TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

By Robin Bradley and Jennifer JacobSociety & Culture Business Entrepreneurship Places & Travel Marketing

Favorites
21
Followers
Typical duration
40 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors episodes

August 13, 202488. How To Nurture Product Knowledge with Angela Isherwood
Angela Isherwood of Olive and Atlas Travel discusses the intricacies of crafting the perfect accommodation plan for clients based on their preferences and expectations. From building strong partnerships with suppliers to mastering product knowledge and selling with conviction, Angela explains all the components that play a part in creating client-centric experiences that exceed expectations and foster long-lasting client relationships. She also dives into her methods for asking the right questions during client intake calls, the importance of balancing the luxury of different properties across a client's itinerary, and how to effectively manage and organize travel information for optimal efficiency. Angela also emphasizes the value of first-hand experience in travel and the need to continually educate yourself in order to provide the best client experience possible.

Connect with Angela Isherwood:
oliveandatlastravel.com

Today we will cover:
(02:10) Angela's journey into the travel industry
(05:30) Nurturing product knowledge and client relationships
(11:45) Ideal questions to ask on the intake call; Loom video proposals
(22:10) How to balance luxury and functionality when planning accommodations
(26:55) Investing in FAM trips and trade shows
(31:55) Building expertise and selling with conviction
(33:10) Key questions for hoteliers
(44:15) Building strong supplier relationships
(50:30) How to organize property information efficiently
(54:00) Promoting properties with confidence

Listen to Episode 84: Summer Tech Series: The Hive with Whitney Schindelar

SHOP THE WORKFLOW TEMPLATES
tiquehq.com/shop

TONIC: tonicsiteshop.com
Get 15% off your purchase when you use the code, TiqueSentMe
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
1 hr
August 06, 202487. How Your Brand Impacts Client Quality with Gray Ellender
Gray Ellender shares her journey of transitioning from a career in healthcare to founding Go with Gray Travel, a luxury travel business focusing on creating unforgettable honeymoon experiences. She discusses the importance of brand consistency, defining your target audience, and creating a unique brand identity that resonates with clients. She also highlights her marketing strategies, including the effective use of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. With a solid brand identity, a dedicated focus on client relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Gray exemplifies the recipe for success in the travel industry. Tune in and uncover her secrets to *quickly* building a successful business based on authenticity and a client-centered approach!

Connect with Gray Ellender:
gowithgraytravel.com

Today we will cover:
(01:50) Gray’s background and journey into travel
(04:30) Building a brand and specializing in honeymoons
(07:40) Creating relatability on the intake call; building client relationships
(11:35) Authentic marketing; building a social media presence
(15:45) The Semi-Custom Brand experience
(20:00) Gray’s Instagram strategy; leveraging client content for marketing
(28:45) Streamlining the client experience
(33:00) Setting expectations; having friends as clients
(39:10) Game-changers for scaling so quickly
(49:50) Choosing the right host agency

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
55 min
July 30, 202486. How To Celebrate Your Wins As A Travel Advisor
Success is in the small wins! Learn why and how to celebrate your business achievements for a happier, more productive life. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin discuss their struggle with celebrating achievements amidst the hustle of running a business. They explain the importance of pausing to recognize big and small wins to prevent burnout and build a healthier work-life balance. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, they discuss why celebrating success matters, how to define personal and professional goals, and practical ways to reward yourself. Don’t miss this candid conversation about redefining success, setting goals that align with personal values, and finding joy in everyday victories to maintain motivation and creativity in your business!

