How to Qualify Your Client

One of the most critical steps in working with your clients in planning that perfect destination getaway is properly qualifying them before you make a recommendation. Qualifying your client can also establish your reputation and credentials as a travel professional. Why is this so important? Imagine going to your family physician, and they try to give you advice and write a prescription when they really didn’t take the time to understand all of your symptoms. Wouldn’t you walk away wondering if you need a second opinion? Of course you would. At the very least you would wonder how much that doctor even cares.

Before you can make recommendations, it really is important as a travel professional, to understand the experience your clients would like to capture from their vacation. Of course there are the common questions any travel agent would ask. Where do you want to go? What type of vacation experience are you seeking? What are the dates you want to travel? What is your budget?

Obviously you need the answers to these types of questions BEFORE you make a booking. But have you ever thought about asking qualifying questions that you don’t really need to know the answers to? These types of questions will not only show you care about your clients’ travel experience, but will establish yourself as a professional, and will probably secure the booking for you and eliminate your competition.

This is where thinking “out of the box” helps establish you not only as a travel agent, but as a travel expert. You want to show your clients that you are someone that cares about helping them achieve the maximum value. Which isn’t necessarily just a vacation, but a travel experience…an adventure…a memory that will last a lifetime.

These types of questions will help you make a recommendation, but they will also tell your clients that you care enough to capture the essence of what they would like for their travel experience. Perhaps it is a time for de-stressing, spending time with family, revitalizing a stale marriage, or seeking adventure and fulfillment.

Remember that vacations aren’t just where and when you want to travel. Vacations are about adding to your repertoire of life experiences.

So what kind of qualifying questions should a Travel Expert ask? Here are some of the questions we recommend to get your client talking about their vacation desires.

What are some of your past vacation likes and dislikes? Would you consider yourself a beach person or a pool person? Which is more important: staying at a nicer resort with a downgraded room, or, staying at a mid-range resort with an upgraded room? Do you like the idea of being able to eat and drink as much as you want for one price? What are your favorite foods? Do you enjoy eating island cuisine (or trying local cultural foods?) Are you looking for a more intimate experience or would you prefer more action and nightlife? Is room service important to you? Is beach service important to you? What kind of attire would you like to wear for evening wear? Would it be important to you to stay at a resort that has activities and nightlife after 11PM? What type of water activities do you like? Are long walks on the beach important to you? What do you like about your chosen destination? Are you certified to scuba dive? Would you like to get certified while on vacation? What types of family vacation activities are important to you? What is your goal for this vacation?

Also remember it is not enough to just ask the right questions. Don’t forget how important it is to listen to their responses, as well. You will find when you take the time to get to know your prospects, you will leave them with feelings of excitement and anticipation about their upcoming vacation.

And chances are you have also now secured them as your next client.

Interested in starting an exciting new career as a KHM Travel Group Agent? Visit www.KHMTravel.com to learn more about our unique and comprehensive travel agent program that can be the gateway for you to start your own business, earn money and travel the world!

Finding the Perfect Trade Show

Gaining targeted, relationship-driven travel sales is very important to your business. One of the best ways to obtain these sales is by participating in a trade show.

When you first start seeking out trade shows, try thinking like your potential travel client and look where they are looking. Consider their age, gender and spending ability. If you’re looking to tap into the bridal market, consider sponsoring a bridal show. Shopping malls, bridal boutiques, radio stations, and wedding reception venues are also known to host bridal shows. You can usually find event listings for local bridal shows online. If you’re looking to sell to families, consider sponsoring seasonal and family-oriented events like craft fairs, community fairs and outdoors events. Check your city or local chamber of commerce’s website and event listings for events in your community.

The bottom line is—don’t participate in a trade show if you don’t think that your potential clients will be there.

Now that you’ve found some shows in your area that will attract your potential clients, how do you decide whether or not to participate? There are several qualifying questions and factors to take into consideration.

First, you should consider the location and size of the show. If it is close to your home or office, future client meetings will be easy and convenient. Be sure to see if there is free parking at the show, as the cost of parking may deter people from attending.

Secondly, your booth size and location is also an important factor. Ask yourself questions like “What is the size of the space I will get to market my business? Will my booth be located in a heavy-traffic area? What does the show producer provide vendors in terms of tables, table-skirting, lighting and flooring? What will be required for set-up and teardown?” Asking these questions are important because extensive set-up needs may raise your overall costs and make the show less profitable to you in the long run. The answers to these questions will help you determine if the trade show is right for you.

