Dear Travel Agents,

It is the end of 2018. Some people are glad because it was a hard year. Some are already nostalgic because it was a great year. Some just feel that time flies, and others can’t wait for an awesome and beautiful 2019.

I realize that after 56 years on this earth, I find that I experience those same feelings every year, and sometimes a mix of all of them inside myself.

I was staring at my Facebook profile picture and saw that it was taken last year in August during a trip to Alaska, and my hair was curlier and lighter. Today, one year and three months later, my hair is longer, darker and straighter. Yep!  So how do I like it best?  I don’t know – funny you should ask!  Last year I wanted longer and darker hair. This year, looking at my Facebook profile picture, I feel nostalgic. Go figure!

So how do we enjoy “The Present”?

Don’t dwell on the past by being nostalgic, nor expect that the future is holding a special miracle that will bring happiness just because it is a new year.

I know that for me, the secret is being kind to myself, respecting my own wishes, creating boundaries, but remembering that I come first, and I deserve the best. This is often easier said than done.

But, this doesn’t give me any right to put others down, nor mistreat someone or feel superior. But, in order to love others, I need to feel comfortable in my own skin. In order to trust people, I need to know myself better and give myself the credit I deserve. In order to respect others, I have to respect myself. In order to love, I need to love myself.

That is “The Present” –  to live in the now, and live life to the fullest because life is worth living. Don’t bother creating a New Year’s Resolution, live every day as gift and enjoy it to the fullest. Be your best, don’t worry so much, and you will find yourself smiling and happy!

Happy Holidays!

Follow me at:
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Blogs @www.travelwithrosana.com

 

 

 

Dear Travel Agents,

I often get asked how to build a successful business. Where should a company advertise? How about social media?

I started my business before social media and before websites. I am not a dinosaur! It was less than 30 years ago, and I had a very successful business. How?

First and foremost, I never (let me say almost never, to be on the safe side) did business with friends or family. I have always preferred to make my clients into my friends, rather than my friends into clients.

I believe in doing a good job, being yourself (no one can do it better than you!), and being totally present when speaking to a prospective client (no one is perfect at multitasking).

Once you can do these 3 things very well…

1. Be yourself
2. Be present
3. Do your best

…you will have a client for life. One who will refer you to friends and family (not yours, theirs!) and you can count on repeat business from them.

Continue this process, and then add a number 4 – follow up. With this, your business will grow and multiply.

It is a simple formula, to which you just add a little bit of patience, and lots of love. Like the beautiful flowers that you plant, your business will grow and multiply.

Now, let’s add to this the social media and websites that I didn’t have at the beginning of my career. If you misuse these, it can work against you! That is right.

Compare social media to fertilizer for the flowers you’ve planted. It should help, but we all know that the wrong type, or too much, will not be good.

I’ve said it before, and will repeat it again: Social media can be a big help to your business! But, think before you post something. Ask yourself before posting anything:

• Is this going to make people trust me more to book a trip?
• Am I sure of the opinion of my audience regarding this subject?
• Is this post going to make prospective clients inclined to think about, or dream of traveling?
• Is this helping my image as I want to promote myself?

If you answer yes to ALL, go ahead and post and know that this is the right approach to helping make your presence and your business grow and multiply.

For more tips, feel free to reach out and follow me at:
Facebook @travelwithrosana
Instagram @travelwithrosana
Blogs @www.travelwithrosana.com

 

Dear Travel Agent,

Growing up is hard, but I can proudly say that I am getting wiser, not older and more tired. I’m smarter and I appreciate myself more.

Being more assertive and confident and knowing myself better, while at the same time being kind and passionate can be a little tricky. After all, at the end of each day, me, myself and I all have to get together and be happy with who I am. I need to look in the mirror every day and believe I am moving forward, forgive myself for mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and try to be the best I can be.

I probably watch too much Judge Judy, yes, I will confess to that, but with the help of my therapist I am truly learning to feel better inside my own skin and am working on the things I consider to be my flaws.

I have come up with a list of how I can best live within myself:

1. I don’t lend money – I am not a bank. If I need to help someone with an amount that doesn’t take away my sleep, I will give the money with no strings attached.
2. I don’t co-sign. My credit score is priceless, and I can’t afford to lose it, nor can I lose a friend or family member.
3. I don’t ask for favors. My friends and family know me well enough to offer when I am in need. I am blessed!
4. I don’t like to dispute controversial subjects; everyone has a right to their own opinion. Very few people really know my views and I like to keep it this way. I don’t judge, and I don’t want to be judged.
5. I avoid negative people, gossip, or unsolicited advice. I love people with sense of humor, who are kind and thoughtful.
6. I love collections. I collect countries, I have been to 78, and counting. I don’t collect friends. In that category, I believe in quality versus quantity.
7. I am working hard on being assertive. I’m feeling very proud of myself and thank God that I have plenty of people to practice with.

Now, I need to print this list and carry it with me or save it on my iPhone (to save paper). If someone approaches me and asks to borrow money, for example, I can use my number 7 and be assertive, or show them my list if it is one of my not-so-good days.

Truth be told, we are all just human beings trying to be the best we can be.

How about you?

Follow me at:
Facebook @travelwithrosana
Instagram @travelwithrosana
Blogs @www.travelwithrosana.com