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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 19 Sep 2007 11:15
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Hey Coastal members and prospects,
This is my little advice thread on Coastal. The tips are only my opinions and are not the only way to work Coastal. There are so many great people with so much to share in Coastal so look over the forum and get all the details.
1- Treat Coastal like a business
2- Make a true gameplan and follow it
3- Become a student of the travel industry and learn your product
4- Learn how to advertise
5- Learn to outsource tasks ( use the systems available)
In the next 5 weeks I will cover each topic in more depth. If you have specific questions please use the tools in the forum to contact me.
Check out these Coastal tools a well.
Our feature article in the HBC Magazine
[Link removed - Admin]
Coastal Proof
http://www.coastalproof.com
Official Coastal Tools + Training
http://www.officialcoastaltools.com
http://www.officialcoastaltraining.com
Live Conference Call
620 -294 - 3000 pincode 1103# 10pm est Mon-Thurs
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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jnapier
Forums Member
Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 647
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2007 09:43
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Quoting: ateamfuntimer 1- Treat Coastal like a business 2- Make a true gameplan and follow it 3- Become a student of the travel industry and learn your product 4- Learn how to advertise 5- Learn to outsource tasks ( use the systems available)
Gee Adam,
I hate to put you on the spot....but we all know that doing a training once is way better than doing it hundreds of times.
I'd like to ask you to expand on what you mean by "Make a true Gameplan and stick to it".
I'm sure others have questions. Let's keep it on the forum here so we can all benefit.
Jay NaPier
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2007 15:15
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Quoting: ateamfuntimer In the next 5 weeks I will cover each topic in more depth.
That should explain the plan. Stay tuned. And Jay im never on the spot as my goal has always been to share as much info as possible. So be on the lookout.
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 20 Sep 2007 18:27
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Treat your Coastal Business as a business. That is rule number one. So many people think well I only spent $1295 and I dont have employees or a storefront so this cant be a real business. Well folks that is as far from the truth as can be. This is the new wave of business. Automation and the internet have changed the way business is done. You need to change your mindset and understand that business is now a global industry and the number one tool is the computer.
How can I treat my business as a business? Well first you have to model it after a traditional business. What does that mean you ask? Okay in any business you need a product, our product is travel. Respect that you are part of the 7 trillion dollar industry that it is. When you respect something you treat it correctly.
As a business you need to make hours of operation. Marketing strategies need to be implemented. A plan has to be in place. As a serious business owner these things must be your top priority. I look at my business as a billion dollar empire and one day it will pay me that way. I know thats a lofty expectation but hey I shoot for a billion and get a million well ill still be happy. If you have Bentley in your driveway how would you treat it? Well Coastal can be that Bentley.
Businesses have budgets so have one for your Coastal business. This is not a hobby. Many people have made 6 figures and some 7 figures in this business. Look at your expenses. See what your assets are as well as what your liabilities are. Understand and learn the business of business. Learn to barter services with other business owners. I cant tell you how many times ive bartered a great trip for a service. Give a printer at a print shop a much needed vacation and get your flyers in exchange. Maybe you can get business cards. I have even bartered trips for ad space as well as to secure rooms for a presentation. You have a business with an unlimited supply of inventory. Use that inventory.
I understand how valuable my business is. It's like being the best looking person in the party. You know you have what everyone wants so you are the hunted. Act accordingly. Understand you are important and have something to offer. So many of us get desperate and chase people. We need that next sale so bad we lose our composure. Never be that person. When you are desperate the people feel it and will string you along. You lose all of your posture. Remember you offer a service that everyone loves. You offer it at an incredible price.
This is my first tidbit of information on how to treat Coastal as a business. Stay tuned as I share my experiences and help all that are looking at this incredible opportunity.
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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jnapier
Forums Member
Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 647
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 09:49
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Thanks for expanding on this thread Adam...that teaser had me sitting on the edge of my chair!!
Your right....What does "Treat your business like a business" mean??
For those who've never heard my testimonials, I've earned more in a month with Coastal than I did as a restaurant franchise owner in a year.
To me, treating the business like a business has been more about focusing on what we do. We get paid to "Talk to People" now this can be done in a number of ways. I prefer leads - and not those expensive $5 - $10 leads that we see recommended so often. I had a team member of mine buy some leads from one of those $5-$10 companies and her direct quote was "I get the same results with the coastal budget leads" but without the big expense..
