Dear Tammy: It's the middle of summertime, and I'm actively working to book more summer trips for families and college students.
Things are going well, but I'm noticing that as active as I am, bookings for the summer are starting to slow down. Am I doing something wrong?
Tammy: No, it doesn't seem like you are. If you're still booking for the summer that's a good thing because many travel agents are starting to work on fall bookings and summer seems to be done.
But here's a tip: You should already be getting ready to sell holiday travel to your clients.
Yes, I said holiday travel. Even though the thermometer reads sweltering outside, your mind should be on Jack Frost and the upcoming jingle bells.
Here's why: You should always be thinking in two different directions when it comes to marketing your business.
First, think currently. What should you be doing to book trips now?
Then, think six months ahead in your schedule. What should you be doing to book trips at holiday time?
While it's summertime, you should start encouraging your clients to consider where they will spend the holidays. Before they know it, school will be in session and then the semester will be over and the kids will be home for winter break. Time flies, and by staying six months ahead, it gives you time to put packages together, book trips, answer questions and deal with families who need a reminder and a little extra time to put a trip together.
So it's not that you're doing anything wrong, per se; it's just that you're not completely thinking through all of your marketing options.
Think now. Think six months from now. Think a year from now.
What do you need to do to draw in all of those customers? And then, do it.
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