The Meet Our Advisors series profiles some of Lake Shore Travel’s advisors who have attended our Mentor Program and gone on to create vibrant, successful careers in travel.
There is so much to learn. Take it one step at a time. Listen and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We have so much knowledge at Lake Shore Travel with our team and we love to help each other out.
What made you interested in the travel industry, specifically as a travel advisor?
Ever since I was a child, I have loved the globe and wanted to work in the travel industry. I love to see and explore places with my own curious eyes, feed my adventurous spirit and appreciate the different cultures and world that we all live in together. I also enjoy psychology and working with people. I like to fit pieces of a puzzle together. Being a travel advisor brings together my passion for exploring the world, people and relationships, planning trips and managing all the details.
What year did you take your training class at Lake Shore Travel?
2017
The biggest takeaway from the training class?
There is so much to learn. Take it one step at a time. Listen and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We have so much knowledge at Lake Shore Travel with our team and we love to help each other out.
What was your first year like as a travel advisor?
Learning all I could. Destinations, properties, tour operators, cruises, and how the travel planning process works. Realized I need to do more listening than speaking. I was lucky enough to have family and friends that were ready to book with me when I was just getting started. Much of this job is learning by doing.
Describe your business now.
Repeat clients and referrals of good clients are growing my business.
Biggest lessons learned so far?
The service we offer to our clients is highly valuable and it’s important to find the right luxury clients who believe in our value.
What’s been the best investment for the growth of your business?
My client and industry relationships. Making each client feel that they’re our main client. I have multiple touchpoints with my clients during the planning process and always check in with them right before and after their trip. They love to tell me about their experiences because they know I highly value their feedback for my business. Also, knowing which suppliers to use and developing relationships with our suppliers is instrumental in the success of a client’s experience. We are only as good as our suppliers’ execution and the suppliers need us for their business. Goes without saying that having first-hand experience is key for confidence and in building trust.