Getting Started with Groups - Group Sales Coach
Are you interested in doing a group for the first time? Well we have someone you need to meet. The Marketing and Business Development Department has now added a "Group Sales Coach". This person is available to agents that are interested in doing their very first group.
Services provided by the Group Sales Coach
Our Group Sales Coach is going to help agents do their first group - from A to Z. Including:
| • | Calling the group department for group space |
| • | Creating an invoice |
| • | Calling in client payments |
| • | Working with our Business Development Specialist on flyers and other promotional material |
| • | Finalizing the group |
| • | Reconciling the group payments |
| • | Following up with the group after travel has ended |
| • | Adding passengers to your database |
| and much, much more! | |
The Group Sales Coach will provide you with in-depth assistance to help you learn the ropes of your first group.
When you are ready to start your first group, you will complete the form below. Then our Group Sales Coach will contact you and review the information. Then the fun begins, the Group Sales Coach will schedule trainings with you, one-on-one to walk you through invoicing your group, making your payments, holding your group space and every other detail necessary for your specific group. If you do not have a group ready to travel, don't worry. Our Business Development Specialists will assist you in finding the perfect opportunity for your business, using your already existing resources and relationships.
The group sales coach provides guidance and assistance growing your group business at no extra cost to you.
Click here to get started.
Focusing your business on groups can be intimidating at first. Here are some tips and information to better plan your group business.
| MEET Set up one-on-one appointments Choose itinerary and departure date Schedule next appointments Thank You's |
| BOOK Call the supplier and block the group space Special Services Negotiate the use of Tour Conductor Credits, etc. |
| PROMOTE Create a promotion time line Direct Mail Flyers Website Advertising Sales Support Material |
| COLLECT Get the money Apply payments Apply names to the cabins Finalize the group prior to final payment Arrange dining requests Document Party |
| FOLLOW UP Re-book for next year on current cruise Use incentives to encourage re-booking Send survey to clients Personal Thank You notes Gifts/Follow up meeting with Group Leader |
Here are some ideas of where you can start to generate your own group business. The worksheets below will help to think outside of the box when it comes to opportunities for group business. Don't think of only the traditional group business that is already being promoted to, think of groups that exist and may not be targeted for group travel.
Click here to complete the Lead Sheet for New Groups
Where Can I Find New Group Business Worksheet
| In Search of Groups... | |
| • | Take a look at your existing business - corporate and leisure. There are a lot of groups right in front of you! Ask your clients if they belong to any clubs/organizations and find out if they ever travel together. Always remind your clients that you specialized in group travel. |
| • | Make a lead tree listing all the clubs/organizations you belong to, then do the same for family members and friends. (See worksheet below) |
| • | Pampered Chef, Party Lite, Avon, Creative Memories...people who work for these companies and do in-home parties make tremendous group leaders: imagine the amount of people they come in contact with during the course for 1 month. Combine your niche market travel with the in-home party group that best reflects it. For instance feature Tours of the Wine Country of France at an in-home Wine Tasting Event. |