Masters in Travel

Welcome back to Shop Talk, where Brianna and Whitney share about what is going on in their businesses right now. This week they delve into the dynamics of team workflow efficiency and delegation, particularly the transition from task delegation to autonomy in decision-making. Brianna shares about how she handled unforeseen travel incidents, and Whitney is systematizing responses to enhance client communication Lastly, they talk about why they dropped the podcast paywall and the bigger picture for Masters in Travel moving forward! (Oh, and there’s a little bit of healthy venting about problematic clients…we know you know).

Is there a difference between treating your work as a travel advisor like a hobby and a business? In this episode, Brianna and guest Sandy Saburn dive into what it means to be a successful professional in the travel industry. Hear their seasoned insights on how to have an entrepreneurial mindset, effective marketing strategies, and the importance of understanding the numbers that drive a profitable travel business.

Join Brianna as she chats with Megan Vatnsdal, the passionate entrepreneur behind Onyx and Evergreen Travel, to discuss the ins and outs of attracting new clients and crafting value in our sometimes competitive industry. They explore marketing, but with a twist – how to use events as a way to showcase your value and serve as a catalyst for travel business growth. Plus, they also chat about mentorship, networking, and growing into your entrepreneurial mindset.

It's time for Shop Talk, where Brianna and Whitney talk about what is going on in their businesses right now. Whitney is preparing for maternity leave, and both she and Brianna are thinking about how to work with their teams to achieve proactive client management and nurturing client relationships. Plus, they chat about their individual strides toward aligning marketing efforts with business goals to continue attracting their ideal clientele.

Pull back the curtain on a Master Hour inside the Advisor Accelerator, where Sarah Williams of Rebel Office Inc and the host of IT'S A VIBE Podcast joins us to talk about client experience! We dive into topics like client retention, the art of client onboarding/offboarding, and the power of nurturing long-term relationships with clients. Plus, we cover nuanced topics like how to create personalized touch-points that strike a balance between professional boundaries and friendly engagement + incentivizing referrals in a way that feels authentic rather than transactional.

Ever come home from a trip with hundreds of photos and videos, only to struggle with actually using them to create marketing content for your travel business? On this week's episode, Brianna (Masters in Travel's queen of social media!) is joined by two other travel advisors – Julie Patterson and Kate Sullivan – to talk about the nuances of crafting content for your business even while traveling. They cover the creative process, importance of authenticity, and practical tips that will help get your photos out of an album and out into the world.

Every business owner will inevitably need to take time off. In this episode, we're talking about an extended leave that Whitney is about to embark on – maternity leave! To prepare, she chats with guests Madeline and Kristen of Steuber Travel Group, as the mother-daughter duo (and business partners) have recently navigated Madeline's own maternity leave. They share their experiences and perspectives on the nuances of preparing for leave, how to actually disconnect during it, and the physical and mental healing process mothers go through. They also chat about delegating tasks, trusting the team, and the financial considerations of taking leave. This is a conversation to bookmark!

In this Shop Talk episode, Master in Travel leaders Whitney and Brianna have their monthly conversation where they compare notes about running their travel businesses. Buckle up, because this week the convo covers several topics, including finance coaching, marketing strategies, client segmentation, and the mental shift required as an entrepreneur shifts into a CEO role. Plus, both are currently thinking about or preparing to hiring new team members and are exploring all the intricacies of financial planning and properly delegating. Both hosts are over seven years into business in the travel industry, but their conversations are repeatedly inspiring and insightful for other advisors at any stage in business.

Join Brianna and guest Erica Carr for a conversation on their innovative approaches to scaling a travel business with an employee model, from implementing unique incentive programs to understanding the evolving roles within a travel agency. They delve into the significance of hiring ahead of growth, the shift in industry norms post-Covid, and the vital role of technology in adapting to change. Plus, they share their personal experiences in assembling teams that complement their strengths and drive business success, highlighting the balance between independent contractors and employees, the value of understanding employee motivations, and strategic hiring decisions that prioritize team dynamics and client satisfaction.

Love travel and planning it, but hate the sales part? In this episode, Brianna and guest Glenda from The Art of Selling Travel delve into the art of sales and client relations. Glenda shares her seasoned approach to pricing negotiations and reframing rejection, all while maintaining an authentic human connection. She provides invaluable insights on asking the right questions and building rapport that help build connections with clients. Through this candid discussion and personal stories, they unravel the complexities of selling travel experiences, advocating the power of conversation over assumption.

