TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

The path to building a successful business as a travel advisor isn't just about convincing people to book through you - it's about attracting the right clients and fostering those relationships. Heather Keller, co-owner and founder of Perfect Landing Travel, joins this episode to discuss the art of finding and attracting ideal clients. Heather provides strategies for identifying who your ideal cli...

TripSuite is on a mission to break host agencies free from outdated systems and provide them with a modern operating platform. Jacey Jones, Co-founder and CEO of TripSuite, joins this episode to discuss how the platform is revolutionizing travel planning with advanced technology. Jacey shares her background and development journey, including how a chance introduction to a venture capital firm led...

When it comes to marketing your business, quality photos can make all the difference in attracting and engaging potential clients. However, simply having high-quality images is NOT enough. In this episode, Robin and Jennifer share how you can get the most out of any photo shoot, whether it's by a professional or you've employed the help of a friend who can simply press a camera button down. Regard...

Tern is on a mission to modernize travel advisor technology! Tern founders, David Shull and Katie Williams, share how this innovative platform is streamlining advisor workflows, prioritizing user feedback, and redefining the advisor-client relationship. By actively listening to user feedback, responding to queries, and receiving input on new features, Tern has created a loyal fan base that feels h...

Thinking of switching to a different host agency? Don’t miss this episode! Before making the switch, there are so many factors to consider, and it can oftentimes feel like you’re piecing together a puzzle where support, mentorship, community, and financials need to fit just right! Stephanie Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews, joins this episode to discuss the intricacies of finding the right host...

Travefy, a leading platform in the travel industry, has transformed the way travel advisors operate and deliver exceptional service to their clients. Founded by David Chait, Travefy initially started as a consumer group travel planner but pivoted to a comprehensive B2B solution for travel advisors. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, Travefy has become a go-to platform for...

Modern etiquette isn’t about outdated rules or stuffy traditions. It is about creating a framework for better communication, collaboration, and respect in the workplace. Etiquette coach, Courtney Opalko, shares tips on how to introduce yourself confidently, navigate networking events, and handle seated events with grace. She also discusses the significance of promptness, clear communication in ema...

Welcome to the first episode of the Summer Tech Series! Over the course of the summer months, Robin and Jennifer will be interviewing tech founders to share about their platform, their favorite features, as well as the future of their systems. They will also be interviewing founders of tech companies that are revolutionizing how founders research and book their travel.    This episode ki...

Struggling to find enough hours in the day? Learn how to tackle time management and find out which items are creating inefficiencies within your day! Robin and Jennifer share their thoughts on effective time management, including reviewing your schedule ahead of time and creating a game plan for each day. They discuss the benefits of using tools like Calendly and TravelJoy for automation and deleg...

Hot topic alert! As a travel advisor, crafting a perfect proposal is key to a positive client experience and increasing sales conversion. Regardless of which stage you’re at in your travel career, you can always improve upon your proposal presentation to create the best possible outcome for your clients. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin discuss the key elements of a perfect proposal, such as co...

What does ASTA actually do, and why does it matter to you as a travel advisor? Zane Kerby, the President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), joins this episode to discuss the importance of ASTA and its impact on the travel industry. Zane explains ASTA's mission to promote and defend travel advisors at all levels of government, within the industry, and to the traveling public...

Surrounding yourself with the right people in the industry can be transformative. Kristin Chambers, owner of TravelLuster and D.A. Luxury Travel, joins this episode to share how she has grown her companies and the initiatives that helped her gain success and land on award lists such as Conde Nast’s Top Travel Specialists and Top 25 All Star Travel Advisors by Travel Agent Magazine.    He...

Oftentimes, advisors are working to transition from part-time travel planning to a full-time travel advisor committed to their travel career. If this is you, it’s time to take the necessary steps to legitimize your business and elevate your reputation! From the financials to your online presence and external client perspective, Robin and Jennifer walk through all things to consider when establishi...

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your business's financials. Knowing your numbers allows you to set realistic goals, make informed decisions, tailor your marketing strategies, and ensure the financial health and sustainability of your business. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin discuss the key numbers that travel advisors need to be tracking, such as operating expenses, total annu...

Whether in the travel industry or any other field, conflicts and disagreements are inevitable. However, it is how we approach these conversations that can make all the difference. Sonni Abatta, an award-winning TV news anchor with over 20 years of experience in media, joins this episode to discuss political savviness and how to navigate difficult conversations with tact and grace.    Son...

As a travel advisor, unpredictable situations are bound to happen. While handling frustrations or an emergency is never ideal, with the right preparation and mindset, you can handle these situations like a pro! Ashlyn Puckett, Tique’s workflow guru and former client experience manager, joins this conversation to discuss how to stay calm and collected when things go sideways during travel.   L...

Curious about what it takes for a hotel to earn a Forbes Travel Guide star rating? Jennifer sits down with Richard Lebowitz, the Senior Vice President of Travel Industry Outreach at Forbes Travel Guide, to discuss the rigorous evaluation process, as well as how Forbes Travel Guide is transforming the travel industry and how these changes could impact your business.   Richard has extensive exp...

Are you feeling anxious about handling intake calls effectively? Tune in to learn strategies to make these calls not only productive but enjoyable! Gain clarity on why you should be using an inquiry form to streamline client information, learn the art of building authentic connections with clients through active listening, and discover how to refine your sales approach and stand confidently behind...

Susan Whitson, the founder of Susan Whitson Travel and a Conde Nast Top Travel specialist since 2020, joins this episode to discuss the importance of setting boundaries, charging fees for services, and knowing your worth as a travel advisor. She emphasizes the concept of minimum trip investments and how to communicate realistic pricing to clients, allowing for flexibility while still ensuring that...

Jennifer and Amber Frankhuizen continue their discussion on the language of luxury and how to effectively communicate with high net worth individuals. In this episode, they cover the importance of boundaries, the value of collaborations, and the impact of surprise and delight to further enhance the overall client experience. Learn how to craft a luxury brand that encompasses consistency, high qual...

In the luxury market, it's all about the intangible experience. As a travel advisor, it’s essential to understand that luxury is not solely defined by a high price tag but by the level of service, attention to detail, and exclusivity provided. Amber Frankhuizen, founder of AFMKTG and the host of Old Money Podcast, joins this episode to discuss the language of luxury and how to effectively communic...

Unlock the secrets to building supplier relationships that aren't just transactions – they're unforgettable collaborations! Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui, the founder of Experience Morocco, joins this episode to share the key elements of a successful supplier-advisor relationship, such as trust, open communication, and mutual support. From creating positive impressions to avoiding common pitfalls, learn...

It’s no secret that planning a trip involves numerous details. It's easy for small things to fall through the cracks, potentially impacting the overall client experience. Ashlyn Puckett, Tique’s workflow guru who previously served as a client experience manager for a host agency, walks through how to audit a trip prior to travel in order to minimize risk of errors and oversight.   According t...

Ever wondered what goes into planning FAM trips? These familiarization trips allow travel advisors to experience destinations firsthand, build relationships with suppliers, and gain valuable knowledge to better serve their clients. However, the planning and execution of a FAM is often underestimated, and there are certain do's and don'ts that advisors should be aware of to ensure a successful expe...

Creating a seamless client experience in the travel industry requires effective communication, collaboration, and attention to detail. By sharing comprehensive information with DMCs, travel advisors enable them to craft personalized itineraries that meet the client's expectations.    In this episode, George Eliades of Seez Travel discusses the importance of creating consistent client exp...