TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

THE 2026 ROADMAP: MASTERING AI FOR GROWTH  Tickets Now Available! → tiquehq.com/ai   Everyone wants the secret sauce to becoming a successful travel advisor…so Robin and Jennifer brought on someone who actually knows. One of the most dynamic voices in the industry, Jenn Lee joins this episode to discuss the common traits that top advisors share. You’ll hear why mindset, confidence, leadership, and resilience matter just as much as destination expertise, and why thinking like a business owner isn’t optional if you want to grow. Jenn also gets into the systems high-performing advisors rely on (hi, CRMs!) and how the right processes can completely transform your workload and profitability. And yes, she goes there: what to do if you love travel but aren’t sure agency ownership is your forever lane. From alternate roles to niche paths, Jenn explains how you can still build a career in travel that aligns with your strengths and brings you joy. Listen now!   About Jenn Lee: Jenn is a dynamic leader in the travel industry, serving as President and Chief Marketing Officer of both Travel Planners International (TPI) and its sister company, Vacation Planners. With over 30 years of experience building and managing sales teams for Fortune 500 companies including Marriott Vacation Club, Ryland Homes, and Premiere Farnell, Lee brings strategic vision and an entrepreneurial mindset to empowering independent travel advisors. Known for her "let's get it done" culture and passionate advocacy for the travel advisor community, Lee also serves on the board of the Family Travel Association. Based in Maitland, Florida, she is dedicated to elevating the travel planning experience and creating opportunities for travel professionals to thrive both personally and professionally.     linkedin.com/in/jennleelovestravel     Today we will cover:  (02:10) Meet Jenn Lee: one of the most influential voices in the advisor community  (07:40) Shifting your mindset from hobbyist to entrepreneur  (16:15) The core traits of a successful advisor  (32:30) How rediscovering your “why” can realign your entire business  (35:35) Systems, CRMs & running a sellable business  (42:15) Investing in help long before overwhelm hits  (44:50) Signs agency ownership isn’t your lane & what paths exist beyond it  (54:05) Leaving a business isn’t failure; Jennifer’s story of pivoting     Get the FREE Business Launch Checklist! http://www.tiquehq.com/launch?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+40&utm_medium=Podcast+Shownotes&utm_campaign=Launch+Checklist           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

Ready to keep clients coming back all year long? This Hot Take dives into one of the most overlooked revenue streams in the industry: hotel bookings. What starts as a story about a friend booking Gleneagles without looping in her travel advisor turns into a massive reminder that your clients do not automatically know to come to you for hotels. And that gap is costing advisors thousands of dollars a year with almost no lift required. From mentioning it on intake calls to promoting it consistently in newsletters and on social media, learn easy ways to bake hotel-only bookings into your process. Also learn how this service smooths out slow seasons, reduces burnout, diversifies your revenue, and strengthens client loyalty without adding hours to your workload. If you want more clients thinking of you for every trip, hit play and learn how to incorporate this profitable, low-lift revenue stream for 2026!           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

JOIN THE WAITLIST → tiquehq.com/ai TIQUE x Kha Ly: The AI Masterclass for Travel Advisors   Rebecca Guthrie, a tech founder who has navigated some major life pivots, joins this episode to talk about the seasons of life that force you to slow down, reevaluate, and rebuild. She introduces the idea of “unreasonable seasons” and how they are often the catalyst for your next chapter rather than a sign you are falling behind. You will hear what it actually looks like to realign instead of “quit,” how to raise your worth line, how to stop comparison from draining your confidence, and why the relationships around you matter more than you think. Rebecca also breaks down the phases of her Build Anyways framework: moving from self awareness and stillness into redefining your values, setting boundaries, rebuilding momentum, and choosing a life that aligns with who you want to become. If you have been feeling stuck, burnt out, or at a crossroads in your life or business, this episode is your reminder that your hardest seasons often point you toward your next direction, and you do not have to stay in the breakdown to move into the rebuild.   About Rebecca Guthrie: Rebecca Guthrie is a serial entrepreneur and former tech executive who has built multi-million-dollar companies in the real estate technology space. After overcoming life-changing setbacks, including a cancer diagnosis, she turned her experience into purpose by helping high achievers rebuild and realign after major turning points in their lives and careers. Drawing from her background in leadership, strategy, and resilience, Rebecca guides others in creating a new path forward with clarity, courage, and confidence.   instagram.com/rebeguthrie     Today we will cover:  (00:40) Meet Rebecca Guthrie  (01:40) What are “unreasonable seasons”  (08:00) The Build Anyways framework  (14:15) Understanding your worth line  (23:00) Why you shape your own direction  (28:00) How your hardest moments often hold the blueprint for helping others  (34:30) Posting for 180 days straight; authenticity over aesthetics           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

