How can travel advisors create partnerships with DMCs that feel more like collaborations and less like transactions? Joining Whitney for Part 2 of a two-part convo are seasoned travel advisor Kate Sullivan and newer advisor Anna Tretter to explore the intricacies of working with DMCs. They talk about the role DMCs play in the travel industry, especially in crafting experiences that go beyond the traditional "greatest hits." And they share tips on effective communication with DMCs, the benefits of using technology and collaborative platforms,. and pursuing transparency that builds trust with both the DMC partner and clients.

Sometimes you love them, sometimes they drive you crazy...this week, we're talking all about Destination Management Companies (DMCs)! Seasoned advisor Kate Sullivan and newer advisor Anna Tretter join Whitney to share their personal experiences, frustrations, and strategies when working with DMCs. Plus, they talk about the importance of transparency, effective communication, and how to build strong partnerships with DMCs to enhance client experiences. This is Part 1 of a two part conversation!

Join Brianna this week for another solo episode where she breaks down her favorite topic for travel advisors – branding! She breaks down with examples how to incorporate your mission/vision/values into your brand. Plus, she illustrates how to pinpoint a unique selling proposition (USP) and the foundational elements that shape and differentiate travel brands. With practical advice on visual and verbal branding and the importance of consistency, the episode empowers travel entrepreneurs to craft recognizable and memorable brands that attract ideal clients and foster business growth.

Tune in as Brianna chats with a successful travel advisor and founder of the Biz Huddle, Courtney Nichols, in this week's inspiring, "I can achieve anything!" episode. Together, they delve into the art of breaking through barriers to build a sustainable and thriving travel business. Courtney shares her unique insights into dreaming bigger, overcoming industry norms, and thinking outside the box. This conversation is filled with practical strategies (like working backward from a revenue goal through the steps to achieve it) and mindset shift inspiration that empower travel advisors to grow with intention and purpose.

In our first Shop Talk of 2025, we (Whitney & Brianna) bring back the tradition of opening up about what's going on in our travel businesses. There's some strategizing, some win-sharing, and a little venting, too. We delve into ongoing branding and marketing strategies that are working and that aren't, like Brianna's experience with a new marketing hire and Whitney's evaluation of her brand authenticity. Plus, we share personal anecdotes and hot takes about popular travel destinations!

We're bringing back a favorite past episode that is full of insights, even for a second listen! You may be interested in being a travel advisor, but are you also interested in being an entrepreneur? Sometimes running a travel advisor business requires much more than just planning travel. You may have to ask yourself if you’d rather join a team to help with the workload, or go solo to control more of your business. On this episode, Whitney is joined by Korrine Johnson to dive into this big question, considering all of your options, and how to figure out what will work for your business.

Joining Whitney this week are two star travel business owners, Madeline Steuber & Kaleigh Kirkpatrick, to delve into the intricate balance between hiring independent contractors (ICs) and employees for business growth. The discussion covers the benefits and challenges of both models, the importance of mentorship, and practical strategies for managing and integrating diverse team structures. Each guest shares personal insights and experiences, offering invaluable advice for travel advisors aiming to expand their businesses effectively.

Welcome to 2025! We're doing something a little different by bringing you a solo episode featuring Brianna Glenn that explores "CEO-worthy goals" for travel advisors. We all make some sort of goals in our travel businesses, but are your goals "regular" goals or CEO-worthy one? AND, are they SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound)? Get actionable tips and personal insights to help you reflect on the past year and set goals that will actually scale your travel business effectively this year.

That's a wrap to 2024! In this special Shop Talk, Brianna and Whitney reflect on 2024 and look ahead at what the next year holds for their travel businesses, from ROI metrics to track with marketing to utilizing Google profile reviews for local business. Tune in to hear their strategies for adjusting target client demographics and fine-tuning business strategies from branding approach, marketing campaigns, and financial management.

Travel industry expert Lisa Fletcher has watched the industry evolve since the '80's when she first got into the business, and while it has evolved, her passion has remained the same: using email newsletters to connect with clients. Lisa shares her journey of writing "The Effortless Newsletter," offering practical tips on creating engaging content that fosters client relationships and highlights the importance of consistency. The episode explores alternative content creation methods, the role of AI, and poignant anecdotes that underscore the long-term benefits of committed marketing efforts.