The Traveling Kidd — Put me in coach | Travel Research Online

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The Traveling Kidd — Put me in coach

A few articles back I talked about hiring a business coach.  The summer of 2012 was one of reflection for me, I needed to evaluate where I was and if I was any closer to where I wanted to be.  Was I positioning myself for success? What am I going to do with all of these ideas that are swirling around in my head?  I admit that I needed focus.

I was spinning my wheels and literally getting nowhere.  So I hired a business coach. It was important to me that the person I hired gave me solid advice.  I wanted to walk away from each session with real building blocks that once implemented, would help my business to grow.

You are going to think I am crazy, or perhaps a little to optimistic, but I definitely feel that after only two sessions I have had a mini breakthrough.  I realized that I could be hindering my growth because I would not consider, let along market myself, as a travel expert.  With only two years in the industry I believed I didn’t know enough about travel, nor did I feel that I had earned my stripes.

My coach did what a good coach does; he helped me figure out what would make me feel “legitimate.”  Without that initial step, I would never be able to effectively market myself.  So my coach suggested that I take the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test.

Up to this point, I had no real desire to take it.  In fact it seems more travel professionals have not taken it then those that have and I was less than convinced that it would make a difference.  As I considered it, I realized it would be a milestone that would constantly remind me that I do in fact know more about travel than the average American.

So for the next four weeks, the Traveling Kidd will be back to the books in preparation for an October test!  Cross your fingers for me and leave me any tips. Have you taken the TAP?

Tracy Kidd is the owner and agent of The Traveling Kidd in Central New Jersey. She specializes in planning travel for couples, friend getaways, and groups.  She is a member of NACTA and entered the industry in 2010. Yo can contact Tracy at www.travelingkidd.com  or by email at tracy@travelingkidd.com

  3 thoughts on “The Traveling Kidd — Put me in coach

  1. Christine says:

    Yes I have taken the TAP test, it was not as hard as I had expected. Just study and you will do fine.

  2. I’ve taken the TAP test as well, and I strongly feel that if you can’t pass it, you need to look into a different career. Christine is right – it’s not as hard as you initially expect when you first receive the material, but it’s a GREAT ground-level foundation for you – I agree with your coach that you should do it! I’m sure it will be the first of many accomplishments you will have!!

  3. Julie Summers says:

    I have also taken the TAP and am glad I did. If you’ve been selling travel for two years, you will have no problem passing. Good Luck!

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