The first step as a new Agent is to let your friends, family and other acquaintances know that you are now affiliated with an expert travel agency. You may want to do this informally with a telephone call or short note offering to help with their next travel plans. Remember to pass out your business card at every opportunity. If you have an office or waiting room, leave your cards out, along with flyers on the latest special offerings from InteleTravel.com.
Your approach can also be more thorough and systematic. Begin by making a list of everyone you know, any of their friends you can think of, and any companies, social clubs or other organizations you or your friends may have personal influence over. Use address books, your collection of business cards, and a little brainstorming around themes; like friends you see golfing, skiing, at church, etc. Once you have completed your list, take a break. Coming back to it later, consider each person on the list, putting a star by only those you feel very comfortable calling.
As soon as you can, give them a call and tell them about your new travel business. Explain The Intelligent Travel Revolution and how it benefits them in exceptional service and the lowest fares. Conclude by asking if they will do you the favor of contacting you the next time they are considering a trip. "Just try it once," you might say. Remember, it doesn’t cost them anything.
Follow up with a note, a flyer on a particular special offering and your business card. If they have a trip scheduled, you may use your calendar to note an appropriate date to check back with them. If travel was booked, find out the dates and use your calendar again for the next call after they return: "How was your trip? Where next? Everyone is talking about... We have a great deal on a cruise there in a few months. I'll send you something." This is also the best time to ask your satisfied customers if they know anyone else who you could book travel for. Ask if you can use their name when contacting any friends they refer. DO NOT underestimate the power of this kind of networking. These simple steps already represent more powerful marketing and customer service than the majority of traditional travel agencies provide.
When you have practiced working with your close friends, it will be much easier to approach the rest of the people on your list. Choose the most appropriate way to contact them: a telephone call, letter with your business card, or perhaps a face-to-face chat at the next party, club meeting, etc.
In your initial discussions, and when creating opportunities to maintain your new relationships, think about your clients' specific needs. Does he prefer the Caribbean while she travels to Europe? Is she a cruise person, while he dreams of Fiji? If Jane is the explorer type, drop her a note about the new Alaska cruise with onboard naturalists. If Bob thinks of nothing but golf, mention the latest tour of courses in Ireland the next time you see him at the gym. If your information is valuable to your clients, they will always be delighted to hear from you. After a few good trips that you helped plan, you will be hearing from them again!
See the InteleTravel.com website for a sample customizable Introductory Press Release in the “More Sales Tools” section.