Today we will cover:
(01:15) The pressure of hustle culture
(03:25) Taking time to celebrate wins
(07:25) Setting and achieving goals
(13:30) Streamlining and simplifying your business
(20:30) The importance of community and public recognition
(23:45) How Robin and Jennifer celebrate their wins
(25:45) Stepping away from your business to celebrate
(32:30) Defining success on your own terms

SHOP THE WORKFLOW TEMPLATES
tiquehq.com/shop

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS
tiquehq.com/semi-custom-brands
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
40 min
July 23, 202485. Summer Tech Series: TravelWits with Arman Bimatov
TravelWits is a revolutionary platform that simplifies booking by integrating with GDS systems, offering functionalities like multi-segment trip planning, client proposals, and even a client-facing booking portal. Arman Bimatov, CEO of TravelWits, joins this episode to share the evolution of the platform, current trends in the travel industry, and the future outlook for TravelWits. Learn about several of the unique features, including its multi-segment travel search capabilities and custom content integration, designed to streamline the travel planning process. Arman also tackles the topic of AI and how it is shaping the future of travel planning, and how advisors can optimize their operations to stay ahead.

Connect with Arman Bimatov:
travelwits.com

Today we will cover:
(01:05) From childhood HTML experiments to AI search optimization
(02:15) The evolution and impact of TravelWits in the travel industry
(12:50) Streamlining bookings with comprehensive GDS integration
(17:45) Future developments and enhancements of the platform
(25:15) Navigating AI-generated content and its impact on travel advisors
(27:15) Client facing portals; creating an additional revenue stream
(34:45) The future of travel planning with AI
(40:05) Maintaining human involvement; building relationships and optimizing operations

CLICKUP: app.clickup.com/8641060/settings/rewards
Sign up for a FREE trial when you use code: TIQUE

NOVO: onboarding.novo.co/signup?referral_code=JenniferJacob
The ultimate online banking system perfect for travel advisors on the go!
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
44 min
July 16, 202484. Summer Tech Series: The Hive with Whitney Schindelar
The Hive is changing the way advisors can research cruises, DMCs, wholesalers, hotels, and so much more. The platform provides a centralized database of suppliers, facilitating easier searches and better organization of travel resources; helping advisors save time by offering detailed supplier profiles and search filters.

Whitney Schindler, founder of The Hive, joins this episode to share the backstory and the pain points that led to the platform’s creation. She also explains how The Hive aims to consolidate the travel industry's fragmented information, making it easier for advisors to find the best suppliers and organize their notes. Learn about the features and potential to revolutionize travel planning by saving time and leveraging relationships. From the inception of The Hive to its functionalities and impact on the industry, the conversation covers the challenges advisors face and how The Hive aims to address them!

Connect with Whitney Schindelar:
undiscoveredsunsets.com

Today we will cover:
(04:15) How The Hive came to be; it’s mission and vision
(08:50) The role of technology in travel
(14:10) The importance of DMCs in travel planning
(19:55) User experience on The Hive
(25:50) Challenges in payment processing for advisors
(33:15) Booking direct and ensuring commissions
(38:10) Managing client expectations
(38:35) Understanding DMC requirements; using filters when searching
(44:00) The Hive platform overview; supplier/advisor interactions
(48:15) Success stories and future vision
(55:20) Who should join The Hive

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche

TONIC: tonicsiteshop.com
Get 15% off your purchase when you use the code, TiqueSentMe
_____

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
1 hr 2 min
July 09, 202483. Attracting Ideal Clients & Fostering Relationships Built On Trust with Heather Keller
The path to building a successful business as a travel advisor isn't just about convincing people to book through you - it's about attracting the right clients and fostering those relationships. Heather Keller, co-owner and founder of Perfect Landing Travel, joins this episode to discuss the art of finding and attracting ideal clients. Heather provides strategies for identifying who your ideal client is and how to profile and engage with that target audience. She also shares unique marketing strategies for creating authentic connections with potential clients, and emphasizes the significance of understanding your ideal client's needs and maintaining long-term relationships. Learn how you can build credibility and trust with your audience, which ultimately leads to increased referrals and client loyalty!

