Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Fill out the Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/gKRg4QmcN869yWbq9

Ready to shake up your travel business and stop the cycle of frustration? 

I'm breaking down the seven deadly sins keeping travel agency owners stuck - from hiding behind silence to depending too much on supplier content. 

If you're wondering why your bookings aren't flowing or why growth feels impossible, these business sins might be the culprit! 

Give your travel biz the tough love it deserves by addressing these fatal mistakes and switching from hobbyist thinking to true CEO mindset. 

Your business is a living, breathing entity that needs nurturing, so let's get you visible, vocal, and thriving in 2025 and beyond! 

Questions this episode answers:

• What mistakes are preventing my travel agency from growing?
• How can travel advisors stop relying on supplier content for marketing?
• Why isn't my travel business making money despite my efforts?
• How important is showing my face and sharing my story as a travel business owner?
• Why is being specific better than being general in travel marketing?
• How can I stop treating my travel agency like a hobby and start treating it like a business?
• Why are referrals not enough to sustain a travel business long-term?
• How do I develop confidence as a travel advisor to be more visible online?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Listen to the 3rd Annual Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/

In today's chat with my friend Stephanie Cannon, we break down financial technology options for travel business owners. 

We explore the four tiers of financial tracking – from pre-tracking to paying yourself on purpose – and compare the pros and cons of popular tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Wave. 

Whether you're a travel hobbyist or strategic travel entrepreneur, understanding your numbers is important for creating cash flow projections and meeting IRS requirements without the headache. 

Get ready to stop guessing about your profitability and start implementing financial systems today!

Get Stephanie's Guide to Choosing the Right Financial Tech: https://withstephaniecannon.com/software

Questions this episode answers:

• What financial tracking tools are best for travel advisors?
• How can travel advisors separate business and personal finances?
• Why do travel business owners need financial reporting beyond tax requirements?
• What financial requirements does the IRS have for travel business owners?
• How can travel advisors predict commission income and cash flow?
• What's the difference between CRM systems and financial tracking software?
• How can travel advisors move from financial survival mode to freedom mode?
• What financial technology features should travel business owners look for?
• Why is commission tracking essential for travel advisor financial planning?
• How can travel entrepreneurs use financial data to make strategic business decisions?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Sign up for the 3rd Annual Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/

Ever wondered what tech tools could actually make your life easier as a travel advisor in 2025? 

I'm sharing some snippets from this year's Travel Tech Audio Summit featuring seven incredible technologies! 

From marketing platforms that do the heavy lifting to CRMs that just make sense, virtual reality site inspections, and AI booking tools that capture revenue you might be missing. 

These tech tools are perfect for keeping your momentum going while creating amazing experiences for your clients.

Special thank you to our Summit Featured Speakers:

Nikita France, Founder at Travel Agent Collective
Tim Evans and Krystal Aziz, CEO and VP of Operations at Trazel
Akiva Reich, Co-Founder and CEO at Feeel VR
Arman Bimatov, Co-Founder and CEO at TravelWits
Benoit Cerceau, CEO at OnSpot Travel Solutions
Andrew C. Fowers, CEO & Co-Founder at Shaka Guide
Reid Williams, Founder at Cruisen

Questions this episode answers:

• How can travel advisors use AI booking platforms to increase revenue? 
• What technology tools help travel advisors stand out from competitors in 2025? 
• How can travel advisors leverage technology to scale their business? 
• How are travel tech tools changing the travel advisor business model?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Sign up for the 3rd Annual Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/

B-Roll and UGC--does that sound like a new language to you??

So many of you have heard me throw these terms around, but I wanted to get really practical about what they are and how you can use them to create amazing social media content. 

I'll walk you through exactly what equipment you need, how to capture those perfect 5-10 second clips, and my favorite editing tools. 

With these simple strategies, you'll be creating authentic content that builds trust with your audience and showcases your travel expertise way better than those free stock sites ever could.

Questions this episode answers:

• What is b-roll in travel content marketing?
• How do travel agents create effective user-generated content?
• What equipment do travel advisors need to create professional-looking videos?
• How long should travel b-roll clips be for social media?
• What editing apps work best for travel agency social media content?
• How can travel agents use voice-overs with b-roll footage?
• What scenes should travel advisors capture for effective b-roll?
• What panning techniques work best for travel video content?
  
  

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Sign up for the 3rd Annual Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/

Oops I did it again!  I don't mean to have such lengthy episodes, but here we are again :)

I'm sharing many of my favorite tech tools that cam help market your travel business. 

Technology helps you save time, stay organized, automate processes, and make informed decisions based on data - all while giving you a competitive advantage in today's digital world. 

I'll walk you through essential tools for gaining visibility (like Google Business Profile and Calendly), connecting with clients (through email platforms like MailerLite and social media schedulers), and converting prospects into paying customers. 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to streamline your existing systems, these affordable tech solutions will help you work smarter, not harder.

Questions this episode answers:

• What technology tools are essential for travel business marketing?
• Which email marketing platforms work best for travel businesses?
• What free and paid marketing technology solutions are available for travel entrepreneurs?
• How do CRM systems benefit travel agencies and independent advisors?
• Which social media tools help travel businesses increase their visibility online?
• What technology can improve client relationships and booking conversions for travel advisors?
• Which scheduling tools are most effective for travel business consultations?

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Sign up for the 3rd Annual Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/

We did it--200 episodes baby!!!

From marketing strategies to mindset shifts, I've shared what it really takes to transform from a travel hobbyist into a CEO-level entrepreneur. 

Whether you're struggling to find leads, create effective systems, or just take yourself seriously as a modern travel professional, this podcast gives you the straight talk and practical tools needed to soar in this industry. 

