This summer, I’m sharing five powerful life lessons I’ve learned since graduating high school. So join me as I discuss the importance of adopting appreciation over expectation, choosing faith over fear, managing self-talk, directing focus to cultivate positive energy, practicing radical self-belief, and find out how they can shape and enhance your personal and professional life, too.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why learning to appreciate the moment rather than being disappointed that an experience is not as you expected can lead to a happier life and a more positive outlook
• How having faith can empower you and open up new opportunities
• The power of self-talk and the impact it has on daily decisions and overall well-being
• Where focus goes, energy grows, and how shifting focus leads to a more positive mindset
• The importance of radical self-belief – and why you should remember that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time!

Choose Faith Over Fear

On the show, I discuss how the acronym F.E.A.R. (False Expectations Appearing Real) reminds us of the illusion fear often creates and how it inhibits progress. Fear can disguise itself as being cautious, strategic, or deliberate. But it is a roadblock, and once you move through it, you’re opening yourself up to so many more opportunities.

I want to remind you to have faith in your decisions. When you choose faith over fear, you trust yourself and those around you to make the best decisions possible, which I know will make you feel happier and more confident.

Where Focus Goes, Energy Grows

The adage “where focus goes, energy grows” serves as a guiding principle for personal and professional endeavors, and I’m reflecting on redirecting attention from negative to positive stimuli and the impact of intentional focus.

On the show, I also share why you should practice radical self-belief. You must believe in yourself at all costs because when you believe in yourself, your decisions in life and your ability to achieve your dreams will become so much easier. Although there may be times when you feel like an imposter or like you don’t belong when you start to feel that way, remind yourself that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time! Believe in yourself, and you can achieve your dreams.

Resources:

• Jenny Feterovich On Capturing The American Dream And Building An Entrepreneurial Life: https://robertglazer.com/elevate-podcast/jenny-feterovich-start-up/

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On this episode of Destination on the Left, Nicole Boyer joins me to discuss why learning how to effectively build relationships leads to business growth. We talk about the importance of being authentic and paying attention to the small details to stay top of mind with potential partners. She also shares more about her Ginger Sales Ninja brand and why you don’t necessarily have to be the loudest person in the room to be great at sales.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• The significance of understanding the entire tourism ecosystem so you can help tour operators more effectively
• How Nicole encourages open-mindedness, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas in the tourism industry
• Why building relationships should be your focus, as it creates trust and leads to successful sales
• How Nicole has resolved challenges, such as creating packages like the “farm to table experience” to address the issue of being situated away from the main tourist hub at the Mount Hope Estate & Winery
• Future projects Nicole has planned under her Ginger Sales Ninja brand, including online sales courses and resources

Building Valuable Relationships Across the Tourism Ecosystem

A key thread that runs through my discussion with Nicole Boyer revolves around the value of building relationships within the tourism ecosystem. Nicole stressed the importance of forging connections with as many people as possible in the industry, even if they don’t appear to be natural partners at first glance. She highlights the benefits of collaboration, idea sharing, and problem-solving that stem from a robust network of industry relationships.

The Power of Education and Ongoing Learning

In addition to her role at Mount Hope Estate & Winery, Nicole also shares her expertise through her own brand, Ginger Sales Ninja, undertaking speaking engagements within the tourism industry. By providing resources and guides, she aims to make impactful information more accessible for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in group sales, hospitality collaborations, and effective sales strategies.

Embracing Authenticity and Building Genuine Relationships

Our conversation also covers the importance of authenticity and genuine relationship-building in the tourism industry. Nicole Boyer’s journey from theatre to accounting to admissions and eventually to hospitality and sales beautifully illustrates the power of staying true to one’s passions and interests. The emphasis on building relationships rather than solely focusing on sales highlights the trust and success that being truly authentic in your interactions brings.

