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As a travel business owner, just booking travel has its complexities. Then add in that you are also a Social Media specialist, content creator, Financial Controller, Administration Assistant and the list goes on.    This year our goal for you and us as a collective, is to have efficiency, be prepared and take action in our business. Efficiency being key. Ensuring we do the things we need to to continue to move forward without getting continuously bogged down or attracted to bright shiny objects.    In this episode, I will be sharing with you the TOP 3 favourite tools we use for creating social media posts. I don't want you to get stuck anywhere. These tools are purposely made to help you get organised, take out the guesswork and most importantly, allow you to focus on your zone of genius. These tools are designed to help you become efficient and put your best foot forward.    If your social media page has been in hibernation, I want you to join us in our upcoming 5-Day Social Media Challenge! Join HERE    Let's work together to grow your audience, get seen again and put together a plan for what your clients want to see.   Make sure you also download our FREE resource with Social Media Ideas and tracking sheets to track your progress and the results you get. FREE Social Media Ideas and Tracker   Resources Mentioned in this episode:  Travel Agent Achievers’  5-Day Social Media Challenge FREE Social Media Ideas and Tracker Easy Graphic Design with Canva Voice to text - Create content with Otter Facebook Creator Studio Get first access to our latest episodes! Make sure you subscribe to the Travel Agent Achievers podcast and send us a review for a shoutout!

Have you ever tried googling yourself? What did you find? Is there anything travel-related there? Will people instantly know that you are a travel business owner by just looking at the search results? If not, then why not work to make yourself known this year, by positioning yourself as the expert.   In this episode, I talk about content creation. And why I believe it is one of the best forms of marketing for your travel business.    Content is anything that answers your clients' questions. Including social media posts, website copy, email newsletters, podcasting and even blogging. It can generate leads, builds trust and relationships and positions you as the expert in your chosen field if done right.   If you want to know more about content creation  - why we need it and how does it all work, then this episode is for you.   Make sure you check our specialised workshop (Content Planning for your Travel Business) where we dive deeper into this topic and get you to come up with your plan for the year ahead.  Lets get your content marketing strategies in place to help set you up for a great year ahead.  Make sure you grab more of our resources and our FREE tips, advice and bonuses. Subscribe to our email list here!   “People want to get to know you for you” Roslyn Ranse “People are listening, they are reading, they are there.” - Roslyn Ranse Links mentioned in this episode: Travel Agent Achievers Content Planning Workshop  Travel Agent Achievers Podcast Episode 38 - Build Your Profile by Being a Podcast Guest Podcast Pitching 101 by Christina Lenkowski Michele Schwartz First Class Blogging Academy Facebook Page  Subscribe and Review on iTunes! Get first access to our latest episodes! Make sure you subscribe to the Travel Agent Achievers podcast. Each episode will help increase your knowledge and expertise as a travel agent.  Find us on socials and share with us your favourite episodes. Make sure to tag us! @travelagentachievers 

It's time. Time to Learn from the past and move forward. Really you ask? Well, In my opinion, we don't have any other choice. As business owners, no one ever said the road would be easy and we do what we love for a reason. Owning a travel business has its current challenges, though this is also an exciting time as we move into a new year. In this episode, I reflect on the year we had - but not in terms of the loss of business, more the lessons learnt. Looking at how we came through and what I believe some of the reasons are. Plus then looking at 2021. What can we do, where are we looking to work and what opportunities do we have in this new time. Myself and the Travel Agent Achievers team will continue to support you in every possible way that we can this year and beyond. Even though you may feel a little sluggish to kick off the year, don't worry - we are here to prep you up and he; you move forward.  If you are looking to surround yourself with the right people that get you, understand your business and you want to build your travel business, make sure you sign up to be notified of the upcoming start in our 6 Week Travel Business Foundations program, starting in a few weeks. Be on the waitlist for first access and special bonuses.  Make sure to sign up here: www.travelagentachievers.com/rebuildrunway Join the community of like minded travel professionals on Facebook in our Achievers In Travel Group.  If you haven’t already, make sure you subscribe to the Travel Agent Achievers podcast. We are here for you! 

