20. What Do Actors and Travel Agents Have in Common?

Show Notes: The Industry has changed forever Your favorite BDMs are gone or have switched brands, your trusted contacts at the resort are no more, and clients need more handholding than ever before - Can I get an AMEN!? Planning fees continue to be at the forefront of successful TAs. In the words of a fellow colleague inside our TA Tribe, "It's a Movement" Sign Up Now: www.BookMoreDestinationWeddings.com  

Today I am joined by my friend Gai to learn more about the mission and vision behind ABTP.  We discuss the Black Travel Experience, the need for representation and the inclusive approach of the Association for non-black Travel Agents. Everyone is welcome so tune in to this candid conversation and learn how you can help bridge the cap.  Gai A. Spann is one of the Co-Founders of the newly launched yet very timely organization, the Association of Black Travel Professionals. As a travel industry expert, Gai has brought her over 20 years experience as an award winning travel agency owner, ALG BDM and Development Director for Ensemble Travel group to the forefront to lead change in the travel industry by ELEVATING the profile of talented Black professionals while advocating for more leadership roles within travel companies and more focus on the needs of the Black travel consumer. An unexpected trip to Paris fostered her love of Paris and love for travel all around the world! Resources: Join ABTP: www.abtprofessionals.org Follow ABTP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacktravelpros/ This episode is sponsored by the Destination Wedding Wedding Playbook Workshop. 

"But Will, I don't need another Social Media app to worry about". I hear you, and this is why you need to be in it.  I cover beginner and advance Strategies to grow your audience, influence the public and attract your ideal client with #Clubhouse AND #Instagram.  Tune in!  Resources: This article by Social Media Examiner will help with the visuals of the App if you are not in it, yet.  Follow me on Clubhouse. My Username or Handle is @WillTravel 😉 DM me on Instagram if you need an Invite to join.  Click here to download the Clubhouse App (iOS Only, for now).  

My guest today is fellow Travel Advisor Kevin Lowe.  We get down and talk about overcoming adversities in life, diversity & inclusion in the travel industry, and his journey to becoming a Travel Agent in 2013. About Kevin: Kevin Lowe is the owner of Better Days Travel and creator of the newly launched podcast, The Lowe Down on Life and Travel. He considers himself to be any other 30-something still trying to find his place in the world while at the same time hoping to make a difference along the way. Where Kevin's story differs though, is the fact that he's actually completely blind. To connect with Kevin visit: www.BetterDaysTravel.com #DoItScared

Whether that "New Year, New Vibe" has worn off or you feel that 2021 is of a rocky start, you still have time to take charge of your journey and your story this year. Do these things and get ready to succeed beyond your usual laundry list  "New Year Resolutions". Let's dive in! #DoItScared

Today I am joined by A. Lynn Blanco, the Host of The Travel Agent Podcast and we guess what we are talking about? That's right, Podcasting!  A Podcast is a powerful way of creating content for your ideal client so join us and learn about the what and why of adding a podcast to your marketing strategy, even if you don't love your voice. About My Guest: A. Lynn Blanco is from a small town in Indiana. She has had a love for travel since her first travel experience to Philly for a vocal competition as a teenager. She fell deeper in love with travel in her 20's, as she began to explore different countries. She has always been the go-to person for vacation planning for friends and family due to her travel experience. After blogging about the epic 26-day family vacation to Asia, more friends and family began to ask her for travel advice and she realized that she had a valuable skill set that she could use to positively impact people's lives doing something that she loved and was passionate about. And with that, her travel agency Blanco Travels was born! When the business wasn't the overnight success she naively assumed it would be she asked for help. She decided to seek out successful Travel Professionals and listened to their stories to find where she had gone wrong. A Lynn knew right away the value of these stories was lead to starting a podcast. Now, she is the host of The Travel Agent Podcast where they take a deep dive into the life of travel professionals extracting the keys to a successful travel business. RESOURCES: thetravelagentpodcast.com

DISCLAIMER: This episode is NOT for you if you hate money. 😬 On episode #20 I talked about my relationship with money and how as travel agents, we relate to it as actors and other artists do.  As someone who spends hours inside of Facebook groups hanging out with agents just like you, it's very apparent that the idea of charging fees is very polarizing.  Charging fees for your time and expertise makes sense but you don't know where to start  You are so proud of what you do that (AND I QUOTE) you would never charge a fee for your services.  If you are in group A, there is hope for you and as someone who has been charging fees for over 8 years I have cracked the code to shift your mindset and create an offer that your potential clients will not resist.  And for you, Mr or Mrs Proud, allow me to reframe the idea of charging fees, may I...?  RESOURCES: 1. Download your free copy of the Destination Wedding Playbook Checklist. 2. Join the DW Playbook Online Workshop Today. (On Demand)

But Will, Why do I need a COVID-19 Waiver going forward? I get it, friend, it's flat out scary to ask your already anxious travelers to sign one more document. I've fought this fear for months and that's why I invited my friend and fellow TA, Glinnesa to explain the what, the why, and the how to protect your travel agency from litigious clients due to Covid. #DoItScared Hit play to hear her expert advice, get a 10% discount on the waiver and to hear a special invitation to the upcoming TA Connection Summit happening on November 14th, 2020. Meet Glinnesa: Hello…I'm Glinnesa.  Owner of The Gailliard Law Firm. My firm is dedicated to creating practical and affordable solutions for small business owners, solopreneurs, and travel advisors. As an attorney, I understand the principles needed to guide your business toward success. My work in corporate and travel law is where I've led business owners such as yourself toward building their dream business.  As your business attorney and coach, I will work with you to file all necessary papers for the formation of your business; perform contract drafting and negotiations; prepare and enforce your terms and conditions, and file and implement trademarks and copyrights.  RESOURCES: 1. GRAB YOUR WAIVER WITH AN EXCLUSIVE 10% OFF WITH COUPON CODE: DWCOVID 2. TA Connection Summit WAITLIST: https://www.gailliardlaw.com/registration-page

Are you a travel agent suffering from the "Starving Artist" Syndrome? Let's crush it together! RESOURCES:  I don't offer invitations for private consulting on a regular basis because with a full roaster of my own clients, spots are extremely limited.  Our time together will be devoted to your biggest burning questions and creating a strategy with your needs in mind, but here are some examples of what we might focus on: https://www.willmedina.us/immersion-session LIMITED TIME OFFER: Get 50% off with Coupon Code: "COVID50"