Resources:

• Website: www.gingersalesninja.com
• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gingersalesninja/

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Nikki Hellyer, Vice President of Marketing at ToursByLocals, about the importance of building a brand from the inside out and why having a purpose and principles that everyone in the company lives by gives your team the freedom to deliver excellent service every time. You’ll also hear more from Nikki about how her company used the pandemic downtime to focus on planning their future growth.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• How ToursByLocals collaborates with and supports the guides within their network, including their pandemic Guide Relief Fund
• How their internal brand strategy work has positively impacted ToursByLocals’ growth
• Details of the initiatives ToursByLocals has undertaken to build strong partnerships with travel agents and some of the mutual benefits
• Why ToursByLocals’ relentless focus on people, including vetting and coaching independent guides, providing outstanding customer support, and prioritizing meaningful interactions between travelers and guides, is an integral part of their mission and vision
• What ToursByLocals is working on to improve improving agent training, and why they’re committed to ensuring that their guides provide a five-star experience every time

The Power of Core Values

Nikki shares more about ToursByLocals’ mission and values and why it makes such a positive difference when a strong brand is developed from the inside out, with core values taking precedence over external branding. This inside-out approach has allowed ToursByLocals to differentiate itself in the highly competitive travel and tourism industry, placing a relentless focus on meaningful interactions, deep travel experiences, and authentic human connections.

Raising Awareness for Private Tours

ToursByLocals focuses on raising awareness about private tours and the unique benefits they offer, and Nikki discusses why many travelers are unaware that private tours are an option. She goes on to share more about how the company aims to educate customers about the enriching experiences that private tours can provide and aims to foster genuine connections between travelers and local guides.

Collaboration with Travel Agents

We also dig into ToursByLocals’ collaboration with travel agents and the value of building strong partnerships with them, recognizing them as potential repeat customers. Nikki discusses how the company is improving agent training and reviewing commission structures as part of their efforts to enhance the experience for travel agents. By providing confidence to travel agents that their clients will have a great experience, Tours by Locals aims to foster mutually beneficial relationships and elevate the overall traveler experience.

Resources:

• Website: toursbylocals.com
• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toursbylocals/
• Facebook business: https://www.facebook.com/toursbylocals/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toursbylocals/
• Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FTours_By_Locals
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ToursByLocals

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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO of China Trading Desk. We discuss Chinese travel trends and how his company keeps a finger on the pulse of Chinese travelers’ international aspirations. We discuss why the old days of large-group travel are behind them and why they seek authentic experiences in 2024. Subramania walks us through the return of the Chinese traveler and where the top five outbound markets are for them right now.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why Chinese traveler preferences have shifted towards experiential and culinary travel experiences and how international brands can adapt and customize their messaging to cater to this trend
• Where Chinese travelers find their inspiration and how DMOs can inspire them using the right platforms
• Why collaboration between destinations, such as Germany and Flanders, to create a holistic approach for marketing to the Chinese market has seen such great success
• How the China Trading Desk collects data that allows international marketing teams to understand and reach the Chinese travel market
• Popular destinations for young Chinese travelers right now including Singapore and Europe

The Changing Landscape of Chinese Travelers

Subramania shares how the China Trading Desk has been at the forefront of understanding and reaching the Chinese travel market. He shares how, there has been a surge in enthusiasm among Chinese travelers post-pandemic, with an increasing trend of younger generations heading to more affluent destinations.

We also explore why there is such an interest in culinary experiences and individual travel as opposed to historical group trips.

The Power of Data Insights

We take a deep dive into the wealth of data provided by the China Trading Desk and how it helps DMOs understand Chinese traveler sentiment and spending patterns. We learn which platforms Chinese travelers use to research their trips and look for inspiration for their travel, including Little Red Book which is similar to Pinterest. Subramania talks more about the necessity for international brands to foster trust and shares some crucial ways brands can stand out amidst a fiercely competitive market.

