In episode 140 Steph co-hosts with Christine Hardenberger of Modern Travel Professionals. They tackle the following questions, all about getting started or starting fresh with a new agency this week: Questions : 00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15 01:13 | Disney & Universal criteria for advisors 07:52 | What to ask hosts when switching 16:10 | Starting an agency with a partner 1. I'm a new-ish agent, under 3 years experience, and I have been entertaining the idea of venturing out on my own. I am cu...
Jan 26, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 140
In episode 139 Steph chats with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel center and they answer questions from you, our awesome HAR community. Questions : 1. Can an agency change your commission level without notifying you or sending you a new contract to sign? Shouldn't there be some kind of agreement or acknowledgement from the agent before that happens? What if a host changes to a monthly fee -- shouldn’t there be a new contract or the option to leave and take your business? My partner and I are exper...
Jan 19, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 139
In episode 138 we chat with the lovely Lindsay Taylor of Travel Leaders 365 as they tackle three questions from an astute listener named Tim M. Thanks, Tim! Thanks to you all for your great questions from week to week. Questions : 1) How to navigate clients’ loyalty programs: what are the logistics of ensuring they receive loyalty benefits, qualifying nights, miles/points? 2) Being an Agent vs. an Operator: If I want to book FIT travel, how can I safely curate customized itineraries as a travel ...
Jan 12, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 138
In episode 137 Steph has a new co-host! Join Scott Wismont, owner of Rainbow Getaways, as we dive into great questions you’ve been kind enough to submit. :) Questions : We break down if hosts and consortia look down upon advisors that are part-time, including what % of advisors are full time. And when we hear from an advisor with a background in entrepreneurship who is struggling to make a go of things as a self-employed agent, we answer if going the employee route is right for her. Including wh...
Jan 05, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 137
In episode 136 Steph's co-host is Eduardo Cartaya with G Adventures. :) Questions : What's their relationship with Travel Leaders Network like when it comes to commissions? What does Eduardo see successful new advisors doing that listeners can start emulating? We need to know the secret sauce! And Eduardo breaks it down for us why single supplements are often so spendy. (Hint: It's not because the suppliers are being greedy) Lastly, we chat on if there are sales taxes that agencies need to be pa...
Dec 14, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 136
Mary chats with Katie Williams from Tern. We discuss when the best time to invest in a CRM and/or travel itinerary builder, how effective using supplier advertisements are for agencies, things to consider when taking on a business partner, and our listener Michael sent us over his fees and wants to know what we think about them! Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Learn more about Tern ) ( BranchUp - FREE option ) ( Travel marketing and media - Sandra McLemore, which includ...
Dec 08, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 135
In episode 134 Steph chats with Eduardo Cartaya from G Adventures about what family options G Adventures (and other resorts/operators) offer for advisors looking to focus on families. We also dive into what steps G Adventures takes to vet their on-the-ground partners and ensuring they're keeping the dollars in the local community to improve the welfare of those who live in the destination. Lastly, we answer the question how to handle chargebacks (and how G Adventures handles them). A reminder th...
Dec 01, 2023•22 min•Season 2Ep. 134
Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) https://skillbridge.osd.mil/industry-employers.htm?section=2 ( More info on DOD’s Skill Bridge program ) ( HAR’s travel jobs board ) ( Sign up for weekly job alert emails from HAR’s travel board ) ( ALTOUR University internship ) Https://Asta.org ( HAR’s report on travel advisor employees. Lots...
Nov 17, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 133
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 132 Steph chats with Lori Speers, CEO and Owner of Levarte Travel about previous Friday15 questions, Disney & charge fees, and new agent “Must Haves”. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostweek (Register for HAR’s Host Week event!) https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) https://hostagencyreviews.com/fri...
Nov 10, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 132
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 131 Steph chats with April Swales, Director of Marketing & Sales from Uniglobe Travel Center about what a FIT is and how to specialize in it, getting an IATA & CLIA number as a new independent agent, and helping clients get a US Passports. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( Submit quest...
Nov 02, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 131
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 130 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents about leads through online marketing, honing in on a niche, and setting income goals. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( Sign up for Google My Business ) ( A great exercise on how to find your niche! ) ( TAC episode with an advisor who ...
Oct 27, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 130
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 129 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about travel certification, hosting outside of the US, and developing your brand. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( Travel agent certification options, including Travel Institute, ASTA, CLIA ) ( Travel...
Oct 20, 2023•25 min•Season 2Ep. 129
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 128 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents about linking a landing page, host agency website, and our host week event. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( Virtually attend Adventure Together and tune in to Steph’s sessions! ) ( Discover the options for your travel agency website ...
