Written By: Kelly Bergin, President -Oasis Travel Network
OASIS Travel Network has been partnering with travel professionals for almost 10 years helping them develop and grow their travel business. During that time we have seen what a travel advisor needs to do to become successful. We call it the “Get” strategy.
First and foremost is getting clients. If you already have a database of people that have traveled with you then you are ahead of the curve. Most advisors are always looking for new clients. This can only be accomplished by letting people know who you are and what you do which sounds simple enough, but can be challenging.
At OTN we have a number of tools that can help you “get” more clients. Our state-of-the-art, responsive, and customized websites attract clients by allowing them to book cruises and hotels 24/7. Our websites also include a Sweepstakes Giveaway allowing your visitors the ability to provide you their information while they sign up for a chance to win a free vacation. This vacation promotion does not cost the advisor anything. Similar tools would cost thousands of dollars elsewhere, but are included in our small monthly fee.
The second thing in our strategy is to “get” repeat and referral business. A website is essential, but advisors also need an email marketing system that keeps their name and brand in front of consumers. Email is the most powerful tool you can use to do this. It reminds people to book with you again. It also reminds them to refer you to their friends, family, and co-workers. Our marketing system is easy and it’s automatic. Set it and forget it. It manages your email and print marketing for you! Value-adds and amenities will also keep clients returning, however, this can be expensive and take a chunk out of your budget. OTN has a solution for those costs. Our program provides onboard credits, free Wi-Fi, complimentary restaurant and spa credits, complimentary hotel breakfasts, private car and driver excursions, etc. which are no cost to you.
The third item in our “Get” strategy is to get clients to buy more. Shore excursions, pre/post hotels, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, day tours, transfers, mobility devices are just a few of the services you can add on to your clients’ itineraries and earn commission. These are things that will make a trip more enjoyable and run smoother. To accomplish this OTN members use our Client Reach program that automatically sends reminders about purchasing these type of add-ons. Not only does it build your professional credibility, it increases your bottom line!
The next and 4th “get” is not difficult and will help you earn more money. Get higher commissions on the products that you sell. Earning 18% is financially better than earning 12%. And then get a larger portion of your commission deposited into your bank account. By joining our network you can instantly increase the amount of commission that is paid to you and the amount of commission that you keep.
And the final and 5th thing you need to “get” for your travel business is the best technology. The travel industry is competitive and if you want to compete then technology can help you do that. Your marketing needs to be automatic and OTN can do that for you because of technology. We also have technology to track your commissions, to book cruises, to learn about advantages in cruise pricing, to track when cruise prices increase or decrease, to book air, and to process client credit cards. Your clients love technology too and we have a very special app for them. The Pocket Travel Consultant lets your clients access their itinerary on any mobile device. They can communicate with you by using this app. Both you and they can add to the itinerary at any time. So when you need to book those transfers on the fly, the confirmation will show up immediately on their phone.
Technology is expensive to create. Systems are time consuming to build. Travel professionals join OASIS Travel Network because 1) they are looking for a partner to grow their business and 2) they are looking for the tools and the systems that will be the impetus to grow their business.
Contact us today at 800-613-8380 or go online to www.oasistravelnetwork.com. It will be the best business decision you can make!