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


Are you dreaming of turning your travel business into your full-time income but feeling stuck in the "what-ifs" and "somedays"? In this episode, I'm getting real about my journey from quitting my theme park job with no backup plan to building a successful travel business, sharing the exact steps I took and the mindset shifts that made it possible. 

Whether you're ready to take the leap or just starting to explore making travel your primary income, I'm breaking down the practical strategies that worked for me (and the mistakes I made along the way) to help you create your own path to success. 

Questions this episode answers:

•  How do I transition from my full-time job to running a travel business? 
•  How can I generate immediate revenue in my travel business? 
•  What mindset changes do I need to succeed as a full-time travel entrepreneur? 
•  How do I conduct market research for my travel business? 
•  How do I diversify my travel business income streams? 
•  How can I transition from part-time to full-time travel advisor? 

Enjoy (and take action)!


Remember to email me for details about Summer Camp at Sea :)

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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


Like last year, I wanted to start this year with a bang, sharing about a tactic that has really helped to grow my business--and that has been partnerships and collaborations.  I'm a firm believer that you go farther, faster, together, especially after I did it for so long alone.  Avoid my mistake and start thinking creatively on how you can grow your travel agency by working with other businesses and thought leaders.

Questions this episode answers:

• Why are partnerships and collaborations important for business growth?
• How can I meet potential partners for collaborations?
• How can travel agents leverage partnerships to grow their businesses?
• What are the steps to building successful collaborations and partnerships?
• What content strategies can help establish authority and attract potential partners?
• How do collaborations aid in visibility and business conversions?
• How can personal interests and communities be leveraged for collaborations?
• What's the role of platforms like LinkedIn in networking and building authority?

Enjoy (and take action)!


Remember to email me for details about Summer Camp at Sea :)

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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


This episode is becoming quite the year end tradition for me, and it's probably one where I'm the most transparent and open about what's been going on in my business.  I do this not to brag, or gain sympathy, I do this, so that you can learn from what I've done and gain a lesson or inspiration.

I always find these episodes fascinating when other business owners do them, and I hope you feel the same after listening in :)

Questions this episode answers:

• How has SEO contributed to bringing in clients to my travel agency?
• What are some key lessons from my business failures over the past year?
• What strategies will I be implementing to diversify my connections within the travel industry?
• How I am addressing income stabilization in my travel business?
• How to adapt to changes in the social media landscape and planning for the future?
• Why is community support important in achieving business growth?

Enjoy (and take action)!


Remember to email me for details about Summer Camp at Sea :)

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

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


Looking to increase your travel agency revenue in 2025?  Then you need to tune in to this week's episode, as I discuss the metaphorical levers you can pull to increase your income, or manage your agency operations smarter.

Questions this episode answers:

• What to consider when managing "business capacity"?
• Why is lead generation important, and what are effective strategies to improve it?
• Why do travel agents need to know more than just demographics of your ideal client?
• What are some alternate revenue streams for travel businesses?
• What factors should be considered when setting professional fees?
• How can you improve your conversion rate?
• Why is 2025 the year of humanity?

Enjoy (and take action)!

Sign up for the 7 Days of Christmas! https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1177525

Resources Mentioned:
Ep 168 Money Making Activities for Travel Business Owners
Ep 166 7 Practical Reasons to Charge Fees as a Travel Advisor
Knowing your Business Capacity

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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

Something strategic travel business owners measure--their metrics.  And they don't just measure them, they leverage them to make better informed decisions.  Remember, we go by business data, not drama.  I'm sharing some of the metrics I've been keeping an eye on, how I leverage them, and how you can too.

Questions this episode answers:

• What are the key business metrics I should be tracking?
• How can these metrics inform my business decisions?
• What should I do if my website has high clicks but low conversions?
• What role does visibility and SEO play in conversion rates?
• What tools can help track and improve metrics?
• How can AI tools improve my sales page?
• How does deleting inactive email subscribers impact my business?
• What metrics should I review at the end of the year?

Enjoy (and take action)!

Sign up for the 7 Days of Christmas! https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1177525

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

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

Some things make me go...hmmm...and etiquette is one of those.  In this episode I go over some pretty common etiquette themes that come up on FAM Trips and General Business interactions for travel agents.  

As mentioned, sometimes common sense isn't common, so while I'm not necessarily calling anyone out, I am calling out bad behavior that just needs to be left behind in 2024.

