Launching Your Business
*
Launching Your Business *
Preparation
Here are a few things you need to decide before you get started:
How much time per week do you realistically have time to dedicate to this business?
What will your business hours be?
What does your booking process look like?
It is important that you have a plan and expectations in place before starting your business. Knowing the answer to this question will allow you to break up your time and prioritize where you need to. Remember that your business isn’t just working with your clients but it is also researching, marketing, training, as well as client work. If you start out with a realistic idea of how much work you might complete each day/week then you are less likely to be disappointed, overwhelmed, and burnt out by trying to do ALL the things.
Now that you have an idea of how many hours each week you will dedicate to your business, when is the best time for your clients to reach you? It’s okay to not have typical office hours, but your clients need to know that from the very start. Make sure it is as clear as possible so that they know what to expect. Make sure to list these in your signature email, automatic email responses, Facebook page, and website.
This may seem like a silly one to map out but it is important to have a plan so that your clients know during the conversation what to expect when moving forward. I first introduce who I am, what I offer, what I do, and what they can expect working with me. This is also where I put my office hours. I suggest creating templates that you can just edit as you go with each client. You can use Canva to create templates like this where you can send them quotes based on what they’re looking for.
Clients tend to ask the same questions each time. This is why an already-made template is a great way to go!
The best way to ensure that you’re able to sell travel destinations and your services is by having the knowledge to guide your clients! In order to do this, it is imperative to complete the training courses provided by each of the suppliers. These courses will often be full of general information for the suppliers as well as specifics regrading the products that they offer.
I would highly recommend starting with the training on Disney Travel Agents as it is the most comprehensive and covers several different types of destinations. From there, I would suggest beginning to focus on what you think your niche will be and go through those trainings.
Completing supplier trainings will give you a good starting point for clients and insight into what you recommend for their specific needs. As an added bonus, many suppliers offer an incentive for completing their training courses. These may range from discounted rates, special offers, and other benefits!
Find Your Niche
When you think about what services you’d like to offer to your clients, there are a few questions to ask yourself.
What destinations or planning tasks do you have the most experience in?
Which destinations do you feel the most comfortable traveling to?
Which destinations do you love traveling to the most?
Which destinations do you want to learn the most about and travel to in the future?
Keep in mind, just because you haven't traveled to a particular destination doesn’t mean you can’t sell it to your clients! If you complete the right training and do the right research prior to launching your business, you will still know more than the clients and they will come to you!
YOU are the expert.
Know Your Pitch
This is very important to know prior to launching your business so that you know exactly what to say when people ask you about your business.
I suggest creating a document on Google Drive or on the Notes in your phone that you can copy and paste into social media and your emails. Add in elements that make you unique. Here are a few examples:
“Hi there! I would love to help you plan a magical vacation for your family. My husband and I used to work at Walt Disney World and now we help families plan their own Disney adventures. The best part? My services are 100% free when you book your trip with me (Disney pays me so that you don’t have to!). Let’s chat!”
“Hi there! Congratulations on your engagement! Let the wedding planning begin, but don't forget about the Honeymoon! Many people focus on hiring a wedding planner and forget about the travel planner. Let’s get the ball rolling on your Happily Ever After. Feel free to email me at ____. Can’t wait to see where your adventure takes you!”
Ask For the Sale!
Some of the best advice received was from one of our wonderful BDMs, who encouraged us to “ask for the sale”. People will often make social media posts looking for guidance or suggestions when making travel plans. Make it known and be confident in what you do, and the services you can provide. It doesn’t have to be anything “pushy”, but utilize those opportunities when they arise- the worst they can do is say no! It has proven successful nearly every time, and at the very least it gets your name out to that person and a potential new audience that YOU are a Travel Specialist!
Helpful Resources & Groups
While we continue to increase our knowledge base and try to provide all resources to our agents, there are some Facebook groups and Instagram accounts that are helpful to follow. The Facebook groups are full of TAs asking/giving information, so I often go there and put keywords in the search bar or ask questions in them!
Facebook:
Friendly DIS TAs
TIS Advisors
Sandals and Beaches Resorts loves Travel Advisors
Virgin Voyages Travel Advisors (first mates)
Virgin Voyages First Mates Seaciety
Friendly Cruise TAs
Friendly All Inclusive TAs
Royal Caribbean/Celebrity Cruise Line Travel Agents
Travel Leaders Network Community
*I am also in some destination-based Travel Agent groups such as Italy, Hawaii, Greece, etc. for specific destinations that I have planned/am planning to get ideas and advice*
Instagram:
@disneytravelprofessionals
@disneyparks
@uninewstoday
@universalorlando
@unistudios
@sandalsresorts
@uniquevacations_southeast_team
@royalcaribbean
Business Cards
-
Traditional Business Cards
Creating and having Business Cards on hand can be incredibly useful. You never know when you might run into a potential client and want to be prepared!
Things to consider when making your Business Cards:
Make sure your name and contact info is written clearly and large enough to be seen- you want to make it easy for potential clients to be able to reach you!
When you’re adding your information to your business card template, consider the way it’s laid out. Each piece of information should be clearly distinguishable, but flow nicely with the rest.
Please include one of the provided company logos within the Shared Drive to represent yourself and Everlasting Travel Company
A business card is *all* about the logo, so consider dedicating one side of your card solely to your logo. As a visual representation of your business, it deserves a prominent place that will instantly catch the eye of potential clients.
Consider using a QR code as part of your call to action. As people are increasingly comfortable with scanning QR codes, adding one to your business card is a great, one-click way to send people to your website, subscribe them to your mailing list or give them a special offer. We suggest placing the code on the back of your business card because that makes it easy to scan, and won’t take away from your logo on the front. **Mine currently goes to my Blinq digital card, which I will give more info on below!**
Feel free to utilize this TEMPLATE that I created for my business cards or you can start your own from scratch!
-
Blinq Digital Business Cards
With the ability to really integrate technology, a Blinq digital business card is a great resource to have! It is created via an app on your phone and that way you always have it with you, even if you don’t have any physical business cards on hand! They are extremely easy to create and use, and your information can be directly saved by clients into their contacts.
You can even create a widget or add your card to your Apple or Google Wallet for your convenience and easy sharing!
Visit the website HERE to learn more about creating a Blinq card and various options. There is a free version as well as a paid premium version.
Organizing Client Information
In order to successfully plan for clients, it is essential to create a method that helps you stay organized with notes, details, and all components related to their travel!
This can be done in many different methods and will vary based on individual preference, and finding what works best for you as you progress through the planning process with your clients.
As an example, I have a notebook that I write everything in just because it helps me to physically write it and keep notes that way. I used to have a client notebook with tabs, but I ended up not utilizing it the way I initially planned to. I do keep tabs in my email that are categorized by destination and then have subcategories with client name/trip underneath. That way all email correspondence is there. I have been encouraging anything business-related to be done as much through email as possible, because it helps me keep it all organized. I also use a physical planner (and have in my phone calendar) for payment dates, any booking windows, etc.
I have each client saved under a folder using their last name within my Files (on my phone and iPad) where I will download and save any quotes I’ve sent, booking invoices, and anything related to their trip. This way all electronic documents are in one place and easily accessible if I need to review, re-send, etc.
Additionally, you can utilize notes for current clients, add leads in with any information/tasks and add task reminders in Vacation Creations under the Reservation if it has already been booked.
**We are in the process of adding/updating automated reminders within VC**