Influencing Factors and Strategic Collaborations

The conversation also highlights other factors influencing Chinese travelers’ travel plans, including safety concerns portrayed in movies that impacted Thailand’s popularity. We also discuss how waiving tourist visa requirements has propelled Singapore to one of the top spots to visit post-pandemic. Subramania shares a story of the success of collaborative marketing, as seen with Germany and Flanders, and why it underscores the impact of holistic strategies in the Chinese market.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.chinatradingdesk.com/
• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chinatradingdesk/
• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/subramania/

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra about making successful small talk and creating authentic connections. She shares examples of what to say to start a conversation, what the serious conversation killers are, and tactical ways to exit a conversation gracefully. If you’ve ever wondered how to set yourself up for success when attending networking events, then you’ll love this episode.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Debra emphasizes the importance of showing genuine interest in others and connecting with people through conversation
• Why seeking commonalities with others is crucial for meaningful conversations and networking
• What free information is and how it plays a key role in initiating engaging conversations
• How to open up conversations and respond to questions about work
• Why gracefully exiting a conversation is important and how to do it with finesse
• How to cultivate genuine connections with people through open-ended questions and avoiding drilling for personal information

Building Genuine Interest and Connecting with People

Debra emphasizes the importance of showing genuine interest in others and connecting with people through conversation by looking for what you might have in common. We dig into the need to slow down, listen well, and look for opportunities to connect with others without coming off as though you’re interviewing them.

The Power of Free Information and Three-Dimensional Conversations

Debra illustrates the concept of free information and its role in initiating engaging conversations. Topics like the location you’re in or the event you’re attending are a great way to get to know someone rather than asking tricky personal questions about marriage or children. Debra shares how to start a conversation on non-business-related topics that give conversations a three-dimensional aspect, making them more engaging and meaningful.

Overcoming Social Anxiety and Fear of Rejection in Networking

Debra gives us tips about turning networking into a task and setting specific goals, such as talking to three new people at an event. We discuss how turning interactions into tasks can help overcome social anxiety and the fear of rejection. Debra stresses the importance of gracefully exiting a conversation, showing appreciation when ending a conversation, and not feeling responsible for someone feeling abandoned. She provides tips for using the “white flag” technique and following through on promises when finishing up conversations.

Resources:

• Website: www.DebraFine.com
• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrafine/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finedebra/
• Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/debra.fine.3
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DebraFineTFAOST
• Twitter: https://x.com/DebraFine
• Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/030683121X?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_M7A16DF2ZPT39SCAVXPD

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Mary Charleson, President of Five Minute Marketing and founder of Carry On Queen, about her formula for creating marketing plans that align with your target audience. We discuss how giving without expectation applies to Marketing and how Mary views volunteering with purpose as part of this philosophy. Mary also shares the importance of growing your business through referral and repeat business and why the quality of an audience is more important than quantity.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why understanding target audiences and their preferred channels is crucial in marketing strategies
• The significance of focusing on dominant channels while giving yourself permission to experiment and innovate in other areas to achieve real traction
• How the “packing rule of 3” works in relation to target audience and marketing
• Why you should be constantly measuring and adjusting your marketing efforts based on the target audience and the platform’s performance
• Why Mary loves networking and being involved in industry associations, and the opportunities gained through these connections

Embracing the Power of Targeted Marketing

On the show, Mary and I discuss why it is so important to be targeted in your marketing efforts and why often “less is more” in terms of where you need to share your content. Mary elaborates on the benefits of effectively serving a specific group and how that ultimately goes the extra mile to fuel business growth. By honing in on particular demographics and psychographics, businesses can exponentially expand their reach and impact.

Integrating Tactics for Maximum Impact

Mary shares the importance of focusing on specific tactics that work together harmoniously in marketing strategies. For example, when it comes to packing for a trip, Carry On Queen Mary prioritizes taking three items that work together as a “packing rule of 3,” and she applies this same principle to marketing strategies. Knowing who your target audience is allows you to hone in on the three items that work most effectively together.

Volunteering and Collaborating in the Travel Industry

Mary and I also discuss networking, and the opportunities that come from being known in the industry and being involved on committees. When you volunteer your time and help others in the travel sector you’ll make connections and often get the chance to be part of some exciting collaborations.

