Travel Business Success Summit 1
2 Travel Business Success Summit
welcome
Welcome to the Travel Business Success Summit! We’re so excited to have you here as part of our inaugural event.
This is an amazing opportunity for all travel agents to learn, grow, network and have some fun! Over the next few days, you’ll attend training and Q&A sessions with the best and brightest travel industry experts around, mingle with speakers and other guests and enjoy all the luxuries the Crowne Plaza Lombard/Downers Grove has to offer.
Get ready for these information-packed sessions … You Can’t Fly the Plane from Coach with Dr. Shante Bishop Stop Posting and Hoping – Mastering Facebook Ads with Tristen Sutton Travel Joy Training Camp with Dacia Woods The Travel Divas® Secret Formula to Selling Out Group Trips and 15 Ways to Increase Revenue in Your Travel Business with Shanterria Earley 7 ways To Double Your Commissions in a Post Covid Era from Avg. $225 Per Booking to more than $500, $800 even $1,000 per Booking with Captain Lou Edwards We hope you learn something new from each one of our speakers and encourage you to make the most of this event – ask questions, network with other agents, meet vendors – and have the most wonderful time in the process! By the time this weekend is over, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know to take your travel business to new heights and hit the revenue goals you’ve been dreaming of. Thanks again for being a part of this magical experience. Sincerely,
Dacia, Ronnie and Shanterria Travel Business Success Summit 3
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021 8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast & Registration
8:45 AM
Welcome & Introduction
9:15 AM VIP Session | Travel Divas® Secret Formula to Selling Out Group Trips with SHANTERRIA EARLY 11:15 AM
Luncheon
12:45 PM VIP Session | Travel Divas® Secret Formula to Selling Out Group Trips with SHANTERRIA EARLY 3:45 PM
Break
4:00 PM
VIP Session Wrap Up & Q&A with SHANTERRIA EARLEY
6:00 PM
Networking & Drinks (Cash Bar)
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2021 8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast & Registration
8:45 AM
Welcome & Introduction
9:15 AM
FB ADS Course - Stop Posting & Hoping with TRISTEN SUTTON
11:45 AM
Luncheon & Special Presentation
1:00 PM
FB ADS Course - Stop Posting & Hoping with TRISTEN SUTTON
3:00 PM
Q&A with TRISTEN SUTTON
4:00 PM
VENDOR PRESENTATIONS | CARNIVAL CRUISES, ED VENTURE
TOURS AND AMRESORTS 5:00 PM
15 Ways to Increase Your Revenue with SHANTERRIA EARLEY
6:00 PM
Networking & Drinks (Cash Bar)
Travel Business Success Summit 5
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021 8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast
8:45 AM
Welcome & Introduction
9:00 AM
Travel Joy Training Camp with DACIA WOODS
11:15 AM
Break before lunch
11:30 AM
You Can’t Fly The Plane From Coach with DR. SHANTE MOORE
12:30 PM
Luncheon
2:00 PM 7 Way to Double Your Commission in a Post Pandemic Era with CAPTAIN LOU EDWARDS 3:30 PM VENDOR PRESENTATIONS | CARNIVAL CRUISES, ED VENTURE TOURS AND AMRESORTS 4:30PM
Finale | Networking & Drinks (Cash Bar)
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5
Ways to Make the Most of Your Travel Business Success Summit Experience
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Show Up. Attend all of the sessions, take notes and ask questions.
Do not eat lunch alone . Sit with a new person each day.
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Pass out business cards and network. Do not miss the opportunity to connect with your business peers and the speakers.
Take plenty of pics and selfies. Use #tbss2021 when posting on social media.
5
Make action plans and implement at least one thing you learned within three days of the conference.
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Safety First
4 TIPS FOR COVID-19 SAFETY WHILE AT THE TSA SUMMIT Our Travel Business Success Summit is coming up fast and we couldn’t be happier to host such an amazing event, especially after the pandemic canceled most of our plans over the past 15 months. While cases continue to drop across the country, COVID-19 is still a formidable threat that we need to keep in mind as we begin to get back to normal and attend in-person events. So today, we’re looking at a few tips on how we can stay safe at the summit while still having a great time!
