As a long-term, valued travel partner to your clients, you need to be on your client’s subconscious radar. Meaning, when a client needs to plan a trip, you’re already on their minds. For example, if it’s midnight and your client is talking with his or her spouse about planning their next trip, you want them to immediately think of you instead of going online and looking for a travel advisor.
If you’re on their mind before they make the decision to plan a trip, you’ll watch your business grow like a weed. Here’s how to stay on their radar screen:
1) Send a weekly, electronic newsletter.
Weekly promotions don’t count! Your electronic newsletter should contain:
a) a personal note from you;
b) a helpful, interesting feature article;
c) a recommendation – this is where you can mention great deals or a destination you particularly like.
By following this formula, you connect with your clients and prospects, and establish yourself as an expert while you build trust.
2) Stay in touch with a quarterly direct mailing.
When you take the time to send a personalized letter or postcard to your list, you’ll make an impression and stay in the front of their minds. For an easy, professional-looking way to keep in touch with your list and send out offers, use an automated system such as Send Out Cards, which you can try free at www.sendoutcards.com/75668.
3) Put pull questions on the back of your business card.
You know who your clients and prospects are and what keeps them awake at night. You know their struggles, hopes, and dreams, so get in their head and make them remember you. Ask questions on the back of your business card that pull them in. Establish yourself as the one who provides the special services they want. Tap into their pain and position yourself as the solution.
4) Provide a free offer so that people go to your site.
Offer something juicy that will make people want to visit your site. Videos, free reports, and coupons are great ideas for offers. You know what your ideal prospects are looking for, so offer it to them! Make it worth their while to visit your site and give them what they want.
5) Go the extra mile.
Do what other travel agents aren’t willing to do: know when your clients’ passports expire, make phone calls to hotels and tell them that you would appreciate any VIP services or treatments they could provide for your special clients, and send birthday and anniversary cards and wishes. Every little touch means more money in your pocket.
Take the initiative to stand out in your clients’ minds, and you’ll be the one they call at midnight.
