As the year winds down, it’s time to reflect, refocus, and realign your business and life goals for the year ahead. In this episode, Robin and Jennifer dive into their annual end-of-year business audit, sharing strategies for conducting a successful review. They break down key areas like financial performance, client experiences, marketing strategies, and team dynamics. Plus, they share personal thoughts on life auditing and the importance of work-life balance and intentional living. If...

TIQUE’s Biggest Black Friday Sale EVER Is Happening Now!  → Get 30% Off Everything In The TIQUE HQ Shop!   Julie Ann Hargett of H Luxury Travel is a true expert in crafting bespoke, high-end travel experiences. She joins this conversation to share the secrets behind her success in attracting and exclusively working with a luxury clientele. From her unconventional start in the travel industry to her focus on relationship-building, she breaks down how offering unique services and maintaining...

Mark Calendar For TIQUE’s Black Friday Sale! Nov. 25th - Dec. 2nd   Julia Asselin from The Itinerary Girls shares her expertise on creating a social media brand identity that stands out in a crowded industry. Julia breaks down the essentials of creating a unique visual style, developing an authentic voice, and telling compelling stories that captivate your audience. Learn how to master Instagram with her insights on designing a cohesive and inviting grid layout, posting relevant content,...

Beth Pelleteri from Rhode to Travel joins Jennifer to share her expert advice on building customized itineraries without the need for Destination Management Companies (DMCs) or wholesalers. Together, they discuss the benefits of direct booking methods, when to consider partnering with a DMC, and best practices for handling last-minute requests and remote destinations. The conversation also dives into managing client expectations, understanding cost considerations, and the importance of having...

In this special 100th episode of Tique Talks, Robin and Jennifer celebrate the podcast’s incredible journey - over 200,000 downloads and a thriving community! They reflect on the lessons learned along the way and answer questions from listeners, covering topics like common mistakes new travel advisors should avoid, the importance of defining your ideal client and managing expenses strategically, and setting boundaries for sustainable business growth. They also discuss the pros and cons of...

Dive into a topic that might not sound overly exciting but is essential for protecting your business – client invoicing. Jennifer and Robin discuss topics such as charging planning fees, setting limits on proposal revisions, and making sure your services are super clear so clients know exactly what they’re paying for. They also share tips on managing supplier invoices (because nobody likes those surprise mistakes) and why getting digital signatures for changes is a total lifesaver. And of...

When you stay top of inbox, you stay top of mind. Kaytee Fisher of Moxie and Fourth is back to share her knowledge on all things email marketing. Learn about the importance of audience engagement, staying 'top of inbox,' and the synergy between email marketing and social media. Dive into advanced techniques like audience segmentation, creating effective nurture sequences, and balancing promotional emails with engaging content. Kaytee also reveals her top resources and services, including...

In light of recording challenges due to Hurricane Milton, Robin and Jen are replaying this fan-favorite episode!    “Travel agents still exist?” - There’s no doubt, we've all been asked this question. Honestly, it can feel impossible to summarize everything that a travel advisor does in the few seconds that we have to respond to that question. Many people now believe they can plan and book their own trips using the internet and online reviews. However, advisors offer much more than just...

The holiday season is fast approaching - are you ready to take a well-deserved break without worrying about your business? In this episode, Robin and Jennifer share must-know strategies for travel advisors to prepare for a stress-free holiday. From setting up automated responses and delegating tasks to expressing gratitude to clients, they cover everything you need to step away with confidence. Plus, they dive into the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients, automating workflows,...

Ready to turn social media followers into loyal customers without spending hours in your DMs? Jennifer and Robin share the many benefits of ManyChat, an automation tool designed to enhance engagement on Instagram through chat funnels and automated responses. It's an effective way of creating engagement to boost your profile, as well as deliver tailored information to an engaged audience. The tool, popular among online marketers like Jenna Kutcher and Amy Porterfield, helps brands interact...

Ever felt crushed by a bad review? Robin and Jennifer know the feeling. This conversation tackles how to turn those tough moments into learning opportunities. The ladies discuss how to process negative feedback without taking it personally and offer practical steps for recovery. Learn how to remove emotion from reviews, show appreciation for the feedback, and offer remedies such as future trip credits or small gestures. Whether it's because of something that was out of your control or maybe a...

Thinking of planning a group trip? Robin and Jennifer give the inside scoop of their own group trip to Italy in 2019. They discuss their positive experiences (such as making life-long friends) and challenges (losing $12,000!), as well as give advice for avoiding common pitfalls. Learn the importance of understanding your audience, creating a detailed timeline, managing expectations, and accurately pricing a group trip to ensure profitability. They also discuss best practices for promoting the...