TIP #1: Keep Your Distance
Be mindful of how close you are to others during your time at the summit. If other agents are trying to remain socially distanced during events, give them their space and avoid pressing together in lines and groups. You might also want to consider avoiding busy restaurants and crowded public transportation while in the city.
and viruses! Keep yourself and other agents healthy by washing your hands regularly. Don’t be afraid to stash a bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket or bag either. And if you don’t feel comfortable shaking hands with other attendees, a simple smile is always an option.
TIP #3: Bring a Face Covering
While many places have lifted mask requirements for people who are fully vaccinated, face coverings are still a great way to prevent the spread of COVID19 and other viruses. Agents who are more comfortable wearing a mask during the summit are encouraged to wear them. Masks are also currently required on public transportation, so you’ll need one if you plan on taking the L, a bus or a cab while in the city.
TIP #4: Use Your Best Judgment
Throughout your time at the summit and in the city, use your best judgment on whether to go certain places or participate in group activities. Do what makes you the most comfortable! We want you to feel safe as you learn and experience all the summit and what Chicago has to offer. Don’t visit places or attend crowded events if you think they’ll be putting you at a higher risk. Please keep in mind that COVID restrictions are continually evolving. By using your best judgment, keeping an eye on CDC recommendations and following best practices such as these tips, we can all have a great time while staying safe.
TIP #2: Wash Your Hands
Not only does proper hygiene help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it also helps prevent the spread of all colds
Travel Business Success Summit 9
BUILD YOUR DREAM
MEET THE BRAINS BEHIND 10 Travel Business Success Summit
WITH US
TRAVEL BUSINESS
SHANTERRIA EARLEY
ER
N OW
@askshanterria
@askshanterria
Shanterria began working in the travel industry in 2009. She knew she needed a mentor to learn the ins-and-outs of the business, but quickly discovered that the industry wasn’t quite as welcoming as she thought. Relying on her own determination, she
@shanterriaearley
www.thetraveldivas.com
paved her way and built a business that generates 7 figures annually. But there were plenty of mistakes, wasted money and scary risks along the way. Now, she’s sharing her tried and true industry secrets that others don’t want you to know.
Travel Business Success Summit 11
DACIA WOODS
ER
N OW
@ladiesandluggage
@ladiesandluggage
With 8 years of travel industry experience behind her, Dacia has learned the ins-and-outs of the travel industry and knows how to build an impactful, successful business. Lady CEO of Ladies & Luggage and Co-Owner & Director of Agent Support
12 Travel Business Success Summit
@ladiesandluggage
@ladiesandluggage.com
for Travel Success Academy, she understands how to create unforgettable journeys for clients and run a business at every level. Now, she’s here to share what she’s learned with those who want to find the same level of industry success.
RONETTA LIGGETT
ER
N OW
@RonettaLiggettBean Counter
As the “Bean Counter” or Lady CFO of Ladies & Luggage, Ronetta has experience managing a 6-figure agency. She prides herself on helping her clients travel the world, finding the perfect place to go and taking the best way to get there. Along with her travel know-how, Ronetta has a passion for mentoring
www.ladiesandluggage.com
and teaching others. She has been a substitute teacher for over 17 years in both middle and high school and loves to inspire students to discover the world outside of the classroom. Now, she’s combining these two passions to help aspiring travel agents succeed in the industry.
Travel Business Success Summit 13
WINNING HOW TO DEVELOP A
BUSINESS MINDSET AS A
TRAVEL AGENT 14 Travel Business Success Summit
You need to know all about travel. We’re talking about having the 411 on the best places to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to do while you’re there Truth is … you’re constantly learning about new places and experiences. But to really take your business to the next level, you have to do even more. And the biggest part of that is developing a winning business mindset as an agent. After all, you are running a business, not just practicing a hobby. So, how do you develop that business mindset? Here are 4 of our favorite tips. TIP #1: Find Your Niche There’s a common misconception that being a generalist and selling anything to anyone is the best way to make a lot of money. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. A serious and successful travel agent will have a niche, become an expert and focus solely on that audience. That’s how you become the go-to agent for a certain kind of travel and experience.