JOIN THE WAITLIST → tiquehq.com/ai TIQUE x Kha Ly: The AI Masterclass for Travel Advisors   If you think you can wait until January to set 2026 goals and make business tweaks, think again! This week’s Hot Take breaks down the exact December checklist every advisor should be working through before WAVE season hits and your inbox explodes. From tightening your pricing and contracts to cleaning up your workflows and giving your financials a much-needed audit, Robin and Jennifer walk you through the behind-the-scenes tune ups most advisors skip and regret later. Also, stick around until the end for details on upcoming events that will help you lock in your goals and momentum for the new year! Tune in, take notes, and (if you haven't already) join the Niche community to get the tools, templates, and support that will make 2026 your #BestYearEver.           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

→ IT’S TIQUE’S BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR! November 24th - December 1st |  Get 25% off with code Black Friday   This episode is fuel for anyone building a travel business with big goals and even bigger grit. Katie Gibson, founder of KG Travel Co., spills the details on how she went from “considering it a side gig” to surpassing one million dollars in sales in just over a year. From setting boundaries and charging fees to investing in systems that helped her look polished from day one, Katie shares how she built her business so quickly and learned from the messy moments along the way. If you're in your first year (or honestly, your fifth), her story is a powerful reminder that confidence, systems, and belief in your value are the foundation of a scalable business. Katie’s mindset shifts, mistakes, and million-dollar lessons will leave you inspired to level up the way you show up!   About Katie Gibson: Katie is the founder of KG Travel Co., a boutique travel design firm she launched just 15 months ago after a decade-long career in sales and leadership development. She’s built her business around a deep love of exploring the world and helping others do the same. When she’s not crafting dream itineraries, she’s a proud mom to Sam, 13, and Caroline, 12, and wife to her husband Dan of 18 years. When she’s not designing trips for clients, Katie is either happily at home or off exploring the world—there’s not much in between. Her next adventure? Southern Spain!   kgtravelco.com @KGTravelco     Today we will cover:  (02:30) Meet Katie: from top MLM leader to launching KG Travel Co.  (04:35) Building a business with intention and hitting one million in sales  (11:25) The early systems and boundaries she put in place  (18:55) Charging planning fees with confidence  (29:00) The client experience that supports the fee  (52:15) Katie’s organic, non-salesy approach to connecting with dream clients  (58:35) Advice for first-year advisors     JOIN THE WAITLIST → tiquehq.com/ai TIQUE x Kha Ly: The AI Masterclass for Travel Advisors         JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

→ JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY ←   This week’s Hot Take covers the always spicy topic - planning fees. During a recent presentation for the Travel Institute’s alumni week, someone asked the question: How do you introduce fees to previous clients who’ve never paid one before? This episode touches on that, but the real heart of this conversation is for advisors who are already charging fees and want to elevate the way they talk about them. Jennifer and Robin flip the script on planning fees and unpack what you’re actually promising your clients when you charge one. Because fees aren’t just good for your business model. They’re advantageous to your clients, too! If you’ve been wanting to elevate how you position your fees, this episode will help you articulate the value behind them without over-explaining or apologizing.           VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

JOIN THE WAITLIST → tiquehq.com/ai TIQUE x Kha Ly: The AI Masterclass for Travel Advisors   The robots aren’t coming for your job, but the advisors who know how to use them just might! Tique Talks’ most listened-to guest, Kha Ly, is back for another mind-blowing conversation about how the smartest travel advisors are using AI to work faster, stay relevant, and reach new clients without losing their human touch. In this episode, Kha breaks down the five things every advisor should focus on right now to stay competitive: from using AI to refine your voice, to creating content that actually gets discovered, to leveraging your expertise instead of outsourcing your judgment. He explains the mindset shifts, strategies, and small but powerful tweaks that help advisors stand out in an industry where everyone’s looking for shortcuts. If you want to stay visible, get discovered by new clients, and use AI in a way that makes you truly irreplaceable, this conversation is a must-listen!   About Kha Ly: Kha is a visionary Marketing Technologist who has spent 25 years at the forefront of digital innovation. From crafting Google's early ground-breaking AdWords campaigns to shaping Meta's advertising platform, Kha has been a driving force in digital marketing's evolution. Kha's role is set to revolutionize how travel advisors approach marketing. His expertise will empower you to navigate the ever-evolving landscape, harnessing the power of digital and AI technologies to enhance your reach and effectiveness. Join Kha to unlock the power of AI and position yourself at the cutting edge of travel marketing. Prepare to revolutionize your approach and drive growth in the digital age.    facebook.com/itsallaboutkha     Today we will cover:  (04:55) How AI actually elevates advisors who know how to use it  (11:10) How advisors are ranking on page one of google in hours  (18:10) Why switching to “creator mode” can instantly expand your reach  (33:00) The future of CRMs; automation and AI integration; AI agents  (35:50) How to use AI on FAM trips and site visits  (46:25) Making AI your strategic advantage  (56:50) The power of custom GPTs      → Mark your calendars for TIQUE’S BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR! November 24th - December 1st |  Get 25% off with code Black Friday           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

→ JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY ←   Feeling fried, foggy, or like your brain is running 47 tabs at once? You are definitely not the only one! In this week’s Hot Take, Robin and Jen dig into the dark side of productivity culture and why unplugging might actually be the most productive thing you do this month. From social media doomscrolling disguised as “research” to the illusion of rest that still involves your phone, they share how disconnecting can help you rediscover creativity, clarity, and your actual personality. If you have been craving space to think again, this is your reminder that white space is not wasted time. It is where your best ideas begin.           VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

Your logo, your name, your content…if you don’t protect it, a copycat might steal it. Zara Young, founder of boutique law firm Watson and Young, joins this episode to share what every business owner should know about protecting their brand. You’ll learn the most common IP mistakes travel advisors make, what you actually own in your business, and the simple steps to safeguard your work so you can grow with clarity and confidence. Zara also dives into the wild world of rebrands, cease and desists, and that little ™ symbol that makes your brand look instantly more legit. If you’ve poured your heart (and budget) into building your business, this episode is your legal wake-up call to protect it before someone else does.   About Zara Young: Zara Young, Esq. brings over eight years of experience in intellectual property law and has supported more than 900 brands globally. She is the co-author of Your Intellectual Property Fortress: The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Brand and Business From Copycats, a practical roadmap for founders to defend and elevate their brand assets. Based in New York, Zara works with ambitious female entrepreneurs to protect their brands and build meaningful businesses. She helps clients understand the real-world risks of overlooking brand protection and provides clear, actionable steps such as filing trademarks and copyrights. Zara believes the power of your brand lies not only in what you create, but in how confidently you claim and defend it.   watsonandyoung.com     Today we will cover:  (01:15) Meet Zara; founding her niche in intellectual property law  (06:30) Trademarking vs. copywriting  (13:15) Why small businesses can’t afford to ignore IP protection  (15:45) What trademarking really costs  (21:20) The “first in use” rule  (25:20) Why it’s worth it to hire a legal expert  (29:35) TM vs. R: what’s legal, what’s not, and how to use each correctly  (40:50) Legal precautions specifically for travel advisors  (45:15) AI-generated content; what you can’t legally protect           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:  Moxie & Fourth - Register Now for Route To Results Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off  

→ JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY ←   This week’s Hot Take is a little different. No industry headlines, no Q&A, just Robin and Jennifer walking the talk. For years, they’ve told you to refine your offers, charge your worth, and simplify your systems… so they did exactly that inside the Niche community. Hear the details on why one-size-fits-all no longer worked, what sparked the new membership tiers, and how they made the tough calls that keep Niche sustainable and seriously elevated. Some loved it, some didn’t, and that’s business, baby!    Hit play for all the details on what’s changing, why it matters, and how this evolution is making Niche even better for everyone, from brand new advisors to the legacy members.           VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TIQUEHQ