About Heather Keller:
While she has always loved travel, her past experience was in banking management, and in 2015 she went back to school to receive her Undergraduate in Psychology. She dove head-first into the luxury travel industry shortly after and hasn't looked back. Heather’s favorite aspect of trip planning is finding what you didn't know you'd love, and having you experience travel in a way that it becomes a part of you. When not travel planning for clients, she loves traveling with her own family (the bigger the adventure the better), and spending time giving back by volunteering with several nonprofit organizations.

perfectlandingtravel.com

Today we will cover:
(01:30) Heather’s background and career journey
(04:20) Building a team and cultivating relationships in the travel industry
(11:00) How to identify your ideal client
(14:15) Social media tactics for attracting clients
(26:00) Creating a connection with potential clients; being in the driver's seat
(34:25) Recognizing and avoiding non-ideal clients
(41:20) Leveraging referrals for client acquisition
(47:05) Unique marketing strategies
(51:30) Fostering long-term client relationships

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS
tiquehq.com/semi-custom-brands

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES
tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates

_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
57 min
July 02, 202482. Summer Tech Series: TripSuite with Jacey Jones
TripSuite is on a mission to break host agencies free from outdated systems and provide them with a modern operating platform. Jacey Jones, Co-founder and CEO of TripSuite, joins this episode to discuss how the platform is revolutionizing travel planning with advanced technology. Jacey shares her background and development journey, including how a chance introduction to a venture capital firm led to the founding of TripSuite. Learn about the platform’s unique features, including its CRM, financial integration with QuickBooks, and the upcoming workflow automation module. Jacey also provides insights on industry trends, particularly the increasing importance of technology and AI in travel, and explains the team's dedication to continuous improvement. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to modernize and streamline their operations!

Connect with Jacey Jones:
tripsuite.com
travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/New-solutions-introduced-collect-commissions

Today we will cover:
(02:05) Jacey’s background and the birth of TripSuite
(05:15) Targeting independent host agencies
(09:35) Financial and operational integration
(12:40) Automating workflows with templated steps
(16:55) Trends in technology and travel
(20:35) Client data accessibility
(28:25) Security and risk management
(36:35) TripSuite’s long-term vision

Listen to Episode 79: Host Agency Culture: Finding The Perfect Fit For Your Travel Business with Stephanie Lee

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES
tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates

THE LEGAL PAIGE: https://thelegalpaige.com/collections/industry-travel-advisor/?aff=143
Travel industry agreement templates
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
44 min
June 25, 202481. Preparing For A Brand Photo Shoot: Tips For High-Quality, Intentional Imagery
When it comes to marketing your business, quality photos can make all the difference in attracting and engaging potential clients. However, simply having high-quality images is NOT enough. In this episode, Robin and Jennifer share how you can get the most out of any photo shoot, whether it's by a professional or you've employed the help of a friend who can simply press a camera button down. Regardless of your investment level, learn how you can maximize the opportunity to get great images that portray professionalism and trustworthiness, yet also allow for authenticity and individuality to shine through. From choosing the right photographer and location to curating relevant outfits and props, you can create visually stunning and impactful imagery that sets you apart in the industry!

Today we will cover:
(00:40) Why brand shoots are important for external credibility
(10:10) Understanding your brand identity before you schedule a photo shoot
(14:35) Consistency and intention in your imagery
(16:00) Choosing the right photographer and location
(24:50) Creating a vision board using Pinterest
(27:30) Infusing stock imagery along with brand photos
(29:20) Outfits, aesthetics, and props for a brand shoot
(34:45) Tips for feeling confident in front of the camera

Resources mentioned:
Peerspace: peerspace.com
Elevae: elevaevisuals.com
Flytographer: flytographer.com
Pixaround: pixaroundyou.com

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES
tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
39 min
June 18, 202480. Summer Tech Series: Tern with David Shull and Katie Williams
Tern is on a mission to modernize travel advisor technology! Tern founders, David Shull and Katie Williams, share how this innovative platform is streamlining advisor workflows, prioritizing user feedback, and redefining the advisor-client relationship. By actively listening to user feedback, responding to queries, and receiving input on new features, Tern has created a loyal fan base that feels heard, valued, and connected. The genuine interactions and transparency in communication have elevated the user experience, driving enthusiasm and excitement among advisors. Tune in to learn about the platform’s development process, prioritization of features, and the future of technology in supporting travel advisors. As the travel industry continues to evolve, the human touch, coupled with cutting-edge technology, will be the driving force behind success in industry!

