TIQUE Talks Robin Bradley and Jennifer Jacob

TravelWits is a revolutionary platform that simplifies booking by integrating with GDS systems, offering functionalities like multi-segment trip planning, client proposals, and even a client-facing booking portal. Arman Bimatov, CEO of TravelWits, joins this episode to share the evolution of the platform, current trends in the travel industry, and the future outlook for TravelWits. Learn about several of the unique features, including its multi-segment travel search capabilities and custom content integration, designed to streamline the travel planning process. Arman also tackles the topic of AI and how it is shaping the future of travel planning, and how advisors can optimize their operations to stay ahead.

 

Connect with Arman Bimatov:

travelwits.com

 

 

Today we will cover:


 (01:05) From childhood HTML experiments to AI search optimization
 (02:15) The evolution and impact of TravelWits in the travel industry
 (12:50) Streamlining bookings with comprehensive GDS integration
 (17:45) Future developments and enhancements of the platform
 (25:15) Navigating AI-generated content and its impact on travel advisors
 (27:15) Client facing portals; creating an additional revenue stream
 (34:45) The future of travel planning with AI
 (40:05) Maintaining human involvement; building relationships and optimizing operations

 

 

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NOVO: onboarding.novo.co/signup?referral_code=JenniferJacob

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The Hive is changing the way advisors can research cruises, DMCs, wholesalers, hotels, and so much more. The platform provides a centralized database of suppliers, facilitating easier searches and better organization of travel resources; helping advisors save time by offering detailed supplier profiles and search filters. 

 

Whitney Schindler, founder of The Hive, joins this episode to share the backstory and the pain points that led to the platform’s creation. She also explains how The Hive aims to consolidate the travel industry's fragmented information, making it easier for advisors to find the best suppliers and organize their notes. Learn about the features and potential to revolutionize travel planning by saving time and leveraging relationships. From the inception of The Hive to its functionalities and impact on the industry, the conversation covers the challenges advisors face and how The Hive aims to address them!

 

Connect with Whitney Schindelar:

undiscoveredsunsets.com

 

 

Today we will cover:


 (04:15) How The Hive came to be; it’s mission and vision
 (08:50) The role of technology in travel
 (14:10) The importance of DMCs in travel planning
 (19:55) User experience on The Hive
 (25:50) Challenges in payment processing for advisors 
 (33:15) Booking direct and ensuring commissions
 (38:10) Managing client expectations
 (38:35) Understanding DMC requirements; using filters when searching
 (44:00) The Hive platform overview; supplier/advisor interactions
 (48:15) Success stories and future vision
 (55:20) Who should join The Hive

 

 

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The path to building a successful business as a travel advisor isn't just about convincing people to book through you - it's about attracting the right clients and fostering those relationships. Heather Keller, co-owner and founder of Perfect Landing Travel, joins this episode to discuss the art of finding and attracting ideal clients. Heather provides strategies for identifying who your ideal client is and how to profile and engage with that target audience. She also shares unique marketing strategies for creating authentic connections with potential clients, and emphasizes the significance of understanding your ideal client's needs and maintaining long-term relationships. Learn how you can build credibility and trust with your audience, which ultimately leads to increased referrals and client loyalty!

 

About Heather Keller:

While she has always loved travel, her past experience was in banking management, and in 2015 she went back to school to receive her Undergraduate in Psychology. She dove head-first into the luxury travel industry shortly after and hasn't looked back. Heather’s favorite aspect of trip planning is finding what you didn't know you'd love, and having you experience travel in a way that it becomes a part of you. When not travel planning for clients, she loves traveling with her own family (the bigger the adventure the better), and spending time giving back by volunteering with several nonprofit organizations.

 

perfectlandingtravel.com

 

 

Today we will cover:


 (01:30) Heather’s background and career journey
 (04:20) Building a team and cultivating relationships in the travel industry
 (11:00) How to identify your ideal client 
 (14:15) Social media tactics for attracting clients
 (26:00) Creating a connection with potential clients; being in the driver's seat
 (34:25) Recognizing and avoiding non-ideal clients
 (41:20) Leveraging referrals for client acquisition
 (47:05) Unique marketing strategies
 (51:30) Fostering long-term client relationships

 

 

SEMI CUSTOM BRAND KITS

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CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES

tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates

 

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TripSuite is on a mission to break host agencies free from outdated systems and provide them with a modern operating platform. Jacey Jones, Co-founder and CEO of TripSuite, joins this episode to discuss how the platform is revolutionizing travel planning with advanced technology. Jacey shares her background and development journey, including how a chance introduction to a venture capital firm led to the founding of TripSuite. Learn about the platform’s unique features, including its CRM, financial integration with QuickBooks, and the upcoming workflow automation module. Jacey also provides insights on industry trends, particularly the increasing importance of technology and AI in travel, and explains the team's dedication to continuous improvement. This episode is a must-listen for those looking to modernize and streamline their operations!