You’ve nailed your Instagram content and you’re growing your email list, but when was the last time you pitched yourself to the press? Mindy Poder, Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West, joins this episode to discuss one of the most underrated growth tools for travel advisors - press features. Building visibility, credibility, and authority in a crowded market matters now more than ever. And if you think getting featured in the press is only for big brands and influencers, think again! Mindy shares insider strategies for attracting media attention, avoiding common PR missteps, and cultivating long-term relationships with journalists. From pitching the right story angle to understanding what editors actually look for, this episode is packed with gold for any advisor ready to get their name in print and elevate their brand. If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in the media, this conversation will leave you ready to hit “send” on that first pitch!   About Mindy Poder: Mindy Poder is the Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West and oversees content for the Future Leaders in Travel event. A veteran travel journalist and content strategist, her work has earned top honors from the Society of American Travel Writers, and she was recognized as Travel Journalist of the Year by the North American Travel Journalists Association. She was also named one of Folio: magazine’s “30 Under 30” for her editorial leadership and big-picture content strategy. Through her role at TravelAge West, Mindy is dedicated to empowering travel advisors with the insights and inspiration they need to grow their businesses and better serve their clients.     travelagewest.com futureleadersintravel.com     Today we will cover:  (02:25) Meet Mindy; her journey from intern to Editor-in-Chief  (06:05) What makes a great introduction and how to stand out in a journalist’s inbox  (11:40) How the editorial process works; BTS of TravelAge West  (21:25) Future Leaders in Travel  (30:10) New ways advisors are monetizing  (32:45) Building PR and media relationships; how to stand out for the right reasons  (39:40) The future of travel journalism  (41:55) The WAVE Awards; categories, deadlines, and how to apply           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:  Moxie & Fourth - Register Now for Route To Results Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

→ JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY ←   This week’s Hot Take tackles a question from a Niche community member about how to prepare your business for the whirlwind stretch in January and February when travel inquiries surge (aka Wave season). Jennifer and Robin explain how to use the end of the year to reflect, audit, and refine so you enter 2026 clear on who you want to work with, confident in your systems, and ready to handle Wave season at full capacity. They also remind listeners that January and February don't look the same for everyone, and that’s okay! Success in 2026 isn’t about doing more … It's about doing what matters better. From knowing your dream clients to building repeatable systems and staying grounded when the industry gets noisy, this episode will help you enter Wave season with clarity, confidence, and total control!     Resources Mentioned: Episode 151. Hot Take: Holiday Spending Trends Episode 159. Hot Take: Commission Reconciliation Client Communication Templates           VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY → Mark your calendar for Rep Rundown - Happening Oct. 29th & 30th!   If you’ve ever walked into a room full of successful peers and thought, “What am I even doing here?”, this episode is for you! Kerry Dyer,  Chief Development Officer at Brownell Travel, has built a career leading, mentoring, and inspiring advisors to grow thriving businesses with confidence. After delivering a powerful presentation on imposter syndrome at Virtuoso Travel Week, Jennifer and Robin knew it was essential to bring that conversation to the podcast. In this episode, Kerry unpacks what imposter syndrome really looks like, the most common triggers advisors face, and how to reframe self-doubt before it takes over. From perfectionism and comparison traps to boundaries and self-belief, she shares strategies you can start using today. You’ll walk away with tools to build confidence, celebrate your wins, and finally feel comfortable owning your expertise, because you do belong in the room!   About Kerry Dyer: What began as a “happy accident” turned into a 30-year career in luxury travel. After earning a BFA in Art History, she joined Maritz Travel, where her passion for sales quickly emerged. She went on to spend 14 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, ultimately serving as Director of Leisure Sales for the Americas, followed by a successful tenure as Director of Sales and Marketing at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta. Now, as Chief Development Officer at Brownell, she leads Marketing, Partners, and Advisor Development, bringing her deep industry expertise and leadership full circle.   brownelltravel.com/hosting/team/kerry-dyer     Today we will cover:  (03:35) Meet Kerry Dyer; her early lessons in confidence  (11:15) What is imposter syndrome, really?  (15:55) How lack of formal credentials, comparison, and entrepreneurship amplify self-doubt in the travel industry  (23:50) The 5 types of imposter syndrome; identifying your patterns and reframing them  (31:45) Progress over perfection; why letting go of control can change everything  (40:35) How community and collaboration silence self-doubt faster than working alone  (44:15) Setting boundaries and showing up intentionally for your clients and family             VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:  Moxie & Fourth - Register Now for Route To Results Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

