Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008 - (Page 10)

PUBLISHER’S Note FOR THE AGENT Never Underestimate Initiative and dedication can go a long way area that is affiliated with Cruise Specialists and Luxury Travel Network, has been in the travel business for less than one year— this, however, did not stop him from selling a $120,000 full-world cruise on a Crystal Cruises’ ship. When approached about the novelty of the sale, his response was that he never viewed selling a full-world cruise as a job suited for a more experienced agent. Jump Right In I think we can learn something from Haskin’s initiative. Often in Home-Based Travel Agent, we advise agency owners on what to look for when hiring new people. We stress that a sales background and obvious love of travel are key. However, when you do nab that perfect new employee, don’t underestimate their capabilities right off the bat. If you yourself are a new homebased agent, take a page from Haskin’s notes: jump right in.There is no better way to learn than to get your feet wet. In both situations, having the right tools is the best piece of advice we can give. In our magazine, we provide readers with articles on how to manage their business; industry news, which is important to keep in mind along the way; articles on the hottest destinations—and how best to approach selling them; and information on new deals, products and technology. So with our magazine in hand and a little initiative, go out there and try. Who knows, maybe a $120,000 sale is right around the HB corner. Kerry J. Cannon, Jr. Group Publisher kcannon@questex.com 212-895-8247 While reading through the pages of this month’s issue of HomeBased Travel Agent and pondering my next publisher’s letter, several articles jumped out at me. However, there was one name that I could not get out of my mind—Cary Haskin. He’s featured in our article, “The Right Stuff ” (page 24), in which we profiled four agents who rose above and beyond due to their dedication, selling power and general professionalism. Big-Ticket Sale Haskin, the owner of Cary on Travel, a new home-based agency in the San Francisco “If you are a new home-based agent, jump right in. There is no better way to learn than to get your feet wet.” 10 Home-BasedTravelAgent MAY 2 0 0 8

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008

Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008 Contents Editor’s Note: When It’s Just Not Worth It Publisher’s Note: Never Underestimate Your Lifeline: When Things Go Wrong, You May Need To Agent Spotlight: Odyssey Travel’s Michelle Duncan New Technology: Resources That Can Help You Quickly Industry News: Costa Names Field Sales Director Hot Deals: From the Caribbean to Canada and London Success Stories Independent Associations Southern Swing Mexico Dominican Republic Cover Story: Australia Family Trips Theme Tours New Products: Urban At Ease Laptop Messenger Bag

Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008

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