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

January 16, 202458. 5 Steps To Create A Niche-Specific Workflow with Ashlyn Puckett
If you have not implemented a general workflow in your business, now is the time to do so! Whether you choose the DIY route or take advantage of Tique’s resources, adding niche-specific workflows will allow you to serve different clientele in different areas of the world. Ashlyn Puckett, Tique’s community manager and resident workflow guru, joins this episode to walk you through how to create one workflow and then duplicate it for different types of travel.

Ashlyn breaks down the workflow process, including defining the life cycle of a booking, mapping out the process, and outlining the emails and forms needed. She also shares tips on how to effectively implement the workflow in TravelJoy or your preferred CRM. The goal is to streamline your client experience, save time, and provide a personalized and efficient service to your clients!

Today we will cover:
(04:10) Tique’s workflow services and customization options
(06:30) Background on the development of Tique's client communication templates
(12:00) What is a workflow; Defining the life cycle of a booking
(14:45) Creating a process map for visualizing the workflow
(28:15) Simplifying the workflow process
(32:15) Jennifer’s hot take on implementing and duplicating the client communication templates for specific niches
(39:45) Creating educational assets that complement the niche workflows
(44:05) Implementing the workflow in TravelJoy or other CRM platform
(47:55) Testing the workflow and using resources like TravelJoy Lab

Client Communication Templates:
tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates

The Custom Client Experience:
tiquehq.com/custom-client-experience
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55 min
January 09, 202457. The Connection Between Brand Consistency And Client Trust with Amandolin Webb
Brand consistency is key! In fact, it goes beyond just adding your logo to every social media post. It’s about creating a unified look and feel across your website, social media, emails, and more. Amandolin Webb, the creative director and branding genius for Tique, joins this conversation to share her expertise on the importance of maintaining brand consistency in order to build client trust.

Amandolin explains the importance of taking the time to establish clear brand guidelines, as well as provides granular details of brand consistency, such as font usage, color hex codes, and font weights. Walk away from this episode with a better understanding of the long-term benefits of investing in a strong brand, the psychological impact of brand consistency, and the importance of regularly auditing and updating brand elements. By establishing clear brand guidelines and maintaining consistency across all touchpoints, you can create a sense of reliability and professionalism that resonates with your ideal clients!

Dream Client Guide:
tique.thrivecart.com/free-download-dydc/

Today we will cover:
(01:35) Why brand consistency is important
(09:10) The role of brand guidelines in maintaining consistency
(12:50) Details of font guidelines, including kerning and font weights
(19:30) Psychological impact of brand inconsistencies on consumer perception
(29:45) Conducting an audit and creating/updating brand guidelines
(35:45) Value of connecting and getting feedback from other travel advisors
(37:50) The connection between branding and copywriting
(40:30) Focusing on progress over perfection

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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47 min
January 02, 202456. The Benefits Of Working With A Wholesaler with Melissa Krueger
What exactly is a wholesaler? Melissa Krueger, the CEO of Classic Vacations, explains the role of a wholesaler in the travel industry and details the exceptional service, support, and value they bring to travel advisors. Learn the similarities and differences between a wholesaler and a DMC (Destination Management Company), benefits of working with a wholesaler, and the key differentiators that set Classic Vacations apart in the industry. Also, Jennifer shares her personal experience of working with Classic Vacations and how they played a pivotal role in creating the foundation for her entire travel career!

