In this episode, we chat with Kate Thomas, Founder of Travel Pro Theory and Owner of North + Leisure. Kate shares her love for data and why knowing your business numbers is so important and how you can use to make important decisions about your business. Kate walks through how you can get started right away by setting up a simple spreadsheet and system to start tracking your business numbers, from what your clients are booking, how long they're traveling for, the commission you're receiving and more. Being able to view these numbers can help you make strategic marketing and sales decisions to help your business thrive and succeed.

Show Notes:

• TravelProTheory.com
• Visit Travel Pro Theory on Instagram
• Freebie: Revenue Forecast

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on August 22, 2024

In this episode, we catch up with Dave Natale, AKA the River Cruise King, whose business has skyrocketed since his last appearance on The Lounge Podcast in 2021! He shares the secrets behind his thriving river cruise group business, from using Travefy’s itinerary builder to crafting personalized experiences with city guides, movie and music recommendations, and more. Dave also reveals his top marketing tips and how he keeps travelers coming back.

Plus, hear all about River Cruise King Academy’s upcoming group cruise designed for travel advisors who want to grow their group cruise business!

Show Notes:

• River Cruise King Academy: Join on the Cruise!
• Travefy’s Podcast Episode with Dave Natale in 2021: “Leveling Up Your Business by Charging Fees with The River Cruise King”

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on September 3, 2024

In this episode, we dive into the essential legal risks, fraud prevention strategies, and best practices every travel advisor needs to know. Sheila Folk, CEO and Founder of Travel Industry Solutions, shares her expert insights on how travel advisors can navigate complex legal landscapes, protect themselves from fraud, and maintain financial stability. Learn why regularly updating contracts and privacy policies is crucial, how to implement effective identity verification tools, and the importance of charging fees for your services.

Show Notes:

• For more information on Travel Industry Solutions, visit https://travelindustrysolutions.com/
• Follow TIS on all the socials. Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on June 20, 2024 

In this episode, get inspired as we chat with global keynote speaker and marketer, Tim Hines. Tim shares his “marketing starter” mindset and how travel professionals can leverage this to navigate marketing in their business and excel their business forward. From the power of consistency, leveraging AI tools, understanding customer needs, and more, Tim will help ignite the entrepreneurial fire inside of you!

Show Notes:

• Visit Tim’s Website
• Find Tim on Linkedin & Twitter (X)
• Get Tim’s book: The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy Marketer

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on June 14, 2024 

In this episode, Luxury Travel Advisor, Becky Lukovic joins us to explore the rising trends of women traveling together and the unique dynamics of women-led travel groups. Becky shares her insights on how women are shaping the travel industry, from popular destinations to preferred travel styles.

We also dive into strategies for women who own travel businesses to build a strong sense of community and ensure their business thrives. Tune in for an empowering discussion on women in travel!

Show Notes:

• Visit Becky’s Agency Site: Bella Travel
• Find Becky on Instagram, Facebook, & Linkedin

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on June 4, 2024 

Join us as Attorney Jeff Ment unpacks the latest travel industry news, including DOT airplane refund rules and FTC non-compete potential changes coming later this year. Learn how these developments could impact your business and discover strategies to stay legally prepared for upcoming changes. Don’t miss this essential guide for your business!

Show Notes:

• Visit The Ment Law Group Website

Top Resources to Stay Up-to-Date with Industry News:

• Mark Pestronk’s articles at Travel Weekly
• TravelAge West
• Travel Report
• Open Jaw

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on June 5, 2024

Dive into the powerful world of social media with Owner of Haus Social, Amber Zakem. In this episode, she shares her essential tips for travel advisors, from choosing the right platform to leveraging AI for content creation. Whether you're just starting out or looking to stay ahead of trends, Amber's insights on using Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other powerful tools will transform your social media game!

Show Notes:

• Visit Haus Social Website
• Find Haus Social on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin
• Social Media Examiner - Stay up-to-date on latest social trends!

Amber's Favorite Social Media Tools:

• ChatGPT
• Videoshop
• Capcut
• Co pilot
• Reels Templates
• Tiktok Templates
• Canva 
• Meta Business Suite

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on May 31, 2024

Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the endless marketing opportunities and strategies you can apply to your business? In this episode, we chat with marketing educator, Mary Charleson, on how travel advisors can use her rule-of-3 packing method when it comes to marketing. Mary breaks down how to simplify your marketing strategy and best of all, make it all work together seamlessly. We also chat about current marketing trends and different ideas that advisors can apply into their own marketing efforts.

Show Notes:

• Visit FiveMinuteMarketing.com
• Visit Carry-On Queen Website
• Blog Post: Learn more about word-of-mouth marketing
• Sign up for Mary's Weekly Newsletter
• Access Five Minute Marketing Courses
• Mary's Trip to Machu Picchu - Part 1: Prepping for Peru (the Province) & Part 2: The Road Less Traveled to Machu Picchu

Mary's Book List: 

• Marketing Rebellion by Mark Schaefer
• Known by Mark Schaefer
• Think Again by Adam Grant
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Imaginable by Jane McGonical
• The Algebra of Happiness by Scott Galloway

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on May 7, 2024

In this episode, we chat about the essential steps for travel advisors to establish their service fee structure with industry expert, Jennifer Jacob! Gain insights into tailoring fees based on niche, geographical considerations, and transitioning into fee charging for the first time. Jennifer shares actionable strategies to develop an objective approach rooted in expense analysis, time tracking, and trip complexity assessment, ensuring sustainable pricing for your business.

Show Notes:

• Get TIQUE’s Client Welcome Guide
• Visit TIQUE’s Website

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on February 27, 2024

In this episode, we chat with Morris Sims who shares how to create a proactive strategy to getting new and more clients to your business. Morris challenges conventional approaches and emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling introduction. Learn actionable strategies for visibility across social media, email marketing, events, and personal interactions. Morris also shares his game-changing 3-List Process with us so be sure to grab a pen and paper while you listen!

Show Notes:

• Visit Travel Masters Learning Community Website

Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started

Recorded on February 6, 2024