From establishing professionalism to creating a better work-life balance, setting boundaries in your business is a must. However, what does implementing boundaries actually look like? How can you educate potential clients on your boundaries so that you are only working with travelers that value your time? Jennifer and Robin answer those questions and more on this episode! Learn why boundaries are necessary, how to communicate them effectively (and handle pushback) to clients, and the role...

Managing airfare isn’t just about booking flights but about offering peace of mind and a cohesive travel experience. Larry Neron of Airfare Consultant, a boutique commercial air travel service company, is on a mission to demystify air travel! He brings a fresh perspective on why travel advisors should rethink booking air. From tackling the challenges and misconceptions around airfare management to showcasing strategies for adding substantial value to client interactions, Larry explains how to...

Understanding your business finances isn't scary - it’s empowering! Jon Frye, CPA, joins this episode to tackle a topic that may not be the most exciting to some, but personally hits home for Jennifer. She recaps her experience being audited in 2018, giving insight into why she was audited and how she came out unscathed. Jon shares advice on avoiding IRS audits and understanding the nuances of tax preparation. He also gives details on what constitutes legitimate business expenses, such as...

The word "luxury" has become increasingly ambiguous in the travel industry, often causing confusion among travelers and advisors alike. What does luxury travel truly mean in an era where the term has varying interpretations? In this episode, Jennifer and Robin untangle the complexities and subjectivity behind the word and challenge travel advisors to redefine their niche. They argue that true luxury is more about the specific needs and desires of the client rather than a one-size-fits-all...

In a world where consumer habits are rapidly evolving and over-saturation of sales pitches is the norm, one-size-fits-all sales approaches no longer cut it. Just like no two people are the same, successful sales strategies must embrace personalization to resonate with clients. In this episode, Robin and Jennifer discuss how you can use emotional intelligence to customize your sales pitch for each potential client, increasing your chances of a positive outcome. They stress the importance of...

Angela Isherwood of Olive and Atlas Travel discusses the intricacies of crafting the perfect accommodation plan for clients based on their preferences and expectations. From building strong partnerships with suppliers to mastering product knowledge and selling with conviction, Angela explains all the components that play a part in creating client-centric experiences that exceed expectations and foster long-lasting client relationships. She also dives into her methods for asking the right...

Gray Ellender shares her journey of transitioning from a career in healthcare to founding Go with Gray Travel, a luxury travel business focusing on creating unforgettable honeymoon experiences. She discusses the importance of brand consistency, defining your target audience, and creating a unique brand identity that resonates with clients. She also highlights her marketing strategies, including the effective use of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. With a solid brand identity,...

Success is in the small wins! Learn why and how to celebrate your business achievements for a happier, more productive life. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin discuss their struggle with celebrating achievements amidst the hustle of running a business. They explain the importance of pausing to recognize big and small wins to prevent burnout and build a healthier work-life balance. Through personal anecdotes and industry insights, they discuss why celebrating success matters, how to define...

TravelWits is a revolutionary platform that simplifies booking by integrating with GDS systems, offering functionalities like multi-segment trip planning, client proposals, and even a client-facing booking portal. Arman Bimatov, CEO of TravelWits, joins this episode to share the evolution of the platform, current trends in the travel industry, and the future outlook for TravelWits. Learn about several of the unique features, including its multi-segment travel search capabilities and custom...

The Hive is changing the way advisors can research cruises, DMCs, wholesalers, hotels, and so much more. The platform provides a centralized database of suppliers, facilitating easier searches and better organization of travel resources; helping advisors save time by offering detailed supplier profiles and search filters.    Whitney Schindler, founder of The Hive, joins this episode to share the backstory and the pain points that led to the platform’s creation. She also explains how The...

The path to building a successful business as a travel advisor isn't just about convincing people to book through you - it's about attracting the right clients and fostering those relationships. Heather Keller, co-owner and founder of Perfect Landing Travel, joins this episode to discuss the art of finding and attracting ideal clients. Heather provides strategies for identifying who your ideal client is and how to profile and engage with that target audience. She also shares unique marketing...

TripSuite is on a mission to break host agencies free from outdated systems and provide them with a modern operating platform. Jacey Jones, Co-founder and CEO of TripSuite, joins this episode to discuss how the platform is revolutionizing travel planning with advanced technology. Jacey shares her background and development journey, including how a chance introduction to a venture capital firm led to the founding of TripSuite. Learn about the platform’s unique features, including its CRM,...