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The Many Networking Opportunities with Travel Quest

12/16/2015

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Written by Bonnie Lee
In our last post, we covered the importance of networking, how to find events and tips and tricks to make the most of them. So  I want to get more specific and go over all of the great networking opportunities that are available to agents within the Travel Quest Network!

Online Opportunities
  • Travel Quest Agent Portal – Just over a year ago we launched a brand new portal for our agents called the TQ Agent Portal. Our Portal has lots of awesome features, but the forum is definitely one that is used the most. Agents are able to post questions, comments and concerns in the forum and receive advice from our network of over 500 agents! Our agents’ willingness to help each other out is truly amazing!
  • Travel Quest Agent Private Facebook Group – Just before we launched our new portal, we started a private Facebook group for our agents. It’s no secret; Facebook is a pretty popular place to be! Our Facebook group is another great tool that agents can use to seek advice from their fellow TQ Agents.
Travel Quest Regional Meeting in ChicagoTQ Regional Meeting in Chicago
In Person Events
  • Travel Quest Regional Meetings – In 2015 we held our first annual regional meeting in Atlanta, GA and it was a hit among agents! We held classes that were focused around a theme, a small trade show with relevant vendors and  followed by dinner and drinks! We hold one regional meeting a year, usually in the spring. We get our  agents’ input to help us pick the locations and theme.

Bonnie Lee at Travel Quest National MeetingBonnie in one of her classes at TQNM15
  • Travel Quest National Meetings – Our annual National Meeting is held in Minneapolis every fall. This event brings staff, agents, vendors and non-agents together for two days of learning and networking. With break sessions taught by TQ staff, suppliers and others in the travel industry, Discovery Concourse (our version of a trade show) and our dinner and cocktail reception – there is a ton of time for networking!

  • Travel Quest Meet Ups - Whenever we are attending an industry event, we try to plan a TQ Meet Up or dinner for any TQ agents attending or that happen to be in the area at that time!  Much less formal but still a great, casual networking event.
  • Travel Leaders Regional and National Meetings – Being an agent with Travel Quest means you also get the benefits of being a part of the Travel Leaders Network. It just so happens, they also hold some great in-person events each year. Their Regional Meeting is held every spring, typically in 3 locations across the country. What I love about their regional meetings is the smaller more intimate feel. They offer some great classes at these events with networking and team building opportunities.

    The Travel Leaders National Meeting is a beast! This multi-day event (typically 3-4 days) is jam packed full of classes, hand-on learning, networking, networking and MORE networking! 
What I love most about this event is the amazing participation we see from Travel Quest agents. We generally have a great showing of agents; we reserve a table at meals and meet up for general sessions.We also host a special dinner with just our TQ agents which is my favorite part.  It gives me(and our agents) even more time to get to know each other - I love just chatting with our agents!!
Travel Quest FAM familiarization TripTQ Jamaica Destination Wedding & Honeymoon FAM
  • FAM Trips – We have 1-2 Travel Quest exclusive FAM trips each year. These are SO great! I typically work directly  with different hoteliers to plan a custom FAM for our agents. I would say FAM trips are in my top 5 favorite times of the year.  I get to take a small group of agents on a trip and spend time teaching and really getting to know them!   What could be better than that?!  Our FAM trips are often filled with both new and seasoned agents, which allows for a lot of learning and networking opportunities for everyone!

As you can see, there is no shortage of networking events in the TQ community!  We love getting facetime with our agents and so it is truly something we foster.  That being said, if you’re ever in the Minnesota, drop by and say hi!
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The Importance of Networking: It's not what you know, it's who you know

12/8/2015

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Written by Nicole Marson

Networking is a crucial element in the world of small business owners. That’s why I wanted to go over the importance and benefits of networking.Then I’ll go over some networking opportunities, essentials and best practices to get you going! 

Benefits of Networking
Networking with fellow agents, vendors and other business owners can really help you grow your business and expand your reach.  Whether it’s client referrals, partnerships, speaking or writing opportunities; networking can help connect you with people who can help you grow your business.   Looking for more specifics on how networking can benefit you?  Here you go!
  • Receive referrals which ultimately increasing your sales
  • Receive advice from like-minded people – learning tips and tricks from others can help you save time, money or both!
  • Raise your profile – Attending events on a regular basis increase your exposure, ultimately raising your profile and helping you gain new customers
  • Increase your confidence - Like anything, practice makes perfect! The more you attend networking events and engage with people, the more confident you’ll become and the better you’ll feel.
  • Trade goods and services with other small business owners - it is a win win!
  • Networking with vendors can help you learn selling points, product information and if you’re ever in a bind, it is always good to have someone to call
  • Make friends!  You never know how those connections will help you in the future.
Finding Networking Events
Attending networking events on a regular basis is important. Not sure where to look for local networking events? Here are a few ideas to get you started!
  • Check with your local American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) chapter! Even though you might not have a membership with them, they do allow non-members to attend events for a small fee.
  • Participate in online forums. Most host agencies offer some sort of an online community where you can go to meet fellow agents and seek advice. Facebook also offers many private groups that agents can join as well.  Travel Quest has an online forum and private Facebook group for our agents!
  • Become a member of MeetUp.com. This is an awesome site where you can start or join local networking and small business groups in your area.
  • Attend small business expos and other conferences.  Travel Quest National Meeting is held annually in Minneapolis, MN and we also have Regional events hosted around the country.
  • Become a member of your local Chamber of Commerce.
Tips for Successful Networking
The thought of attending your first few networking events may seem daunting but don’t worry - you’re not alone! Many people struggle the first few times out of the gate when walking into a room full of strangers and having to introduce yourself. We’ve put together a list of best practices to help you out!
  • Bring plenty of business cards
  • Be on time. Better yet, be early!
  • Don’t forget to SMILE! Not only will it make you look friendly and approachable, it will also help calm your nerves ☺
  • Ask for a card from every person you meet - you never know who you might want to contact later
  • Think of open ended questions (see below for ideas!)
  • Dress appropriately - if there isn’t a dress code specified, business casual is a good safe bet.
  • Turn off your ringer - you don’t want to be the person whose phone goes off in the middle of a speech.
  • Don’t automatically add people to your mailing list. Make sure you get their permission.
  • Follow up with those you meet. Sending a thank you note within 48 hours of the event is recommended. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Let them know you enjoyed meeting them and bring up something you two chatted about. This will show them that you’re both interested and available.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Making conversation and knowing what to ask people can be just as terrifying as walking through that door. I’ve found that having a few questions prepared eases my anxiety and makes my interactions a lot more engaging and meaningful.  The people you chat with will appreciate you taking the time to ask quality questions instead of the usual “Where are you from? What do you do?”.  Here are some example questions to help you get started!
  • How did you get started in the _____ industry?
  • What made you decided to enter this field?
  • What did you do in your previous life?
  • What do you enjoy most about your job?
  • What is the funniest/strangest request you have received?
Hopefully you were able to pick up some good tidbits on networking to get you started.  The hardest part is going to that first event.  I recommend doing some research, find an event that interests you and commit.  Once you get that first event under your belt, you’ll be more prepared for the next event and can adjust how you do things to your style for the next event.
Happy networking!

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