Have you ever realized you didn’t get paid because you missed one tiny step? This week’s Hot Take question comes from Katherine, who recently discovered that one of her DMCs didn’t send her commission…because she hadn’t invoiced them. (Wait, what?!)    So, should you be sending invoices for every trip? Or only when asked?    Robin and Jennifer break it all down: which suppliers require invoices, how to track commissions, and the one system that’ll save you from chasing payments. Press play and learn how to make sure every dollar you’ve earned actually lands in your bank account!   JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY - an interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business!         VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY → Mark your calendar for Rep Rundown - Happening Oct. 29th & 30th!   Think your business isn’t “sellable”? Think again! Shay Bacani, founder of Centura Financial, joins Robin and Jennifer to discuss what it really means to build a business that can operate (and even sell) without you. She shares how to stop playing small, why profit is the number that actually matters, and how to turn your lifestyle business into a true asset. From knowing your numbers to hiring top-down and documenting everything, Shay makes the intimidating side of money and valuations feel surprisingly doable. Hit play to get your financial wake-up call and start treating your business like the valuable asset it is!   About Shay Bacani: Shay is the founder of Centure Financial and a Certified Financial Planner who helps entrepreneurs turn lifestyle businesses into true assets. She believes every business owner should understand their numbers and how those numbers drive scalability, sustainability, and long-term valuation. With a passion for education, Shay translates complex financial concepts into actionable strategies that empower her clients to build wealth and make confident decisions. Her approachable yet strategic style has made her a trusted guide for business leaders who want to align day-to-day operations with long-term growth.   centurefinancial.com/meet-founder     Today we will cover:  (03:20) Meet Shay  (05:50) What it means for a business to be “sellable”  (11:45) The financial foundations that make or break your valuation  (24:30) Why business is moving back to community and transparency  (32:00) Hiring top-down; why a fractional C-suite can change everything  (36:25) What metrics to track as you scale to multi-six figures and beyond  (46:45) Understanding valuations and how investors really price your company  (50:40) The inner work of building a business that lasts             VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:  Moxie & Fourth - Register Now for Route To Results Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

How do you go from “I want to hit $2 million” to actually doing it? This week’s Hot Take comes from Winnie, who asked: “I would love to hear more about setting financial goals for 2026, and specifically how to ask for the referral from past clients in the most polite way. It's one thing to say my gross revenue should be over $2 million, but how do you proactively go after that business?”   Jennifer and Robin break it all down across referrals, financial goals, marketing, and metrics. You’ll learn how to identify your highest-value clients, ask for referrals that don’t feel awkward, and build repeatable systems that turn great service into sustainable growth. They also share why your next revenue leap depends more on conversion rates and client experience than chasing followers, and how SEO, email marketing, and even AI can help you land your next client. If you’re ready to break through your current ceiling and scale smarter in 2026, this one’s a must listen!   THE ROUTE TO RESULTS WORKSHOP Moxie & Fourth x Impact Media House November 11th & 12th | Register HERE!     Purchase the ClickUp Business Hub Template     JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY - an interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business!         VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

Do group bookings make your head spin? Let’s fix that! Ateet Ahuja, founder of Indian Destination Wedding, joins Jennifer to unpack the difference between group contracts and flex groups, how to choose the right route for your clients, and what it takes to manage large scale destination events with confidence. Ateet shares his journey from corporate life at Dell to planning luxury Indian weddings around the world and why niching down didn’t limit his business, it exploded it. Together, they discuss what to look for in fair attrition and cancellation terms, how to set client expectations, and how to avoid the pitfalls that trip up so many advisors. Tune in and finally feel confident saying, “I’ve got this,” the next time a group inquiry lands in your inbox!   About Ateet Ajuha: Ateet and his team have been at the forefront of planning culturally diverse destination weddings since the mid-1990s. As a recognized expert in South Asian weddings, he brings a profound understanding of the cultural nuances that define these vibrant and meaningful celebrations. His expertise encompasses every aspect of the event—from traditional cuisine and attire to music and customs—ensuring each wedding is both authentic and memorable. Ateet is also highly skilled in contract negotiation and vendor relations, having built strong partnerships with leading all-inclusive resort brands and top-tier vendors specializing in South Asian weddings.   indiandestinationwedding.com     Today we will cover:  (02:35) Finding your niche and why narrowing your focus can actually scale your business  (05:40) Group contracts vs. flex groups: what’s the real difference?  (13:20) Attrition, cancellation terms, and how to protect your clients  (18:35) The legal side of group contracts; what to watch for  (21:30) Systems, workflows, and the tech stack behind seamless group management  (27:15) Hiring support and scaling your business without losing quality  (32:45) The math behind group attendance and managing client expectations       JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:  Moxie & Fourth - Register Now for Route To Results Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

