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Agent evolution: The different phases of being a Travel Agent

There are key phases in a Travel Agent's life that can roughly be defined as novice, competent, expert and total gun, and each agent moves through these as they progress along their career path.

There are key phases in a Travel Agent’s life that can roughly be defined as novice, competent, expert and total gun, and each agent moves through these as they progress along their career path.

Working as a Travel Agent is a continual process of evolution. As new technologies arise and new competitors emerge, agents are constantly improving their game and racking up the knowledge and experience.

Here are the four key phases in a Travel Agent’s life. Where do you fit amongst these?

 

Phase one: Novice

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As a novice, your enthusiasm and willingness to learn help you stay positive as you try to get to grips on using your GDS and company policy and procedures. We all know that it’s a massive learning curve when you first start, and many of us have ended up feeling stressed and frustrated. But thankfully, novices are never ever alone, and regular alcohol-fuelled industry events and friendly faces help novices relieve some of the stress that comes with starting a new job in totally new industry.

Timeline: Most agents stay in the novice phase for between three to six months.

Key challenges: Not knowing what the hell they’re doing; NEGS; inability to reach sales target

 

Phase two: Competent

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At this stage in your career you’ve got a pretty decent handle on the mechanics of your GDS system and your confidence in your ability as an agent is noticeable. Friends and family will come to you with any travel questions, and you’ll notice a few extra kilos on the scale due to your increased uptake of liquid calories. You’ve probably also got a handful of repeat clients, a number of referrals, and already been on a fair few famils.

However you’re still liable to making massive NEGS as your newfound confidence and focus on hitting your sales target can make you miss out on important details. You also have trouble hitting your monthly sales target on a consistent basis.

Timeline: It usually takes a year for a novice to progress to the competent phase of their career.

Key challenges: Over-confidence; NEGS; not hitting sales target consistently.

 

Phase three: Expert

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Having been in the industry for years, you know your GDS system like the back of your hand, including how to game the system to score cheaper booking classes in your reservations. You’ve most likely attained the position of Team Leader or Assistant Team Leader, and novices will look to you for Travel Agent wisdom! By the time you’re an expert, you’ve probably been reaping the benefits of being a top agent for years, which of course includes famils, a healthy salary and the ability to drink large amounts of booze and still show up at work the next day.

However, by this stage in your career you are beginning to show signs of inflexibility and arrogance, which may alienate you from your peers. You may also be drinking to excess most day of the week, and your health may be suffering because of it.

Timeline: Agents that stay in the game for at least three years usually show signs of being an expert.

Key challenges: Unhealthy habits; your way or the highway mentality.

 

Phase four: Total gun

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Basically an expert who has ironed out most of their imperfections, total guns have blossomed into masterful Travel Agents who are not only the best at what they do, but are deeply admired and respected by their peers and the industry as a whole. Total guns naturally slide into upper-level management roles (such as Area or Brand Leader) and their bank balances are the envy of most professionals.

With a huge database of loyal repeat clients, they’re able to take famils practically every week whilst still exceeding their sales targets. You’ll find some total guns working from home or abroad, and basically living the dream!

Timeline: At least 10 years; maybe never.

Key challenges: Trying to fit in all the awesome things in their life.

Where are you along the Travel Agent evolutionary scale?