Oct 13, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 128
Welcome to Friday 15! in episode 127 Steph chats with Connie Miller, Chief Relationship Officer/Business Development for Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel about hotel views on takeover bookings, competing with discounts, and 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) Hosted advisor report ( HAR’...
Oct 06, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 127
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 126 Steph chats about qualifying customers booking air, sub agency contract, and payment gateway. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) Hosted advisor report ( Stats on air traffic control ) ( What to look for in a host agency contract – Red flags and more ) ( Host agency list where you can find host-franc...
Sep 29, 2023•20 min•Season 2Ep. 126
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 125 Steph chats with Carolyn Sekerak, Director of Marketing Strategy and Community Engagement about finding a host with one-on-one relationships, business structures, and pinpointing a niche. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-a...
Sep 22, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 125
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 124 Steph chats with Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group about the advantages of joining a host, the best travel agent education, and going from salary to being an IC. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( Benefits of using a host agency. ) ( HAR’s 2023 Hosted Travel Advisor Research Report...
Sep 15, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 124
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 123 Steph chats with April Swales, Director of Marketing and Sales for Uniglobe Travel Center about Travel MLMs, choosing a Host, and multiple company names. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Call for Host Week event speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( Who are the travel MLMs and what you...
Sep 08, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 123
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 122 Steph chats with Keith Waldon, owner of Departure Lounge about travel business hierarchy, help with vision impaired IC, and travel agent testing. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Call for Host Week event speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea! ) ( Register for HAR’s Host Week event! ) ( HAR’s Accelerator course to get your agency ...
Aug 31, 2023•18 min•Season 2Ep. 122
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 121 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about booking groups, payments done in installments, and ticketing vs. non-ticketing. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea! ) ( HAR’s free event calendar w/ over 100 industry events! ...
Aug 25, 2023•18 min•Season 2Ep. 121
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 120 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Leaders International about how to go about finding a travel advisor mentor, leveraging your Facebook marketing (page vs. group?), and choosing between Sole Proprietorship and LCC! A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( TAC episode where advisor uses a FB group for her clients ) ( Jenn’s webinar: How to Create a FB Community That Converts ) ( Jenn’s webinar: Facebook Conte...
Aug 17, 2023•18 min•Season 2Ep. 120
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 119 Step chats with Lori Spears, Owner of Levarte Travel about gaining trust as a new advisor, reducing IC Misclassification w/Planning Fees, and FAM trip qualifications. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea! ) ( HAR’s free event calendar w/ over 100 industry events! ) ( Fin...
Aug 11, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 119
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 118 Mary chats with Chad Burt, Co-Owner of Outside Agents about startup investment decisions, startup investment on tech, and sales minimums for FAMs. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea! ) har.news/survey Sign up for survey report updates to get notified when we publish ou...
Aug 04, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 118
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 117 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about how travel agents deal with visas, website links, and how to break up with your host agency. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea! ) ( Sherpa provides visas for travelers...
Jul 28, 2023•21 min•Season 2Ep. 117
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 116 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about business cards and what should be on them, if you should get to know the business before specializing, and what guides are out there on how to set up your own agency. A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Travel Agent Career Outlook art...
Jul 21, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 116
****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol27 ****** When it comes to booking cruises, Karen Devine doesn’t just book a ton of rooms. She and her team of 8 literally charter entire ships for some of their corporate clients! Your immediate reaction may be that her agency sales of $30-40M are way out of your league. But fear not! The head of 3D Cruise Partners has tips for agencies of all sizes and experience levels that are looking to level up their business. With a combined total of 40 ...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 115 Steph chats with Chad Burt, Co-Founder of Outside Agents about host contracts that only allow you to book through them and travel advisor-related podcast options. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( New article on FAM trips: What they are and how to find them! ) ( Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea! ) ( ...
Jul 13, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 115
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 114 Steph chats with Henley Vasquez, Co-Founder of Fora on how to narrow down and choose a host agency and the best travel software package that handles CRM, group management, and invoicing Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( How to research and qualify suppliers ) ( Tips on choosing a host agency ) ( Tern, new travel tech looking to ...
Jul 07, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 114
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 113 Steph chats about getting a VTC accreditation as an independent agent or to make a CTD with a company, answering client fee questions and whether to get an accreditation first or apply to host first. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( New article on what FAM trips are, how to find them, and how to go on one! ) ( Sign up for HAR’s...
Jun 29, 2023•16 min•Season 2Ep. 113
Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 112 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting at Travel Leaders 365 about umbrella liability policies and they can take the place for E&O insurance, travel industry jobs besides being a travel agent, and the downward trend on flights. Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: ( Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! ) ( Read more on what Errors and Om...
Jun 23, 2023•14 min•Season 2Ep. 112
