Kay Clancy has one regret about her travel business: she wishes she would have started it sooner. She’s been with KHM Travel Group for two years, and has quickly achieved Pinnacle Elite level with her agency.

Kay got her start in the travel industry by planning trips for family and friends. She fell in love with the business and launched BellaRiva Travel, based in Missouri. One of her agency’s specialties is group travel, and BellaRiva also organizes several escorted group trips throughout the year.

“It is very rewarding and something I really enjoy — while earning money at the same time,” she says.

She overcame several initial hurdles, which for Kay were primarily technological: building her website, and creating email blasts and invoices. She learned Constant Contact, which allows her to send out emails to client segments and promote group travel.

Kay also uses a program called iZento to create customizable, printable itineraries for her clients. She excels at giving her clients top-notch customer service, from start to finish. All of her guests receive a gift before departing, and a thank-you card upon return. She even throws pre-trip parties for her escorted tours and larger groups.

For instance, she threw an African safari-themed party in order to promote an escorted trip her agency is taking later this year.

“From that party, I not only received bookings for the group trip but gained some new clients that have booked river cruises,” says Kay.

Kay has planned trips to destinations all over the world, including ski vacations, golf trips to Ireland, and anniversary cruises through Europe. She started out focusing on European river cruises, and her favorite trip was the Christmas Market tour she took with AMA Waterways. However, she doesn’t limit herself to certain area, which means she accommodate requests from a wide range of travelers. It also means a lot of research!

Fortunately, research is her favorite aspect of the job. It allows her to figure out how to provide the best experience for her clients.

Her advice for new agents is to be patient about growing their client base.  The key is being enthusiastic about what her agency has to offer, and promoting it whenever possible.

“Everywhere you go, bring up travel in the conversation and have that business card ready to hand out,” says Kay. “A few months ago I had foot surgery and was talking about travel in the prep area!”

From her conversations at the hospital, she landed several bookings and future trip prospects.

“In other words, never miss an opportunity to promote your business!”

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