Join me as I continue sharing my unfiltered thoughts, real-world case studies, and proven frameworks that have helped travel entrepreneurs maximize their potential and create thriving agencies.

Questions this episode answers:

• How can travel advisors shift their mindset from hobbyists to serious business owners? 
• What resources and upcoming events are available to help travel advisors grow their businesses? 

Enjoy (and take action)!

Episodes Mentioned:  186, 152, 174, 143, 149, 146, 153, 136, 164, 169, 84, 85, 112, 3, 100, 111, 95, 126, 4, 119, 86, 91, 62, 64, 78, 9, 48, 8, 46, 17, 24, 49, 25

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

We can't hide from the fact that political actions affect business.

And today's current political actions are making for a very uncertain economic future, which is affecting everyone--consumers and business owners, alike.

Rather than running scared, I'm sharing 6 bold actions you can take right now to stay proactive during these times, largely based on previous times I've come upon this.

These strategies will help you think like the CEO your business needs. 

We can't sit around hoping for our big break - we've gotta make it happen, put on those big CEO pants, and remember this is going team sport time, where supporting each other leads to collective success. 

These practical approaches will ensure you're always top of mind with clients, even when the travel landscape gets unpredictable. 

Questions this episode answers:

• How can travel advisors prepare for economic uncertainty?
• What financial steps should travel agency owners take during economic downturns?
• Why is networking important for travel businesses during slow periods?
• How can travel agents diversify their marketing channels when bookings slow down?
• What alternative revenue streams can travel business owners explore during economic uncertainty?
• Which travel products are still selling well during economic instability?
• How can travel entrepreneurs pivot their business during uncertain economic times?
• How important is reconnecting with your network during business slowdowns?
• What CEO mindset should travel business owners adopt during economic uncertainty?

Enjoy (and take action)!

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Sign up for Marketing your Cruise Business (Cruise Content Library Launch Event): https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1181853

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips for your social media: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

In this candid reflection of my wild Q1 journey, I'm pulling back the curtain on both the wins and challenges I've faced as a travel business entrepreneur in early 2025. 

From managing health struggles while building the Cruise Content Library to assisting with multiple travel industry events,  I've been evaluating impact over busyness - making sure every action counts when time is limited. 

I'm sharing my upcoming plans for April's Marketing Your Cruise Business event, the Travel Tech Audio Summit, and my new focus on relationships for Q2 - because sometimes you need to pull back the arrow before launching forward! 

If you're feeling stuck in your travel business or wondering how other entrepreneurs handle setbacks, this honest breakdown might be exactly what you need to hear right now. 

Questions this episode answers:

• What challenges do travel entrepreneurs face with health issues while running a business?
• How can travel advisors maximize impact with limited working time?
• What marketing strategies work for cruise-focused travel businesses in 2025?
• How do travel business owners balance personal life and business commitments?
• What upcoming travel industry events should travel agents attend in April 2025?
• How can travel entrepreneurs overcome imposter syndrome?
• What content marketing tools are available for cruise-focused travel advisors?

Enjoy (and take action)!

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Sign up for Marketing your Cruise Business (Cruise Content Library Launch Event): https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1181853

Send me your burning question for Episode 200:  https://www.speakpipe.com/takethehelm

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips for your social media: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

In this final installment of our content creation series, I'm showing you how to build a strategic sales funnel that turns your travel content into actual bookings. 

You've gotta be intentional with what you create – mixing top, middle, and bottom funnel content to nurture your audience from fresh eyes to loyal clients. 

Remember, marketing isn't linear, which is why infusing your unique personality and sharing both educational tips and personal stories builds the trust that becomes your fast pass to sales. 

Always include a call to action (seriously, don't waste your time creating content without one!) and find the conversion method that works for your style, whether that's discovery calls, inquiry forms, or monthly webinars. 

The whole point of creating content is to support yourself, your family, and your community – so don't be shy about structuring your funnel to actually make money! 

Questions this episode answers:

• What is a sales funnel for travel advisors? 
• How do I create content for different stages of my travel marketing funnel? 
• What types of content build trust with potential travel clients? 
• How can travel advisors convert content followers into booking clients? 
• What calls to action work best for travel content marketing? 
• How do I balance educational content with sales content for my travel business? 
• What is top of funnel content for travel advisors? 
• How can I nurture my travel audience through middle of funnel content?
• How important are testimonials in a travel advisor's content strategy? 

Enjoy (and take action)!

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

Sign up for Marketing your Cruise Business (Cruise Content Library Launch Event): https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1181853

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips for your social media: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

 I'm sharing my best strategies on how to get your awesome travel content actually seen by people who need it! 

You're creating great content but if no one sees it, you're basically talking to crickets—and as a strategic travel entrepreneur, that's a no-go. 

I'll show you powerful ways to distribute your content through SEO tricks that actually work, collaboration strategies that beat hashtags every time, and distribution methods that get maximum eyeballs on everything you create. 

This is the missing piece most travel advisors forget when they're busy creating gorgeous content that nobody finds. 

Let's make sure all that hard work pays off by getting your travel expertise in front of the perfect audience who's ready to book with you! 

Questions this episode answers:

• How do travel entrepreneurs get their content in front of new audiences? 
• Why are collaborations more powerful than hashtags for travel business visibility? 
• How can travel advisors distribute content for maximum visibility? 
• What are effective ways to repurpose travel content across multiple platforms? 
• How do travel entrepreneurs optimize content for search engines and AI? 
• What keyword strategies help travel content get found online? 
• How can travel advisors create content partnerships that drive growth? 
• Why is content distribution crucial for travel business success? 

Enjoy (and take action)!

Join us at Summer Camp at Sea: https://summercampatsea.com

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]