Host agencies...how do you find the right fit for you? Whitney delves into this world with special guest Steph Lee, the founder of Host Agency Reviews. They discuss the importance of transparency in the travel industry, the challenges and opportunities that come with reviewing host agencies, and tips for travel advisors on switching host entities. Steph shares her personal journey from managing a host agency to creating a vital industry resource that helps travel professionals make informed decisions based on honest reviews and comprehensive directories.

Discover more at: https://www.mastersintravelpod.com/podcast

Get Brianna's free "Branding Your First Impression" webinar: https://mastersintravel.myflodesk.com/dmyliai2lk

In the ever-candid Shop Talk episode, Whitney and Brianna take a behind-the-scenes dive into the inner workings of their travel businesses, sharing industry insights, frustrations, and successes. In today's episode, they grapple with the intricate dynamics of trip planning and client expectations to the broader questions of workload management and goal-setting. Get tried-and-true experiences and tactical approaches to ensure client satisfaction and business growth, even while managing a team and the intricacies of being a CEO and travel advisor. This episode is a must-listen for travel professionals seeking insights into balancing the fast-paced world of travel planning with sustainable business practices.

Is there a certain part of the world that tugs at your heart strings? If you want to learn more about developing a travel planning niche, this is the episode for you! Brianna chats with Lori Gold, the travel savant behind Mexperts, who has built an impressive career curating personalized trips in the Mexican Caribbean AND as an expert advisor with resources to share. Lori shares her evolution from a generalist travel agent to a specialized advisor, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how her love for the Mexican Caribbean fueled her niche expertise. From this discussion, you'll gain insights on the importance of passion in your work, the possibility of becoming an expert that can support other advisors, and how your career can take unexpected turns.

In this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney dives into the art of marketing with the experienced Kaytee Fisher, founder of Moxie & Fourth, and guru about all things email marketing for travel advisors. They dissect the strategic layers of marketing: the importance of understanding your target audience, the value of consistency, and tools and tricks for upping engagement. Plus, Kaytee shares her insights on the balance between using various marketing platforms and concentrating on a few that yield the highest ROI. Whether you are just starting as a new advisor and need the basics, or are a seasoned advisor who needs some marketing fine-tuning, this episode has insights for you!

In this insightful episode, Brianna and special guest Kate Sullivan peel back the curtain on the concept of self-fam trips in the travel advisory world. From their personal experiences to the nuances of independent hotel site inspections and strategic relationship building, they offer a deep dive into the professional benefits and challenges of self-organizing familiarization trips. Plus, they discuss the intricacies of planning, executing, and capitalizing on these experiences to enhance their service offerings and bolster their expertise in the luxury travel market.

Looking to improve your marketing? In this episode, Whitney is joined by Madeline Steuber of Steuber Travel Group. Madeline shares about her successful marketing efforts in driving business to specific destinations and strategies for identifying client segments and tailoring her marketing strategy to each segment's needs. They also chat about the importance of authenticity, addressing pain points, and building trust with clients. Plus, learn about the value of repetition and the impact it has on profitability.

Steph Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews, joins Whitney on the Masters in Travel Podcast this week to discuss the annual travel advisor surveys and reports. These annual reports provide valuable data like the average earnings of travel advisors, the percentage of advisors charging fees, the length of time advisors have been in the industry, and more. For example, 2023 data shows that the average annual income of a hosted travel advisor is $47,000, while the average annual income of an independent advisor is $68,000. Check out this episode for more insights that any travel advisor will gain from!

Happy New Year! In this episode of the Masters in Travel podcast, Whitney and Brianna discuss their end-of-year reflections and goals for the upcoming year. Get tips on the importance of journaling and reflecting on client feedback, plus hear their experiences with time-consuming tasks and the need to delegate or eliminate them. Lastly, they talk about the significance of setting goals and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. Start your new year off strong with this informative episode!

Join Whitney and special guest Whitney Warren for this week's episode as they delve into the intricacies of self-sabotage and the fascinating landscape of intrinsic motivation within business leadership. They talk about how certain Enneagram personality types can lead to entrepreneurs inadvertently hindering their own success. Plus, they offer unique insights into the world of business ownership, discussing the balancing act of power, control, and personal growth, all while understanding the different motivational drives that fuel us.

Joining Brianna on the podcast this week is Haleigh Scott, owner of Next Exit Travels. Both Brianna and Haleigh have been in the travel industry for many years, and in this episode, they discuss how to create a business that fits your lifestyle and achieve a good work-life balance. Haleigh shares her journey of starting her own travel business and how building strong relationships with her clients helped her streamline her processes, set healthy boundaries, and learn how to balance her professional and personal time.