About with David Shull and Katie Williams:
In 2014, Tern’s founding team worked together as a part of the earliest team at Handshake. After eight years they had helped Handshake grow from a living room in Northern Michigan to the second largest professional network in the US and a $3.5B valuation. Tern's CEO, David was on a trip to Greece in 2021 when he missed a ferry schedule change. Instead of enjoying their first Greek Isle, David & his wife spent six hours in a (very hot) parking lot waiting for the next ferry. In that parking lot, David thought of his in-laws & that they used an advisor for all their trips. He thought, maybe if he had partnered with Wendy he wouldn't be in that parking lot. David called Brian and Katie and shared the earliest version of an idea for Tern.

What they didn't know was if anyone needed it. They packed their bags and headed to ASTA where they talked to as many advisors, agencies, and suppliers as they could. The answer was clear. The travel industry was desperate for better technology. David, Katie, and Brian started working on Tern in 2022 and went full time in 2023. Since then the team has grown and remains laser focused on building incredible technology for travel advisors.

tern.travel

Today we will cover:
(02:15) The development of Tern
(07:10) Getting advisor feedback on pain points in the industry
(17:00) Balancing Innovation and Practicality in Technology Development
(22:45) What is Tern? Who is it for?
(26:40) Creating a loyal customer base; importance of user feedback
(33:45) Progress over perfection mindset
(37:00) Technology trends in the travel industry
(45:40) Creating a streamlined and seamless user interface
(48:10) Tern’s ideal user
(50:10) The long term vision for Tern

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES
tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates

THE LEGAL PAIGE: https://thelegalpaige.com/collections/industry-travel-advisor/?aff=143
Travel industry agreement templates
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
1 hr 3 min
June 11, 202479. Host Agency Culture: Finding The Perfect Fit For Your Travel Business with Stephanie Lee
Thinking of switching to a different host agency? Don’t miss this episode! Before making the switch, there are so many factors to consider, and it can oftentimes feel like you’re piecing together a puzzle where support, mentorship, community, and financials need to fit just right! Stephanie Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews, joins this episode to discuss the intricacies of finding the right host agency for your business growth. From commission structures to training programs and culture dynamics, this conversation gives insights for both new and seasoned travel advisors. Learn how to navigate the host agency landscape and find the perfect fit for your business!

About Stephanie Lee:
Stephanie founded Host Agency Reviews in 2012. As a former host agency director for a $50M agency, she has spoken with thousands of new and experienced travel agents—many of whom found it difficult to find in-depth, reputable information about the travel industry. She grew up in the heart of the travel industry - her family owned a home based travel agency that grew into a storefront, and went through the same growing pains you may currently be experiencing!

hostagencyreviews.com

Today we will cover:
(03:25) Stephanie’s background; Host Agency Reviews
(10:25) The different host agency models to choose from
(13:50) Switching host agencies
(17:20) Different aspects of a host agency
(22:45) The number one reason advisors leave a host agency
(27:00) Challenges that host agencies face
(36:30) The impact of leadership on host agency culture
(39:10) Questions to ask when inquiring about a specific host agency
(41:50) Number of host agencies to consider before making a decision
(44:30) Side hustle to career travel advisor

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS
tiquehq.com/semi-custom-brands

TONIC
tonicsiteshop.com/showcase
Get 15% off your purchase with code: TiqueSentMe
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com
57 min

About TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to TIQUE Talks Podcast - a live-workshop style travel business podcast packed with actionable step-by-step tips that are helping hundreds of travel advisors redefine success, grow their bottom line, and find balance in their business. Join us, Florida-based business partners Robin Bradley and Jennifer Jacob, for value-packed, hilarious conversations and impactful interviews with other industry leaders.