Jamie Margolis, the owner of Moms at Sea, a Dream Vacations franchise, has achieved remarkable success with $20 million in sales in just two years. Her secret to success? Building relationships. Margolis emphasizes the importance of reaching out and making connections with industry partners, regardless of being a top seller. According to her, suppliers are there to work with advisors and help them meet their goals. This approach has clearly paid off for Margolis, as she credits her success to the support she received from Royal Caribbean’s senior vice president of sales, Vicki Freed.
Vicki Freed played a crucial role in encouraging Margolis to start her agency. After running a successful Facebook group focused on cruising with children, Margolis reached out to Royal Caribbean for guidance. Freed’s response, “How can I help you?” exemplifies the level of support and partnership that suppliers are willing to provide to travel advisors. Margolis highlights Freed’s role in supporting travel partners and helping them accomplish their goals, emphasizing the importance of supplier relationships in the industry.
Margolis advises other advisors to proactively engage with suppliers and business development managers. By reaching out during relevant brand activities and events, advisors can establish connections and seek valuable feedback. Margolis recommends leveraging the expertise of suppliers who have extensive experience working with various business models. This feedback can provide valuable insights and help advisors make informed decisions to improve their businesses.
In addition to supplier relationships, Margolis emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance for advisors. She suggests creating a “board of directors” made up of mentors and industry experts to provide diverse perspectives and insights. This approach ensures that advisors receive well-rounded feedback and support to enhance their business practices. Margolis encourages advisors to avoid overwhelming their mentors and instead build meaningful and sustainable relationships within the industry.
The episode of “Trade Secrets” featuring Margolis and Freed offers a wealth of insights and advice for travel advisors. Margolis’s in-depth knowledge of “unicorn cabins” on Royal Caribbean showcases her expertise and passion for the industry. Through platforms like podcasts and industry events, advisors can access valuable information and learn from experienced professionals to enhance their business practices. By actively engaging with industry resources and seeking mentorship, advisors can navigate the competitive travel sales landscape with confidence and success.
Overall, Margolis’s story highlights the transformative power of building strong relationships and seeking support from industry partners. By leveraging supplier relationships, seeking feedback, and embracing mentorship, travel advisors can achieve remarkable success and thrive in the competitive travel industry. The key lies in fostering meaningful connections, sharing knowledge, and continuously seeking opportunities for growth and learning within the dynamic world of travel sales.