You know that spring in your step you may get after a coffee in the morning? Or the drive to power through your to do list or action list each day?  Do you still have that? Or is it lacking at the moment and you are wondering what is going on…..  I was recently talking with my Mum (a chaplain and counsellor) about the loss and feelings that I was having and I was hearing within the travel agent Achiever community.  She identified it as grief. Grief and loss of a business we have grown. The stages of grief and how it may pop up at random times and we may also revisit the stages at different times.  As small business owners and the impact COVID-19 has had on our industry and businesses, I wanted to address this today and the feelings that we have experiences and then things that you can do to help right now within your business.  If you are feeling any of the emotions and feelings we discuss, please first and foremost seek help from either a professional or  close person to you. You are not alone and I want you to know that you are worthy and you can do hard things.  One thing that we have always been talking about inside our Travel Agent Achievers group is the process of grief. Dealing with the current situation as small business owners, I know we may have experienced this. Not knowing who to talk to or not even sure how to open up are ok. I'm no expert but I've had my fair share of personal experiences to know when to seek help and support, and I encourage you to do so as well.  So in this episode, I will be sharing with you my own experiences with these different stages of grief. Some of my personal challenges and how I managed to move forward. Not to ask for sympathy but to let you know that you are not alone.  As you're listening to this episode and happen to find yourself in one of these stages, I want you to acknowledge that and know you are ok. Everyone deals with grief differently and whatever you decide to do for your business, the journey is one you can take.  If you want to invest in yourself and your travel business, know we have different levels of support for you as well here at Travel Agent Achievers.  We want to support you now and always into the future, so please plug into the community and share.  To help you make your first step, join us in our upcoming 5-Day Social Media Challenge.  I want you to come through this time stronger than ever and this is a small but mighty step in that direction. 5-Day Social Media Challenge Make sure you join our email list to get an EXCLUSIVE bonus just for Travel Agent Achievers listeners. Sign up for this bonus HERE 

Do you want to get yourself known, but not sure how to do it? Known as in, have media exposure that can help build your business? If you want to build your personal and business profile, I have an absolute treat for you in this podcast episode!  I firmly believe that you are already the expert in what you do as a travel professional. You know how to book travel, take care of your clients and you also want to build your travel business in a way that doesn’t suck up all your time.  However, how can you build your profile, without spending hours posting on social media, when you don’t even know if people are looking at your content? You can’t afford to put an advertisement out telling people about your business and you don’t even know where to start if someone told you, you could get FREE publicity (without it being A Current Affair having a go at you at the moment.) You want the GOOD publicity right?  But, how do you do this and where do you even start? I have brought back our PR and Publicity Expert onto the Podcast. Christina Lenkowski. She is not only an expert on this topic, but she also ‘gets’ the industry. For years she has specialised in the tourism sector and she knows, lives and breathes who we are and what we do.  I asked her to come onto the episode to discuss how right now, we can gain FREE publicity to an audience we WANT To talk to. The right clients for us and how we can start building our own email lists with clients who want to book with us in our area of expertise as we can travel again.  Bring in Podcasting…  more specifically - being a Podcast Guest!  She gives away Why we should be doing this, what sorts of podcasts we can get on and also some tips as to how we can connect with podcast hosts.  If you want to become known, showcase your expertise and get FREE media exposure, make sure you listen to this episode and check out Christina and her awesome resources.  Make sure you join our email list to get an EXCLUSIVE bonus just for Travel Agent Achievers listeners. You WANT this trust me! Sign up for this bonus HERE 