I keep a flexible schedule but I focus 2-4 hours a day on talking to people. Sometimes they call me...sometime I call them. I do this by design. I'm ONLY looking for people who are looking for what I have to offer and they generally call me after the first or second call...it's what I call A CLUE!!!
I don't chase leads and I don't follow up with people who don't deserve me time. I keep an endless supply of people to talk with so I never get attached to anyone lead. I meet alot of great people, but remember we have a focus.
Marketing is one of the most important parts of what we do. There are a number of ways to do it, but I MUST tell you there's going to be alot of trial and error in the process. I've invested $30,000+ per month in marketing and can tell you that every form of marketing is not created equal.
I bought a convience store several years ago and the main reason the store was for sale is because the previous owner didn't keep regular business hours. This made it so his customers didn't know when he was open or not...so, many of his customers would buy products somewhere else if they didn't know he was open.
It's important that you keep regular hours and work consistently on your business as it will allow you to build momentum in your business. Consistent activity is one of the things that has made it possible for me to be a full time, multiple six figure income earner in this business.
There are many ways to build the business, but there are also many that do not work....yet, sound so good that people will invest their hard earned money into advertising and marketing, but when you put all your eggs into one basket and the basket breaks...your eggs are broken. I can't tell you how many times I've had people ask me about doing Travel Seminars, and they didn't realize that they'd have to have about $10,000 to do it right. You'll need a hotel room, advertising, projector system, light food, and some help doing the event too!
One of the most important things you can do in your business is USE THE PRODUCT!! I'm so surprised how many people have a Coastal Membership, but do not use it. In fact, anyone who is looking at Coastal should ask if the person they are talking to has used the members.
Last night on the call Scot mentioned Mercedes Benz. I own 2 of them and I've got to tell you they are a great car. But, just imagine if I'd gone to buy my Mercedes and the salesperson was driving a Ford. Nothing against Ford, but really....You've got to use your product.
When I was younger my dad owned pizza franchises. We ate ALOT of pizza. I've had it every way possible...even burnt!! So, DO use your membership...even if you only take a small weekend away. I tell my team members to do it within 90 days of getting started.
Jay NaPier
Platinum Director
Coastal Vacations
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 10:27
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This is the second installment of the first segment of my 5 week talk on Coastal. I know that as we have comments from all of our readers on the forum it might get a bit hard to follow so if anyone needs clarification again I suggest using all the options Vishal has made available to contact me.
What is a business? A business is where you have a service to offer and you exchange that service for something in return. Now for someone to want your service they must first have a need for what you do. I will refer to that as the "WHY". Now understand for them to give you some sort of 'CURRENCY" your service must be worthy. Would you spend your money on a new car if it didnt look new? Probably not ( some savvy buyers would use that as a opportunity to get a lower price). This exactly what happens when the perceived value of a product is lowered. You get haggling. Have any of you ever tried to haggle the price of a makeover in a beauty salon? Not many do they just pay the posted prices on services. You see they have established themselves as a viable business with a valuable product and you will even wait weeks to get an appointment to pay their price. They treat their business as a business and people act accordingly.
I have never had problems with the money issue when it comes to prospects. I saw Coastal for the value is was right in the beginning. 5 cruises for $1295. That's a no-brainer. When I talk to a client I show them the value of the product. When they understand value they are willing to exchange their "CURRENCY" as now they have a big enough "WHY". I treat Coastal like the business it is. When I do that prospects act accordingly.
Many of my teammates and associates work Coastal part-time. I give them the salon talk all the time. I assure them if they direct someone through the info and let them know you have specific hours for your business the serious prospects will follow the instructions. It indirectly conveys a few ideas to them.
1- First off they see you are serious as you act professional and have hours of operations.
2- It lets them know they can do they same. So many of us have way too busy lives so the last thing we need is another something to intrude on our lives.
Again business owners understand this. Why do you think drive thru fast food stores do so well. Its the convenience. As you show a prospect that this business is an enhancement to their lives and not just an addition you will see your finances and time freedom soar.
So step one is TREAT YOUR BUSINESS LIKE A BUSINESS!
I appreciate everyone supporting this thread and look forward to some feedback via the contact info options we have.
This is one of the ways I plan on giving back to everyone as the Coastal Business has given me and my wife so much. I have a few upcoming free teleseminars that I will be conducting on a variety of topics. YES I DID SAY FREE!!!! Be on the lookout for details but I will let the cat out of the bag and say that one of the topics will be about "How to sort people and not waste time". Also be sure to contact me for my free upcoming newsletter as well. It will be very interactive with lots of good info as well as resources for free tools.