Let’s be real – there are a lot of different things that go into becoming a premier travel agent.
TIP #2: Take It Seriously Listen, just because you can work from anywhere doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. You still need to be on top of your game every day and get into work mode on a regular basis.
you’re working with others at home, make sure they understand and respect your work hours. TIP #3: Set Goals What do you want to achieve? How many clients do you want to serve? How much money do you want to make? Think about how you want to see your travel business progress and set some goals to work toward. Having a plan will keep you on track and in the zone. Revisit your goals often, pivot when necessary and evaluate your progress along the way. TIP #4: Be Confident You can be a successful travel agent and achieve exactly what you’ve been dreaming of, but your road will be far more difficult if you’re timid and uncertain of yourself in the process. Find your niche, develop your brand voice and own it. Clients will be attracted to your confidence and find it far easier to trust you from the start. Alternatively, if you’re uncertain, they will be too.
If you want to take your travel business to the next level, you’ll need to have the right mindset from day one. Find your niche, set your goals, treat your business like a business and have confidence as you move forward. Following these tips will make you believe you’re running a real business, and new clients will gravitate toward that attitude.
Set your routines, make yourself a schedule and treat your travel business like a business. And if
Travel Business Success Summit 15
NOW IS YOUR
LEVEL
UP
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DR. SHANTÉ
BISHOP @socialmedia
@socialmedia
@socialmedia
@socialmedia
As a professor and podcaster, Dr. Shanté equips people with the tools, confidence, and faith to live Whole and Complete lives. In 2017, she was listed by Podcast Movement as one of the top 10 black podcasters in the country, and became the first African American Woman in the 50 year history of Harper College to earn the rank of full Professor. Dr. Shanté has helped thousands of listeners silence selfdoubt and achieve powerful breakthroughs. Leveraging 15 years of experience as a college professor, she is also a highly sought after, speaker and teacher that routinely delivers inspirational and high-value content to audiences all over the country. She holds a certification in Trauma Informed Care from DePaul University, and is a certified life coach, offering guidance and strategies to executives, entrepreneurs, and individuals impacted by trauma. She is a former columnist for Jet Magazine, and has won awards for creating impact in the world.
Travel Business Success Summit 17
CAPTAIN LOU
EDWARDS @ CaptainLouEdwards
www.captainlou360.com
“Captain Lou” Edwards produces seminars, workshops and training cruises for companies, organizations and other affinity groups, as well as fun “theme” cruises for multi-generation family reunions, collectors, murder mysteries, martial arts groups, etc. Mostly homebased and mostly online, and relying heavily on automation, social media, CRM and leveraging other people’s lists, Captain Lou’s proprietary “Million-Dollar Groups System” has sold millions of dollars in group business online and offline, without ever playing the discounting or rebating game. He is coming out from behind the curtain to make a rare appearance at this event.
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TRISTEN
SUTTON @ TristenESutton
@tristenesutton
www.tristensuttonconsulting.com
Tristen Sutton has become the go-to strategist for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for proven branding & marketing strategies that will drive their business to the top in their market space. After years of seeing low returns from traditional marketing efforts, Tristen decided to try something new and shifted his efforts toward social media. Almost overnight, he began to see the tide change in his business, going from chasing potential clients to clients reaching out to him seeking to do business. Tristen soon became known as the “Branding Jedi” on social media and in the business community for his unconventional methods in marketing his business. Over the next several years, Tristen grew his business into one of the top agencies in Houston, landed a spot on Fox 26 News as a Local Expert and received Houston Business Journal’s ‘40 under 40’ award, along with a host of other business and community awards.
Travel Business Success Summit 19
5 Smart Strategies for Growing Your
TRAVEL FACEBOOK
COMMUNITY Creating a Facebook community is a must for anyone running their own travel business. It allows you to connect with your audience, promote your business and foster connections between members.