Questions this episode answers:

• What is a FAM (familiarization) Trip?
• How to maintain professionalism on a FAM Trip?
• What should I do if I cannot attend a supplier event I registered for?
• What are general business etiquette tips within the travel industry?
• Can I share other people's social media content?
• How does email marketing work?
• What should I consider when naming my business or a business program?

Enjoy (and take action)!

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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!

Travel Industry Black Friday is here!  Welcome to the final of three episodes featuring our event Presenting Partners :)

Up this week is David Shull from Tern, and he shares his thoughts on your value as a travel advisor, how his software (Tern) is helping you be more efficient thanks to data integration, and the role of AI in the travel industry.

Questions this episode answers:

• How does Tern improve connections between advisors, agencies, and suppliers?
• Why is the role of travel advisors evolving, and what value do they provide?
• How does the integration of technology in the travel industry impact human experiences and business processes?
• What are the common challenges related to data fragmentation in the travel industry, and how does Tern address them?
• What is the significance of having a centralized system for commission tracking and insights?
• How does Tern facilitate the onboarding and training processes for new travel advisors?

Enjoy (and take action)!

Listen to David on the Travel Tech Audio Summit:  https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/travel-tech-audio-summit-2024

Read Tern's White Paper: https://www.tern.travel/lp/agencies-2024

Shop Travel Industry Black Friday:
https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/blackfriday/

Travel Industry Black Friday Goody Bag:
https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/bfgoodybag/

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

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!

Travel Industry Black Friday is here!  Welcome to the second of three episodes featuring our event Presenting Partners :)

Up this week is LaDonna Allen from Costa Cruises, and she's sharing the scoop on her best sales tips from top travel advisors, Costa's sustainability initiatives, and how to prepare your clients for an immersive onboard European experience.

Questions this episode answers:

• What kinds of cruising trends should travel agents pay attention to going into 2025?
• What type of clients should travel advisors qualify for Costa Cruises?
• How does Costa Cruises integrate cultural experiences?
• What unique itineraries are available with Costa Cruises?

Enjoy (and take action)!

Sign Up for Costa Extra: https://www.costaextra.com/CostaClick/en-US/Pages/Login.aspx

Connect with your Costa BDM: [email protected]

Shop Travel Industry Black Friday:
https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/blackfriday/

Travel Industry Black Friday Goody Bag:
https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/bfgoodybag/

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

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!

Black Friday is coming!  Welcome to the first of three episodes featuring our Travel Industry Black Friday Presenting Partners :)

First up is Lori Gold, Founder of Mexperts, and she's spilling all the beans---on growing a community with FB Groups, new developments in the Mexican Caribbean, and how to prepare your clients for travel to Mexico.

Questions this episode answers:

• How can travel agents effectively grow their Facebook groups?
• How can travel advisors stay informed about travel news?
• How can travel agents use "Other People's Audiences" to grow their visibility?
• Why is specialization important in the travel industry?
• What are some unique accommodations and excursions available in the Mexican Caribbean?

Enjoy (and take action)!

Listen to Lori on How to Sell More Mexico (Ep 159): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MtFi0Y6cN8

Listen to Lori on the Ascending in your Travel Business Audio Series:  https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/ascending-audio-series/

Join Lori's FB Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/268471081043601

Register for Plan Your Year Workshop: https://prepforwaveweek.com/planyouryear

Sign up for the email list:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1169203

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

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!

Welcome to the second of our unofficial 2-part holiday series!  Last week we focused on increasing your travel business sales with Black Friday promotions.  This week we're getting creative with out-of-the-box engagement strategies that incorporate either 12 Days of Christmas, an Advent Calendar, or your preferred modification for either/or.

The goal is to get people closer to working with you as their travel professional by building up your authority in your travel specialty.  Remember to let me know how you will adapt these strategies to your own travel business :)

In this episode, I share:

·     Holiday marketing strategies that focus on community building

·     Interactive elements you can add to your Advent Calendar

·     Execution tips and insights to help no matter which campaign you choose to move forward with

·     and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Register for Plan Your Year Workshop: https://prepforwaveweek.com/planyouryear

Resources Mentioned:

• Advent Calendar Creator- https://www.myadvent.net/en/
• Texting Services- https://www.text-em-all.com/, https://textmyguests.com/, https://projectbroadcast.com/
• Podcasting Services- https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/buzzsprout, https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/helloaudio
• Membervault Tech for Memberships/Communities- https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/membervault
• Trees4Travel- https://www.trees4travel.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]