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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jnapier
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 647
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 10:37 · Edited by: jnapier
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Quoting: ateamfuntimer let them know you have specific hours for your business the serious prospects will follow the instructions.
One thing to keep in mind. When you choose the hours your going to work your business. Your not the only game in town and while you do get to choose when you work....the market place will choose how successful you become. A well liked business that is only open on Friday can be very successful, BUT can also fail.
One thing I want to point out Adam...You've got your phone number, and the two links at the bottom of the post. There's no need to post the note about contacting you. Can we eliminate the sales pitch. People who want to call you will.
Jay NaPier
Platinum Director
Coastal Vacations
P.S. - One marketing tip. Know when your over marketing.
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asebf
Forums Member
Joined: 11 Sep 2007
Posts: 267
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 18:07
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Jees Louise
What is this? Freaky Friday? Full Moon? Can't you people that have issues with each other have the guts to pick up a phone - or use personal E or IM?
If this is what Coastal is all about - do I really want in? I was taught that airing dirty laundry - especially in someone else's back yard - is beyond bad manners - and so unprofessional that this is beyond thinking. If this is what / how the "leaders" speak - it sure belittles Coastal big time.
Group - being new here - is this the norm? Is this the general rule of how management talks to people?
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Bob
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wapahm
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Joined: 6 Jun 2007
Posts: 202
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 20:20
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Hi Bob,
You are so right!!!
You come in here to learn more about the Coastal product and how we market our business, only to find a lot of bickering.
I would like to be the first to apologize to you for any bad behavior.
Thanks for joining our discussions and welcome to the
Coastal thread! 
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wapahm
I'm not perfect, just forgiven!
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asebf
Forums Member
Joined: 11 Sep 2007
Posts: 267
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 20:34
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wapahm wrote: I would like to be the first to apologize to you for any bad behavior..
..........................
Thanks for the thought - not accepted as you have nothing to apologize for.
Personally I feel that this Jay person and now this vernon person have very much put Coastal in a bad light - they need to apologize to Coastal - not me. I am not even a member of Coastal. And at this moment wondering what the hell was I thinking when Coastal seemed like a possible career change.
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Bob
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JnWalla18
Forums Member
Joined: 20 Sep 2007
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 20:42
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Hello Adam. I am new to the site and looking into becoming a coastal member. I have been doing lots of research about the business oppty as well as the travel package itself. I truly believe that it is good to become a travel member and getting to know the benefits of membership prior to getting into the business side of it. So in my research I came across something that has me stuck. (someone I know had this experience):"While checking out the benefits of using the condo card (access card) looking for condo's and rates using the Point N Click. He found a rate of $575 for a 7 Nite stay at a Cancun Resort. A rather nice one because I've actually stayed here before myself. But when he was about to book it he read the conditions stated. It said he had to pay an addition fee pp/per nite of $120 ea (2) plus $30 per child per nite (2) which seem extremely high as a add on to the $575. It came out to be around $2675.00 w/o airfare or tax's, etc. When he prices the air it became not so great a package deal afterall. Can you shed some light on this. Maybe he misread the conditions of the purchase. Here is what it said,
"All units have air-conditioning, TV and telephone. Hotel units OCC: Max 2/Pri 2 have 1 king bed or 2 double beds and 1 bath. MANDATORY ALL INCLUSIVE PROGRAM, 2005 FEES: WEEK 1-16; 51; 53:1 ADULT US$125/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$95 PER PERSON/DAY WEEK 17-34; 40-50:1 ADULT US$112/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$82 PER PERSON/DAY WEEK 35-39:1 ADULT US$105/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$75 PER PERSON/DAY WEEK 52: 1 ADULT US$175/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$145 PER PERSON/DAY 2006 FEES: WEEK 1-4:1 ADULT US$137/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$107 PER PERSON/DAY WEEK 5-16; 50:1 ADULT US$150/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$120 PER PERSON/DAY WEEK 17-35; 40-49:1 ADULT US$125/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$95 PER PERSON/DAY WEEK 36-39:1 ADULT US$120/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$90 PER PERSON/DAY WEEK 51 & 52: 1 ADULT US$194/DAY, 2 ADULTS US$164 PER PERSON/DAY Kids 5-16 years old US$30 PER PERSON/DAY Food, beverages, recreational activities, New visitor fee US$15 per person.2% State lodging tax applies.