Over the last 6 months, I have shared my journey with you. How my team and I have worked through the struggles, challenges and moments we faced. As a team and also individuals.  I want you to hear, that you are not alone.  With support and guidance you will come through this time stronger and more resilient than ever.  The roller-coaster that has been will come to an end and hopefully, you will have hung in there and be ready to prosper, even if a little wary.  I know that you want to hear from others… SO -  This week we have another special guest with her own story.  The voice of a consultant - who has also lost her “biggest year yet” worth of bookings, but has used the last couple of months to work on her business, once she worked through the initial pain.  Annette Fyfe is just like you in the travel industry. She was caught off-guard with the pandemic, has taken a big hit more than once yet chose to take action. She has a mobile (work from home) travel business called “Thai the Knot Weddings” which has a unique niche itself. She helps Aussie brides have amazing destination weddings in Thailand! "2020 was going to be our biggest year for weddings in Thailand", she said.  Even though her business ground to a halt, when the shock and main activity subsided, she did not let emotion and challenges bring her down.  She has worked on what resonated with her and has taken action working ON her business. Given the greatest gift of time to get organised.  Annette is also part of our 6-Week Rebuild Your Business Program. I have seen her grow, learn and implement her training. I know that with the solid foundations she is putting in place, her business will soar when we are once again allowed to travel. To ensure you are moving forward in your business and also getting any additional advice, tips and help, make sure you join the upcoming 6 Week Build your business Foundation program.  The Waitlist is currently open - if you want VIP Access, Special Bonuses make sure you sign up VIP Waitlist We’d also love to have you in the Achievers in Travel - Facebook group, make sure you join the FREE community. Achievers in Travel - Accountability group. 

Writing comes naturally to some people. Others the words are harder to come by and especially when you have to write about yourself. Argh.  Emily and Ros dive into the world of copywriting this week and as you will find out, there are things that we ALL need to write about and the specific pages we should have on our website to ensure we attract the right clients to our very own niche.  Whether you have a website already, or are still working out what and how, this episode is perfect for all levels. Not just about websites, we also discuss the importance of having an audience that we can connect with through other channels too.  For more information and links to all the things discussed, check out: www.travelagentachievers.com/Emily

Have you changed your perspective on things lately? Last weeks episode really resonated with so many of you. It was like a fresh wave of fear, anxiety and frustration came out of nowhere. Was there something happening in the cosmos? I don't know. But do know how it shook a lot of us. I'm currently working with an amazing bunch of Travel Consultants in the 6 Week Rebuild your travel business program. Not only have they made incredible progress with the foundations of their businesses, but they have also had some incredible wins! The program and community is supportive, collaborative, educational but also the perfect timing for where each and every one of them are right now. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when we run it again. Listen in as I share the love with you and give you ideas on how to share the love with your existing clients.  Make sure you visit the Travel Agent Achievers Website for all the latest information, freebies and news.  

We all experience tough times. We all have bad days. When do you allow yourself or give yourself permission (or I will if you need someone to give it to you) to take care of yourself?  It feels like we have regressed a bit this past week with changes, cancellations and refunds coming around again, I wanted to address the issue of taking care of YOU! Letting yourself know it's ok to feel all the feels and also take time out for yourself.  You are ok. You are awesome. You are strong. You will get through this.  If you need some additional support, please reach out. Our Achievers In Travel - Accountability Facebook Group awaits you. facebook Make sure you check out the Travel Agent Achievers website for a ton of resources to help you in your travel business and connect with us. We are here with you. 

As travel business owners, it is crucial for us to know how to handle our finances or know the right people to talk to to help us. In this episode, we will be talking about money and business finance. Now is really an important time for us to be getting a handle on knowing our numbers.   Do you trust, know and really like your accountant? Victoria and Ros discuss the importance of the relationship with your accountant and bookkeeper plus how you need to remain in contact with these key partners in your business, especially when things are tight.    Manage your business and manage your bank accounts! Victoria walks us through the “Profit First” Money management system created by Mike Michalowicz.    I’m certainly not a finance expert and there is no way I ever will be, but I do know we need the right people in our corners to ensure we have solid foundations in our travel businesses and especially finance moving forward.    I recommend you reach out to your accountant, ensure you are getting the entitlements you are eligible for and also check your cashflow. Ensure you are in a position to remain afloat in these uncertain circumstances.    Our Supportive Travel Agent Achievers Group is here with you - Check out our Facebook Group to get additional advice, tips and help, stay on track and focused and be ready when the borders open.  Achievers in Travel - Accountability group.  Grab all the latest resources at: www.travelagentachievers.com  

