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Staying Gracious and On-Brand with JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers
In this episode, Chris talks with JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers, Founder of Hidden Doorways, a travel agency connecting travel advisors with unique and unknown experiences for their clientele.
JoAnn learned the ropes of the travel industry early in her career, rising the ranks within Ritz Carlton as it grew into the iconic brand that it is today. While it’s incredibly difficult to leave a comfortable position with a comfortable salary, JoAnn did just that.
Ritz Carlton was hesitant to lose her, so they gave her a 3-year consulting contract as long as she wasn't competitive. As she began searching for areas without the well-known brand, she discovered her love for the unknown. As JoAnn grew her business, she leaned on trustworthy mentors, weeded out the less-than-trustworthy colleagues, and focused on staying gracious.
Chris and JoAnn discuss the mistakes we all learn as new business owners, why everyone needs a niche, and the benefits of staying friendly with competitors.
“If you have space, the things that belong with you will come along, otherwise you clog yourself up with things that you really don’t want and don’t help you in your business. You know it’s hard to say no, but when that right thing comes along and you’ve waited for it, it’s so gratifying.” ~ JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers
Main takeaways
[13:41] Growing within a fast-growing company teaches you how to wear many hats at once and develop an entrepreneurial backbone. You have to get to the next goal without the financial revenue to do so quickly.
[21:21] Learn to graciously say no. And view your competitors as friends. If you can refer someone to a friendly competitor, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
[22:30] It can be tempting to accept every client - especially when you’re just starting out and eager to pay the bills. However, it’s important to always remember your positioning and your brand. Otherwise, you’ll lose what makes you unique and your business won’t stand out.
[31:18] Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, lean on the resources around you for support.
Links
Hidden Doorways
The Ritz-Carlton
Oberoi Hotels
Six Senses
Virtuoso
AT&T
T-Mobile
Delta
Connect with Chris
Chris Struckhoff website
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
Follow Chris on Twitter
Subscribe and stay in touch
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
View all episodes
By Christopher Struckhoff
5
55 ratings
In this episode, Chris talks with JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers, Founder of Hidden Doorways, a travel agency connecting travel advisors with unique and unknown experiences for their clientele.
JoAnn learned the ropes of the travel industry early in her career, rising the ranks within Ritz Carlton as it grew into the iconic brand that it is today. While it’s incredibly difficult to leave a comfortable position with a comfortable salary, JoAnn did just that.
Ritz Carlton was hesitant to lose her, so they gave her a 3-year consulting contract as long as she wasn't competitive. As she began searching for areas without the well-known brand, she discovered her love for the unknown. As JoAnn grew her business, she leaned on trustworthy mentors, weeded out the less-than-trustworthy colleagues, and focused on staying gracious.
Chris and JoAnn discuss the mistakes we all learn as new business owners, why everyone needs a niche, and the benefits of staying friendly with competitors.
“If you have space, the things that belong with you will come along, otherwise you clog yourself up with things that you really don’t want and don’t help you in your business. You know it’s hard to say no, but when that right thing comes along and you’ve waited for it, it’s so gratifying.” ~ JoAnn Kurtz-Ahlers
Main takeaways
[13:41] Growing within a fast-growing company teaches you how to wear many hats at once and develop an entrepreneurial backbone. You have to get to the next goal without the financial revenue to do so quickly.
[21:21] Learn to graciously say no. And view your competitors as friends. If you can refer someone to a friendly competitor, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
[22:30] It can be tempting to accept every client - especially when you’re just starting out and eager to pay the bills. However, it’s important to always remember your positioning and your brand. Otherwise, you’ll lose what makes you unique and your business won’t stand out.
[31:18] Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, lean on the resources around you for support.
Links
Hidden Doorways
The Ritz-Carlton
Oberoi Hotels
Six Senses
Virtuoso
AT&T
T-Mobile
Delta
Connect with Chris
Chris Struckhoff website
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
Follow Chris on Twitter
Subscribe and stay in touch
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts