Travel Business Unlocked Podcast

Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn People and Links mentioned in this episode: Anna Shannon Travel Agent Finder - Find a travel agent Find out how Travel Agent Finder works for travel agent marketing EPISODE SUMMARY Episode Focus Topic: Travel Agent Finder Platform - Connecting Travellers with Expert Agents Host: Holly Velardo from HollyDay Travel (Port Noarlunga, South Australia) Guest: Anna Shannon - Founder of Travel Agent Finder Anna Shannon's Background Travel industry innovator and entrepreneur with 15+ years experience Former corporate marketing professional for leading brands Became travel agent, managed agency, developed loyal clientele Embraced home-based model focused on repeat and referral clients Returned to marketing during COVID to help small businesses with digital presence Combined marketing expertise with travel agent understanding to create Travel Agent Finder Travel Agent Finder Platform Overview Mission: Connect travellers with right expert agents and empower travel specialists Current scale: Over 1,000 members (majority travel advisors plus supplier partners) Features: Thousands of monthly leads, hundreds of agent profiles, traveller reviews Growth: Evolved from pandemic passion project to thriving business Community: Travel Trade Connect Hub for industry resources and connections Platform Inspiration and Development How the Platform Works Key Platform Features For Travel Agents Two-tier packages: Different support levels available Profile optimisation: Specialist categories, badges, credibility markers Blog functionality: Showcase expertise and personal experiences (higher tier) Review system: Personalised links for client review collection Marketing resources: Monday Marketing Tips, how-to videos (5–10 minutes) For Travellers Search and compare: Filter by destination, travel type, specialisations Review access: Over 3,500 traveller-submitted reviews Specialist badges: Certified destination expertise visible Direct connection: Contact forms straight from agent profiles Trust building: Real person interaction, not just business logos Holly's Success Story Recent bookings: Two bookings worth over $30,000 each in three weeks Profile optimisation: Used Anna's guides to transform profile effectiveness ROI: Annual fee paid back "100 times over" with just two bookings Client preference: Face-to-face meetings, personal connection valued Review strategy: Welcome home emails with both Google and Travel Agent Finder review links Platform Development and Features Anna's Marketing Philosophy Human connection: Advocating for personal service over automated booking Strategic planning: Platform designed during pandemic with 80+ hours/week to think Accessibility: Quick, actionable tips for busy travel agents Education focus: Step-by-step guides rather than just information Community building: "Rising tide lifts all boats" mentality Review System Strategy Traveller behaviour: 99% check reviews first when comparing agents Reply importance: Agents should respond to reviews to show they're real people Trust building: Reviews show independent validation of service quality Warm leads: Travellers have already researched before making contact Dual platform: Encourage reviews on both Google and Travel Agent Finder Industry Trends Observed Europe strength: Consistently strong search category Closer destinations: Shift toward domestic/regional travel Digital marketing evolution: Move from traditional to modern approaches Specialist focus: Independent and home-based agents most engaged Technology adoption: Need to embrace AI and digital tools or be left behind Content Creation Strategy Platform Success Factors Advice for Travellers Specialist value: Working with expert will "amplify your trip" Platform quality: "Incredible, talented people" with high expertise levels Search process: Start with destination, then filter by travel type and preferences No bad choices: Quality control ensures all agents meet high standards Personal recommendation: Anna "would never travel any other way" Key Takeaways Market need: Clear gap existed for agent–traveller connection platform Digital necessity: Travel agents must embrace modern marketing or be left behind Community power: Collaborative approach benefits entire industry Specialisation value: Matching right agent with right traveller creates better outcomes Personal service: Human connection still valued over automated booking systems

Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn People and Links mentioned in this episode: TIME Programme - get in touch with TIME Programme at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au Matt Lewis - TIME Programme mentor Onlinejobs.ph Airwallex Sonia Leicester EPISODE SUMMARY Business Growth Challenge First Hire - Usha (Sri Lanka) • Initial role: Admin tasks, itinerary building, invoicing, email responses • Current role: Team leader, all-rounder, Europe specialist, client phone support Second Hire - Uresha (Sri Lanka) • Role: Europe specialist, client relations, detailed reporting Third Hire - Mary (Philippines) • Role: Bookkeeper and tax agent Fourth Hire - Tracy (Philippines) • Role: Content and marketing manager Fifth Hire - Bonn (Philippines) • Role: Opening to close Australian hours, airfare specialist Hiring Platforms and Methods • Personal connections: Most successful hires through recommendations • OnlineJobs.ph: Mixed results, required extensive filtering • Requirements: Own laptops, reliable internet, home office setup • Holly provides: Desks, proper screens, equipment for home offices Team Management Structure Daily Operations Company Culture Communication and Recognition Financial and Legal Structure Benefits of Remote Team • Cost effectiveness: Significantly lower wages than Australian employees • Dedication: Exceptional commitment and work ethic • Flexibility: Mutual flexibility for emergencies, family needs, extended hours • Customer service: Incredible client relationships and service quality • Time freedom: Holly focuses on client relationship building and business growth Challenges and Realities • Staff turnover: 3 team members didn't work out over the years • Training investment: Initial time investment required for proper training • Interview process: Can be lengthy and challenging to find right fit • Trial periods: Probationary periods essential for both parties Alternative Options • Australian agencies: Companies that handle finding, interviewing, and managing VAs • Office spaces: Can hire office space in Philippines for team • Third-party management: Companies that handle all HR and management aspects • Trade-offs: More expensive but less hands-on management required Training and Development • Sonja Leicester: Travel Trainer provided customer service training • On-the-job training: Continuous skill development Final Advice • Just do it: Overcome fear and take the leap • Time investment: Initial training time pays long-term dividends • Focus shift: Allows business owner to focus on what they love most • Support available: Holly offers to share resources and company recommendations • Risk worth taking: Essential for business growth and personal freedom

Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect and get in touch with Kim Wethmar kim@opco.com.au Kim Wethmar People and Links mentioned in this episode: The Asking Leader TIME Programme - get in touch with TIME Programme at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au Penny Spencer Traction by Gino Wickman Matt Lewis TED Talk by Dr. Darria Long EPISODE SUMMARY • Topic: The Power of Mentorship in Travel Business • Host: Holly Velardo from Holiday Travel (Port Noarlunga, South Australia) • Guest: Kim Wethmar - Former CEO, TIME Programme Board Member, Business Mentor Kim Wethmar's Background • Former CEO who grew corporate travel business from £50M to £300M TTV with 96% client retention • Led teams of 200+ people, introduced automation and bio-analytics at scale • 25+ years across account management, operations, and executive leadership • Telstra Businesswoman of the Year NSW finalist • Runs "The Asking Leader" coaching business • Current TIME Programme board member How Holly and Kim Met - TIME Programme • TIME: Travel Industry Mentor Experience led by Penny Spencer • One-on-one mentoring across all travel industry sectors • Kim volunteers as mentor, Holly was mentee • Programme connects emerging leaders with experienced mentors Kim's Mentoring Philosophy • Core mission: Turn ambition into action through simple systems • Greatest joy: Seeing people realise their full potential • Approach: "No BS" direct communication style • Why she mentors: Paying forward the mentorship she received in her career • Energy source: Watching mentee ideas click into profitable plans Holly's TIME Journey First TIME Experience (Post-COVID) • Mentor: Matt Lewis • Challenge: Overwhelmed with sudden booking influx after COVID • Outcome: Scaled from solo operation to 5 team members in 6 months • Scholarship: Won scholarship for first programme Second TIME Experience (with Kim) • Clear goal: Increase revenue by 50% • Challenge: Self-doubt and mental blocks despite business growth • Timeframe: 3 years more advanced than first programme • Pairing: Penny Spencer Kim's Mentoring Approach The Three Cs of Mentorship • Clarity: What to do next, stop doing, or start doing • Cadence: Rhythm and discipline of showing up prepared • Courage: Using someone else's belief until yours catches up Key Tools and Frameworks • One Page Business Plan: From "Traction" by Gino Wickman (mandatory reading) • Urgent vs Important: Framework for prioritising tasks • Time management strategies • Strength identification • Employee engagement techniques Transformational Impact on Holly Personal Development • Changed internal self-talk and self-perception • Overcame self-doubt and vulnerability • Learned to think differently about others and possibilities • Built genuine self-belief Business Structure • One Page Plan: Daily morning routine, weekly accountability • Planning discipline: No excuses approach to structure • Accountability: Weekly meetings with homework assignments • Strategic thinking: Focus on important vs urgent tasks Leadership Growth • Understanding of delegation needs • Focus on building business rather than working in it • Clear goal-setting and achievement tracking • Improved team communication and vision sharing The Mentoring Relationship • Kim's Preparation and Care • Mentee-Driven Process TIME Community Benefits • Generous community: Travel attracts "best humans" • Global expansion: Beyond Australia and New Zealand • Networking: Valuable connections and relationships • Support system: Ongoing community beyond programme • Scholarship opportunities: Financial assistance available Kim's Leadership Philosophy • Self-Discipline as Foundation • Personal Growth Commitment Key Takeaways • Mentorship value: Essential for business and personal growth • Planning importance: Structure and discipline create momentum • Community power: Travel industry's generous, supportive nature • Continuous learning: Even successful leaders need mentors • Action orientation: Turn ambition into measurable results

EPISODE SUMMARY Topic: Book Recommendations for Personal and Professional Growth Book 1: Traction by Gino Wickman Recommended by: Mentor Kim Wethmar through TIME programme Key takeaway: One Page Business Plan with 3-year, 1-year, and 90-day goals Implementation: Daily morning routine, weekly mentor reviews Team impact: Quarterly review sessions, shared vision and goals Outcome: Mental freedom and clear business organisation Book 2: Passion, Purpose and Profit by Fiona Killackey Author: Host of "My Daily Business" podcast Content: Step-by-step business building guide covering financial planning, marketing, operations Usage: Ongoing reference book with extensive personal notes Additional: Second book "Business to Brand" on reading list Book 3: Let Them by Mel Robbins Core concept: "Let Them" principle – control your response, not others' behaviour Personal impact: Stopped taking things personally, freed up mental space Applications: Family management (5 kids), business relationships, industry interactions Family implementation: Shared concepts with children aged 9–21 Book 4: One Life by Tina Tower Author: Built and sold 4 businesses, hosts "Her Empire Builder" podcast Impact: Taught to dream bigger and believe in herself more Focus: Addressed self-doubt and "why me?" questions Mission: Helping create millionaire female entrepreneurs Key Takeaways All four books made a huge difference in business and personal growth Suitable for both experienced entrepreneurs and beginners Essential to Holly's current success level Combination of business strategy and personal development

Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn People and Links mentioned in this episode: Smart Traveller Google Reviews Hollydaytravel.com.au Travel Agent Finders Free Resources Holly's comprehensive travel checklist EPISODE SUMMARY The Problem: Pre-Template Era Came from old-school travel agency (manila folders, handwritten notes) Every email written from scratch Rushed, inconsistent messaging Forgotten follow-ups Hours spent on repetitive tasks instead of business growth Time wasted copying from sent folder The Solution: 90+ Email Templates Comprehensive library covering entire client journey From initial inquiry to welcome home messages Guides clients through every step Maintains brand voice while ensuring consistency Key Benefits of Templates Time Savings Consistency & Quality Client Benefits Template Categories & Examples Initial Contact Quote Templates Cruise-Specific Templates Visa Information Booking Process Post-Trip Templates Automated Templates Implementation Strategy Getting Started Practical Steps AI Integration Template Maintenance Success Metrics Call to Action Start tracking repetitive email tasks Create first few templates Share template ideas and questions Focus on exceptional client service through every system Implement gradually but consistently     READ THE FULL PODCAST TRANSCRIPT HERE Hello and welcome to episode 6 of Travel Business Unlocked. I'm Holly Velardo, the owner of HollyDay Travel, which is a boutique travel agency based in Port Noarlunga, South Australia. If you are new here, this podcast is all about me sharing my journey in the travel industry and the lessons I've learned. All the practical tips to to help you build a successful business. I believe in being real, sharing both the wins and the challenges with you and giving you so many steps and how-to's so you can implement things right into your business. Today we are going to talk about something that has absolutely transformed my business and this is email templates and automation systems. It's been nearly 8 years since I started HollyDay Travel and when I first started I had no idea about systems. I'd come from a travel agency where I had to create my own invoices, everything was still in manila folders and we'd write on them. There really wasn't a whole lot going on on the computers back then and it was a very old-school way of doing things. So when I started, I knew this needed to change, but at that point every single email was written from scratch. That meant that I was rushing emails, trying to get back to clients as quick as I can. The messaging was really inconsistent. I would forget to do follow-ups and I just spent so many hours on repetitive tasks that really I should have been spending that time to grow my business and work on the actual business and with the clients. So I'm going to share with you today how we have now built a library of over 90 templates that we use. This guides our clients through every step of their journey. This is from that very first inquiry all the way through to the welcome home messages and then of course everything in between. So I just want to remind you as well that if you are enjoying this podcast, I would absolutely love it, love your support by either subscribing, leaving a review so that other small business owners can also find it and see they may benefit from this too. So your support really helps me with continuing to create this content and reaching so many people in this industry. So now let's talk about these email templates and the automation that we use. I know for some of you this might sound a bit boring. Yes, email templates, you know, or a bit technical. But trust me, this is one of the most powerful systems that you can really, really implement into your business. So our templates cover everything from that initial inquiry email that we get. We have an a response that goes out to them through to visa information for specific countries, booking confirmations, quote documents, all sorts of templates for different types of travel, travel pre-departure checklists, welcome home messages, birthday emails, passport expiring and so, so, so much more. Now what's really important, and I want you to think about this here, is that these emails are not about just being a boring template, being robotic, being impersonal. They're all about reflecting you and your brand. So each of our templates are carefully created. We make sure that we still sound us, we sound professional, we sound warm, and more importantly, we follow the HollyDay Travel values and we all sound on brand. So we personalize each and every one of them for the clients. But what we have is that core structure and content that's there. So we can grab this template, fill in a few little bits and pieces, whether it's, you know, a country where the visa is going to be or if it's a quote and we've got some information, but we personalise it for that client. Whether we put a paragraph at the top about a conversation we've had with them, we just always try to keep it all about them so it doesn't feel robotic at all. But they're still getting all that information and the consistency. So there's a lot of reasons and key benefits why you need to have some email templates and automation within your business. Now firstly, and for me, most importantly is the time savings. Like, this is huge. Before we had templates, I would just spend hours and hours every day writing their emails from scratch, writing the same thing over and over again. Sometimes I would click over into the sent folder and copy information over. But realistically, I was doing most of it from scratch. But now what we've been able to do by having these templates is my team and I can respond so quickly to clients. It's consistent. You know, it's the same thing coming from all of us. And it also means we can handle more bookings without working the extra crazy hours that come with all the extra workload. So as an example of this, we do a lot of river cruising and cruising and group tours. And one of the templates that we have set up is each cruise line specific template for that. So for scenic we have, you know, here's your check-in information, the check-in procedures, go and fill in your trip personalizer. Or for MSC, we have their check-in procedures and their booking information all in this email. All we need to do is just personalise that couple of details. The template is there, it tells them how to check in for that cruise, what to do, the steps that are needed, the apps that are needed, or if it's the website, it's all there. All we have to quickly put in is their booking number, which you can copy and paste from the CRM and stick in there so the email's ready in a couple of minutes rather than trying to find this information every single time. So the second major benefit for us is consistency. So whether it's only you in your agency or whether you have a team, it is so, so important that every client receives that same high quality information and experience when they're dealing with you. These templates that we've created ensure that the important details aren't missed. Everything is there. We're not having to always think about what do we need to put in a booking confirmation email, do we need to put in what the changes are for their airfares or, you know, when the deposits are due for that tour or cruise? We don't need to think about that because it's outlined in the template. We just have to fill in the date that it's due or maybe the amount that it's due. So these things, it just creates so much time saving and incredible consistency. So this way, whoever is handling the booking, it's all the same as it comes from them. This has also been really, really important with training my team, allowing us to grow our business as well by having this template system in place. It doesn't matter if we've got a junior agent coming in or we've got someone who's highly qualified and has been here for a really long time, it doesn't matter. These templates are showing that we have the same information going out all the time to the clients. So now you're probably wondering what sort of categories and templates do you actually use? So there are so many. There are so many. As I said, we have over 90 templates, but the ones that we use are for our initial contact. So we have an online booking system in terms of where clients can contact us to make a time to see us, book in and see us, or if we get an inquiry via email, then we have that first initial email response that goes back out. That initial response talks to them immediately. A little paragraph on who are HollyDay Travel, who are we as a team, what service are we going to provide them? And of course, we mentioned the fees that we charge for working with us. So this sets the ground rules very upfront. It shows them the incredible service, the relationship, what we're going to do for them very, very quickly. But it also sets the expectation that if you do want to work with us, there is going to be a fee involved. So there's so many different benefits to that. So that initial email goes out and then obviously we have the quote emails that will go out as well once the clients are happy to pay the fee and go ahead. We have quotes that are set up for all different things. So we have like an all-rounder quote. If someone's looking at doing cruises, tours, flights, accommodation, everything, all in one, then we have that template. Otherwise we do have specific templates just for cruising, just for tours, just for flights. So we can quickly pull these in, put the information we need in, and each template is tailored for that specific booking type. It includes all the relevant information that the client's going to need without you having to rethink about that. So as I said before, for the c

Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn People and Links mentioned in this episode: Mel Robbins Podcast EPISODE SUMMARY Current Challenges Faced Train strikes in Italy Multiple flight cancellations across Europe Airport shutdowns and overbooked flights Typhoon in Hong Kong requiring client reorganization Team member illness and others on leave Holly working extended hours and handling unfamiliar tasks Main Message: Finding Joy Core Philosophy Find something that gives you joy, no matter how difficult your week Inspired by Mel Robbins podcast about improving life satisfaction Holly's Personal Joy Visiting clients (Beautiful Winery in McLaren Vale, 15 minutes from office) Communication and collaboration Connecting with clients and discussing holiday experiences Building team partnerships Practical Business Tip: Task Audit Step 1: Document Everything Step 2: Identify & Delegate Holly's Delegation Examples Bonn: Flight bookings, research, queue checking, schedule changes Usha and Uresha: Commission reconciliation, train bookings, detail-oriented tasks Key Realisations Increased gratitude for team members and their contributions Recognition of what truly drives business passion Importance of focusing on strengths rather than trying to do everything Call to Action Reflect on why you started your business Identify what you love most about your work Share what gives you joy (via DM or comments) Focus on tasks that align with your passions, even if just for a few minutes daily

Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Downloadable Resource Holly's Comprehensive Travel Agency Systems & Processes Guide People and Links mentioned in this episode: Zoho One (and all other Zoho apps mentioned) Travefy Calendly Google Drive Dropbox OneDrive Squarespace YouTube Facebook Instagram Threads LinkedIn TikTok Pinterest PoppyAI Perplexity ChatGPT My Daily Business Fiona Killackey   EPISODE SUMMARY Why Systems Matter Holly's System Background 15 Essential Business Systems CRM System (Customer Relationship Management) Project Management Tool Document Management Online Booking System Email Templates Website Social Media System EDMs (Electronic Direct Mail) / Email Campaigns Automated Tasks Planning Sessions Financial Management AI Tools Team Communication Payroll Management Reporting and Analytics Implementation Strategy Getting Started Align with Goals Free Trials and Research Seeking Support Key Takeaways • Systems foster growth: Business cannot grow without proper systems • Start small: Focus on immediate needs, not comprehensive overhaul • Purpose-driven: Systems should free you to do what you love most • Professional growth: Proper systems create professional, efficient business • Long-term investment: Initial setup effort pays dividends in time savings and growth potential

Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Connect and get in touch with Roslyn Rance Email Instagram Facebook LinkedIn People and Links mentioned in this episode: Clare Cope Owen Cope Travel Agent Achievers Travel Agent Achievers Podcast by Roslyn Ranse Achievers Mastermind TravelAgentAchievers/Holly for more resources EPISODE SUMMARY Guest Introduction Roslyn Rance – Founder of Travel Agent Achievers, experienced travel business strategist, podcast host and mentor Over 15 years as a successful home-based travel advisor, former Director of Sales and Marketing in International Education Host of Travel Agent Achievers Podcast, creator of Achievers Mastermind and Travel Business Accelerator programmes Sought-after speaker at global industry events (ASTA, ATIA, Beyond Borders, Virtuoso Travel Week) Known for her mantra: "I'll believe in you until you believe in yourself" Holly's Journey with Ros Discovered Ros during COVID when the travel industry was "completely upended" Started with Friday coffee connections, then joined the Mastermind programme despite financial constraints Transformed business from having no systems to achieving unprecedented growth Relationship evolved from professional mentorship to genuine friendship Credits Ros with providing a "lifeline" during crisis and ongoing business success Origin Story of Travel Agent Achievers Started pre-pandemic after frustrating conversations with senior travel industry figures Industry leaders dismissively said "you just book the trips, we handle everything else" Ros recognised travel professionals do much more: sales, marketing, administration, household management Motivation: "We are not just that. We are so much more" Started with a podcast to support the industry, which grew organically through word of mouth Core Philosophy Collaboration over competition – fundamental principle No dickhead policy – intentional community curation Sum of five concept – you become like the five people closest to you Focus on lifting each other up rather than pulling down Attracts "incredible humans" through authentic energy and genuine care What Travel Agent Achievers Provides Mastermind Programme Structure Community Benefits Guest Expert Programme Personal Support Approach International Retreats Philosophy and Purpose Focus on human connection and deep conversations over small talk Not profit-driven – purpose-driven events requiring significant time and energy investment Opportunity for self-reflection and personal care Immersive experiences designed to take participants to "next level" Retreat Locations and Experiences Fiji (first retreat) Bali Philippines 2026 Sail to Scale cruise ship event Lasting Impact Physical workbooks participants return to regularly for quarterly planning Long-term strategic guidance that influences ongoing business decisions Emotional and transformational experiences that create lasting change Some participants experience physical reactions due to intensity of personal work Ros' Personal Approach Authentic Leadership Style Introvert who prefers deep conversations over networking small talk Genuine care and heart-centred approach that "can't be faked" Receives feedback about bringing "beautiful energy" to industry events Word-of-mouth growth rather than aggressive marketing tactics Business Philosophy Wants travel professionals to "treat their business like a business" Focus on knowing numbers, understanding marketing, loving clients Global mission to raise industry business acumen standards Belief that industry can rise together without fear of obsolescence Personal Celebration Methods Team celebrations – meals, visits to Philippines team, bringing team to Australia Spa treatments and massages after major events for self-care Champagne goal-setting – writing goals on bottles, drinking when achieved Recognition that success comes from collaboration and team effort Current and Future Vision Expanding presence in US market while maintaining global focus Continuing to help "thousands more" travel professionals Maintaining personal touch – "it'll always be me" as the face of the business Supporting industry growth through elevated business practices Quarterly planning sessions for ongoing accountability and goal adjustment Key Takeaways Importance of community and collaboration in business success Value of mentorship and continuous learning Power of authentic leadership and genuine care for others Need for travel professionals to develop proper business acumen Significance of personal development alongside business growth Impact of supportive networks on individual and industry success

EPISODE SUMMARY Host Introduction Holly Velardo – Founder and owner of HollyDay Travel, a boutique home-based travel agency in Port Noarlunga, South Australia 25 years of travel industry experience; started HollyDay Travel 8 years ago while raising 5 children (including twins) Vice Chair on the board of ATAC (Australian Travel Agents Cooperative) South Australian Representative for the TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) program Background Story Started career straight after Year 12, completing an Advanced Diploma in Tourism at TAFE Worked for various companies, including incentive travel and Venture Holidays (Head of Retail Department) After having twins (children 4 and 5), decided to start her own business Chose to be a completely independent agent and joined ATAC for support and buying power COVID Impact & Transformation Both Holly and her husband Angelo (who worked at Adelaide Airport) lost their travel industry jobs during COVID Had to find alternative employment quickly while keeping HollyDay Travel open Used the COVID period to focus on education and business development This period became the foundation for significant business growth Six Steps to Travel Business Success Education and Continuous Learning Focusing on the Customer Implementing Systems Building a Supportive Network Overcoming Fear and Building Determination Setting Clear Goals Key Takeaways Building a successful travel business takes time — it won't happen overnight Each person's journey is different: find what resonates with your situation Take at least one actionable item from the episode to implement immediately Mentorship, continuous learning, and community support are essential Customer focus and relationship building are crucial for long-term success

Welcome to Travel Business Unlocked! This episode is a quick intro. Hi, I'm Holly and I'm Owner and founder of HollyDay Travel - family-owned travel agency  Located in beautiful South Australia  25 years in the travel industry (not 23!)  Studied to be a travel agent straight from high school  Been doing this ever since - 25 years and counting  Mum of 5 beautiful children  I am also a Director on the Board of ATAC, the Australian Travel Agents Cooperative, where I'm proud to represent travel agents across Australia.    Why I Started This Podcast  Podcasts have helped me and my business SO much over the past few years and I wanted to share my journey with others  I get asked daily by agents: ▪How did you build your business? ▪What advice can you give me on ways I can improve my business? ▪Where do I even start and what steps do I take? ▪Who do I connect with? ... and so much more! So I thought this was the perfect way to help!   This podcast is about me being real:  Sharing everything I've learned along the way, not pretending to have all the answers but sharing real experiences, mistakes, lessons learned and success stories. It's a resource for travel agents, small business owners, and anyone curious about building something meaningful    We will discuss things like: ▪How to build a remote team and how to hire them  ▪Why systems are so important  ▪How to use AI in your business  ▪Customer service strategies that actually work  ▪The Importance of having mentors  ... and much more.