Send Rita a text with your thoughts!A recent article by Travel Age West mentioned that social media is now the top marketing channel for travel advisors and it had me a little skeptical. I'm sharing my thoughts on the article and some of the other surprising stats they recorded. In this episode, I share:· How you need more than just social media content to be successful as a travel advisor· The importance of growing your network for potential ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stumped on what activities actually help make you money in your travel business? Tune in for tips on building a robust network, offering great service, and making key sales connections.In this episode, I share:· A walk down memory lane of how businesses before computers made money· The difference between direct and indirect money making activities· Why I feel like niching is an indirect way to g...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!This episode was inspired by my summer focus group. I wanted to share my thought process of what I think about when I'm contemplating making an investment for my business. This is not a definitive guide, and I am not a financial expert. Please remember to consult any financial decisions with the appropriate people on your team and/or in your family. In this episode, I share:· How to consider the risk vs reward ratio·&nbs...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!This episode was a shower inspiration, especially after hearing how apprehensive so many travel advisors were to make a sustainable income :) Discover how implementing fees can cover essential expenses and bring peace of mind to your entrepreneurial journey.In this episode, I share:· Why you can't compare travel advising with other non-fee careers· The difference between high volume sales and high revenue sales·&n...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!In my attempt to not let the Olympic spirit die down too quickly, I recorded some of the business lessons I noticed from the sportsmanship at this year's games. As you may know, everything is a learning opportunity to me, so I'm sharing my notes and findings with you. Hoping this gives you a travel business boost :)In this episode, I share:· The importance of being and having an advocate· Staying focused on ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!The Alternative Careers in Travel Audio Series went live this past Wednesday :) Listen in to discover how to be successful in your current travel career, ways to monetize additional revenue streams for your travel business, or if you should transition to a different career.This is a longer episode than normal, so you may need to split it up to listen to all the snippets.Special thank you to our Series Featured Speakers:Sahara Rose De Vore, Founder of ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!I'm baackkkk :) After an amazing Summer Series, I wanted to share some of my biggest learnings in the first seven months of the year. I'm hoping that on top of a good chuckle, you can get some inspiration and motivation to crush these last 5 months of the year....eeee...can't believe I just said that...5 months?!In this episode, I share:· How to stay focused on your goals when you're feeling out of control· ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Welcome to the sixth episode in the Summer Selling Series. Diane Frisch, Founder of Diane Frisch Destinations, is our guest and we're touching on all things river cruising. If you're a travel advisor wanting to sell more river cruises, you're in for a treat from the 2024 ASTA River Cruise Travel Advisor of the Year.In this episode, we share:· The distinct differences amongst many of the river cruise brands· ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Welcome to the fifth episode in the Summer Selling Series. Danielle Linares, Founder of Absolutely Cuba, is our guest and we're touching on all things Cuba. If you're a travel advisor wanting to sell more of this destination, you're in for a treat.In this episode, we share:· How Americans have been able to legally travel to Cuba since 2015· Cultural experiences away from Havana that go beyond just beach·&nbs...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Welcome to the fourth episode in the Summer Selling Series. Kristi Emo, Founder of Your Dream Escapes, is our guest and we're touching on all things Hawaii. If you're a travel advisor wanting to sell more of this destination, you're in for a treat.In this episode, we share:· An overview of the six islands you can visit· Matching your client to the right island and/or experience· Resources ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Welcome to the third episode in the Summer Selling Series. Lori Gold, Founder of Explore More Mexico, is our guest and we're touching on all things in the Riviera Maya Mexico. If you're a travel advisor wanting to sell more of this destination, you're in for a treat.Special note--please keep Lori and our friends in the Riviera Maya in your thoughts and prayers as Hurricane Beryl makes its way through the area.In this episode, we share:· &n...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Welcome to the second episode in the Summer Selling Series. Ana Yacaman, Co-founder of The Best of Cartagena, is our guest and we're touching on all things Cartagena and Colombia. If you're a travel advisor wanting to sell more of this destination, you're in for a treat.In this episode, we share:· Why Cartagena is really great destination wedding location· Visiting little known areas like the Rosario Islands...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Welcome to the first episode in the Summer Selling Series. Kate Thomas, Founder of North and Leisure and Travel Pro Theory, is our guest and we're touching on all things Ireland, Scotland, and the English Countryside. If you're a travel advisor wanting to sell more of these destinations, you're in for a treat.In this episode, we share:· Popular drive routes in Ireland· Off the beaten path experiences for the...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Summer is here! And while it's certainly a time for relaxation, it's also a great time to do a lot of prep work for the upcoming holiday travel season. I'm sharing a summer checklist of things you can do to get your business in order and ready for festive NOW instead of waiting til Q4 is here.In this episode, I share:· Reviewing your processes and task lists· Updating your social bios and website· &nbs...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Mastering your messaging can be a key factor in setting your business apart. As travel advisors, we’re not just selling vacations—we’re selling experiences, emotions, and life-changing moments. Understanding the deeper needs and motivations of your clients is crucial for delivering value that goes beyond just the logistics of travel.In this episode, I share:· Understanding the deeper motivation for travel· Effective mes...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Join me as I chat with Kristin Richards, Founder of In Flow Design Co., on all things building your travel business brands and websites...and literally, we do talk just about everything.In this episode, we share:· Kristin's own rebrand from Girlboss Designer to In Flow Design Co.· The key elements every travel brand needs to drive their mission and goals· What you need to do to prepare for your first ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Tale as old as time....there's been a few thoughts I hear travel advisors say over and over again since I first started in the industry in 2010. I wanted to address some of these thoughts and how you can reframe them to be more productive for your travel business.In this episode, I share:· My initial thoughts on this year's Canva Create· Embracing confidence as a business owner· Focusing on inte...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Hootsuite came out with a Social Media Consumer Report and I'm sharing the findings with you and how you can apply them to your travel business :)In this episode, I share:· What consumers want to see on social media· What you can do to build a high-value following· What you can do to gain more exposure on social media· and so much more!Enjoy (and take action)!Join the Cruise Content...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!My mom changed Mother's Day plans on me and I got a lesson in the synergy between a web search and social media--which of course means, I've got to share it with you :) Take a peek into how my brain works when it comes to searching for things, which is probably how many of your travel clients are also thinking.In this episode, I share:· Why you need to have both a web and social media presence· Making it easy for ...

