This article originally appeared in the August issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
We’re at a pivotal moment in time for
travel advisors. Since the pandemic, travelers have come to better understand
the value you bring — saving them time, delivering exceptional value and
providing peace of mind throughout their journey. To meet this growing demand —
and for the long–term strength of our profession — it’s essential that we
actively support and train the next generation of advisors.
According to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 8,200 job openings will be
available for agents each year over the next decade, creating tremendous
opportunity for experienced advisors to lead the way in guiding newcomers.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentoring doesn’t
mean doing the work for them; it means teaching them “how to fish” by showing
them how to find the right tools and conduct research on their careers.
One of the most
important lessons for newbies is to learn how to effectively qualify clients.
Coach new agents on understanding how to ask the right questions and identify
ideal clients, which will lead to better matches and stronger retention.
Another valuable
piece of advice? Urge newcomers to specialize. By focusing their early learning
and marketing efforts on a particular destination, travel style or demographic,
they can build deeper expertise.
Also, be patient
and kind. Starting out in this industry can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to
learn, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Your empathy and encouragement can make
all the difference as to whether someone sticks with it or gives up too soon.
Put Yourself
in Their Shoes
Everyone knows
what it’s like to start a new job and feel insecure about the unknown. A mentor
can offer advice, answer questions and assist with practical aspects of the
job, such as setting up social media accounts. Most important, a mentor can
share stories — triumphs and missteps — from their own early days in the
business. Introduce new advisors to trusted supplier partners, and invite them
to industry events alongside you.
Shaping the Future
As experienced
advisors, we have the opportunity to shape the future of our industry. By
opening the door to new talent, offering support and sharing the tools for
success, we work toward ensuring that the advisor profession continues to
thrive for years to come.
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