While we think of entrepreneurship as synonymous with going into business for yourself, the same spirit can be applied on a more personal level. Think of it in terms of owning your career path and taking charge of your professional development. Your entrepreneurial spirit may take the form of an innovative idea, a new and exciting opportunity, or perhaps just a better way of doing something that you have been doing all along.
Entrepreneurial people typically possess these characteristics: They are passionate, positive, adaptable, and ambitious, and exhibit leadership skills. It is also important to be independent and creative. Two key traits also synonymous with an entrepreneur are individuality and perseverance.
Most of us in the travel industry are here because we have a sincere passion for travel. A key to the success of any business one might undertake is the need to love what you do and the desire to want to do it because it is engaging, challenging and rewarding. It seems that no matter how many challenges and obstacles travel agents face, their love and passion for travel remain constant. This is undoubtedly the driving force that keeps us waking up every morning and excited about what the day’s work will be.
However, sometimes due to the day-to-day grind, financial concerns, demands on our time and personal issues, as well as a myriad of other “factors,” our enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit can be dampened and the flame needs to be re-ignited. Here are six simple tips that can help to not only relieve stress but refuel your business fire.
1) Do a “spring cleaning” no matter what time of year it is. Clean out your desk, clear out your files and even rearrange the furniture, if you can. Take advantage of down time and make it work for you.
2) Focus on your education and the future success of your business by investing in more training. Education is an investment in yourself and in your business.
3) Read books about marketing and other topics written by successful entrepreneurs. When you read about successful businesses either in travel or in other fields, it provides you with great ideas and reminds you that you have what it takes to do the same thing with your business, even if it is on a smaller scale.
4) Change your routine and do something that breaks you out of the boredom cycle. If you operate your day the same way every day, the mundane will set in. Break the mold and change things up.
5) Release your resentments and be positive. Sure, things are challenging right now, but dwelling on the negative will only spiral you downward and make it more difficult to see the light.
6) Revisit your goals and objectives and make changes as needed. Your original plan of action may need to be re-worked. Be flexible and allow yourself the freedom to stick with what is working and change what is not.
Finally, take responsibility because you are the solution to any problem that comes your way. Dig in deep and call upon your entrepreneurial spirit to re-energize and re-motivate yourself. You certainly want your travel business to succeed, and your true desire for success along with your determination and perseverance can take you where you want to go. Don’t let distractions that take you away from your intended goals get in the way of your spirit and ambition. Just remember, you are passionate, positive, adaptable and ambitious, and you have the ability to lead your travel business to success.
Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC, of Joanie Ogg Marketing Group, is co-author of the new book “Marketing and Sales Prescriptions for Today’s Economy & Beyond,” an RX for travel agents to effectively use their dollars and common sense to thrive in the travel business. For more information or to order the book, email Joanie@joanieogg.com.
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