Anyone who tries to be different and act honestly and with integrity will be more successful than people in it for a quick buck, says Designer Travel’s Amanda Matthews
There are so many ways to get into the travel industry, so it must be tempting for outsiders to think it’s easy to make a quick return.
High revenue and high margins is the general perception, yet the reality is somewhat different.
It’s harder to make money now than ever before and there are lots of reasons for this. They include the low margins some businesses are working to; the way some businesses conduct themselves for short-term gain; the way travel is booked, with consumers able to search and compare online; and the ability of clients to cut out all intermediaries and go direct.
Strive for success
For those who think getting into travel is a quick and easy ride to wealth and riches, the forecast isn’t good. But for those of us that are in it for the long term, and who are prepared to offer something different, while truly looking after staff and clients, the future looks and feels very exciting.
To survive, businesses must know who they are and what they are good at, and communicate this to their potential clients. And if you make a statement about your business, don’t just live up to it, exceed it.
Everyone talks about going the extra mile, but what does this really mean? It means different things and it’s for you as the travel experts to establish what that looks like and take action.
For some of our clients it’s a case of being there for them 24/7; for others it’s a birthday card and a little note to say thank you. Happy clients are your best form of advocacy and you should encourage them to talk about your business to all of their friends and contacts.
Some clients may only book a holiday once a year and this is why regular communication is so important, reminding them that you are there for them and prompting them to carry on talking about your business.
Act with integrity
The one thing that is so frustrating in this industry is that some businesses concentrate more on copying their competitors and trying to steal their staff and ideas without realising that this lack of integrity will catch up with them.
Good staff are hard to come by, and in most cases they are very well looked after by their employers. There is a right and wrong way to approach potential employees and a blanket email is not such a bright idea!
My advice to these companies is use your time and resources to improve your own business, and to look after your staff so that people will be knocking on your door.
The industry is constantly changing and it’s important that we adapt our businesses.
But the fundamentals don’t change; act honestly and with integrity, cherish your staff and customers, and hold your hands up when you have made a mistake – we all make them!