A Knock from a travel client recently made me think deeply about the future of our roles as travel advisors. I still remain optimistic and positive we will get through this time and know our role is valuable. There are a few things though that have worked for me in the past that I want to help you with in your travel business. This week I share with you a conversation I had with a now ex-client (after I fired them) and how I was so confident in my conversation with them that has spurred me to make a bigger difference in the industry sharing with you my knowledge.  If you feel like you want to reach out, please connect with me on socials @travelagentachievers on both IG & FB. If you want the insider knowhow and be prepared for when things turnaround, check out our 6 Week Rebuild you travel business program (with some exciting bonuses - as its my birthday month and I am showering you with gifts ;-))  www.travelagentachievers.com/6weekrebuildrunway If you want some additional accountability to take action, make sure you check out our Facebook Group specifically for travel agents. Achievers in Travel - Accountability group.

Imagine working with your favourite people. People who become your biggest advocate in business. Those who time after time make your life easier, more enjoyable and are less stressful than others.  Knowing and understanding our IDEAL clients helps get more leads and more business.  Why?  Because once you understand whom they are, you can ‘talk’ to them much easier than someone that you know nothing about.  Understanding who they are is the key to giving them great service. The way you then take care of these clients will develop and build stronger relationships. It can also lead to more referrals, more repeat business and a stronger bottom line financially for you too.  The purpose of a business is to create a customer who creates customers, right? However, the question is do you really know WHO your customers are?  Those clients who love you and you love working with. Those who can see your value and are considered as the right people to talk to. They are your best clients, your favourite ones, avatar, or to me, your IDEAL clients.  Do you already know who they are? How do you describe them?  You all know I am all about creating value, having systems and processes and also being real and vulnerable with your clients. Being honest and creating incredible memories for them, so today we are going to dive deeper into what is the best client for you to work with in your own business and why you should identify them.  Ensure you download the FREE worksheet with this episode, so you can fill out and answer the questions and to add your own information as well. (GRAB your worksheet here)  To ensure you are moving forward in your business and also getting any additional advice, tips and help, make sure you join the Achievers in Travel - Facebook group. Achievers in Travel - Accountability group. 

Do you have a love and hate relationship with social media? Social media is really just one component of our marketing strategy however, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Posting consistently, thinking of what content to post and where to find the details that we can share.  This is just the tip of the iceberg and it can be overwhelming. I feel you. In my experience, some of the overwhelm from social media comes with WHAT to actually post and WHERE to find it. These are key things obviously as you need to know both of these to have a presence on social media.  In this episode, I’ll give you 4 places that we find content for our travel business and how we use these. Finding appropriate content that works with and resonates with your audience is key.  Social Media isn’t just Facebook and Instagram. These are 2 platforms that are the most popular for travel agents to use, however there are many more. Social Media isn’t also the only tool to use in promoting your business. We have a number of offline and online marketing strategies that help keep our clients informed, loved upon and also educated.  We recommend putting together a content calendar for your marketing campaign and business. This will help you stay focused on the end goal and also alleviate any fogginess with what to post and when. In our 6 Week Rebuild Your travel Business Program, we walk step by step through creating a content calendar specific to your business.  Know that wherever you are on your business or Social Media Journey you can always learn more things. If you want to build engagement and grow your following and email list, check out our upcoming 5 Days to more engagement on Social Media FREE Challenge.  And on that note… thank you for listening and being part of such a supportive and awesome community. You are AMAZING!  Keep Smiling, Ros If you need a little help to stay on track and work on your business at anytime, make sure to join our Achievers in Travel - Accountability group. 

No one ever said having a business is easy, but sometimes that saying just doesn’t help either.  This episode was hard for me to release, but at the same time, I knew it needed to be said. I am honest, open and transparent with you and as a leader and mentor in the travel community, I wanted to show you that I am walking with you during this tough time.  The last 6 months have gone so fast, no one could have predicted this length of time to affect us globally and still not knowing what is to come. That is probably the hardest part, the uncertainty and trying to help clients also navigate this time too. Patience is thinning and I know how tough it is for everyone.  This episode is not just doom and gloom though as I wanted to explain and show you that coming through this time is possible and what we are doing and how I am helping others move through this period as well. I am fortunate to have a rock star team behind me as we continue to assist our clients and also be there to support you.  I want to tell you that you are not alone. You can make it through. The negativity will pass. I really do want you to take care of yourself at this time and also your clients.  As travel agents and travel business owners we are all in this together. Together though we can get through it. I am here for you.  I know it may feel hard, but it is time to work on a plan, prepare for what's yet to come and take action. Plug into groups that will support you - including the Travel Agent Achievers Facebook Accountability group. A safe space to get support and work on your travel business.  Use the time we have now to up-skill or educate yourself more. We have another round of the ‘6-Week Rebuild your Travel Business Program’ coming out in August -  so sign up here to hear more about it and when it is released.  This is not the time to give up. You can and will get through this. We are here with and for you.  For More information, free resources and programs, check out the Travel Agent Achievers Website: www.travelagentachievers.com

Raw, real and practical. Tina Tower is one of those people you come across that you can easily relate to. She is fun to be around, but also strong when you need to hear something tough. She is a go getter in business and life.   Starting out in tutoring and building a multimillion dollar business before selling it, she knows that you need a good coach and also continue to learn in order to grow.  Tina has invested in herself and encourages others to do so as well. She not only loves to learn, but is always implementing as well. If you aren’t taking action on what you invest in you aren’t making a return on investment. There is no shortage of things that can grow your bottom line. However if you don’t make the time to implement you won’t grow. Tina is fierce with her time management, because she knows that if things aren’t done there will always be open loops. Her discipline has allowed her to make big shifts in her business and life.  If you don’t schedule things in, weeks will go by and projects you want to complete won’t necessarily get done.  Tips for remaining positive to work through the crappy times. Especially when there is lack of control and certainty. Mindset - Tina doesn’t just put on a happy face. Her advice is to remain consistent, plan and look towards the future. Now is the time to work on the business.  Be open to experimentation. A lot of people are unwilling to put the effort in.  We only live once and we should make the most out of it. As humans, that is our mentality. As much as possible, we want to have everything and live our best lives. We want to have a successful business, happy family and make a change in our community, right?  Tina has recently released an incredible book - which she wrote in Fiji - “One Life” You can find it on Audible, Amazon or on Tina’s website. She also has her own Podcast - One Life and also a number of business coaching programs you can find here. Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency, taking action, continuous learning and measuring what results you are getting. We hope you see the importance of taking action. And realise that you can only get what you WORK for, not what you WISH for.  Don't forget to join our community of like minded travel agents as we work towards building the business of your dreams! Join our Facebook group here Find all the resources and stay up to date with what's happening on our WEBSITE

We all know that automation is key to our businesses’ growth. However, we can’t just leave personal contact and connections behind.  Connecting with clients is a huge component in the sales process and we have talked about this a lot over the last couple of months. Even during the tough times! Being present and letting them know that we are there for them. What platforms do you use in doing this? Do you personalize the messages that go out to your clients? Connecting with clients on a PERSONAL LEVEL is as important as automation in your business. Can both of these co-exist? A solution to our problem is BONJORO. A personalized messaging tool. It is an application that allows users to send quick, personal video messages to their clients.  This comes in handy for someone who doesn't know much about video editing and doesn't have enough time. It's real, authentic and shows your true personality. It is different from sending an email or text or even a phone call! It is fast and easy to use.  In this episode, Matt and Ros discuss how video and personalisation plays a key role in business these days. An opportunity exists for travel agents to strengthen relationships that can turn into business opportunities.  Taking a deeper dive into email open rates and how the power or a personalised video is a LOT higher than a general email. It’s time, now more than ever to look at how you can also automate a process, but not the travel agent and travel client relationship.  Matt Barnett, CEO of Bonjoro also gives us advice on how we can maximize our use of this application. Want some unique ideas on how you can use bonjoro in your business? Make sure you download the FREE PDF with a number of suggestions on the day to day use to increase your client engagement and client retention for your travel business. 

