Imagine you were given 140 characters or less to convince someone to use you as their travel consultant. Imagine that person doesn’t think travel agencies are needed anymore. Could you do it? Could you do it without being defensive (or offensive), but make it fun and engaging?
It’s a tough assignment! But at several travel events where I’ve spoken recently, that has been the subject of a light-hearted team competition. We called it a “Tweet-Off,” using the single-statement format of Twitter. To make it easier, we expanded the maximum characters to 200 and provided a few scenarios to stimulate ideas.
In the process I’ve discovered that many travel consultants are skilled at selling the benefits of their supplier partners, but struggle when it comes to selling themselves. Perhaps the five winning tweets (so far) will help you develop your own value statements!
Scenario 1: Benefits only available from a travel consultant
Winner: “Any smartphone or tablet app can book a beach resort. But unlike me, neither will call when you arrive to ensure it’s everything you dreamed of.”
Scenario 2: Travel consultant vs. website
Winner: “The Internet is filled with wonderful travel deals, and horrible travel rip-offs. Do you know which is which? We do.”
Scenario 3: Travel consultant vs. going direct to supplier
Winner: “Going direct can sometimes save a buck or two! But they’ll never tell you if another supplier has an even better deal. We’re like going direct with everyone!”
Scenario 4: Value vs. price
Winner: “Funny how the cheapest travel deals often have the highest extras and surcharges. Value is not the price in the ad, but the satisfaction in your heart.”
Scenario 5: Professional fees
Winner: “Our professional fees don’t mean you’ll pay more for your trip. In fact, they could save you more than you ever imagined.”
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by Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions
