Don’t be fooled by the pics of epic sunsets, sombrero-wearing Juan Direction and consultants sweating it out for a good cause, because behind the fun and laughs the 2018 TravelManagers Conference was actually one whirlwind learning experience.
Held in Darwin earlier this month, this year’s three-day event ran a little differently to previous year, and we’re not just talking about consultants taking the spotlight away from the guys at NPO for this year’s mass flash-dance.
Unlike previous years when updates were delivered in the form of new technology and tips on using certain travel sectors to boost business, the education was delivered a little differently in 2018, through one liners.
Yes, one liners.
Some were pretty damn funny while others almost reduced the conference room to tears, but they all gave attendees something to think about when it comes to selling travel and living in general.
Here were some of the best/inspiring one liners from this year’s TravelManagers Conference that inspired a crowd:
“You’re not looking for the cure for cancer”
When it comes to stress Corrine Mutz from South Australia reminded everyone to get a grip and remember that it’s just a job.
“You don’t want to go to the other guys because trust me, they’re just no f#cking good”
Corrine Mutz from South Australia was pretty straightforward about how she felt about, erm, the competition.
“There is no monopoly on good ideas”
Former Australian Army soldier and this year’s guest speaker, Benjamin Roberts-Smith, didn’t just get a crowd of ladies excited with his should-be-illegal good looks, he also managed to inspire people to lead with bravery, smarts and faith in the people around them.
“I’m using this time to set up for future success”
Success may not happen today, it may not happen in a year, but the steps you take today should be designed to help you get there, according to Michelle Desmarchelier from NSW.
“My kids still believe I let them have a ‘spontaneous day off’ but really, I’d forgotten that it was pupil free day.”
We’re all human and sometimes we all let work get in the way, but we should do our best to ensure that doesn’t happen, said Michelle Desmarchelier from NSW.
“I tell my clients I’m always there and to call me anytime, meanwhile I’m in Darwin”
For Barbara Turner from Perth there’s no better marketing tool for a Travel Agent than letting them know they’re always available to help.
“They asked me to speak about my success today, I don’t know why, I haven’t got a bloody clue what I’m doing”
Keep it real, keep it modest, that’s the way Barbara Turner from Perth does it.
“Don’t get bitter, get better.”
Rejection effects us all, whether it be in work or everyday life, but Anthony Lee from Queensland says not to let it get you down, but raise you up.
“We’re one family, the TravelManagers Family. We share the good and the bad”
Joe Araullo, one of the papas of the TravelManagers family, stressed the family unit within the business and ensured consultants were aware of the support that’s always there.
“He had the best a$$”
The lesson behind this was… sometimes a good a$$ delivers bad news that’ll force you to make tough but necessary changes.
READ: How to make it as a home-based Travel Agent – tips from the pros
READ: TravelManagers help people achieve in Darwin