Resources:

• Website: https://fiveminutemarketing.com/
• Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/fiveminutemarketing
• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiveminutemarketing/

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Tiffany Gallagher, Vice President of Operations at Civitas about what Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs) mean for the communities where they are established. She shares more about creative funding opportunities designed as a benefit-based vehicle for the travel industry forward. Tiffany also discusses the Civitas Pro database and why they created a one-stop shop for all data related to funding for DMOs and other organizations that operate tourism programs.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• How Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs) provide a self-funding mechanism for the tourism industry and actively support the local economy
• What impact TIDs have had on communities, with specific examples from Portland, Maine, and Boston, and how they have significantly increased destination marketing organizations’ budgets
• Why Tiffany and her team created Civitas Pro, a database for destination marketing organizations’ funding, and how tourism organizations can use it to maintain or increase funding
• Why diverse funding sources, including the formation of new districts and alternative funding models like sales tax increment financing, are essential for capital improvements and infrastructure related to tourism
• The importance of leaders overcoming fear, implementing new funding vehicles, and embracing an abundant mindset for long-term stability

The Rise of Tourism Improvement Districts

Tiffany joins me on the show to discuss the growing importance of Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs) and why they’re proving to be such an effective funding mechanism for the tourism industry.

TIDs provide a self-funding mechanism for businesses within a jurisdiction, helping them make a collaborative effort to support the local economy. Tiffany shares more about the success stories of TID implementation in Portland, Maine, and Boston and why those examples underscore their positive impact on destination marketing organizations’ budgets, enhancing their competitiveness and resilience.

TID’s Impact on Community Development

The conversation underscored the pivotal role of TIDs in community development and the shift in the tourism industry’s focus from marketing to contributing to the local economy. The discussion emphasized the need for diverse funding sources to support capital improvements and infrastructure related to tourism, signaling a broader movement toward economic development perspectives. TID implementation in 2021 resulted in a remarkable $21,000,000 in revenue, further solidifying the positive impact on communities and their economic development.

Introducing Civitas Pro

Civitas Pro is a game-changer in destination marketing and funding advocacy within the tourism industry. It has a comprehensive database for destination marketing organizations’ funding. This tool provides in-depth insights, competitive comparisons, and budget analysis, empowering DMOs to make informed decisions and effectively advocate for funding. I can’t wait for you to hear the full story!

Resources:

• Website: https://civitasadvisors.com/
• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/civitas_2/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/civitasadvisors

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m sharing my recent appearance on the Desuckify Work podcast with TJ Bennett. We discuss why people crave purpose-driven work, why it’s important to have a vision, and, more importantly, how to communicate that vision throughout the company. We also discuss building a strong team and how structure and operationalization of your vision and values lead to more flexibility and creativity.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• How Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP) influences the economic vitality of local communities through the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry
• Why having a clear vision and purpose is crucial for attracting and retaining employees and creating a fulfilling work environment
• Strategies TAP has implemented to maintain team connection and communication in a remote work setup
• Processes involved in integrating core values and brand promise into internal and external communications when rebranding
• Why consistently reinforcing the company’s message and core values impacts company culture and the role of employees in contributing to and feeling ownership of the company’s culture
• How to address the challenges and benefits of managing different generations in the workplace and the significance of training and support in creating a positive work experience

Creating a Purpose-Driven Vision

On the show, we discuss the significance of having a clear vision and purpose and how it helps a business attract and retain employees of all generations. I share more about how I intentionally crafted my company’s vision, emphasizing its evolution over time and continuously refining its direction and purpose.

The discussion sheds light on the need to shift the focus towards purpose-driven work to engage and motivate employees across different generations. I share the potential for small businesses and entrepreneurs to lead the way in shaping positive workplace culture.

Fostering Collaboration and Recognition

Our conversation extends to the value of coaching and mentoring in creating a supportive work culture and why it’s so important to recognize achievements and foster a sense of community among team members. I speak about the impact of structured onboarding for remote and on-site employees and why it’s crucial to create intentional connections and have increased touchpoints in a remote work setting. TJ and I discuss strategies for creating a fulfilling work environment where individuals can be themselves, make mistakes, and find joy in their work.

Aligning Values and Brand Promise

We focused on aligning values and brand promise within TAP and explored the rebranding process, including how the entire team contributed to integrating core values and brand promise. We also discussed why it’s so useful to have a system for recognizing and reinforcing core values, including “nice job” feedback given through an online form, illustrating the company’s consistent effort to uphold its brand promise and values.

