Shawna LevetMake the time to invest in yourself
Are you stuck in a rut when it comes to running your business? Do you feel like you are constantly draining your energy, but never quite getting recharged? Finding the time for a conference, class, or FAM trip might seem like a very distant possibility. But if you wait for the perfect time, it will never come. Make the time to invest in yourself — you won’t regret it.
1. Sign Up For a Webinar
Take an in-depth look at a topic of interest from the comfort of your desk. Find webinars or video tutorials on travel, sales, marketing, accounting, and more! Here are some great resources for both recorded video tutorials and live webinars:
- CCRA Travel Agent Webinars
- Centrav Booking Tutorials
- Content Marketing Institute
- Hootsuite Webinars
- LinkedIn Learning
- Travel Agent Central
- Travel Weekly
- USTOA Travel Agent Webinars
Centrav also hosts live webinars on how to sell air and make the most of our products and services. Registered members on centrav.com will receive email invitations to upcoming webinars with our team. You can register here for free if you have not already!
2. Join a Network
Travel industry networks can provide you with education, resources, and sometimes accreditation that will give you another badge of credibility with new clients. These are just a few to check out!
ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents)
ASTA is the largest association of travel professionals in the world. They advocate for travel agents, travel suppliers, and tour operators alike. ASTA’s mission is to “facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.”
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
As the world’s largest cruise industry association, CLIA represents over 50 cruise lines and over 25,000 travel agent members. They are committed to promoting policies and practices that create a safe, secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment. The CLIA network strives to advocate, educate, and promote the common interests of the cruising community.
IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network)
Card-carrying members of IATAN’s travel agent network have access to exclusive education materials and rewards programs. Card benefits may include deals from industry suppliers such as hotels, airlines, attractions, FAM trips, and more.
3. Read a Book
Don’t rely on the internet alone to learn how to improve your business. Pick up a book on business development, customer service or even leadership. Read it on your own or read and discuss as a whole team! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Joseph A. Michelli
Nordstrom Way to Customer Experience Excellence, The
Robert Spector & BreAnne O. Reeves
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Tom Rath
John C. Maxwell
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing
Daniel H. Pink
Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too
Gary Vaynerchuck
4. Attend a Conference
Travel conferences provide an excellent way to stay updated on industry news, connect with agents and suppliers, and relax! If you belong to a consortium or a host agency, they may host national or regional events for suppliers and agents to network. Consider adding these B2B travel industry conferences to your schedule this year or next!
- ASTA Global Convention
- Cruise 360
- Cruise World Show
- Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum
- NACTA Annual Conference
- Travel Industry Exchange
USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace
5. Take a FAM Trip
Take more FAM Trips! You work hard and you deserve a break once in a while. Take advantage of your connections and FAM opportunities and learn something along the way. There are many discounts available to travel agents that you might not even be aware of. See our list of the Top 30 Travel Agent Discounts and start planning your getaway!
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