URGENT INFORMATION! 2 ADULTS $90 PPER/DAY. WEEK 51-52:1 ADULT $194/DAY, 2 ADULTS $164 PPER/DAY. KIDS 5-16 YEARS OLD $30 PPER/DAY NEW VISITOR FEE US$15 PER PERSON. 2% STATE LODGING TAX APPLIES. 2005-08-19GG4
Does anyone read these conditions and still think it's less expensive then going thru the traditional travel sites for hotel/air packages?
I'm really close to making a decision to getting involved with the business and becoming a member of coastal myself, but that un nerved me a bit. I would not want people I gave the oppty. to become member's under me to call me with complaints about the packages they tried to book.
Thank you for your advice.
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Janine Wallace
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CarolinaConsign
Forums Member
Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 73
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 21:28
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Hi Janine,
Is this resort GR Solaris Cancun?
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JnWalla18
Forums Member
Joined: 20 Sep 2007
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 21 Sep 2007 22:46
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Hi, yes in fact it is. GR Solaris
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Janine Wallace
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luvtravel
Forums Member
Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 812
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 08:56 · Edited by: luvtravel
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Janine, this resort is an ALL INCLUSIVE resort, Coastal did not offer an all inclusive resort (as I understand it) until this past month so my ques is, the person who gave you such detailed information about a particular resort FROM the Coastal pkg, is he a director?
Personally Janine as a travel agent and in defense of Directors knowing every single detail about each and every resort or condo even I as a travel agent MUST specialize in what country or state etc I will be offering vacations to at a particular destination.
There is absolutely no way, unless a potential client or client requests information about a particular property can you know every single detail about that property! And I am speaking now about when you join as a Coastal vacations Director nor would or should anyone expect you to UNLESS you specialze in ALL-INCLUSIVE resorts in Mexico.
There are literally hundreds if not thousands of condo's nationally and internationally, why would one Director have to know the specifics of each and every one?
So I hope this eases your mind as to how many details you need to know about each and every property in the entire package.
Unless you are a travel agent and your client requested you to locate a resort in mexico with details.
When you join Coastal your Director should assist you along with Stephanie the BOD product development person who conducts calls mon thru thurs on explaining the package to you.
Terri
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 12:56 · Edited by: ateamfuntimer
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THIS IS MY ONLY REPLY AS WE GO FORWARD. I THANK ALL THE PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE FOR ACTING IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER. LETS MAKE THIS THREAD ALL ABOUT COASTAL AS I SHARE MY IDEAS ON IT.
TREAT YOUR BUSINESS LIKE A BUSINESS
Treating your business as a business means learning to adapt. New technology is always coming out and we must be able to embrace it. Look at traditional businesses like fast food. With the big push on health many restaurants now have meals that are much better for our bodies. They have adapted. Do you do the same? Email marketing is forever changing. Phone calling is changing. B2B presentations are different than when I got in sales. You must learn to adapt.
This is the hardest part of any business. To learn how to embrace change and implement it without slowing down production can be hard to juggle. Take Contact Talk. I dont have the program but have been talking to many that have it. The going thing is that it takes some time to learn it. Many are faster learners than others so the slower learners will be taking time away from other business activities to get the jist of the program. That time can result in slower production. So you have to learn to weigh implementing new technology. My usual method is to have new technology overlap with my older technoogy. By this I mean test out new stuff before you do away with the old way.
As you will continue to see I will always give examples of traditional business. It seems to me with all the downsizing and outsourcing of jobs that some day home based business will be traditional business. The good thing is the same principles always work. Give people good service for a fair price. Buy merchandise at wholesale and sell retail. Give customers what they want.
I know that as you change your mindset about business you will see incredible result. In fact I feel sorry for many business owners I meet. There is a meat market in my town that my wife and I frequent. As we go there often we have gotten friendly with the owner and the fact we are business owners as well has come up. As we talked about us being in travel his eyes lit up. We asked where he would like to go and when and his response was ill be going on vacation in about 2 years from now. I asked why so long and he explained that he has no one he can trust to run the business in his absence. Thats is painful. Here is someone living the so called american dream that cant even enjoy the fruits of is labor.
I am so happy we are in the industry we are in. I get up when I want, go to bed when I want and live the lifestyle I want. What better life could I ask for. I get to interact with so many incredible people and learn as I go. If you want the best life you can have then get in a home based business like Coastal and treat it like a business and get ready for amazing rewards and blessings.