About Melissa Krueger:
Melissa is the Chief Executive Officer and has been with Classic Vacations for 9 years. She has been contributing to the travel industry for over 20 years in roles such as Director of Sales and Profitability, Director of Brand Development and most recently Vice President and General Manager of Classic’s robust groups division. Her greatest passion is helping customers build their businesses and supporting employees in growing their careers. Melissa resides in Carmel, California with her husband of 21 years and their three daughters.

www.classicvacations.com
[email protected]

Today we will cover:
(01:45) Melissa's involvement in the hospitality industry, specifically with Classic Vacations
(09:55) The structure of a wholesaler
(15:30) Differences and similarities between a wholesaler and a DMC
(23:45) Variety and flexibility offered by a wholesaler
(27:30) In-destination hotline for support
(34:00) How Classic handles money transactions; being a debt-free company
(45:25) Ability to hold space for clients during the proposal review
(47:35) Attending an E3 conference

TIQUE x Solstice Collective
Get $250 off your initial service commitment
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: www.tiquehq.com
50 min
December 26, 202355. Current Social Media Trends And Strategies with Solstice Collective
Social media is an essential tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and build brand awareness. As a travel advisor, leveraging social media effectively can be a game-changer in reaching potential clients and growing your business. However, it can be challenging to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and forever-changing algorithms.

Jane Linsea and Kate Barnes from Solstice Collective, a social media management and website design agency, share their expert insights on the current social media trends that travel advisors need to be aware of. They highlight the most relevant platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, and emphasize the importance of understanding your target audience when choosing which platforms to focus on. They also provide tips for creating effective captions, engaging with followers, and maintaining brand consistency. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for details on how to receive a $250 discount with Solstice Collective!

About Jane Linsea:
Jane is a proud graduate of Central Michigan University and co-founder of Solstice Collective. With a passion for wellness and a love for exploration (be sure to explore Solstice Travel), Jane has over 8 years of expertise in web design and social media management. With a keen understanding of the digital landscape, she seamlessly integrates her skills to enhance the online visibility of businesses associated with Solstice Collective.

About Kate Barnes:
Kate is a graduate of Central Michigan University and has four years of expertise in website design and social media management. Beyond her professional prowess, Kate is a globetrotter at heart, relishing adventures that take her to corners of the world near and far. Kate is not just a website designer and social media manager; she's a storyteller, dedicated to bringing your unique narrative to life. Her exceptional talent shines in crafting compelling copy for clients’ websites and social media platforms, seamlessly translating ideas into words that resonate with audiences.

solstice-collective.com/tique
instagram.com/solsticecollective_
facebook.com/solsticecollectivellc

Today we will cover:
(06:45) Most relevant social media platforms
(09:50) Demographic breakdown of Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn
(20:05) Tailoring captions for different social media platforms
(20:25) Creating Instagram reels vs TikTok videos
(24:40) Tips for starting and maintaining a social media presence
(28:15) The role of daily engagement in growing a following
(31:45) Should you be running paid ads?
(34:00) Understanding and utilizing the algorithm effectively
(38:00) Maintaining brand consistent images and videos
(41:50) Discount offer for social media management with Solstice Collective

Apply Now for the Custom Client Experience
A fully customized workflow designed in TravelJoy exclusively for your travel business. Revolutionize the way you do business in 2024!
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JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: www.tiquehq.com
45 min
December 19, 202354. Removing The Intimidation (And Stress) Out Of Email Marketing with Kaytee Fisher of Moxie & Fourth
Say goodbye to email marketing overwhelm! Learn how this powerful tool can help travel advisors connect with their audience, build trust, and drive sales. Get tips on creating engaging content that provides value to your subscribers, as well as the tools that can remove the stress and make email marketing easier and more effective! With the right strategies in place, email marketing can become an integral part of your business and contribute to your success as a travel advisor.

This episode also celebrates something very exciting! Kaytee Fisher, Tique’s former email marketing guru, announces the launch of Moxie & Fourth, an email marketing service for travel advisors. From OG Tique client to joining the Tique team and now launching her own email marketing business, Kaytee shares her journey over the past five years and how she found her passion in helping travel advisors create effective email campaigns.

About Moxie & Fourth:
Backed by 5 years of personal experience as an advisor and fueled by a commitment to perfectionism, Kaytee deeply understands the marketing challenges faced by travel advisors because she’s been there and done that. Exclusive dedication to travel advisors has allowed Moxie and Fourth to meticulously craft a service suite that caters to even the most niche email marketing needs without unnecessary complexity. In an already intricate industry, there's no reason to make your email marketing anything other than effortless. From project kickoff to wrap up, Moxie and Fourth is committed to providing the essentials for a successful email marketing strategy that you can finally implement with confidence.

