Where did the year go? It seems like yesterday it was spring and we were ramping up for a busy summer travel season. I looked at the calendar and realized it was November. NOVEMBER!! And more to the point, I realized that Thanksgiving is this week! Every year, I like to look back and reflect on things for which I am thankful. Call them blessings if you will; but here is my list for 2018!
- I am thankful that I figured out it was November and there is still time to get my 2019 marketing and business plans in order. Yours are, right?
- I am very thankful that it is not 2008. I was looking over some past spreadsheets and booking trends (while putting together my 2019 plans) and clearly saw how horrible it was. I decided to take a look further back and believe it or not, 2008 was worse than 2002 and the aftermath of 911.
- I am thankful for my clients, most of whom I consider friends and most of whom come to me year after year. Repeat business helps ease the marketing budget a little.
- I am thankful for my suppliers and the relationships we have forged over the years. It is built on mutual respect and I will keep sending you people; you keep having my back.
I am eternally grateful for the network of colleagues that keep me grounded and consistently bail me out when I am over my head. It is a great thing to have colleagues smarter than you and with more experience. We should never stop learning.
- I am thankful for Travel Research Online! OK, so I may be biased a bit; but there is no greater single resource for travel professionals than what we have right here. If you aren’t aware, take a half hour and click through all the links on the homepage–you will be surprised.
- I am thankful that the majority of our industry has changed and we have generally moved away from the MLMs and hobbyists to true professionals who specialize and charge fees. It makes us all healthier!
- I am thankful that in 1997 I decided to join the circus and get into the travel business. Over the years I have questioned it–not going to lie. But as I did in 1997, I still see a lot of upward potential for the industry. We just need to seek it out and take the chances!
- And finally, I am thankful for you. You scrolled down and made it to the end of this missive and for that I am appreciative and also for reading my weekly columns.
- Of course, I could go on and on as there are many blessings in my life, but I will spare you. Are you thankful? For what? Leave us a comment!
Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful, and familial Thanksgiving!
