“Maybe I’m not listening to your pitch because the 100 people who came before you abused my trust, stole my time and disrespected my intelligence. Perhaps I’m not buying from you because the last time someone like you earned my trust, he broke my heart. People seldom appear irrational. They often act on memories and pressures that you’re unaware of.”
These were the words of a Seth Godin’s Blog Post. They rang true with me. Enough to pass them on.
I have been sharing my views for years that many travel agents have taught their prospects to cast their fate toward the Internet. Time and again we have let potential customers down, shook their trust, gave them something to fear, question or down-right disbelieve. Not because we are bad people. Perhaps we were just in a rush or didn’t see the need for homework. Of course they resorted to the do-it-yourself medium. What did you expect?
As a result, our work is now cut out for us. Don’t be a “we.” Be a “you.” Be the exception. Work hard at earning people’s trust again. Be that one “special” person in a hundred. Be fun. Be unique. Be interested…and before you know it, you will be “interesting.”
Need a hint? Call people back. Act like you are glad they called. Say thank-you more often and mean it. Listen with the intent to understand. Start a little bit earlier. Stay a little bit later. Take a different route to and from work once in a while. Take a walk. Work at becoming a magnet that attracts people toward you and not repel them away. Think. Breathe. Live. Love. Become something “special.”
Thanks Seth. I am off to enjoy another week.
Mike Marchev freely shares his experiences, strategies and observations with travel professionals in an effort to keep them on top of their game. For a complimentary copy of his 12-Word Marketing Plan send him an email at mike@mikemarchev.com.
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