Its time to get out of the tracksuit, put on some button up pants, because we are going to regain your mojo and start moving forward - rebuilding you and your travel business.  I am a factual and constant learner. I listen, read, surround myself with people that motivate and encourage me. It can take a little shove, but I take action. I trust my instincts. This episode I get a little personal. What is working for me right now in my travel business and life. It may also work for you.  The Travel industry, your travel clients, your suppliers they need you. Are you ready to work on YOU and your business? Your Travel Business is ready for a dust off. New opportunities await. Are you ready for them?  Check out the Travel Agent Achievers Website for all your resources to move forward. 

Starting, growing or managing a business doesn't just automatically happen. You have to work for it to grow. You have to take action. Hoping your business will weather tough times is like sticking your head in the sand and expecting a different path when you come back out. It isn't like that and I know you know that. The world according to travel is still changing and I know, we are all starting to feel a little tired. It isn't going to get any easier in the coming weeks or months. But I know, you are in this industry because you love what you do. In this episode, I won't let you just hope and pray that your business will bounce forward. I won't let you do that to your business or to yourself! It is a little bit of tough-love today.  I want you to open your eyes and start taking action. We all need to take care of ourselves, however no one will take care of your business, except you!  New resources to help you through this time are now available! These are to help you connect with your clients and also re-building your business during this tough time. I know that you are doing everything to survive. I'm here to be there with you and help guide you through.  Check the resources at:  6 Week - Rebuild your Travel Business 5 ways to connect with clients  www.travelagentachievers.com

For many years, to receive and hear words of praise or thanks gave me an awkward feeling. It was always unexpected. I may need therapy. In our line of work, the most common form of feedback is negative! "My flight was cancelled." "I didn't get the King Bed" or "the view, my room smelt funny" I know we try to be perfect, and create the 'dream' our clients want, however we aren't always able to achieve this. Getting a bunch of flowers, a letter or card - the positive feedback, I know for me, fills me up and I can last on for ages! These positive comments and feedback messages are THE BEST!  Feedback in any business is important. This episode will help you get feedback (the good stuff! Constructive and useful feedback) and use it to your advantage.  We all WANT testimonials. I will walk you through a process to get these, in a non sleezey or creepy way. That makes your clients feel comfortable to brag about you!   You love what you do. I know that. It's not a job, it's a lifestyle, it's a passion. It's time to connect with our clients and get the "Good Stories" to help you build your business.  Check out the website for ALL the tools and tips to help you with your travel business. www.travelagentachievers.com

From what I have experienced over the years, the majority of those in the travel and tourism industry are ‘people pleasers.’ We are genuine in that we like and enjoy taking care of others.  We are lucky that being in travel, we get to share the exciting and fun experiences with our clients, though right now, who’s looking after you?  I’m hearing and seeing those that I love in this industry as well as others and myself, handling stressful situations differently. It is exhausting. So, I just want to check in and see how you are and what I can do for you. What do you need help with?  Is it finding a light at the end of the tunnel?  Is it helping to formulate a plan for the next 30 days?  Is it to work with you on ideas to continue to communicate with your clients?  How can I help you in this time?  Connect with why you are in travel and why you chose the path you did. This may answer some of the questions that you have been asking yourself.  Connection. Stay connected with those that uplift you, give you purpose, make you smile and are there to listen to you through the good and ugly times.  We are in this together and know I am also here for you.