TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

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

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TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors episodes

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

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TONIC
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57 min
June 04, 202478. Summer Tech Series: Travefy with David Chait
Travefy, a leading platform in the travel industry, has transformed the way travel advisors operate and deliver exceptional service to their clients. Founded by David Chait, Travefy initially started as a consumer group travel planner but pivoted to a comprehensive B2B solution for travel advisors. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, Travefy has become a go-to platform for advisors looking to streamline their workflow and provide a top-notch client experience. In this episode, Jennifer and David discuss the innovations that have propelled Travefy to success and discuss its long-term vision for the future, such as the upcoming Marketplace and client portal features.

About David Chait:
David is founder and CEO of Travefy, an award-winning itinerary, proposal, marketing and client management platform for travel advisors that helps them save time, impress clients, and sell more. He is an outspoken industry advocate, serves on the Board of Directors of The Travel Institute, and was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2017 by the American Society of Travel Advisors. Before founding Travefy, David served in the Obama Administration working on small business economic policy and as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company.
linkedin.com/in/dchait

Today we will cover:
(01:40) How Travefy played a role in Jennifer starting her company
(04:30) David’s background and the creation of Travefy
(09:35) Pivoting from a consumer group travel planner to a comprehensive B2B solution for travel advisors
(14:50) Travel industry trends and the rise of travel advisors
(19:30) Empowering independent advisors through efficient technology
(26:30) The biggest successes in the Travefy platform
(32:10) The functionalities of Travefy
(37:10) The shared Marketplace; collaborative content sharing
(41:30) Long-term visions for Travefy; upcoming client portals

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

THE LEGAL PAIGE: https://thelegalpaige.com/collections/industry-travel-advisor/?aff=143
Travel industry agreement templates
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58 min
May 28, 202477. Modern Etiquette For Networking & Industry Events with Courtney Opalko
Modern etiquette isn’t about outdated rules or stuffy traditions. It is about creating a framework for better communication, collaboration, and respect in the workplace. Etiquette coach, Courtney Opalko, shares tips on how to introduce yourself confidently, navigate networking events, and handle seated events with grace. She also discusses the significance of promptness, clear communication in emails, and the boundaries between business and friendship. Are you eager to make a great first impression? Tune in for the ins and outs of business etiquette, and learn how kindness, respect, and confidence can create a lasting impression and open doors to new opportunities!

About Courtney Opalko:
Courtney is a certified etiquette trainer with a mission to spread kindness and civility through important life skills. Courtney's unique programs are fun, interactive and inclusive in nature, rooted in values of confidence, awareness, empathy and respect. As an etiquette expert, she offers modern advice designed to elevate the everyday.

Courtney is a proud member of the International Etiquette Trainer Society as well as the Protocol & Diplomacy International Protocol Officers Association.

courtneyopalkoetiquette.com

Today we will cover:
(01:40) Courtney’s background; Google sales to modern etiquette expertise
(04:05) Modern etiquette for confidence and relationship building
(07:20) How etiquette impacts your reputation
(10:00) How to confidently introduce yourself
(13:30) Tips for remembering names; graceful recovery from forgetting names
(19:00) Networking etiquette during events; where to sit and what to order
(30:40) Honoring rsvp commitments; being punctual
(38:20) Self-awareness and improving social etiquette
(40:15) Email etiquette for professional communication
(43:45) Setting boundaries in business relationships

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

THE LEGAL PAIGE
https://thelegalpaige.com/collections/industry-travel-advisor/?aff=143
Travel industry agreement templates
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50 min
May 21, 202476. Summer Tech Series: Factors To Consider When Selecting A CRM
Welcome to the first episode of the Summer Tech Series! Over the course of the summer months, Robin and Jennifer will be interviewing tech founders to share about their platform, their favorite features, as well as the future of their systems. They will also be interviewing founders of tech companies that are revolutionizing how founders research and book their travel.

