What’s The Difference? | Travel Research Online

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What’s The Difference?

What’s the difference between The Five Second Rule and The Rule of Five?

This is a very important question if you are planning to continue to build a successful travel business in 2018.

And while I have you, I think I will fill in a few blanks regarding three other rules that will play a pivotal roles in your future progress. That makes five rules in total.

Let’s take each rule one at a time.

The Five Second Rule. This rule is no more or less important than the other four I will be sharing today. It is a bigee. It has to do with overcoming procrastination; if you ask me, procrastination just may be the biggest obstacle you will be facing as the New Year unfolds.

You will be introduced to a new idea, task or challenge and your knee-jerk internal response will be, “I will get to that later, this afternoon, tomorrow or next week.” It has been documented that if you do not initiate some form of action on this idea or item on your to-do list at once, chances of you completing the task are immediately diminished.

What does this mean? It means that when an idea crosses your mind, act on it in some way, shape or form within five seconds if you intend to do something with your idea. That way, chances are you will accomplish the task at hand. The longer you wait the less chance you have of accomplishing the task.

The Rule of Five. This rule reminds us to “calm down” and to refrain from being impetuous, especially when upset. Before responding to an irate client, count to five before scratching off that “in-your-face” back at you email. (Nothing good can come from it.) Give yourself some measured time to calm your initial reaction.

Another way to practice this rule is to give yourself five minutes or five hours to allow your blood pressure to return to normal. You will be surprised how professional you can make your response sound with a little space.

The Rule of Seven. Although there is nothing magical about the numbers, The Rule of 7 suggests that we make it our business to contact our prospects a minimum of seven times in each 18-month period. This rule reminds us that when we are out of sight, we are out of mind. Plug in your own numbers but remember, it will take a number of sequenced contacts before a prospect feels comfortable enough to do any business with us. Relationships and trust take time.
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The 1.6% Rule. I invented this rule myself after analyzing the results from an Olympic downhill skiing event. I saw that the difference in time between the gold medal winner and the 17th place finisher was less than 2%. This isn’t much time when you consider the course takes approximately 120 seconds to complete. This rule reminds us that it doesn’t take much to distance us from the competition, and it is the little things that will do the trick. I don’t care if it involves golf, horse racing or building a travel business, it is the little things that will make all the difference in the world.

Marchev’s Rule. I thought I’d toss this one for good measure. My rule reminds us that of all the people you will come in contact with for the next 200 years, you can categorize them into two distinct groups. You will meet people you are in position to help, and you will meet people that you are not in position to help.

Once you begin endorsing this rule, your business life will instantly become less stressful and more enjoyable. Stop relying on your “gift-of-gab” and start communicating with the people who are receptive to your assistance.

We often hear that “less is more.” This advice particularly holds true in sales. Start swimming with the tide. Look for the people you can help…and are receptive to your help.

Okay. You can tie a bow on 2017. We are done for the year. Today’s article completes year number three of my Travel Research Online Daily Column. I find this incredible. Where has the time gone? Where have the years gone?

But the good or bad news is (you be the judge) that year four is just starting, and I will be back in 2018 to help stimulate your thinking. In some small way I hope I can contribute to the success of your company as the next 52 weeks unfold.

Personally, I am eager to make 2018 the best year to date, and I hope you will be riding along with me., one day at a time.

I’ll see you right back here next year, and I will be looking forward to it.

Happy New Year.


Mike Marchev Mike Marchev has plenty of stories, strategies and tactics to keep you on top of your game.
Mike will be conducting his 5th annual Travel Sales & Marketing Business Development Cruise, sailing the Freedom of The Seas from Ft. Lauderdale. Email him at mike@mikemarchev.com for complete details. Five cabins are still available.
Mike’s daily column is made possible by AmaWaterways.

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