 

Connect with Jacey Jones:

tripsuite.com

travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/New-solutions-introduced-collect-commissions

 

 

Today we will cover:


 (02:05) Jacey’s background and the birth of TripSuite
 (05:15) Targeting independent host agencies
 (09:35) Financial and operational integration
 (12:40) Automating workflows with templated steps
 (16:55) Trends in technology and travel
 (20:35) Client data accessibility
 (28:25) Security and risk management
 (36:35) TripSuite’s long-term vision

 

 

Listen to Episode 79: Host Agency Culture: Finding The Perfect Fit For Your Travel Business with Stephanie Lee

 

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES

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THE LEGAL PAIGE: https://thelegalpaige.com/collections/industry-travel-advisor/?aff=143

Travel industry agreement templates

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When it comes to marketing your business, quality photos can make all the difference in attracting and engaging potential clients. However, simply having high-quality images is NOT enough. In this episode, Robin and Jennifer share how you can get the most out of any photo shoot, whether it's by a professional or you've employed the help of a friend who can simply press a camera button down. Regardless of your investment level, learn how you can maximize the opportunity to get great images that portray professionalism and trustworthiness, yet also allow for authenticity and individuality to shine through. From choosing the right photographer and location to curating relevant outfits and props, you can create visually stunning and impactful imagery that sets you apart in the industry!

 

 

Today we will cover:


 (00:40) Why brand shoots are important for external credibility
 (10:10) Understanding your brand identity before you schedule a photo shoot
 (14:35) Consistency and intention in your imagery
 (16:00) Choosing the right photographer and location
 (24:50) Creating a vision board using Pinterest
 (27:30) Infusing stock imagery along with brand photos
 (29:20) Outfits, aesthetics, and props for a brand shoot
 (34:45) Tips for feeling confident in front of the camera

 

 

Resources mentioned:


 Peerspace: peerspace.com
 Elevae: elevaevisuals.com
 Flytographer: flytographer.com
 Pixaround: pixaroundyou.com

 

 

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES

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Tern is on a mission to modernize travel advisor technology! Tern founders, David Shull and Katie Williams, share how this innovative platform is streamlining advisor workflows, prioritizing user feedback, and redefining the advisor-client relationship. By actively listening to user feedback, responding to queries, and receiving input on new features, Tern has created a loyal fan base that feels heard, valued, and connected. The genuine interactions and transparency in communication have elevated the user experience, driving enthusiasm and excitement among advisors. Tune in to learn about the platform’s development process, prioritization of features, and the future of technology in supporting travel advisors. As the travel industry continues to evolve, the human touch, coupled with cutting-edge technology, will be the driving force behind success in industry!

 

About with David Shull and Katie Williams:

In 2014, Tern’s founding team worked together as a part of the earliest team at Handshake. After eight years they had helped Handshake grow from a living room in Northern Michigan to the second largest professional network in the US and a $3.5B valuation. Tern's CEO, David was on a trip to Greece in 2021 when he missed a ferry schedule change. Instead of enjoying their first Greek Isle, David & his wife spent six hours in a (very hot) parking lot waiting for the next ferry. In that parking lot, David thought of his in-laws & that they used an advisor for all their trips. He thought, maybe if he had partnered with Wendy he wouldn't be in that parking lot. David called Brian and Katie and shared the earliest version of an idea for Tern. 

 

What they didn't know was if anyone needed it. They packed their bags and headed to ASTA where they talked to as many advisors, agencies, and suppliers as they could. The answer was clear. The travel industry was desperate for better technology. David, Katie, and Brian started working on Tern in 2022 and went full time in 2023. Since then the team has grown and remains laser focused on building incredible technology for travel advisors.

 

tern.travel

 

 

Today we will cover:


 (02:15) The development of Tern
 (07:10) Getting advisor feedback on pain points in the industry
 (17:00) Balancing Innovation and Practicality in Technology Development
 (22:45) What is Tern? Who is it for?
 (26:40) Creating a loyal customer base; importance of user feedback
 (33:45) Progress over perfection mindset
 (37:00) Technology trends in the travel industry
 (45:40) Creating a streamlined and seamless user interface
 (48:10) Tern’s ideal user 
 (50:10) The long term vision for Tern

 

 

CLIENT COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES

tiquehq.com/client-communication-templates

 

THE LEGAL PAIGE: https://thelegalpaige.com/collections/industry-travel-advisor/?aff=143

Travel industry agreement templates

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JOIN OUR NICHE COMMUNITY: tiquehq.com/niche 

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com