Marie Rowe from Travel Counsellors talks about how agents can be ahead of the curve and prepare for the future in these extraordinary times.
Edward De Bono famously said, ?If you cannot accurately predict the future then you must flexibly be prepared to deal with various possible futures.?
Nobody predicted that travel agents across the globe would spend most of 2020 navigating what I can only describe as an exceptionable game of Jumanji. If you?ve made it this far ? congratulations!
It?s time to progress to the next level and in order to survive that, we can apply a few game rules based on what this year has taught us.
Rule no.1: Accept that you can?t predict the future.
Rule no.2: Recognise that you have a unique and valuable set of expertise.
Rule no.3: Remember your why.
We can only finish our own game. I use that as a metaphor for planning the future success of our businesses. So, how will you apply these rules to future-proof your business?
It might mean seeking a second source of income in the short-term while the travel industry recovers. If that applies to you, don?t forget rule no.2. You have a unique set of highly sought-after skills in customer service, relationship building, and networking and marketing ? so don?t sell yourself short or let your skills go to waste.
For some, the fear of a re-match in years to come might warrant exploring ways to invest, save, or find a side-line opportunity for creating residual income (rule no.1). Preparing to minimise the financial impact in the event of a future travel ban will provide short-term relief and peace of mind, as well as reducing the mental impact of money worries if that time comes. This will help you focus and dedicate time, while you have it, to business development.
Remembering your why (rule no.3) will undoubtedly help you restore your passion for selling travel and fuel your success when the flood gates open ? which they will.
Stick to the rules to win the game!