The third factor is cost and it is key in figuring out if the event will contribute to an increase in profits for your agency. It’s always a benefit to get access to the names and contact information of the attendees. That way you can follow up with them by using a direct mail piece or an email campaign. Also, some shows may give you the option to purchase space to have your company or name mentioned in any of the show’s printed or advertising materials, like a show guide, program or the flyer promoting the show, which means more eyes and ears on your company name and logo. If advertising is included with the cost of your booth…even better as these types of ads on their own may become costly!

Additional aspects to consider are the time of year, week, or even the day that the show takes place, the number of attendees expected, and the number of other travel vendors that you will be competing with at the show. Large shows that are heavily promoted in the media will attract more potential clients, but you may need to recruit additional help to staff your booth and you will have less time to interact with potential clients. Smaller shows may result in higher quality leads and allow for more time for you to sell your services to those in attendance.

Don’t agree to sponsor a show or buy a booth without first determining the maximum amount you are willing to spend. Smaller shows can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 per table or booth and larger shows can go into the thousands. But, don’t worry. You don’t have to spend a lot to make this work for you! Decide how many shows you will do in the next year and budget accordingly. Count everything from booth setup and display costs, to giveaways, printed materials and signage. Be sure to talk to your tax accountant because there is a good chance that most of these business costs can be written off!

If you have difficulty finding the potential in your trade show investment, then participating in that specific show may not be worth your time, money or effort. But don’t let that discourage you; there are plenty of trade shows out there, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you and your business!

Interested in starting an exciting new career as a KHM Travel Group Agent? Visit www.KHMTravel.com to learn more about our unique and comprehensive travel agent program that can be the gateway for you to start your own business, earn money and travel the world!

Is a Travel Agent Career Right for YOU?

How you would describe your dream job? Would you enjoy the flexibility to work from home? Set your own hours? Sell a product that customers actually LIKE to buy? Have the opportunity to travel to new places, often at a discount? Then a work from home travel agent career may be right for YOU!

A travel agent career allows you to be your own boss. As an independent contractor of a host travel agency, you are in full control of the type of business you would like to build. You may choose the travel products you want to sell and decide how to market your business. Whether you desire to work part-time or full-time, the possibilities as a work from home travel agent are endless.

What type of person can have a successful travel agent career? A large part of the job involves developing relationships with clients, so good communication skills are vital. Being familiar with basic computer operations is also helpful, since email and online booking engines will be used for reservations. The ability to stay organized is key. Most of all, a work from home travel agent needs to be self-motivated and have a strong desire to succeed.

Is it necessary to attend a travel agent school or receive any kind of travel agent certification before beginning a travel agent career? Education is certainly beneficial to increase your knowledge of travel products, booking procedures, and popular destinations. A large portion of this can be learned at home via the internet, without attending a travel agent school. Most travel suppliers will offer an introductory travel agent course, allowing the agent to learn the basics of making reservations. Many popular destinations offer a travel agent certification program which allows the agent to become a sales specialist for that area.

KHM Travel offers an extensive travel agent training program to its family of agents. A variety of basic travel agent courses and webinars are available at no cost. A more extensive travel agent course from Compass Travel Academy is offered at a discount to KHM agents. This coursework also counts as credits toward the travel agent certification levels offered by The Travel Institute.

Are you ready to get started in your exciting new travel agent career? Contact KHM Travel at 877-220-9260 x. 200 for more information or visit www.KHMTravel.com and let the adventure begin!

What is a Travel Agent Familiarization Trip (FAM)?

We’ve all heard the saying, “Knowledge is power,” and that is especially true in the travel industry.  The more knowledge you have about a travel product, the better equipped you are to offer the expert advice your clients appreciate.  Brochures, websites, and training seminars are all useful tools.  But understanding the product you are selling involves more than glossy pictures, and goes beyond facts and figures.  Experiencing a destination in person brings the information to life in a way like no other.

One of the easiest ways to gain real-life travel experience is by going on a familiarization trip, more commonly known as a FAM trip.  These reduced-rate trips are specially designed packages that allow travel agents to visit the most popular destinations, resorts, and cruise ships.  FAM trips may be offered by tourist boards, hotel chains, or any other supplier that recognizes how much first-hand knowledge benefits the agents that are selling their products.  In addition, KHM Travel Group partners with top travel companies to offer exclusive FAM trips, with information tailored specifically to the needs of their home-based travel agents.