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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goldmills
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Posts: 184
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# Posted: 22 Sep 2007 21:09
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When staying in all inclusive resorts in Mexico especially, one will need to pay for their food or the all inclusive fee to stay there.
You are only paying for the condo with Coastal. So yes, you pay the all inclusive fee and in my experiences, paying the all inclusives and the condo fee through Coastal still beats full price everywhere else.
If you save $500 well, that's huge.
I stayed at Velas Vallarta in May of this year in Puerto Vallarta, and because I am a CEO of a large travel company, I negotiated FREE stay in the condo in a 3 bedroom and just paid $115 each day for my food and drinks.
I probably ate and drank $150 worth each day too!
As was stated, if you do choose an ALL INCLUSIVE resort through the vendors you'll pay the all inclusive fee for the week, when you check in and I feel it's fair and worth it.
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 24 Sep 2007 17:16
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This is the fourth installment of the first segment on Treating Your Business Like a Business
In treating your business as a business you have to learn to think like a business owner. I like to model myself after the big boys in the industry. Walmart is a business I study alot. I hate going into the store but to be honest they have everything. They have learned how to be everything to everyone. Their shelves have all the new products at the best prices. How do they do that? Supply and demand. They buy wholesale and sell retail. They have the most supply for the products that are in the most demand. That is a recipe for success.
By modeling myself like Walmart I treat any opportunity the same way. I always want to buy at wholesale and sell retail. I also want to market a product that the demand is high and I have a big supply of. That means that Coastal fits the criteria. And by deduction if I treat Coastal like a business I will be paid that way. Its all in the mindset and following certain business principles. There are business principles that work in any business. When we learn these principles and apply them everything goes well.
I want you to ask yourself a question. When you talk about your business to others do you act like it's a small mom and pop operation or do you look at it as a major corporation? This is an important question. If you look at your business as a business others will treat you and it accordingly.
Change your mindset and change your results.
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2007 12:51
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This is the fifth installment of my first segment on Treating your business like a business.
Treating your business like a business means treating your customers as customers as well. This is a tough thing for many. In this day and time the going thing is the customer is always right. I totally disagree. The business owner is always right. You have the right to work with who you desire to work with. If you dont like a customer then dont do business with them. We are in the 7 trillion dollar travel industry. There will always be customers. Always keep your posture.
Now with us being in a home based business many of us feel that we owe everything to a new associate. Thats a myth we should squash. The new associate is getting the worlds best travel package for the price they pay. Let's look at it this way. Right before my wife and I joined Coastal she went on a cruise that cost $1000. That was just for her. So when I saw 5 cruises for $1295 saw the value. Your new associate is getting a great value for their money. Plus every group I have come across in Coastal has all the training they need to do this business. You should just be their guide and mentor.
I believe our thinking is skewed when it comes to what our director owes us in this business. Now the director should be a guide but lets take an example and compare some stuff. Many people go to college and pay 10's of thousands of dollars to be educated. Now even after paying all that money they are still required to work arent they? So why when you pay $1295 to your director and get a travel package worth well over 15k do we get mad at our director if they dont hold our hands? We have to take responsibility for our own businesses.
If we start to look at our business in a different light and begin to act accordingly I assure you that you will reap the benefts. This concludes the first segment of my thoughts on Coastal. I appreciate all that have been looking in. Be on the lookout as tomorrow I begin to expand upon how to set up a gameplan and implement it.
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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jnapier
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# Posted: 25 Sep 2007 13:50 · Edited by: jnapier
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Adam,
Great point. We are responsible to our team, but not responsible for our team. I do daily trainings with my team and it's upto THEM to attend, if they don't...the miss they training.
I've found that holding the hand of your team does nothing for their success. It's like like when you were a kid and your parents would help you ride a bike...you had to eventually learn to balance the bike and ride on your own.
This doesn't mean that you disconnect from your team, it simply means that your team must be active to get results.
Jay NaPier
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2007 14:50
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MAKE A TRUE GAMEPLAN AND STICK TO IT
What is a gameplan for Coastal Vacations? Coastal is in my opinion a business in a box. Many of us make this business way too difficult. Let's take the facts. Travel is a 7 trillion dollar industry. People love travel. They spend so much hard of their hard earned money on getting away for those magical 2 weeks a year. 90% of the business is automated. We have websites, trainings, live calls, directors and forums. Everything you need to run your business is right at your fingertips. Where we go wrong is not putting together the right gameplan to follow.
