The Strategic Travel Entrepreneur

Inspired by some recent chatter, I'm tackling the challenge of consistent content creation, by sharing some of my top tips on maintaining a positive mindset, finding your content creation groove, and setting achievable goals. 

I'm also diving into my personal journey with podcasting, blogging, and repurposing content for different platforms, as well as spilling the beans on handy hacks for email marketing, social media, and leveraging your travel experiences for content creation. 

If you're ready to up your content creation game and stand out in the travel industry, stick around for some expert insights!

In this episode, I share:

·     How to change your thinking on content creation

·     Where to start when creating content

·     Some of my favorite hacks for creating content

·     and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Join the Email Marketing Membership *affiliate link*: https://ritaventures--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

Get CastMagic AI for Videos and Audio Recordings *affiliate link*: https://get.castmagic.io/39q8g3hvbe1s

Get the Plan Your Year Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Plan-your-Year-Workbook-2024/dp/B0CLTK1WNF

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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

We're officially/unofficially celebrating the 3rd Birthday of the Podcast--wootttt!!!

Thank you so much for tuning in every-ish week, sharing the podcast with your peers, and leaving ratings and reviews that allow other business owners to find this goodness.

I sincerely could not do this without your support, and I'm ever so grateful for it--THANK YOU!

Remembering this podcast birthday got me thinking why I started this podcast and that was to support the business-side of entrepreneurship.  It's not something many of us think about when we become a travel advisor, but it is especially critical to think about if we want longevity and sustainability in business.

In this episode, I share:

·     The differences between an employee and an entrepreneur

·     A little bit of my own growth as a travel business owner

·     Some of the important aspects of entrepreneurship you need to be aware of

·     and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Get CastMagic AI for Videos and Audio Recordings *affiliate link*: https://get.castmagic.io/39q8g3hvbe1s

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

This past week has been a deeply personal week for me, so I wanted to share a personal episode about where I'm at and what I'm doing to thrive this year in business.

In this episode, I share:

·     Prioritizing health and backup plans

·     Leaning into my passions

·     Changing my mindset

·     and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Nina Clapperton's 6 Months to 50k Sessions Course *affiliate link*: https://ritaventures--ninaclapperton.thrivecart.com/6-months-to-50k/

The Wealthy Spirit by Chellie Campbell *affiliate link*: https://amzn.to/3TbfzH7

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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

This week's episode was sparked by a conversation that transported me back to my years at Disney, where impeccable customer service wasn't just an expectation—it was a cornerstone of the magic. 

As I reminisce about those early days, I'm inspired to share the remarkable strategies that elevate our travel services from good to great.

In this episode, I share:

·     Understanding and Meeting Clients' Specific Needs

·     The Art of Personalization in Travel

·     The PATH Standards of Excellence for host agencies

·     and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Learn about Mailbox Power *affiliate link*: https://go.mailboxpower.com/birthdayspecial?invite=ritaventures

Need help strategizing a custom systems plan for your business?  Schedule a Marketing Power Hour with me today!  https://calendly.com/ritaventures/marketing-consulting

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

One of my passions and purposes for creating this podcast is to help travel agents like you avoid some of the red flags that sometimes pop up in the industry and this can sometimes mean host agencies.

Now I'm not saying all host agencies have red flags, but you should listen if you're questioning your current host situation.

In this episode, I share:

·     The difference between being an employee and an independent contractor

·     A personal rant I have about professional fees and commission splits

·     The PATH Standards of Excellence for host agencies

·     and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Need help strategizing a custom systems plan for your business?  Schedule a Marketing Power Hour with me today!  https://calendly.com/ritaventures/marketing-consulting

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

I've been doing a lot pondering and comparisons recently on how/why other industries are taken more seriously than the travel advisor industry is.  I decided to break down some of the ways you can grow into to be taken seriously in your travel business by family, friends, and peers.