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!The 2nd Annual Travel Tech Audio Summit went live on Global Travel Advisor Day, 5/1/2024. Listen in to hear incredible stories of entrepreneurship and learn about some of the amazing tech you as travel advisors, or even suppliers, can take advantage of.Special thank you to our Summit Featured Speakers:David Shulll, CEO at TernLiana Rowan and Chanell Facey, Co-Founders at GroupedDan Green, Co-Founder and CTO at Faye Whitney Shindelar, Founder at The Hi...

Ready to make your travel business profitable? I'm so stinking excited to welcome travel industry powerhouse, Jenn Lee, to the podcast! Join us as we share what we feel are the five keys to profitability for your travel agency.In this episode, we share:· Some of the differences between the IC and Franchise models of business· The shift you need to make within to step into your CEO role· Prioritizing paying yourself as an age...

We lost a very dear friend in the industry this week, Edouard Jean.  He was the owner of Massive Travels and was very active with ASTA having served as Chapter President, and was getting ready to start a campaign for the Board. He was a champion for minorities in the industry, as well, having served as a Board Member of the Association of Black Travel Professionals, and many other organizations. This episode is a tribute to him and his legacy of service.  I'm sharing his full interview from...

We just wrapped up a 4-Week Series on where to find leads according to various travel agency niches.  Now it's time to take action and align your goals with a personalized plan! In this episode, I share: ·     The importance of focus and confidence to take help you take action ·     Targeting a specific niche rather than a broader audience ·     Using Q2 to really challenge yourself to take action and experiment to see what works ·     and so much more! Enjoy (and take action)! Schedule...

If you don't have leads in your business, you don't have a business.  So let's find you those leads! In this 4-Part Series, I'm going to share how to find leads in 4 of the top travel niches: family, romance, food and wine, and luxury. Join me as I dive in today to the Luxury Travel Niche for part 4. In this episode, I share: ·     Understanding the mindset of luxury travelers at every stage ·     Where you can find them based on this information ·     Real-world Google research for events...