This episode kicks off the series by breaking down which factors to consider when selecting a CRM for your travel business. Jennifer explains the need for customization and adaptability to niche, as well as the integration capabilities of the CRM with other systems. Robin highlights the significance of client communication and documentation, emphasizing the importance of organization and thorough tracking. The ladies also discuss the challenges and limitations of reporting and metrics in CRMs, as well as the importance of accessibility, particularly through mobile capabilities. If you’re in the market for a new CRM, tune in for advice on what to look for when choosing the right one for your business!

Today we will cover:
(03:40) Customizing a platform to make it work for you
(07:30) Choosing a User-Friendly CRM
(10:40) The ability to integrate with other systems; email, calendar, payment processor
(14:45) Current development of travel CRM platforms
(21:00) Tern’s responsiveness and Customer Service Excellence
(25:00) Importance of Organized Client Documentation
(27:15) Evaluating When to Switch Software Platforms
(30:40) Valuing Client Investments
(34:20) Critical Importance of CRM Security and Data Backup
(37:05) Enhancing Business Insight Through Reporting and Metrics
(39:15) The Complexities of a CRM App for mobile accessibility

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

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

Listen to Episode 70:
Which Numbers REALLY Matter In Your Business?
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49 min
May 14, 202475. 5 Things To STOP Doing To Increase Your Productivity
Struggling to find enough hours in the day? Learn how to tackle time management and find out which items are creating inefficiencies within your day! Robin and Jennifer share their thoughts on effective time management, including reviewing your schedule ahead of time and creating a game plan for each day. They discuss the benefits of using tools like Calendly and TravelJoy for automation and delegation, as well as the value of leaning on concierges and DMCs. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and like there's never enough time to accomplish your to-do list. However, the key to optimizing your time is not about having more hours, but rather about how you manage the hours you do have. Don't miss out on these tips for increasing productivity and finding the right balance in your business!

Today we will cover:
(01:00) Planning ahead for productive days
(03:05) Prioritizing tasks: rocks, pebbles, and sand
(05:15) Setting boundaries in client communication
(09:15) Eliminating distractions and task batching
(16:50) Maximizing productivity with Focus; managing digital distractions
(21:00) Balancing business tasks with creative preferences
(25:45) Being more efficient with your time
(29:45) Leveraging concierge knowledge for enhanced travel experiences
(32:50) Business automations; Calendly and Traveljoy
(37:55) Efficiency and productivity in the age of social media

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

GUSTO - Get $100 off when you join!
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Listen to Episode 18:
Controlling The Chaos Of Managing Concierge-Level Travel Details with Kaytee Fisher

Listen to Episode 47:
How To Batch Your Tasks & Manage Your Time As A Travel Advisor
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41 min
May 07, 202474. How To Craft The Perfect Travel Proposal
Hot topic alert! As a travel advisor, crafting a perfect proposal is key to a positive client experience and increasing sales conversion. Regardless of which stage you’re at in your travel career, you can always improve upon your proposal presentation to create the best possible outcome for your clients. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin discuss the key elements of a perfect proposal, such as confirming the details in writing, selecting the right supplier, and quick turnaround time. They also provide tips for improving the presentation and creating an engaging and immersive experience to wow clients. If you’re ready to set yourself apart as a trusted and knowledgeable advisor, hit play and learn how to take your proposal presentations to the next level!

Today we will cover:
(01:20) Confirming details in writing with a recap email
(11:30) Selecting the perfect supplier; turnaround time, communication, creativity, consortium affiliation amenities
(22:00) Reviewing proposals with style, pace, and customization in mind
(25:30) Getting to know the client's preferences and style; vacation vs trip
(30:00) Presenting the itinerary and discussing budget adjustments
(37:40) Using strong imagery and virtual immersion in proposals
(42:00) Leveraging AI for descriptions and personalization
(45:20) Benefits of using Loom for personalized videos
(47:50) Utilizing Loom's comment feature for client interaction

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

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

Listen to Episode 63:
How To Speak The Language Of Luxury with Amber Frankhuizen (Part 1)
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55 min
April 30, 202473. What Is ASTA And Why Should You Care? with Zane Kerby
What does ASTA actually do, and why does it matter to you as a travel advisor? Zane Kerby, the President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), joins this episode to discuss the importance of ASTA and its impact on the travel industry. Zane explains ASTA's mission to promote and defend travel advisors at all levels of government, within the industry, and to the traveling public. He highlights the work ASTA is doing to protect travel advisors' businesses, including currently advocating for fair refund policies and fighting against unfair practices by airlines. He also emphasizes the importance of education and professional development for travel advisors, and how ASTA provides resources and courses to support their growth. Tune in for all the details on what ASTA is, what they do on a daily basis, and how their work impacts everything that a travel advisor touches!