What happens on a FAM trip?  Most often, a FAM will include tours of multiple hotels and resorts.  At each property you will see samples of various room categories, as well as public areas like restaurants, kids’ clubs, pools, and spas.  You will have the opportunity to take pictures or video that you can share with your clients upon your return.

Your FAM trip will likely include training sessions offered by the trip’s sponsor.  These sessions provide education about the product, marketing tools available, and other valuable advice … Just what any travel agent needs in order to return home filled with enthusiasm and ready to increase your sales!  And you might even manage to squeeze in a little fun too, at a cocktail party, VIP dinner, or on an excursion to a local attraction.

Another fantastic benefit of a FAM trip is the opportunity to network with other travel agents.  As you get to know the other agents traveling with you, you’ll be able to share stories, ideas, and ways to overcome the challenges you’re facing.  You may also develop relationships with key supplier personnel and resort staff, who often provide valuable support of your travel business.

FAM trips aren’t limited to land-based travel, either.  Cruise lines often sponsor ship inspections.  These tours allow agents to view staterooms, deck layouts, entertainment venues, and often include a chance to sample the cuisine at one of the ship’s restaurants.  For an even more in-depth experience, you might consider a Seminar at Sea, which allows you to set sail on a scheduled itinerary at a discounted rate.  These cruises offer training sessions to expand your product knowledge, as well as the chance to enjoy the amenities and activities on-board and in each port.

Agents returning from a FAM trip often find themselves energized, inspired, and armed with the information and experience needed to grow their business to a whole new level.

KHM Travel agents can look under “Meetings and Events” in their agent portal to view upcoming FAM opportunities.

Not a KHM Travel agent yet?  Call Burt Kramer at 1-877-220-9260 (ext. 101) and/or visit KHMTravel.com to learn more about the training and support available to start your own home-based travel business.

How to Find Networking Groups

Face-to-face networking can be one of the most effective ways to build relationships and your credibility as a small business owner. For a home-based travel agent, this type of networking should be a priority when it comes to looking at ways to meet new people and grow your contact base.

But how much should you network and how many networking groups should you join? Answering this question will vary from agent to agent depending on if you are operating your business full-time or part-time and what your personal and professional goals are for your travel agency. As a rule of thumb, however, you should attend a minimum of 2 networking events a month if you work part-time and 4 networking events, or one a week, if you operate your travel agency on a full time basis.

So, where do you start to find networking groups? The first place you should investigate is your local chamber of commerce. Keep in mind that each local chamber serves the community and the businesses that reside in that community. Their goal is to help business owners grow, build and develop their businesses. Most chambers have wonderful resources and networking opportunities for the small business owner. Research your local chamber of commerce’s website and investigate what they may have to offer. Monthly networking events, business after business events, trade shows, advertising opportunities, and education workshops are just a sample of the types of resources that your chamber can provide you.

Young Professionals, Women in Business, Business Network International (BNI), National Association of Small Business Owners (NASBO), and Toastmasters are all nationally recognized networking avenues for the small business owner. Search online to locate your local chapter for these organizations and see what it takes to join.

Most of these networking organizations will charge nominal annual or monthly dues. However, in most cases, the return on your investment happens quickly. Check with your tax accountant as these types of dues are generally considered a tax write-off.

If you are on a tight budget, check out Meetup at Meetup.com for free networking opportunities available in your community. Keep in mind that not all networking groups need to be business in nature. Even social networking groups will give you the opportunity to meet new people to add to your prospect list and build long-term professional relationships.

Everyone will vacation sooner or later, so whether you’re at a professional business event, gathering of fellow moms at a playdate or even enjoying time at a classic car show, there’s always an opportunity for you to talk about what you do and gain new clients. Once you begin to network, you’ll be amazed at how fast your list of clients will grow!

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 Interested in starting an exciting new career as a KHM Travel Group Agent? Visit www.KHMTravel.com to learn more about our unique and comprehensive travel agent program that can be the gateway for you to start your own business, earn money and travel the world! Find out more about the best way to start a fun career as a home based travel business owner at www.KHMTravel.com or call Burt Kramer at 1-877-220-9260.