Travel advisors use technology every day in their work! In our Behind the Technology episodes, we introduce you to tech tools that can help you in business. David Shulll, co-founder and CEO of Tern Travel, joins Whitney to share how Tern Travel is working to create a tool that enables travel advisors to manage their businesses more efficiently. The best part? He asked advisors what they need out of a CRM and planning tool! That's why he and his team have built a comprehensive platform that integrates various tools and workflows into one system.

Are you using Linkedin for your travel business? In this episode of the Masters in Travel Podcast, guest Jenn Lee joins Whitney to discuss the untapped potential of LinkedIn for travel advisors. It's known as a social media and professional development marketing platform, but what other uses can Linkedin provide? We explore how LinkedIn can be used to build a personal brand, connect with potential clients and collaborators, and curate a unique content library. How can you use LinkedIn to attract the right audience and achieve specific business goals? Find out, plus more, in a conversation that will be useful for travel advisors in any level of business.

We're all wrapping up 2023 and are ready to achieve new success and set goals for the new year! What better way to start 2024 than with a community of fellow travel advisors who provide a safe space to ask questions and receive honest answers? This is one reason amongst many why joining the Masters in Travel Advisor Accelerator is an investment you should consider! Whether you have been in business for years or are just starting out, our carefully curated calls will put you in "the room" with other advisors at your level of business. The Advisor Accelerator offers monthly calls on various topics, such as branding, marketing, client experience, systems, finances, and the entrepreneurial approach, plus other resources. So if you are ready to have a place where you can bring your questions, successes, pain points, and ideas and grow with peers, take a listen about how this membership is perfect for you!

When you think about branding, do you think about logos and social media? In this Masters in Travel episode, Brianna chats with branding expert Cynthia Maseli about how branding is much more! Learn how to communicate your values through your online presence, what are website essentials, and the initial investments you need to make for strong branding. Plus, gain an understanding about how understanding your audience and clients' goals will help you achieve ultimate branding success.

On today's episode, Whitney is joined by Jen Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International, to talk about a valuable asset for any travel business: client reviews. Get tips on how to ask for reviews and maximize their potential for attracting future clients. Whitney and Jen talk about how to prompt clients to leave detailed reviews, how to respond to positive and negative reviews, and how to creatively leverage views on your online presence.

Welcome to Shop Talk, a new monthly series where we (Whitney and Brianna) chat about what’s going on in our businesses right now - what’s exciting and what’s challenging. In this first Shop Talk episode, we are discussing the importance of analyzing data in our travel businesses to track and analyze numbers to make informed decisions and set realistic goals. Whitney shares how she compiled and analyzed data from her trips in 2023, leading her to set new goals for 2024, such as increasing the number of trips and implementing a minimum spend requirement. We're also sharing our experiences with DMCs, challenge client relationships, and… we're hosting a free workshop! Get all the information in this episode.

Whitney and Lindsey discuss the challenges of building a network as a new business owner. They emphasize the importance of identifying your sphere of influence and finding potential clients within your existing relationships to get started. They dive into a variety of ideas and suggestions for ways to continue building your network and sphere of influence which will ultimately aid in building a book of business. The key is to be authentic and find networking strategies that align with your personality and interests. They also discuss the importance of asking for referrals and leveraging existing clients as advocates.

Whitney Shindelar and Brianna Glenn discuss the importance of collaboration and having a community of like-minded individuals in the Masters in Travel community and Think Tank. They mention the rebranding of the podcast and website, as well as the introduction of new segments like Shop Talk and the Advisor Accelerator. They emphasize the value of peer-to-peer conversations and the opportunity to learn from others in similar stages of business. They also highlight the new approach of having more nuanced and relevant discussions based on specific topics. The calls and discussions will be recorded for easy access to resources. Overall, they are excited about the growth and improvement in the community and the valuable resources they can provide to travel advisors.

On this episode of Masters in Travel, host Whitney Shindelar is joined by Ashley Theis, owner of the Constant Wayfarer to discuss various aspects of travel planning. They delve into the importance of setting boundaries with clients, the challenges of working within different budgets, and the need for self-reflection to find the right opportunities. Additionally, they talk about the benefits of working with in-country partners, the power of trust in the advisor-client relationship, and the value of analyzing past trips to improve future planning. 