Moxieandfourth.com
instagram.com/moxieandfourth
The Monthly Newsletter Blueprint: moxieandfourth.com/service-newsletters

Today we will cover:
(01:05) Kaytee’s journey from a travel advisor to Moxie & Fourth
(09:56) Common misconceptions about email marketing
(12:43) Simplifying email marketing with the right tools and strategies
(17:30) Building “know, like, trust” with your audience
(20:20) Fundamental steps to get started with email marketing
(26:30) The impact of consistent branding and quality in newsletters
(31:45) Cost and benefits of using Flowdesk for email marketing
(35:25) Examples of non-salesy content for newsletters
(40:30) Tools for making email marketing easier
(43:00) Details of The Monthly Newsletter Blueprint
(47:35) Common mistakes in email marketing and how to avoid them

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

SEMI-CUSTOM BRANDS
tiquehq.com/semi-custom-brands
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JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: www.tiquehq.com
59 min
December 12, 202353. Demystifying Selling Travel Insurance with Susan Barbanel
Dive into the intricate world of travel insurance! While this topic may feel heavy and risky, the intention is to mitigate risk, protect your clients, and also safeguard your business. Susan Barbanel, a National Business Development Manager at Travel Insured, joins the conversation to provide key insights and strategies to navigate the risks and rewards of offering travel insurance.

Susan covers topics such as when to offer insurance to clients, the legal requirements for offering insurance, and the best practices for converting clients to purchase insurance. She also discusses the commission structure for selling insurance and the different add-ons that can be offered to clients. Travel insurance is a topic that affects every advisor and every business model, regardless of the season or type of travel. It’s not just about protecting the investment, but also about providing peace of mind and support. As advisors, It's important to educate your clients and be the trusted resource they’re looking for!

About Susan Barbanel:
Susan is a National Business Development Manager at Travel Insured. She has been with the company for over 11 years as the Director of Group Sales and most recently National Sales Manager, supporting and partnering with high volume key accounts. Prior to Travel Insured, Sue was in the hospitality, tourism, and travel sales industries in the Boston area. Her career has provided skills in business development, account management and working collaboratively for sales and growth. As the National Business Development Manager, she is focused on developing new account partnerships in the travel industry and across various business units. In her free time you might find her on the slopes, playing golf or hanging out at her family’s craft brewery, Still Hill Brewery in Rocky Hill, CT.

Email: [email protected]

Today we will cover:
(04:35) When to initially offer travel insurance to clients
(09:45) Setting a minimum expectation for clients to purchase travel insurance
(13:35) Including travel insurance expectations in terms and conditions
(15:30) Legal requirement of offering travel insurance as a travel advisor
(19:45) Advising clients to seek information from the insurance company directly
(21:20) Do's and don'ts of selling travel insurance
(23:07) Best practices for converting clients to purchasing insurance
(27:25) Can travel advisors purchase insurance on behalf of clients?
(33:35) Importance of having written confirmation for insurance requests
(35:50) Commission ranges and protection for travel insurance policies
(46:35) Recommended add-ons for policies
(52:05) Being a resource for clients who purchased insurance on their own

Client Communication Templates:
A collection of email, forms, and task list templates to help you enforce boundaries, manage expectations, & deliver a high-end travel booking experience.

The Legal Paige - Travel industry agreement templates
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JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: www.tiquehq.com
57 min
December 05, 202352. How To Disaster-Proof Your Business with Matt Maniscalco
Are you prepared for the unexpected? Don't wait until it's too late! As a business owner, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and overlook the need for emergency planning. However, it's crucial to have a plan in place to protect your business and your loved ones in case of unforeseen circumstances. Matt Maniscalco, an accomplished insurance agency owner, joins the show to discuss the importance of preparing for life's unexpected events.

