On this episode of Destination on the Left, Nicole Boyer joins me to discuss why learning how to effectively build relationships leads to business growth. We talk about the importance of being authentic and paying attention to the small details to stay top of mind with potential partners. She also shares more about her Ginger Sales Ninja brand and why you don’t necessarily have to be the loudest person in the room to be great at sales.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- The significance of understanding the entire tourism ecosystem so you can help tour operators more effectively
- How Nicole encourages open-mindedness, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas in the tourism industry
- Why building relationships should be your focus, as it creates trust and leads to successful sales
- How Nicole has resolved challenges, such as creating packages like the “farm to table experience” to address the issue of being situated away from the main tourist hub at the Mount Hope Estate & Winery
- Future projects Nicole has planned under her Ginger Sales Ninja brand, including online sales courses and resources
Building Valuable Relationships Across the Tourism Ecosystem
A key thread that runs through my discussion with Nicole Boyer revolves around the value of building relationships within the tourism ecosystem. Nicole stressed the importance of forging connections with as many people as possible in the industry, even if they don’t appear to be natural partners at first glance. She highlights the benefits of collaboration, idea sharing, and problem-solving that stem from a robust network of industry relationships.
The Power of Education and Ongoing Learning
In addition to her role at Mount Hope Estate & Winery, Nicole also shares her expertise through her own brand, Ginger Sales Ninja, undertaking speaking engagements within the tourism industry. By providing resources and guides, she aims to make impactful information more accessible for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in group sales, hospitality collaborations, and effective sales strategies.
Embracing Authenticity and Building Genuine Relationships
Our conversation also covers the importance of authenticity and genuine relationship-building in the tourism industry. Nicole Boyer’s journey from theatre to accounting to admissions and eventually to hospitality and sales beautifully illustrates the power of staying true to one’s passions and interests. The emphasis on building relationships rather than solely focusing on sales highlights the trust and success that being truly authentic in your interactions brings.
Resources:
- Website: www.gingersalesninja.com
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gingersalesninja/
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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Nikki Hellyer, Vice President of Marketing at ToursByLocals, about the importance of building a brand from the inside out and why having a purpose and principles that everyone in the company lives by gives your team the freedom to deliver excellent service every time. You’ll also hear more from Nikki about how her company used the pandemic downtime to focus on planning their future growth.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How ToursByLocals collaborates with and supports the guides within their network, including their pandemic Guide Relief Fund
- How their internal brand strategy work has positively impacted ToursByLocals’ growth
- Details of the initiatives ToursByLocals has undertaken to build strong partnerships with travel agents and some of the mutual benefits
- Why ToursByLocals’ relentless focus on people, including vetting and coaching independent guides, providing outstanding customer support, and prioritizing meaningful interactions between travelers and guides, is an integral part of their mission and vision
- What ToursByLocals is working on to improve improving agent training, and why they’re committed to ensuring that their guides provide a five-star experience every time
The Power of Core Values
Nikki shares more about ToursByLocals’ mission and values and why it makes such a positive difference when a strong brand is developed from the inside out, with core values taking precedence over external branding. This inside-out approach has allowed ToursByLocals to differentiate itself in the highly competitive travel and tourism industry, placing a relentless focus on meaningful interactions, deep travel experiences, and authentic human connections.
Raising Awareness for Private Tours
ToursByLocals focuses on raising awareness about private tours and the unique benefits they offer, and Nikki discusses why many travelers are unaware that private tours are an option. She goes on to share more about how the company aims to educate customers about the enriching experiences that private tours can provide and aims to foster genuine connections between travelers and local guides.
Collaboration with Travel Agents
We also dig into ToursByLocals’ collaboration with travel agents and the value of building strong partnerships with them, recognizing them as potential repeat customers. Nikki discusses how the company is improving agent training and reviewing commission structures as part of their efforts to enhance the experience for travel agents. By providing confidence to travel agents that their clients will have a great experience, Tours by Locals aims to foster mutually beneficial relationships and elevate the overall traveler experience.
Resources:
- Website: toursbylocals.com
- LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toursbylocals/
- Facebook business: https://www.facebook.com/toursbylocals/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toursbylocals/
- Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FTours_By_Locals
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ToursByLocals
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On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Subramania Bhatt, Founder and CEO of China Trading Desk. We discuss Chinese travel trends and how his company keeps a finger on the pulse of Chinese travelers’ international aspirations. We discuss why the old days of large-group travel are behind them and why they seek authentic experiences in 2024. Subramania walks us through the return of the Chinese traveler and where the top five outbound markets are for them right now.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- Why Chinese traveler preferences have shifted towards experiential and culinary travel experiences and how international brands can adapt and customize their messaging to cater to this trend
- Where Chinese travelers find their inspiration and how DMOs can inspire them using the right platforms
- Why collaboration between destinations, such as Germany and Flanders, to create a holistic approach for marketing to the Chinese market has seen such great success
- How the China Trading Desk collects data that allows international marketing teams to understand and reach the Chinese travel market
- Popular destinations for young Chinese travelers right now including Singapore and Europe
The Changing Landscape of Chinese Travelers
Subramania shares how the China Trading Desk has been at the forefront of understanding and reaching the Chinese travel market. He shares how, there has been a surge in enthusiasm among Chinese travelers post-pandemic, with an increasing trend of younger generations heading to more affluent destinations.
We also explore why there is such an interest in culinary experiences and individual travel as opposed to historical group trips.
The Power of Data Insights
We take a deep dive into the wealth of data provided by the China Trading Desk and how it helps DMOs understand Chinese traveler sentiment and spending patterns. We learn which platforms Chinese travelers use to research their trips and look for inspiration for their travel, including Little Red Book which is similar to Pinterest. Subramania talks more about the necessity for international brands to foster trust and shares some crucial ways brands can stand out amidst a fiercely competitive market.
Influencing Factors and Strategic Collaborations
The conversation also highlights other factors influencing Chinese travelers’ travel plans, including safety concerns portrayed in movies that impacted Thailand’s popularity. We also discuss how waiving tourist visa requirements has propelled Singapore to one of the top spots to visit post-pandemic. Subramania shares a story of the success of collaborative marketing, as seen with Germany and Flanders, and why it underscores the impact of holistic strategies in the Chinese market.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.chinatradingdesk.com/
- LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chinatradingdesk/
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/subramania/
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra about making successful small talk and creating authentic connections. She shares examples of what to say to start a conversation, what the serious conversation killers are, and tactical ways to exit a conversation gracefully. If you’ve ever wondered how to set yourself up for success when attending networking events, then you’ll love this episode.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- Debra emphasizes the importance of showing genuine interest in others and connecting with people through conversation
- Why seeking commonalities with others is crucial for meaningful conversations and networking
- What free information is and how it plays a key role in initiating engaging conversations
- How to open up conversations and respond to questions about work
- Why gracefully exiting a conversation is important and how to do it with finesse
- How to cultivate genuine connections with people through open-ended questions and avoiding drilling for personal information
Building Genuine Interest and Connecting with People
Debra emphasizes the importance of showing genuine interest in others and connecting with people through conversation by looking for what you might have in common. We dig into the need to slow down, listen well, and look for opportunities to connect with others without coming off as though you’re interviewing them.
The Power of Free Information and Three-Dimensional Conversations
Debra illustrates the concept of free information and its role in initiating engaging conversations. Topics like the location you’re in or the event you’re attending are a great way to get to know someone rather than asking tricky personal questions about marriage or children. Debra shares how to start a conversation on non-business-related topics that give conversations a three-dimensional aspect, making them more engaging and meaningful.
Overcoming Social Anxiety and Fear of Rejection in Networking
Debra gives us tips about turning networking into a task and setting specific goals, such as talking to three new people at an event. We discuss how turning interactions into tasks can help overcome social anxiety and the fear of rejection.
Debra stresses the importance of gracefully exiting a conversation, showing appreciation when ending a conversation, and not feeling responsible for someone feeling abandoned. She provides tips for using the “white flag” technique and following through on promises when finishing up conversations.
Resources:
- Website: www.DebraFine.com
- LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrafine/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finedebra/
- Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/debra.fine.3
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DebraFineTFAOST
- Twitter: https://x.com/DebraFine
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/030683121X?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_M7A16DF2ZPT39SCAVXPD
We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more of. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!