Many entrepreneurs can sometimes feel overwhelmed in their business when they discover that owning and managing a company is not very easy or glamorous. This should be the fact that many fail in the first 3 years. There’s one kind of small enterprise though where the opposite is experienced. What is it? A home based travel agency. Following 4 reasons that explain why owning your very own travel agent makes for contented business possession.

It’s Straightforward to Find Purchasers : Buyers are the most vital asset of any business. And, getting them is a challenge many small companies face. When you own your travel agency, the world at large is your shopper base. This makes finding purchasers infinitely simpler than in other kinds of companies. You can take reservations from local purchasers, from state consumers and from global clients. And, you can do it at any point of the day or night This is a big advantage for new entrepreneurs for it suggests that irrespective of what time of the year you open your doors, as it were, your services will be requested.

Earn Commissions Around The Clock : Travel is not a 9-5 business ; it’s an around-the-clock business. Buyers can log onto the web and order travel for family reunions, honeymoons, graduation cruises and more each minute of each day. What does this mean to you? That when you own your own travel office, you can make commissions all of the time. You can not say that for plenty of companies.

Travel Deductions For You : When you launch your own travel agent, you receive reductions on your own travel. It is like your business paying you to do business! You receive kickbacks on airline tickets, 5 star hotels, fine cafes and more. This is, in reality why many started home based travel agents. Because they really like to travel, they decide, Why not benefit from it and earn some money at the same time.

Deductions For Friends And Family : many are not aware that when you own your very own travel agent, acquaintances and family have entitlement to discounts as well.

As the travel agent owner, you make money when they book thru your business. Yes, you read right. Your friends and family get deductions and you earn cash at the exact same time. It is a winning situation for all. When you own your very own home based travel business, a wonderful new world literally opens down to you. Find out more about the best way to start a fun career as a home based travel business owner at www.KHMTravel.com or call Burt Kramer at 1-877-220-9260.

Although owning and operating your own business has its rewards, it is often easier and more profitable to start a home business travel agency instead. Usually, most small businesses fail within the first three years, but these statistics do not apply if you decide to become a travel agent. There are three main reasons why it pays to become an independent travel consultant: you will always have plenty of customers, you will make money around-the-clock, and you will enjoy travel discounts for yourself, your family, and your friends.

Plenty of Customers

Without customers you have no business, and one of the reasons why most small businesses fail in three years is that they run out of leads, prospects, and customers. This, fortunately, is not true in the travel business because demand far exceeds supply. When you’re a work at home travel agent, you will get customers from the city you live in, from all over the country, and from all over the world. What’s more, you can make reservations day and night and your travel software applications make it easy to handle this stream of business. Unlike other businesses which are restricted to local customers or seasonal variations, these limitations do not apply to a home-based travel agency.

Make Money Around-The-Clock

In the travel business, the phrase “making money-around-the clock” is used literally, not figuratively. The influx of customers will not be limited to banker’s hours, but you will be open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your customers will be booking cruises, honeymoons, family reunions, and travel packages at all hours of the day or night. A work at home travel agent is someone who makes money all the time.

Travel Discounts

Those who love to travel themselves love this aspect of the business. It’s routine to receive deep discounts on travel expenses, ranging from air travel to staying in a luxury hotel or dining in a fancy restaurant. Your business is paying you to be in business!

These deep discounts not only apply to you when you become a travel agent, but also to your family and friends. Moreover, since you are booking them, you will get paid for it, too.

Start a home based travel agency today and get plenty to customers, make money around the clock, and enjoy deep discounts on your own personal travel. When you become a travel agent, you step into a new world full of profit and excitement. For more information call Burt Kramer at 877-220-9260.

Finding a home based travel agent position involves considering many things. Some people are seeking a supplemental income, while others might be looking for a full-time career. Knowing what you want is essential to your search. Also, you should know what hours you can work, how often you’re able to work, and how much money you expect to make.

Regardless of the industry that you work in, knowing what you want is essential for a successful career. There are so many companies that are offering home based positions because of their increased popularity, and travel agencies are no different. Take the time to figure out what you want, and it should be easy to find.

Any company that you consider working with should have a solid reputation. There are many different companies out there, but not all have the same credibility. You should also check out how much you can make with each company, and whether that pay is commission based or a set salary. Some companies offer both, while others will only provide one or the other.

Do you want to own your own travel agency, or do you want to work for someone else? This is another important element in your search. There are many companies that offer business ownership as a home based travel agent, but there are also some that hire actual employees to work for them. A lot of people like working for themselves because it’s more flexible and freeing, but some people just don’t have what it takes to be their own boss.