Building a community around your brand will do more than just boost awareness as it pertains to your business and the travel opportunities you’re offering. It allows your members to believe they’re part of a family. And, with this sense of community and a higher level of engagement, they’re more likely to be loyal to you and your travel biz. But how do you get them to join your community in the first place? Let’s take a look at 5 smart strategies for growing your travel Facebook community. STRATEGY #1
Offer Members Something Exclusive
People love getting exclusive access to things the general public doesn’t have its hands on. Entice potential members to join your community by offering them access to exclusive travel content. It can be downloadable city
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guides, packing checklists, travel Q&A sessions, a trip discount code or anything else you think your audience might enjoy. Just make sure it’s only available to people who join your community! STRATEGY #2
Join in the Conversation
The most successful online travel communities are ones that are active. For this to happen, you’ll need to jump on the page and join in the conversation yourself. Pick a few days of the week to post questions and encourage members to respond. You can also jump in on conversations other members have already started – online communities love an active, engaged leader. STRATEGY #3
Set Some Ground Rules
Every community should have a list of ground rules that set expectations for member behavior. This helps create a welcoming place for the group and makes sure everyone focuses on topics of travel and adventure. Also, it’s a good idea to ask a few of your top members to be admins, so there’s always some-
one available to monitor activity and address problematic posts. STRATEGY #4
Avoid Turning It into a Sales Page
Your members know the community is built around your travel business, but that doesn’t mean they come to the page to see your latest sales pitches.
They are there to engage with other like-minded individuals who are also interested in traveling the world. If all they see are sales pitches, they’re likely to just keep scrolling or even leave the group altogether. STRATEGY #5
Ask Your Members to Spread the Word
If your Facebook community is a fun, inviting space for people who love to travel, your current members will probably be happy to spread the word. Encourage them to tell their friends about the group and hit that ‘invite’ button.
You can also reach out directly to some of your top members and ask them to help you share and grow your group.
Your Facebook community can be an incredibly valuable place to grow your business. When you offer exclusives, set rules, join in the conversation, stay away from sales pitches and encourage your members to share the word, you can grow a large and engaged community.
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Travel Business Success Summit 21
Four Ways to Use
TESTIMONIALS AND GUEST PHOTOS TO
ENTICE POTENTIAL TRAVELERS
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Your travel services are amazing. You know it, your past clients know it … but everyone else? Well, they don’t seem to be so sure.
Convincing a potential traveler to finally hit the book button on a trip can be tricky. Many people think they can figure it out themselves and by doing so, save themselves a fair amount of money. Others want to opt for a bigger, more well-known travel agency. Some just can’t wrap their heads around what a travel agent can do for them. While a well-rounded marketing strategy is key, one major component new agents often overlook are the receipts they already have – testimonials from past clients. You see, testimonials are hard proof that you’ve helped people see the world and gave them a great experience every step of the way. So, how do you do put these “golden nuggets” to use? Here are 5 ideas you can start using today. IDEA #1
Put Testimonials on Your Website
First things first, your travel website NEEDS to include testimonials. It’s crucial to have these on your Home Page, but it’s also smart to include them in other places such as your Sales Page and even your About Page. After all, this is where potential clients are really scoping you out to decide if they want to buy from you, so make those testimonials stand out. IDEA #2
Get Video Proof
Written testimonials are awesome, but hearing and seeing someone talk about their past travel experiences with your agency is even more compelling. Ask a few happy travelers if
they’d be comfortable recording their testimonials on video. You can use these in your marketing content or on your website to really grab the attention of new customers. IDEA #3
Use Client Photos
Sure, your clients can tell people they had a great time traveling with your agency, but what if they can show the world too? Ask your clients to share their best photos from their latest trips, and ask for permission to use them in your content. Potential guests will be able to visualize themselves on these trips through the photos, increasing their desire to start packing.
One major component new agents often overlook are the receipts they already have – testimonials from past clients. IDEA #4:
Share Receipts in Emails
When bringing potential travelers through your email funnel, it’s a great idea to share some of these receipts in one of the emails. Email is a great place to use a longer testimonial that tells a more detailed story.
Travel Business Success Summit 23
BUILD YOUR DREAM
TRAVEL BUSINESS WITH US
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