“ IN THE BEGINNING OF 2023 , I COMPLETELY CHANGED MY BUSINESS MODEL AND COMMIT- TED TO EXCLUSIVELY WORKING WITH CLIENTS TRAVELING FOR A MONTH OR LONGER . AFTER THE CRAZINESS OF 2022 , I KNEW IT WAS TIME TO MAKE MAJOR SHIFTS IN MY BUSINESS . I REFER ANY NEW BUSINESS THAT IS NOT ALIGNED WITH MY NICHE TO OTHER ADVISORS , WHICH FEELS REALLY GOOD . I CAN THEN FOCUS ON HELPING THE PEOPLE I ’ M UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO SERVE . THIS ALIGNMENT GIVES ME SO MUCH MORE ENERGY . I ’ M VERY EXCITED TO SEE HOW THE REST OF 2023 UNFOLDS .”
SUSIE CHAU , OWNER OF CARPE DIEM TRAVELER
I ’ ve been to Riviera Maya several times , but now I want an all-inclusive resort that is as good as my previous locations , but somewhere a bit more exotic , like St . Lucia . Our approach has shifted to having more interactions with clients early in the process , like phone calls and in-person meetings before we quote . This way we know exactly what the ‘ different ’ is that the client is looking for . Our goal is to provide the best experience for the client from beginning to end . People are getting more creative with their travel , and we ’ ve shifted to more upfront discussions to ensure we are the best fit and we know exactly what the travelers want .” KATHY BARKAUSKAS , OWNER / CONCIERGE VACATION PLANNER AT TEDDY BEAR TRAVEL
’ ve learned to stay in my lane ! As
“ I an overcoming perfectionist , I can ‘ figure things out .’ However , this mindset does not always offer the best use of my time , especially when social media is involved . In January , I hired my 25-yearold daughter as my social media content creator , and the outcome has been astounding ! Making this investment allows me to stay focused on what I love doing the most , stay out of a lane I ’ m just not good in and reminds me that it ’ s okay to outsource some aspects of my business both now and in the future .” YOLANDA Y SPEARMAN , OWNER OF HERE TO THERE TRAVEL
have learned to really trust my instinct
“ I when qualifying prospective clients for my services , learning I don ’ t need to take on every client who comes my way . True , there have been times I have underestimated the intentions of a client . However , more than not , I have learned the characteristics that correlate with a traveler who may be just trying to ‘ pick my brain ’ or will abuse my time and any information I can provide only to book themselves . As agents , our experience and expertise is what sets us apart — I try to not stress about those who don ’ t appreciate that and focus on my clients who do !” RACHEL SADLER , OWNER OF SADLER TRAVEL
ravel is back , baby ! And so are
“ Tthe travel advisors . With every increase in production , qualifying a client is more important than before , so we ’ ve had to make sure our intake forms are as detailed as they can be , while still keeping them simple . I ’ ve also set up more automations that the team can utilize so they have less administration work . With our unique approach to travel planning , we have streamlined the process . This allows myself and my team to focus on what matters : helping people travel the world !” SHAYLA NORTHCUTT , FOUNDER AND CEO OF NORTHCUTT TRAVEL AGENCY
n the first half of 2023 , I learned
“ Ivaluable lessons that will shape my strategy for the rest of the year . Time management is essential , especially as travel increases . By implementing a more structured approach , I met deadlines with greater ease . As a travel professional , maintaining strong relationships with clients is crucial . Regular communication builds trust and loyalty , leading to increased business and referrals . Lastly , staying up to date with destinations is critical . By attending conferences , networking and traveling extensively , I provide clients with current and relevant information . These lessons will inform my strategy for the year , helping me to provide the highest level of service and value to clients , remain competitive and achieve professional goals .” LAURENCE PINCKNEY , CTA , PRESIDENT OF ZENBIZ TRAVEL & EVENTS
SUMMER 2023 / THE COMPASS / 81