • Travel Agent Professional • Independent travel agents • Tour Groups •

    Host Travel Agenices • Cruises

     
    This website is dedicated to the memory of Joel M. Abels
    "HE CREATED A VOICE, NOT JUST AN ECHO"

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