Today’s Home Based Agent The Ultimate Multi-Tasker Nancy W. Kist, CTC CareerQuest Training Center

Definition of a Multi-Tasker Smorgasbord of Skills Wear many hats Juggle many activities at one time Building a Business Focus on one goal Combine Creative Vision + Tried & True

Suggestions to be a Multi-Tasker Create a to-do list Begin with most interesting task Ask yourself questions Set a deadline for yourself Bribe yourself Make a game out of your work Have a motto

What does a Travel Agent do ? Seller of Dreams Why do people use a travel agent? Value and Personal Attention

What is a Home-Based Agent ? Why did you want to be home-based? Who or What is your biggest competition?

The Boss Responsibilities Decision Maker Motivator Delegator CFO Are you ready to be the Boss?

Office Manager Responsibilities Purchasing Establishing Professionalism “A Class Act” Communications E-Etiquette Telephone Etiquette Voice Mail Etiquette

Office Manager Time Management Two Simple “Clutter” Rules Handle a piece of paper only once File or Pitch Two To-Do Lists Today’s Priorities If Time Permits Priorities Message Desk Pad

Office Manager Time Management (con’t) Scheduling your time Establish your “Anchor Time” Balance work time and personal time Do you need a break? Do you answer the family phone with your business name? Do you wear your slippers until dinner? Do you try to enter your booking code on the microwave? My favorite – do you take your laptop into the bathroom with you?

Information Technology Manager Responsibilities Maintain website Develop lead source Utilize Database Program Why is a website important? Tells who and what you are Reflects your personality Establishes credibility and trust in you Creates a dream and answers questions

Information Technology Manager Top Elements Needed in Your Website Headline – clear, concise, interesting Easy to navigate Homepage contains sales copy Ask for the opportunity to sell

Information Technology Manager Developing Leads 3-Foot Rule Anyone within three feet (an arms length) is a potential client Leave a good impression – look and act the part Never leave home without them – your business cards

Evaluating Developing Leads (con’t) Make your presence know Volunteer to speak to groups Ask for referrals Listen and ask questions Database Program Client Profiles for Marketing Lists

Marketing Director Responsibities Implement the Marketing Plan Create Marketing Pieces Place advertising Handle Public Relations Develop e-Marketing Program What is a Marketing Plan Discovering what you clients want and need, determining what product meets those needs, presenting the product and finally the sale of that product.

Marketing Director E-Marketing Plan Using the Internet to create awareness, demand and feedback Print your web address on all advertising

Sales Manager Responsibilities Establish sales goals Develop a niche market Maintain contacts with suppliers Education

Biggest Mistake in Sales Assuming caller is not a buyer Show them respect If you want a clear answer – ask a clear question You want them to be honest – you be honest You want a booking – ask booking questions Want a customer in the end – treat them as a customer in the beginning

Continuing Your Education A “Good” Travel Agent Never Stops Learning Travel publication (print & online) Seminars – Conferences - FAMS Networking with fellow agents Chat Rooms Posting Bulletin Boards Conference Calls Second Hand Education Clients feedback

Customer Service Manager Responsibilities Pro-Active Customer Service Calling your regular customers on a regular basis Benefits Nurture out-of-touch clients Provide answers before questions Build customer loyalty Increase client referrals

Activity vs. Achievement Seven Tips for Success Set professional and personal goals Learn to balance work and family Be accountable for your actions Maintain high visibility Keep your knowledge sharp and up-to-date Learn to embrace change Do it NOW!

“No One Can Cheat You Out Of Ultimate Success But Yourself.” Thank You !