Today’s Home Based AgentThe Ultimate Multi-Tasker

Nancy W. Kist, CTC

CareerQuest Training Center

Definition of a Multi-Tasker

Smorgasbord of SkillsWear many hatsJuggle many activities at one time

Building a BusinessFocus on one goalCombine 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

ResponsibilitiesDecision MakerMotivatorDelegatorCFO

Are you ready to be the Boss?

Office Manager

ResponsibilitiesPurchasingEstablishing Professionalism

“A Class Act”Communications

E-EtiquetteTelephone EtiquetteVoice Mail Etiquette

Office Manager

Time ManagementTwo Simple “Clutter” Rules

Handle a piece of paper only onceFile or Pitch

Two To-Do ListsToday’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 WebsiteHeadline – clear, concise, interestingEasy to navigateHomepage contains sales copyAsk for the opportunity to sell

Information Technology Manager

Developing Leads3-Foot Rule

Anyone within three feet (an arms length)

is a potential client Leave a good impression – look and act the

partNever leave home without them – your

business cards

Evaluating

Developing Leads (con’t)Make your presence know Volunteer to speak to groupsAsk for referralsListen and ask questions

Database ProgramClient 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 PlanUsing the Internet to create awareness,

demand and feedbackPrint your web address on all advertising

Sales Manager

ResponsibilitiesEstablish sales goalsDevelop a niche marketMaintain contacts with suppliersEducation

Biggest Mistake in Sales

Assuming caller is not a buyerShow them respect

If you want a clear answer – ask a clear question

You want them to be honest – you be honestYou want a booking – ask booking questionsWant 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

ResponsibilitiesPro-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 SuccessSet professional and personal goalsLearn to balance work and familyBe accountable for your actionsMaintain high visibilityKeep your knowledge sharp and up-to-dateLearn to embrace change Do it NOW!

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

Thank You !