Open Jaw recently chatted with Glenda Brown, an independent agent with TravelOnly. Glenda is based in based in Rocanville, Saskatchewan (population 900), and was named Associate of the Month in January and April this year.
Glenda Brown and son Travis getting to know the locals in Punta Cana
How long have you been in the business? Going on 15 years. I worked 13 years for a storefront agency and decided to go with TravelOnly. I love it.
How can you be so successful in such a small community? Technology. My clients are all over western and eastern Canada – I even have a corporate account in New York City. If you’re doing what the client needs done, they don’t care where you are.
You don’t mind working on your own? I have four outside sales reps in southeastern Saskatchewan and it’s thanks to them I have received the Associate of the Month awards.
How has the business changed since you got into it? Increasing numbers of people using the Internet, which is fine, but there are people who realize the value of someone who has the knowledge. Do we charge a service fee? Definitely.
Do you have a specialty? In this rural setting you need to have knowledge in all areas, but it is 98% leisure.
How do you keep up on industry affairs? Open Jaw and TravelWeek, and trade shows when I can get to them - Regina is 2 ½ hours away.
What would you say to someone coming into the business today? Be consistent, meaning with charging your service fees. Stick to your prices.
What do you see as the up and coming vacation destination? Cruising, which has been a tough sell in the past. My last vacation was a cruise and my next vacation will be a cruise.
What do you do to keep your clients loyal? After-sales service.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received? “If you can dream it, you can do it. It’s never too early to start dreaming and it’s never too late to make it happen.” I have that message on my computer and read it every day.
If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing? Trying to figure out a way I could be doing this.
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