Resources:

• Website: https://www.thepuddingfactory.net/
• Additional Web link, Substack: https://tjbennett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pudding-factory/
• Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/pudddingfactory
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desuckifywork/

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, you’ll hear my conversation with Sharon Toerek about the importance of finding your niche and how growth happens once you commit to it. We also discuss how becoming a thought leader in your niche leads to new relationships and opportunities. While this interview centers around building a marketing agency, I’m sure you’ll find value in the insights we share in our discussion.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why having a clear vision is crucial for agency leaders and how it helps in making decisions and evaluating opportunities
• What the accidental birth of the Destination on the Left podcast allowed me to achieve, and how it became a lifeline for global listeners during the pandemic
• How I diversified my client base and funding sources to grow the business
• How the DOTL podcast allows me to develop a reputation as a thought leader in the travel and tourism industry
• How I manage content creation with limited bandwidth as the owner of an agency and the time commitment involved in scaling my business

Vision-Driven Decision Making

On the podcast I share why it was so important to have a clear vision for the future of Tap Into Travel to support economic growth and prosperity within the communities we serve. We discussed why having that well-defined vision allows agencies to align their strategies with their long-term goals and adapt to ever-changing market dynamics.

Our conversation explores the importance of diversifying client bases and funding sources to avoid dependency on a single mechanism. I share how my participation in an economic gardening program through a local economic development organization allowed us to expand into new markets in the northeast.

Building a Media Ecosystem

I detail my vision of integrating three existing brands – the podcast brand (Destination on the Left), the agency brand (Break the Ice Media), and TAP allows us to realize the concept of building a robust media ecosystem. We discuss why an interconnected approach to content creation and thought leadership allows agencies to maximize their reach and impact across various platforms and engage diverse audiences.

Thought Leadership Impact on Business Confidence

Sharon and I also discuss the challenge of calculating the direct return on investment (ROI) of thought leadership, but we ultimately understand the significant impact it had on both our agencies’ confidence and billing rates. I loved digging into all of these fascinating topics with Sharon, and I know you’ll find our insights into the power of strategic vision, adaptability, and the ever-evolving nature of thought leadership in shaping the success and relevance of agencies in today’s dynamic market landscape helpful.

Resources:

• Tap Into Travel: https://www.tapintotravel.com/
• Research: Collaboration in the Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality Industry: https://breaktheicemedia.com/collaboration/

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Geoff Thatcher about telling great stories and why they impact how people experience your brand. Geoff shares examples of his revolutionary experiential framework in action and gives his insights into staying focused, finding the right partners, forgiving allowable weaknesses, and remembering to have fun.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why experiencing new things is essential for inspiring creativity in the hospitality and experience industry
• How Geoff applies his experiential framework to create immersive and emotional experiences at theme parks, museums, and other attractions
• How to identify the right partner to help realize a shared vision
• Why understanding and translating a brand’s story into consumer experiences is crucial for creating impactful experiences
• Creative solutions that Geoff has helped to implement in theme parks and attractions across the world
• Geoff’s insights and advice for listeners planning a collaboration and why it’s critical to clarify team roles

The Experience Model and Creating Lasting Impressions

Geoff introduces the “experience model,” which comprises five elements: attract, build trust, give information, internalize the message, and challenge people to act. He draws examples from theme parks and museums, highlighting how the model is applied to create immersive and emotional experiences.

The best experiences, whether in museums or zoos, follow this experience model to attract, build trust, inform, evoke emotion, and ultimately engage visitors to be part of the story. Geoff’s model is a blueprint for attractions to engage their audience on multiple levels, leaving a lasting impression and fostering a sense of connection.

The Power of Storytelling and Trust

We dig into the significance of storytelling and trust-building in creating authentic and impactful experiences at attractions, and Geoff outlines a formula for attractions to define their enduring idea, differentiation, and target audience to guide the experience they want to deliver. He also shares the importance of collaboration and partnership in the industry, and the importance of finding the right partners that have a shared vision to create a lasting experience.

Resources:

• VIDEO Warner Brothers Abu Dhabi Opening Day Video
• Website: https://www.creativeprincipals.com/
• The CEO’s Time Machine by Geoff Thatcher
• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffthatcher/
• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-principals/

We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!