Being a home based travel agent can be a rewarding career. You’ll enjoy a great job that is fun and different, and you might even be eligible for travel discounts since you’re an agent. Also, what’s better than being your own boss and having a job you can do from the comfort of home?

Make sure you find a company that offers quality training and support for your new career. That way, you’ll guarantee that you’re prepared for everything and won’t be going into a new field unprepared. Working from home makes training more critical, because you won’t have someone right there to help out.

When you decide to become a work at home travel agent, there’s a lot that you need to think about. You should focus on finding a position that suits your needs, and that you work with a company that will give you a leg up toward a successful journey.

If you want to become a home based travel agent, you should contact KHM Travel today. We have plenty of positions available, and offer comprehensive training and support for all of our agents. Check out our website at www.KHMTravel.com or call Burt Kramer at 1-877-220-9260.

Many small business owners feel trapped in their business. They discover that owning and running a business is not easy or glamorous. This could be the reason that many fail within the first three years. There is one type of small business though where the opposite is experienced. What is it? A home-based travel agency. Following are following four reasons why owning your own travel agency makes for happy business ownership.

It’s Easy to Find Customers: Customers are the most important asset of any business. And, getting them is a challenge many small businesses face. When you own your own travel agency, the world at large is your customer base. This makes finding customers infinitely easier than in other types of businesses. You can take reservations from local customers, from national customers and from international customers. And, you can do it at any time of the day or night

This is a huge advantage for new business owners for it means that no matter what time of year you open your doors, so to speak, your services will always be sought after.

Make Money All the Time: Travel is not a 9-5 business; it is an around-the-clock business. Customers go online to book travel for family reunions, honeymoons, graduation cruises and more every minute of every day. What does this mean for you? That when you own your own travel agency, you can make money all the time. You can’t say that for a lot of businesses.

Travel Discounts for You: When you start your own travel agency, you receive discounts on your own travel. It’s like your business paying you to do business! You receive huge discounts on airline tickets, luxury hotels, fine restaurants and more. This is, in fact why many started home-based travel agencies. Because they love to travel, they decide, “Why not capitalize on it and make some money at the same time.”

Discounts for Friends and Family: Many aren’t aware that when you own your own travel agency, friends and family are entitled to discounts as well. And, as the travel agency owner, you make money when they book through your site. Yes, you read right. Your friends and family get discounts – and you make money at the same time. It’s a winning situation for all.

When you own your own travel agency, an exciting new world literally opens up to you. Learn more about how to start an exciting career as a home-based travel agency owner at www.KHMTravel.com or call Burt Kramer at 1-877-220-9260.

If you want to operate a successful home based travel agency, there are some areas that you need to pay particular attention to. For example, being organized and staying focused.  Following are three specific areas to keep in mind – and why they’re important to your travel agency business success.

3 Keys to Operating a Successful Home Based Travel Agency

Be a Team Player: As in, hire the right team. Many home based travel agency owners make the mistake of trying to do everything. This will kill your success before you can even et it off the ground. Especially because you’re probably a sole proprietor, you need the guidance of a small business lawyer, a skilled accountant or bookkeeper, and a hard-nosed business mentor. He or she will keep you focused and hold you accountable. These are two things every small business owner needs from time to time.

When you have the right team in place, you can then focus on core business initiatives, like sales and marketing.

Sales and Marketing Help: No business can succeed without sales. It is the one thing that must happen before anything else can happen. If selling is not your most powerful skill, you should get help – quickly. One of the best things about a home based travel agency business is that excellent training in sales and marketing is usually part of the package. That is, if you sign align yourself with the right firm.

Reputable agencies that offer home based travel agency business opportunities normally supply such in-depth marketing training as assistance with web design, internet marketing training, advice and tips on direct mail marketing, sample sales letters, etc.

Your Personal Systems and Policies: When you operate a home based travel agency, you are person responsible implementing processes and procedures to keep you organized and productive. Many home-based entrepreneurs don’t do this, and it costs them thousands of dollars in potential income. Just think, if you waste an hour a day hunting down files and information, how much better could that time have been used to generate more income? For this reason alone, it is critical to get – and stay – organized from the beginning if you want to maximize profits. Check out our website at www.KHMTravel.com or call Burt Kramer at 1-877-220-9260.