In this episode, I share:

·     The importance of projecting confidence, even if you don't feel it

·     Recent experiences I've had that have helped others see me as a professional

·     Why you should also be connecting with people within our industry

·     and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Need help strategizing a custom systems plan for your business?  Schedule a Marketing Power Hour with me today!  https://calendly.com/ritaventures/marketing-consulting

Sign up for my Travefy Webinar: https://learn.travefy.com/academy-feb-2024-rita-perez/

Register for Host Week: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/host-week

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

It's Wave Season, and it's very likely, that you may be feeling overwhelmed.  Let's help reduce that overwhelm by identifying the five systems you need in your travel business, and what you can do to implement repeatable processes to help make life a little easier as a travel agency owner.

In this episode, I share:

·     How mining for gemstones is like the systems in your business

·     Ideas for finding clients, even if you haven't niched down yet

·     Ideas for keeping current clients in your orbit

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Need help strategizing a custom systems plan for your business?  Schedule a Marketing Power Hour with me today!  https://calendly.com/ritaventures/marketing-consulting

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Say HI on Social:
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Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com

There's some big changes coming to email this February 1st--and you need to be aware of them, or your emails to your clients may not get sent!

In this episode, I share:

·     The importance of scrubbing your email list

·     The immediate reason why you should get an email address with your domain name

·     High level information on authenticating your email domain

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Watch Cheryl Rerick's FREE Email Deliverability Webinar *affiliate link*:
https://members.cherylrerick.com/~access/a13c4375f/

Get access to Cheryl Rerick's Deliverability Workshops *affiliate link*:
https://members.cherylrerick.com/~access/a15c4375f/

Contact Amy Graves: amygraves@anymainstreet.com

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

We start this week's episodes with a few updates and opportunities for your travel business, and then glide right on in to some common mistakes that held me back, and are probably holding you back, too, for making meaningful income in your travel agency.

In this episode, I discuss:

·     Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable

·     The power of your voice

·     Being in business for yourself, but not by yourself

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Ascending in your Travel Business Audio Series:
https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/ascending-audio-series/

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

Something I'm super proud of from 2023 is the way I was able to grow my email list :)  I'm spilling in the beans on what I did to be successful, why I think they worked, and how you can utilize these tactics for your travel business.

In this episode, I discuss:

·     The type of lead magnet I used for email list building

·     Why I think some worked and some didn't

·     Insights into how I'll adjust for 2024

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Download the Lead Generation Calculator:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1138259

Listen to the 2023 Audio Series:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/audio-series

Get The Lead Magnet Workshop Replay: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1160555

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

If you've ever want the juicy on my business, I'm spilling tons in this episode :)  The good, the bad, the ugly, and the lessons of 2023 are right here in this episode---let's jump in!

In this episode, I discuss:

·     The audio series that completely flopped

·     How collaborations significantly increased my email list this year

·     The shifts and new directions I've been seeing in my work

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Sign Up for the Lead Magnet Workshop: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1160555

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

As we head into the biggest holiday week, kick back, relax, and start dreaming again, as you listen to some industry greats share their insights on superb holiday destinations and experiences from across the globe!

In this episode, we discuss:
·     River and expedition sailings
·     The differences between the North and South Poles
·     Why you should consider the South Pacific for your warm weather holiday clients
·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Register for the FULL Unique Holiday Experiences Audio Series:
https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/unique-holiday-experiences/

Register for the Lead Magnet Workshop happening on 1/4 from 3-5pm EST:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1160555

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Say HI on Social:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

I don't do new year's resolutions.  I pick words to focus on for the year.  The words that I choose really drive the business decisions I make throughout the year.  Listen in on my personal thoughts, as well as insights from conversations I've had from fellow travel advisors on planning and selecting their words of the year.

In this episode, I discuss:

·      Aligning words of the year with big business goals

·      The intentionality in the context of your word of the year

·     How my 2023 words served me and what I'm looking to in 2024

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Pre-Register for the Unique Holiday Experiences Audio Series: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/unique-holiday-experiences/

Sign Up for the Lead Magnet Workshop: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1160555

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Say HI on Social:
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Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com

One of the thing that I hate people try to sell you about social media, is that it is the solution to all your business problems...and that's a flat out lie.  You don't need to do more social media to make more sales, and some people don't even do social media and make great sales.  (Some people also do a shoddy job at social media, and still get sales.)

The point is--the problem isn't social media.  It's something else, and we're going to dive into those something else's in this episode.