In the Niche community, a member recently asked how to prepare for ILTM, and it sparked a bigger conversation: how do you really prepare for trade shows, and which ones are actually worth it? This week’s Hot Take dives into all things trade shows and how to make the most of them. Robin and Jennifer discuss why niche-specific events often bring the best ROI, how ego and confidence both play a role in attending, and why you should align shows with your true business focus. From prep tips like reviewing supplier lists and packing smart, to etiquette advice on punctuality and professionalism, this episode is a must-listen for any advisor gearing up for an industry event.   JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY - an interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business!         VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

Purchase the ClickUp Business Hub Template: an all-in-one digital workspace built specifically for travel advisors to organize and streamline the backend of their business. Watch the product preview HERE!   Have you ever come home from a trade show with a stack of business cards and no idea what to do with them? Kristen Heitman, luxury travel advisor and one of Tique’s OG clients, joins this episode to discuss all things ClickUp, including her thoughts on The ClickUp Business Hub Template. Kristen walks through how she built a central hub for her supplier relationships (complete with commission details, meeting notes, and rep connections) so she can easily find the right contact when she needs them. She also shares how this system goes beyond contacts to track leads, forecast revenue, and even automate testimonial-driven marketing. If you’ve ever wasted time digging through emails or spreadsheets trying to remember who reps that perfect hotel, this episode will show you how to build a streamlined system that saves clicks, keeps you organized, and helps you grow your business with confidence!   About Kristen Heitman: Kristen is a Luxury Travel Advisor with Steuber Travel Group and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. After spending over a decade as an epidemiologist at the CDC, where her work focused on building surveillance systems for infectious diseases and data analysis, Kristen made the bold decision to leave her government career in August 2023 to pursue luxury travel planning full-time. Her natural curiosity and love of discovery, once applied to solving public health mysteries, now guides her in uncovering the world's most enchanting destinations and exclusive experiences. Kristen specializes in approachable luxury experiences for successful, detail-oriented professionals, crafting bespoke itineraries that feel effortlessly elegant yet thoughtfully curated. Her background has given her an exceptional eye for finding those special, hidden moments that transform a beautiful trip into an unforgettable journey. When she's not designing extraordinary escapes, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and two Whippets in Atlanta.     Today we will cover:  (02:30) Kristen’s journey from epidemiologist to travel advisor  (06:10) Why advisors need ClickUp; going beyond CRM and itinerary software  (10:15) Tracking leads, referrals, and repeat clients with ClickUp dashboards  (16:45) Using AI and automation to streamline business operations  (22:45) CRM vs. ClickUp; understanding the role of each tool  (28:20) Cybersecurity for advisors; protecting client data, avoiding public Wi-Fi risks, and using safe passwords  (34:50) How to customize ClickUp for travel agencies without getting overwhelmed  (41:20) Building a ClickUp Business Hub; why investing time boosts efficiency, client experience, and profitability     Connect with Sarah at HeySwillsy for Custom ClickUp Setup   Listen to Episode 150: What Every Advisor Needs To Know About Protecting Client Data with Kacie Darden           JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY   VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ         Thanks to Our Tique Talks Sponsors:   Moxie & Fourth - Grab The DIY Demo Bundle HERE Cozy Earth - Use code COZYTIQUE for 20% off

The line between serving your clients and sacrificing yourself can get blurry fast. In this Hot Take, Jennifer and Robin dig into a challenge almost every advisor faces: setting boundaries and avoiding burnout. From overstuffed inboxes to client requests at all hours, it’s easy to lose control of your time and energy when you’re trying to grow a business. They share the hard-won lessons and strategies that help advisors protect their sanity, create healthier client relationships, and build a business that actually supports the life they want. Whether you’ve been feeling stretched thin or just want to get ahead of the overwhelm, this conversation will give you the confidence to start drawing the line where it matters most.   Resources Mentioned: Building Your Business With Boundaries Profitable Proposals Masterclass Seven Figure Sales Agency Expansion Academy Tique’s Social Media Templates Tonic’s Canva Templates (use code TIQUESENTME for 15% off your purchase)     JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY - an interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business!         VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP   EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS   FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