In business if you don’t change then you’re dead, was the message of keynote speaker and former director of the BBC Greg Dyke.
Being interviewed during a session at the Advantage Conference he told agents that they must make changes to their businesses if they are to survive.
He referred to the exclusive State of the Nation survey presented by Travel Weekly at the event which revealed that two in three agents now see the internet as an opportunity rather than a threat.
He also said leadership is key to any business and key to change and a company with “strong leadership, culture and collaborative working” will be the one to succeed.
He advised agents it was important as a leader of any business to communicate effectively with staff and to encourage their ideas within the business.
He said: “It’s about talking you getting out there and talking to people.”
During this difficult time in the economy he advised the travel industry to ” be generous, treat people properly and continue to communicate with staff.”
He gave a final message to agents: “Go and try things and don’t sit there thinking you need permission. Go and break the rules.
“No-one is going to succeed it they don’t break the rules.”