Matt emphasizes the necessity for travel advisors to have comprehensive plans and protocols in place, addressing both personal and professional aspects. From taking out life insurance policies and creating emergency succession plans to understanding your business's financial state and ensuring your legacy's protection, this episode covers the challenging but crucial matters business owners must consider!

About Matt Maniscalco:
Matt is the President of Page Insurance Agency. He is licensed with both his 2-15 and 2-20 licenses, giving him the ability to help clients in many aspects of their insurance and retirement needs. His career background includes an internship with the NFL, 5 years as a Market Executive in Radio, and most prior 5 years in bank management. Matthew was raised in DeLand, where he still resides with his beautiful wife and 2 children. His passion for his family, his community, and his clients is what drives his success. Beyond his community relations, Matt enjoys coaching little league, working out, attending sporting events, and spending quality time with his family.

pageinsuranceagency.com
#BLESSED as You CHOOSE to Be

Today we will cover:
(01:40) Matt’s personal experience in realizing the need to have an insurance policy in place
(05:05) Key Man life insurance policy and its significance for your business
(11:30) Robin and Jennifer’s reasoning for getting a policy; ensuring financial security
(14:00) Creating an emergency plan for your business
(16:05) Hiring a corporate attorney and accountant for guidance
(18:15) Importance of having operational processes and SOPs in place
(22:05) Starting the planning process from day one of the business
(25:35) Factors to consider when determining coverage amount
(33:55) Significance of planning for the unexpected in business
(37:39) What to include in your emergency documents and who should have access to the information

Novo - The ultimate online banking system perfect for travel advisors on the go!

The Legal Paige - Travel industry agreement templates
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: www.tiquehq.com
47 min
November 28, 202351. Should Your Assistant Be An Independent Contractor Or An Employee? with Paige Griffith Esq.
Whether you're considering bringing on an independent contractor (IC) or hiring an employee, it's important to understand the differences between the two and make the right choice for your travel business. This episode explores the key aspects of categorizing your new assistant and provides insights from Paige Griffith Esq., an attorney and entrepreneur who specializes in helping business owners navigate the legal aspects of hiring.

Paige sheds light on the considerations that every business owner should be aware of when deciding between an IC and employee. Learn the differences between the two in terms of flexibility, control, tax implications, ability to part ways, and cost implications. Also, learn the importance of setting up processes and contracts to protect both parties, as well as tips for successful hiring and team management.

About Paige Griffith:
In her first year of law school, Paige decided to add a photography business to her already demanding schedule. She immediately fell in love with entrepreneurship and the thrill of building her own dream. After connecting with more creatives, she quickly became attuned to their legal uncertainties and founded The Legal Paige as a solution to the confusion that comes with building a legally legit business. As both a lawyer and a small business owner, Paige understands the challenges and dreams you face. Whether she’s speaking at conferences, guest experting in Masterminds, or recording podcast episodes, she’s keenly aware of the client issues that keep you up at night and the big goals you have to scale a business (while maintaining your peace-of-mind). Oftentimes legal problems can feel impossible to solve and it brings her great joy to offer simple solutions that help you rest assured in your business.

thelegalpaige.com
Travel industry agreement templates
Independent contractor agreement template

Today we will cover:
(01:12) Paige shares her background and why she started The Legal Paige
(09:35) Benefits of providing free educational content
(15:00) Differences between hiring an independent contractor and an employee
(21:25) Should every contractor be their own legal entity?
(27:00) Considerations for travel advisors in hiring contractors
(34:45) Financial preparation for paying employee salaries
(36:40) Performance evaluations and feedback for contractors and employees
(39:20) Importance of having processes and SOPs in place for contractors
(46:50) The generational shift in employee boundaries and expectations
(49:20) Costs associated with hiring employees and contractors
(56:25) Hiring tips: hire slowly, fire fast
(58:10) Paying for probationary periods and test projects
(59:25) Removing access and permissions before firing someone