As your business grows, hiring support is something that you’ll likely hear stirring in conversations with colleagues and it will most likely be in the back of your mind as well. But we all know - hiring isn’t easy. It can feel scary for so many reasons - how do we hire? Can we afford to hire? How do we trust someone to come into our business and take over tasks we’ve always done ourselves? The list of questions and concerns go on and on… Join Brianna Glenn, owner of Milk + Honey Travels and I as we discuss our journey and learnings from building a team with employee support.

As your business grows, hiring support is something that you’ll likely hear stirring in conversations with colleagues and it will most likely be in the back of your mind as well. But we all know - hiring isn’t easy. It can feel scary for so many reasons - how do we hire? Can we afford to hire? How do we trust someone to come into our business and take over tasks we’ve always done ourselves? The list of questions and concerns go on and on… Join Brianna Glenn, owner of Milk + Honey Travels and I as we discuss our journey and learnings from building a team with employee support.

Whether you realize it or not as a new business owner, qualifying leads is something you’ll find yourself doing on a very regular basis and the longer you’re in business, you’ll realize that HOW you qualify leads is paramount to your success as a business owner. Tune in to this week's episode with Kate Sullivan of Anthology Travel to learn about how to qualify leads and the importance of this step for long term growth and success.

A Master Hour conversation with the Community + Think Tank on how to prioritize and focus our energy to finish the year strong

In this episode of Masters in Travel, host Whitney interviews Brianna Glenn, owner of Milk and Honey Travels, about business growth expectations. They discuss the importance of setting realistic goals, tracking key metrics, and investing in your business. They also emphasize the need to analyze your time and make intentional decisions to work on your business rather than just in it. Brianna highlights the significance of identifying and articulating the value proposition of your business to attract clients and create a memorable brand experience. They stress the importance of self-auditing your brand experience and continuously improving it to stand out in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Set realistic goals for business growth and track key metrics to measure progress.
• Analyze your time and make intentional decisions to work on your business rather than just in it.
• Invest in your business by allocating a percentage of your revenue to expenses and technology.
• Identify and articulate the value proposition of your business to attract clients and create a memorable brand experience.
• Self-audit your brand experience and continuously improve it to stand out in the industry.

Sandy Saburn, Chief Membership Officer at Gifted Travel Network, joins host Whitney on the Masters in Travel podcast to discuss the importance of technology for travel advisors. They address common misconceptions about technology in the industry and highlight the need for advisors to invest in the right tools from the beginning. They outline a tech stack that includes a research and knowledge tool, a CRM and workflow management system, a client outreach platform, an itinerary builder, and a money management tool. They emphasize the value of these tools in saving time and increasing efficiency, and discuss emerging trends in travel technology, such as interconnectivity between systems and the development of universal booking platforms. They also mention the frustration of having multiple logins for different bookings and express excitement about the possibility of a consolidated tool for all travel bookings. They believe that in two years, there will be better systems and platforms available to make booking more efficient and convenient for travel advisors.

On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, listeners will discover firsthand accounts from travel planning professionals who have found immense success using Asana as their go-to project management tool. The hosts and guests delve into their personal journeys with various task management systems before settling on Asana, highlighting the platform's efficiency, organization, and seamless collaboration capabilities. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the benefits of using Asana, including the ability to consolidate tasks, utilize a calendar view, and streamline communication. This podcast is a must-listen for travel professionals looking to optimize their operations and enhance their productivity with an effective project management tool.

On this episode of Masters in Travel’s Master Hour, host Whitney Shindelar and guest Brunilda De Jesus discuss the importance of managing expectations in the travel industry. They dive into the nuances of different tour operators and DMCs, providing valuable insights for travel advisors. From understanding the different types of tours and clarifying group sizes, to proactive measures taken by certain tour operators and the role of representation companies, this podcast offers practical advice for creating unforgettable travel experiences. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of managing expectations in the travel industry.

In part two of our series on inbox management, Whitney is joined by Torri Johnson. Torri shares her invaluable insights and strategies for efficiently managing your inbox as she and Whitney discuss the importance of organization and the impact it can have on productivity. From creating folders for different categories of emails to utilizing helpful features like stars and labels, Johnson's expert tips will revolutionize the way you approach inbox management. Whether you're a professional looking to streamline your workflow or simply seeking inspiration for increased productivity, this podcast episode is a must-listen.

On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by travel professionals Korrine Johnson and Madeleine Steuber as they share their insights and strategies for efficient inbox management. With the challenges of juggling multiple clients and bookings, they offer practical tips on streamlining inbox organization, utilizing search functions and labels, and prioritizing tasks. They also discuss the importance of setting dedicated times for email management, managing notifications, and integrating task management tools. By implementing these strategies, travel professionals can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and deliver exceptional service to their clients. Tune in to this podcast episode to revolutionize your inbox management and optimize your workflow as a travel professional.

On this month’s special Master Hour episode of Masters in Travel, host Whitney Shindelar is joined by members of the community to dive deep into the world of hiring, training, and delegating in the travel industry. With valuable insights from industry professionals, they uncover the strategies and challenges faced by travel professionals in effectively nurturing and developing their employees. From creating tutorial videos to delegating tasks to virtual assistants, this podcast episode offers practical advice that can revolutionize the way travel professionals approach their business. If you're looking to streamline your processes, free up time for higher-value tasks, and drive business growth, this podcast is a must-listen.

On this episode of the Masters in Travel podcast, Rani Cheema shares her courageous journey of self-discovery and leaving a dream job to follow her desires. She emphasizes asking meaningful questions, trusting intuition, and making space for fulfilling opportunities. Rani's story highlights the power of connections and taking courageous steps in life and business.

On this month’s edition of the Master Hour, freelance writer and editor Karla Walsh discusses the advantages of working with media for travel advisors. She offers tips on finding the right media outlets, tailoring pitches to target specific audiences, and building relationships with journalists. Walsh shares her 15 years of experience in digital media, emphasizing the importance of identifying oneself as an expert in a specific domain of travel. Listeners will learn how media exposure can lead to increased exposure and potential book deals, as well as improve their SEO and overall business growth.

On this episode of Masters in Travel, we delve into the world of social media and its impact on modern travel. Whitney, Meredith Donaldson, Jenna Swan, and Julie Patterson discuss the importance of Instagram as a platform for travel research, the challenges of maintaining a consistent social media presence, and the need for cross-referencing information found on social media with other sources. Insightful and informative, this podcast will provide valuable tips and advice for travel advisors looking to use social media to create more meaningful and memorable travel experiences.

This week is a special episode with Masters in Travel host, Whitney Shindelar, interviewed by Emma Weissman, host of the Humans of Travel podcast and managing editor of TravelAge West magazine.

The Humans of Travel podcast features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human. Past guests have included Valerie Wilson, Terry Dale, Shannon Stowell, Korrine Johnson, Vicki Freed and many others including!

You can find Humans of Travel wherever you listen to you podcasts. After tuning in to today’s episode, be sure to head to your favorite podcast platform to tune into past episodes and to subscribe to stay up to date on future episodes with Emma.

On this episode of Masters in Travel we delve into the world of hotel obsession among travel advisors and explored the importance of hotel research in their workflow. With guests Kate Sullivan and Jaclyn D'Esposito sharing their unique perspectives and experiences, listeners learned about the different approaches to hotel research, building relationships with hoteliers, and evaluating hotels based on aesthetic, facilities, location, and guest experience. The conversation highlights the crucial role that hotel research plays in providing clients with the best possible hotel experiences.

On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, we are flipping the script. Our guest for this special episode is usually on the other side of the mic shining as the podcast host. Whitney Shindelar has been spending months dreaming about and developing The Hive. The Hive is an exciting new piece of technology for travel advisors. Join Brianna Glenn and Kate Sullivan as they interview Whitney and learn more about The Hive.

In this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Brianna Glenn, owner of Milk and Honey Travels, and Whitney Warne of Evoke EQ. Together they explore the power of self-reflection and emotional intelligence. Listen as they discuss how the Enneagram system can help you gain insight into yourself and others, build trust in relationships, and create a better understanding of your business. Tune in and unlock the secrets to success.

wmnsWRK Tourism Accelerator is the tourism industry's first business accelerator for women and non-binary early stage entrepreneurs. While we're always looking for more support and resources for travel advisors entering the industry, wmnsWRK is specifically for those looking to start businesses in the supplier side of the industry. On this episode of Masters in Travel Whitney is joined by Iris Serbanescu, Founder of wmnsWRK, as Iris shares her journey and inspiration to support the tourism industry in this way.

On this Month’s Master Hour edition of the Masters in Travel Podcast, travel advisors from different backgrounds come together to share their experiences and insights on improving business practices for travel advisors. From building personal connections with clients to setting firm boundaries, the group discusses a range of challenges and shares practical tips on increasing repeat and referral business. Each advisor brings unique perspectives and strategies, making this podcast a must-listen for any travel advisor looking to improve their business and provide better experiences for their clients.