In this episode, I discuss:

·      The importance of proper messaging targeted towards the right audience

·      Aligning offers with the needs and desires of the target market

·     The significance of taking proactive measures in business development

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Pre-Register for the Unique Holiday Experiences Audio Series: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/unique-holiday-experiences/

Get your Goody Bag at Lizzy's Christmas Party: https://www.lcp2023.com/rita

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

How do you get to $40,000 in income next year with your travel agency?  Well in this week's episode, I'm going to break down a few ways that you can strategically and intentionally plan your sales.  

In this episode, I discuss:

·      Tweaking various factors, such as exploring different travel products and increasing commission splits or professional fees

·      The importance of being specific about the type of travel services offered to effectively market your travel business

·     Considering different scenarios that can get you to your income goals with less work 

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Pre-Register for the Unique Holiday Experiences Audio Series: https://takethehelm.thrivecart.com/unique-holiday-experiences/

Plan your Year Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Plan-your-Year-Workbook-2024/dp/B0CLTK1WNF/

Plan your Year Recordings: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1158313

Lead Generation Calculator:  https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1138259

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Say HI on Social:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

I might be biased, but this was such a FUN interview, despite me even being sick.  Liz Wilcox, the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, comes on to talk about the power of email marketing in your business.  AND we're not just talking about the "what", but the "how" and "why", as well.

If you've felt lost about email marketing and your travel business, this episode is NOT to be missed!

In this episode, we discuss:

·      Email marketing as a tool to warm up people and drive sales

·      The personal and intimate connection provided by email compared to social media

·      The importance of continual list building and nurturing regardless of size

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!


Sign Up for Liz's Email Marketing Membership Annual Pass *affiliate link*:
https://ritaventures--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership-yearly-pass/

Miss out on the Annual Pass offer?  Join the monthly membership for just $9/month! *affiliate link*:  https://ritaventures--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

Travel Industry Black Friday Event:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/tibf

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Say HI on Social:
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rita@steeryourmarketing.com

Join Chief Commercial Officer, Janet Bava, and I, as we discuss on this BONUS EPISODE, our super-upcoming FAM aboard Windstar Cruises :)

We spill lots of details on things to look forward to in this episode, and you can also find more information at the Google Doc below :)

We so look forward to sailing with you in a few weeks to boost your marketing and Windstar Sales in 2024!

Windstar FAM Information:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10zt6iJ51_jQbzMqmrjE8jiAgisZ3Wxwavsa7p10HEsw/edit?usp=sharing

Travel Industry Black Friday Event:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/tibf

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Say HI on Social:
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Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com

I've conducted dozens of media/podcast interviews this past year, and I'm noticing some common things that sometimes seem to be lacking on the guest side.  I wanted to use this episode as a means to educate you on how you should properly prepare for when you do media interviews like podcasts and lives.

In this episode, I discuss:

·      Video Quality

·      Sound Quality

·      Visual Aesthetics

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Travel Industry Black Friday Event:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/tibf

Content Creation Essentials Links:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/tools-you-need-for-media-interviews

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com

This short and sweet episode is sure to delight as I share my opinions on things that give me the heebie jeebies when I check out social media feeds.

In this episode, I discuss:

·      Your feed's aesthetics

·      Your business branding

·      The things I'm passionate you shouldn't be putting on your social media feed

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Register for the Plan Your Year Session:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1158313

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JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
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Say HI on Social:
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Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com

Fresh content is back!  And I've had a couple things on my mind like LEAD MAGNETS for your travel business.  If you've heard the term and are confused at exactly what they are and you should utilize for your travel business, you should definitely tune in for some ideas and lead magnet strategy.

In this episode, I discuss:

·      What types of lead magnets you can utilize for your travel business

·      Why you need to know exactly who your ideal travel client is before crafting one

·      How a lead magnet works in terms of your travel business funnel

·      and so much more!

Enjoy (and take action)!

Register for the Plan Your Year Session:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1158313

---------------------------------------------------------------

JOIN the Marketing Business School Community:
https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1117728

Say HI on Social:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/takethehelmvbs
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
rita@steeryourmarketing.com