Get $100 off when you join Gusto!
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JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: www.tiquehq.com
1 hr 8 min
November 21, 202350. How To Know If It's Time To Refresh Your Brand with Amandolin Webb
Is your brand attracting your ideal clients? Commonly overlooked, branding is in fact a crucial aspect of any business. This episode uncovers details on what makes a brand effective, how to keep it relevant, and how to evaluate if a brand refresh is in order! Amandolin Webb, the creative director and branding genius for Tique, joins this discussion to provide her expertise on the importance of branding, determining if your brand is actually attracting your ideal client, and advice on the tricky business of evolving your brand as your business and audience grows. She also touches on topics like brand consistency and its effects on audience perception and trust.

Tune in to gain actionable strategies such as adopting more straightforward approaches, creating brand guides, ensuring brand differentiation and cohesiveness, and choosing timeless elements for brand longevity. By prioritizing brand identity and consistently delivering a cohesive brand experience, you can build a strong and authentic brand that resonates with your target audience and positions your business for long-term growth and success!

Today we will cover:
(03:10) Evaluating if a brand refresh is needed
(08:10) Evolving with your target audience
(11:50) Benefits of a simple and timeless brand design
(13:00) Sub-brands; pros and cons to having multiple brands
(20:35) Identifying outdated brands and avoiding trends
(25:20) Luxury brands and their branding strategies
(30:35) Brand recognition and standing out
(36:50) Maintaining brand consistency over time
(44:20) Signs that your brand is not engaging with your target audience
(47:30) Making adjustments to branding rather than starting over

TIQUE x Solstice Collective:
Get $250 off your initial service commitment
_____

JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tiquehq
CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: www.tiquehq.com
54 min
November 14, 202349. When And How To Work With A DMC with Crothúr Murphy
Discover the power of working with a Destination Management Company (DMC). Crothúr Murphy, Owner and Managing Director of Crafted Ireland, provides insight into the immense value that DMCs bring to the travel industry. Learn the role of a DMC and how they can create unique and personalized experiences for clients. From helicopter rides to private lunches and exclusive access to historical sites, Crafted Ireland goes above and beyond to create extraordinary moments.

Crothúr explains the multitude of benefits of working with a DMC, the challenges they face, the importance of trust and communication between the DMC and the travel advisor, and much more. Tune in to learn all about the world of DMCs from the perspective of a quintessential example of a specialized DMC!

About Crothúr Murphy:
Crothúr Murphy, Owner and Managing Director of Crafted Ireland, embarked on his career in hospitality as a driver guide, laying the foundation for his profound connection with Ireland's landscapes and culture. Drawing from this invaluable experience, he envisioned and established Crafted Ireland, a luxury Destination Management Company (DMC). Crothúr's unwavering passion for his homeland shines through as he curates bespoke travel adventures that showcase Ireland's rich culture and natural beauty. Committed to responsible tourism, he creates lasting memories for travelers seeking authentic Irish experiences.

Craftedireland.com

Today we will cover:
(03:15) Crothúr’s background in the hospitality industry and Crafted Ireland
(07:20) The role of a destination management company (DMC)
(13:45) Leveraging creativity and enhancing Googleable experiences
(16:00) How a DMC can advocate for the client’s experience
(19:30) Building trust between advisors and DMCs
(22:35) The value of having a DMC in emergency situations
(25:55) Working with difficult clients and red flag behavior
(31:45) Reasons for declining a client
(34:15) Turnaround time for itineraries
(37:20) Understanding the pressure on both sides of the industry
(42:45) How to communicate desired luxury touches to a DMC
(47:15) Thoughts on DMCs charging fees
(53:20) Trusted FIT Services and financial health of DMCs

TONIC
tonicsiteshop.com/showcase
Get 15% off your purchase with code: TiqueSentMe
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JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: www.tiquehq.com/niche
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1 hr 1 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.