So, the holidays are fast approaching or, as I call it, the do-nothing time of year.  I’m just as excited as anyone else about the holidays really, I’m no Scrooge.  But it’s so hard to get anything accomplished externally because everyone is out shopping or taking a trip (thankfully).

Having said this, this last quarter in 2008 has been rough and it’s important we’re all ready to “rock and roll” in January (the early part of the month by the way).  To do this, we’re going to have to work a little harder this December (being thankful we have jobs at all). Take advantage of holiday down-time to get your databases in order.  Catch up on email.  Mail your clients a card wishing them a happy holiday season.  Why don’t you even call a few of them to extend your well-wishes by phone?

Since times are tough, it’s important to note that many folks just cannot afford a trip.  So, what’s an agent to do? Here’s an idea. Promote free trips.  Yes, free.  Send a note to your customers saying “Travel for free if you get five couples to go with you.”  Group travel used to mean groups of twenty or more, but suppliers are cutting deals these days. So, the concept is simple; using a tour operator, put together a small group where you’re getting one free for ten paying passengers.  One free for ten?  Yes, your realize this is just math.  You can get one free for one if someone wants to pay double, get it?  At ten paying, you the math starts to become “acceptable” and not obvious someone’s getting a free trip.  You could even take the free trip yourself.  You’d be surprised how many people will want to travel with you and it would be a great marketing pitch. There are quite a few agents that make a living escorting their own group tours, even as many as one per month.  If you’re not crazy about traveling with a group (it’s not for everyone), then do something else in December to reach out to customers and leads.  They key however, is do something.  Don’t just write the month off because of the holidays.  Happy selling.