About Zane Kerby:
As ASTA’s president and chief executive officer, Zane Kerby reports directly to the board of directors on all internal and external ASTA business and is the primary spokesperson for ASTA. Kerby moved to ASTA from a successful career with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

linkedin.com/in/zane-kerby
asta.org
asta.org/membership/member-resources

Today we will cover:
(01:35) Zane's background and his role at ASTA
(04:50) Overview of what ASTA does for the travel industry
(06:50) The Department of Transportation's refund policy and its impact on travel advisors
(11:00) ASTA's role in supporting travel advisors during the pandemic; advocacy against holding advisors responsible for chargebacks
(18:20) ASTA's response to American Airlines' unfair practices
(23:15) ASTA's promotion of best business practices
(25:30) Courses and resources offered to travel advisers; Verified Travel Advisor program
(32:00) Advice for new travel advisors
(35:30) The benefits of establishing face-to-face relationships
(37:35) Current growth and progress in the travel advisor industry
(43:15) Opportunities for volunteering and getting involved in ASTA

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

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS: tiquehq.com/semi-custom-brands
Browse our collection of pre-designed brand kits that are customized to your brand's unique personality by our talented Creative Director!
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49 min
April 23, 202472. Failing Forward: Awards, Events, And The Power Of Connections with Kristin Chambers, CTC
Surrounding yourself with the right people in the industry can be transformative. Kristin Chambers, owner of TravelLuster and D.A. Luxury Travel, joins this episode to share how she has grown her companies and the initiatives that helped her gain success and land on award lists such as Conde Nast’s Top Travel Specialists and Top 25 All Star Travel Advisors by Travel Agent Magazine.

Hear Kristin’s inspirational journey from starting her own agency during the 2007 recession to founding a full-service host agency in 2015. She emphasizes the significance of building a community and nurturing partnerships to achieve success. She also provides insights into attending industry events (ILTM, Pure, Duco Italy, and more) and the value of curiosity and commitment in advancing your business. Tune in to gain strategies on growing your agency and making a name for yourself in the industry!

About Kristin Chambers:
Through Kristin’s modern-day luxury travel consultancy D.A. Luxury Travel (launched in 2006), she and her team cater to discerning vacationers who don’t just want to take trips – they want to experience travel. Her tailored-to-you itineraries for high-end clients boast the ultimate wow factor thanks to Chambers’ Black Book of powerhouse insiders across the globe. With 18 years of experience, it’s her “reach for the stars” conceptualizing that has her on Conde Nast’s Top Travel Specialists list, Travel & Leisure’s A list of advisors for “over the top trips,” and in the Top 25 All Star Travel Advisors by Travel Agent Magazine, and an invite-only Virtuoso Culinary & Ultraluxe membership, to name a few.

In 2016, Chambers wanted to create a space in which seasoned and emerging travel advisors could evolve the industry together. And so TRAVELLUSTRE was born, a full-service travel agency that oversees a highly regarded Boston-based portfolio of fellow luxury travel consultants. The group was soon nominated for the “Luminaries, Legends and Leaders” award for its economic generosity within the travel space during the pandemic. It’s this passion that drives Chambers to deliver the extraordinary to her clientele.

daluxurytravel.com

Today we will cover:
(03:20) Kristin's journey into the travel industry and starting her own agency
(08:20) Creating a community and supporting fully dedicated travel professionals
(11:00) Overcoming challenges and embracing an abundance mindset
(19:50) Defining high net worth clients and the benefits of working with them
(24:30) Details on specific travel industry events; ILTM
(30:00) Smaller niche shows; TFest, Pure, Duco Italy
(36:15) Choosing shows that align with target audience and comfort level
(37:50) Creating long-term supplier relationships; effective post-show email communication
(47:35) Landing on award lists and making industry connections
(49:45) Having silent mentors in the industry
(53:55) Getting involved in boards, committees, and think tanks
(57:48) Overcoming fear of rejection and asking for opportunities

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

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS: tiquehq.com/semi-custom-brands
Browse our collection of pre-designed brand kits that are customized to your brand's unique personality by our talented Creative Director!
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1 hr 1 min
April 16, 202471. How To Legitimize Your Travel Business
Oftentimes, advisors are working to transition from part-time travel planning to a full-time travel advisor committed to their travel career. If this is you, it’s time to take the necessary steps to legitimize your business and elevate your reputation! From the financials to your online presence and external client perspective, Robin and Jennifer walk through all things to consider when establishing a strong foundation for your business. They cover topics such as legal requirements, brand consistency, financial considerations, and organizational processes. They also provide tips and resources to help you get you started. By following these steps, you'll not only establish yourself as a professional in the industry but also attract higher-paying clients and build a sustainable travel business!

Today we will cover:
(01:15) Filing for an LLC and obtaining an EIN number
(02:50) Obtaining errors and omissions insurance
(09:10) Establishing a professional online presence with a website
(15:40) Creating an email address with a unique company domain
(18:15) Setting up a separate business bank account
(21:55) The need for a credit card processor to collect payments
(25:20) Working with a bookkeeper and the necessity of tracking expenses and revenue
(29:05) Implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
(34:25) Why a customer relationship management system (CRM) is so important
(40:40) Utilizing an organizational system outside of client management
(43:10) Maintaining consistency in branding and marketing

Miguel Campos at Berkshire Hathaway
[email protected]

The Legal Paige
Travel Industry Agreement Templates
thelegalpaige.com/collections/industry-travel-advisor/?aff=143

Tonic
Get 15% off your purchase when you use code: TiqueSentMe
tonicsiteshop.com/showcase

Solstice Collective
Get $250 off your initial service commitment
solstice-collective.com/tique

Novo - The ultimate online banking system
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Tique’s Client Communication Templates
tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates

ClickUp
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Listen to Episode 57:
The Connection Between Brand Consistency And Client Trust with Amandolin Webb
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55 min
April 09, 202470. Which Numbers REALLY Matter In Your Business?
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your business's financials. Knowing your numbers allows you to set realistic goals, make informed decisions, tailor your marketing strategies, and ensure the financial health and sustainability of your business. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin discuss the key numbers that travel advisors need to be tracking, such as operating expenses, total annual revenue, average trip cost, profit margin, and lead to client conversion. They also explain the significance of each metric, as well as tips for tracking and analyzing them. Whether you're a numbers person or not, these insights will help you better understand the importance of knowing your numbers and how to use them to project and achieve growth for your travel business!

Today we will cover:
(01:15) Understanding operating expenses
(04:50) Being aware of expenses and making essential vs. luxury decisions
(11:35) Ramit Sethi and his approachable financial perspective
(14:35) Tracking annual revenue and expenses
(22:55) The importance of fees and commissions
(28:40) Learning to be financially responsible; saving for uncertain times
(34:10) Average trip cost and average revenue per trip
(43:50) Using trip spend data for marketing and forecasting
(52:00) Tracking lead conversion data to set goals and make adjustments
(55:15) Calculating the number of trips needed to meet revenue goals

_____

Listen to Episode 65: Should You Require A Minimum Trip Investment? with Susan Whitson

Listen to Episode 41: What We'd Do Today If We Started Our Travel Business Over

THE NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche
Join Niche - An interactive community membership for travel advisors wanting to grow their business!

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS: tiquehq.com/semi-custom-brands
Browse our collection of pre-designed brand kits that are customized to your brand's unique personality by our talented Creative Director!
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1 hr 4 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.