Tripology–does it work for you? Or not? | Travel Research Online

Image
Image

Tripology–does it work for you? Or not?

I have been using Tripology since its infancy back in 2007 and with good success through its trials and tribulations as a small business in midtown Manhattan, to almost disappearing totally, to being bought by Rand McNally, to now as part of USA Today. I have had many colleagues in the industry that have also met with success using Tripology, but it is not for everyone. Tripology is a good lead service that works if you are willing to work it. It especially works for those who truly have a niche or true specialization. Is it perfect? Not at all!

Like anything in life, you have to work to earn your keep, and Tripology is no different. Nothing is guaranteed. Perhaps you need to look at your presentation to the prospect. Are you selling the product? Or are you selling yourself as the go to person to make their travel adventure the best ever? Just asking. Sometimes it is not the lead itself that is the problem, but the person trying to get the lead.

I have developed a standard email response over time and follow up within a few days of the initial contact, but I tweak each email introduction to fit the potential new client. If you think there is a magic pill to be successful using Tripology, there isn’t. How you introduce yourself to one potential client, is not how you introduce yourself to another potential client. Yes, after many years, I feel confident in my ability to read the lead and find the right connecting points. This may sound elementary, and it is. If you have someone sitting at your agency desk to discuss cruises, do you treat them the same as someone else seeking a multi-city FIT of Europe? Some will only work with those that leave a phone number, but most leads won’t leave that information at this point in the game. So you choose to work with what you have. If a potential client emailed you and did not leave a phone contact, would you ignore it? No one is holding a gun to your head to purchase the lead. Learn to use the system to qualify them…just as you would any client.

I have read many threads on the subject and agents seem to fall into two categories. There are evangelists (myself included) who sing the praises, and the naysayers who will go out of their way to badmouth the service because it did not work for them. If you are a naysayer, that’s fine; but, don’t put your professionalism on the line by badmouthing it—especially when the problem might actually be you. We need to have as many avenues to potential success as possible.

It is not the only game in town and I know there are other lead generation options. For me, I have about a 30% conversion rate. I have also become picky about the leads I purchase with them. And this figure might blow your mind, but between original purchases, repeat business and referrals, about 65% of my business can be traced back to Tripology. I look at it as a cost of doing business, just like any other marketing vehicle.

When I first became independent and started my own company, I needed a way to develop my business outside of my employer. When I left, I let my clients know I was moving on, and some chose to continue to work with me and others did not. But in the end, I had to find other sources of business and I foind it with Tripology. In my opinion, it was the best available at the time, and more importantly, it worked for me in my situation. And the rest, as they say, is history. Remember that Tripology is not a sprint, but a marathon and you will not hit it out of the park every time. You have to find the right combination of power and finesse in working it. In fact, at best, think about success in terms of baseball and a successful hitter who bats .300 may get into the Hall Of Fame, but at the very least, would be one who is considered to have a good career.

Jamison has traveled to over 50 countries, including most of Europe. Wandering Puffin LLC. Is located in Minneapolis, MN. Jamison can be reached by email at jamie@wanderingpuffin.com or by phone at  763-244-0669. www.wanderingpuffin.com.

 

 

Share your thoughts on “Tripology–does it work for you? Or not?”

You must be a registered user and be logged in to post a comment.