For better or worse, we are all in sales. No one eats unless something is sold—it really is that simple. However, many travel agents don’t see themselves as salespeople. They are purveyors of information, keepers of knowledge, and trusted confidantes. We are a notorious industry for coming up with creative names for ourselves—Dream Maker… Memory Builder… Consultant… you get the drill. But let’s not forget, if we don’t ask for the sale, we aren’t making any dreams or building any memories. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy simply because we follow the sales process to the letter until the very end when we don’t ask for the sale!
Do you really think someone contacted you out of boredom? No! They are interested in buying something. It may not be right now. It may not be the product you present. But trust me, they are anticipating a purchase. Don’t let it slip away!
Do you sell cruises? If so, hopefully, you have cruised yourself and know how much fun they can be. Hopefully, you have been on a group cruise with some friends or family members and know how much more fun they can be. How many of you will ask a client who just booked a cruise if they have any friends or family that might like to join them? It is that simple! And I can guarantee that by adding that simple question into your arsenal, you will receive more bookings and maybe a group or two.
Do you have a Facebook page? How do you generate engagement and otherwise have your followers and fans do what you want? If you want them to comment, ask them to comment! If you want them to take a survey, ask them! Ask them to like, and share. Unfortunately, human nature suggests that we do as little as possible unless told or asked, even when the task is effortless.
Do you have an email newsletter? How do you get your subscribers? You might have a link at the bottom of your emails or a form on your website. But is that enough? Not even close. Ask them specifically to subscribe and tell them what they will get in return. Periodically post to your social media, let your fans know about the newsletter, and ask them to subscribe. Last month, I received an unsolicited email from a company I didn’t know. Their message was simple. “We are a new company in your area, and we think we can help. We are sending you this email one time and asking that you subscribe to our newsletter and check us out. If you like us–wonderful. If not, just unsubscribe.” The message was simple. It was effective. I subscribed. And I look forward to the emails each week.
Sometimes the simplest things elude us. For the most part, people will do the bare minimum to get by; but they are more than willing to go the extra mile if asked. Now go forth and ask someone to like you, follow you, or subscribe to you? Things will happen—all you need to do is ask!
