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Monday, May 12, 2008
Fourth Commandment for the Home Based Agent
"Thou Shall Not Re-invent the Wheel"
"I want a website for my agency ...I need an accounting program ... I need to create a database for my clients ... I need to pursue e-mail marketing ...I need to go to the library to research a new destination ..."
No matter what you feel your agency needs, I guarantee there is a program out there that will work for you. Instead of spending the time creating a program on your own which could take weeks even months, look into programs that exist. Yes, they may cost you to begin with but your time is worth much more and you will be better served if you are spending your time selling not creating an accounting program.
Throughout our training, we introduce our students to programs that are in existence for home based travel agents. We even provide our graduates with a Free Marketing Database Program to help them get started.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Don't Confuse a "Kit" or a "Package" with a Travel School
Every week, I get lots of calls from people who are looking for training to become a travel agent. They want to know why our program costs more than the "Kit" or "Package" other organizations are selling. Well, it's simple ... if you just want books, go ahead and order the "Kit" or the "Package" but that is all you are getting...books, very good books as a matter of fact, we too use one of these books BUT you have no instructors or staff to call when you have a question or need an opinion...no chat rooms or conference calls with preferred suppliers to enhance your education ... no free Marketing Database program to help get your business started... no networking with other students and graduates ... Yes their "kits" or "packages" are less expensive, but do you want to teach yourself or have travel professionals teach you.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
What Should You Look For in a Host Agency?
Last night, we did a conference call with Karlen Okamura, Sales Director of Nexion, one of preferred host agencies. Karlen did an awesome job outling what you want to look for in a good host and presented the various programs Nexion offers new agents. She also discussed the Pros and Cons of using a GDS system for booking. This conference call was recorded and is available to all our students and graduates.
But, if you are serious about becoming a home based travel agent, I would like to give you the opportunity to listen to last night's conference call. E-mail me at nkist@careerquesttraining.com and I will send you the access information.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Third Commandment for the Home Based Agent
Thou Shall Avoid "HBS". What is HBS ... it is a common ailment for people who work at home. Experts call it "Home Based Syndrome" and the symptoms are:
Walking around wondering what you were doing before you got distracted.
Finding yourself procrastinating for any reason.
Working in untidy conditions.
Answering the phone or client e-mails at all hours.
Luckily, there is a cure. Once your office is established and you have set your hours ...
1. Prioritize your daily schedule.
2. At the end of the work day, take the last 30 minutes to create the
To-Do list for the next day.
3. Prioritize jobs according to their importance.
4. Allow yourself time for call backs, research and "clutter" clean up.
5. During scheduled work hours, do not take time out to do household
chores or errands.
6. Be diligent at completing the tasks at hand and be sure to cross the
tasks off your list as you complete them.
7. When you are done for the day ... close that office door and spend
quality time with your family.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
"NEXION" Conference Call Tonite
Just a reminder to all our students and graduates that tonite (Wednesday, May 7 from 7-8 PM EDT)our guest speaker will be Karlen Okamura, Nexion Sales Director. Her topic - Do you need GDS Training? and an overview of Nexion's Host Programs.
Conference call instructions have been e-mailed.
To all prospective students ... if you were planning to register for one of our training programs this week, I would highly recommend you do it today so you can join this call tonite. Enrollments received by 4:00 PM Today will be able to participate.
Travel
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