Travel Agent - September 24, 2007 - (Page 23)

t concentrate on the sales side,” Sharak says. “And if you find a young person to learn a little about the agency business, they could be your seller of tomorrow.” 15. Strengthen Branding: “It’s incumbent as an agency owner to get out and brand your business,” says Sharak. “Let yourself be known in the business, develop those personal relationships, be the pied piper for your agency.” Vow to attend at least one networking event weekly during the next six weeks. Make one-on-one contact with new prospects, hand out flyers on last minute sailings and become the “vibrant face” of your agency. Above all, both agents and owners must develop a mindset that puts a priority on finding new revenue each day. “For those agents a few thousand dollars from their 2007 targets, there are still a lot of opportunities left this year,” stresses Smith. “The encouraging thing is that we do still see a good, strong, steady stream of business for 2007,” Smith notes. “It has not dried up.” And the sales aren’t from just the lower tier of accommodations. Crystal is among the lines reporting highend suite bookings for close-in sailings. So what are you waiting for? To achieve revenue goals for 2007, get started today! t FOR OUR 60th ANNIVERSARY, WE’RE GIVING AWAY DIAMOND NECKLACES. Because diamonds are a travel agent’s best friend! BOOK & DEPOSIT BEFORE 10/16/07. SPARKLE AFTER. To celebrate our diamond anniversary, we’re giving them away. In the form of stunning diamond necklaces. That’s one diamond for each decade, six in all, symbolizing our 60th Anniversary. To get yours, simply book and deposit a group of at least 10 cabins (totaling a minimum of 20 sailed guests) on any of our 7-night, 2008 European cruises. You’ll earn this beautiful diamond necklace, not to mention commissions of up to 17%! Get the diamonds. Get the commission. And get the adoration of your clients by giving them a true European experience with discounts of more than 60%, plus additional Early Booking Discounts. But don’t wait. Because while diamonds may be forever, this promotion ends 10/15/07. For group reservations or more information, call 1-800-327-2537. For Amore points, visit CostaLovesGroups.com. *Diamond necklace to be awarded to agent who booked qualifying number of sailed cabins. Diamond necklace is enlarged to show detail. Minimum is 10 sailed cabins totaling at least 20 sailed guests. Entry is automatic. Groups must be reserved and deposited by 10/15/07 to be valid. Only one necklace per qualifying agent. Recipients will be notified by mail 3 weeks following date of sailing.Certificate of authenticity to accompany diamond necklace.Certain restrictions apply.Void where prohibited.5588 September 24, 2007 TravelAgent t t 23 High-end lines report strong year-end bookings of top suites (shown is the Crystal Symphony) t MEDITERRANEAN u NORTHERN EUROPE u CARIBBEAN/ BERMUDA u SOUTH AMERICA DUBAI u FAR EAST u INDIAN OCEAN u TRANSATLANTIC http://CostaLovesGroups.com http://CostaLovesGroups.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 24, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week Cover Story - Down the Stretch: Ramping Up 2007 Sales Central & South America: Anthony’s Key Resort, Roatan, Honduras Florida: Hotel Packages for Cruise-Bound Travelers Cruises: A Tale of Two Lines Agent Exchange Classified Marketplace Luxury Travel Expo Update Advertisers’ Information People & Places

Travel Agent - September 24, 2007

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