Now many put this job on their director but to be honest it's on you as your own boss to make the right gameplan. Your director can guide you but its up to you to find the right way to run your venture.
Let me start with a story. When we started this business my wife and I made a gameplan. We took a week off to put this plan into effect. Our first step was to evaluate our strengths. In any business venture you have to accentuate your good points. Both of us are good with people so we understood that getting in front of people would be good for us. Next we looked at my wife's strengths on the phone. We knew that if we got her on the phone with people many would join our organization. These were big strengths of ours so we had to make them stand out.
Here are some things you need to evaluate about yourself as you make your gameplan.
1- How much time do you have to put into your business?
2- How will you break that time up?
3- How are you going to advertise?
4- What budget do you have to advertise?
5- How do I use my strengths to my advantage?
6- How do downplay my weaknesses?
Think of it this way. If you have phone-phobia why would you just buy leads? You are wasting your time and money. Maybe you need to better use that time to be in front of people or maybe buying other forms of advertising. Another thing people make a mistake in is spending their time on the wrong task. So many spend crucial time on training when they should be doing other activities. Training is crucial but id rather do an income producing activity if at all possible. The goal in business is to make money and income producing activities always should have a high ranking in what to do next.
Stay tuned for the next five days as I go over the points in making a gameplan and sticking to it. I hope that many of you will get something from the experiences that have been through.
Adam Frederick
302 476 2753
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jnapier
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Posts: 647
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2007 15:04
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Many do make it too tough. It's really a simple business when you apply the simple system that are already in place. There are several options for system...so it's not like there's 1 system. If you are not getting the results you are looking for AND...and this is a biggie....And you've tried to improve upon your results, then look for another option.
Have confidence and give yourself time to build that confidence. You'll want to get to know the product and the systems we use to build the business.
Getting ready to get ready. This is something that many spend way too much time on. You've got to take action and talk with people to get paid...period.
When it comes to personal development, I think it's great but you want to make sure you get it from people who are successful. People like Dani Johnson who'll be on Next Monday Night's Official Coastal Training call...she's a million dollar income earner and can assist you in your education.
Jay NaPier
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ateamfuntimer
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 757
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# Posted: 27 Sep 2007 13:22
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How much time should you put into your business? That is a question im asked on a daily basis. My answer is always the same. I answer it depends on your own schedule. The single mom or dad that works the night shift is totally different than the stay at home parent with school age kids. The first thing that you must establish is what is comfortable for you. I do have one rule of thumb 50% of you business time should be used on prospecting new clients. Now again this is my opinion and many will disagree on the numbers but this is what has worked for me.
Time is relative and productivity is more important. A seasoned veteran in Coastal might spend less time on the phone prospecting as they have a few advantages. They might have a team bringing them training sales. They also might have learned more effective advertising methods. They also might have a broader referral base.
Id stick with the 50% rule of thumb. The other 50% need to be broken into a few other areas. Training is a big one. By training I include learning testimonials by getting on live calls, getting in your back office, reading trade magazines and publications and spending time with your director is they have training calls. Many people focus too much on the training or the theoretical as I call it and not the practical. Remember we are in business to make money and while training is needed most of our efforts should be placed on the money making activities. That 50% that we spend outside of prospecting must be productive. The goal of that time should be to make us better at the prospecting that we do.
Take a look at your business right now. How is your time broken down. Are you spending your time on all of our training calls and counting that all the time you are running your business. As I listen to our daily calls I make it my business to take as many notes to use later when im making my own calls. This is always needed. I am growing all the time. If I dont have someone on the call then I spend the first 1/2 hr of the call making prospecting calls myself. Then I jump on to hear the testimonials so I have more ammunition as I prospect.
Make a true gameplan for yourself and start it out with a schedule that fits your lifestyle and your needs. If you can do that you are on the way to having all you want out of Coastal.
Adam Frederick
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# Posted: 27 Sep 2007 17:15
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Quoting: ateamfuntimer How much time should you put into your business?
Great question, and I think the answer really depends on how bad someone wants to change their situation. What are you willing to give up? For me, it was TV...well, sorta.
You see, before I started my Coastal Vacations business you'd find me watching alot of TV. Thursday Night was the crown jewel. Survivor...Oh, yea!!
I was willing to give up some TV and I bought a TiVo. When I still had the candle business, I'd put at least 2 hours an evening into my Coastal Business. I did this for about 3 weeks, then closed the candle business.
This question is upto you, but again...you want to REALLY think about your Why and how bad you want that. I'd been seeking the freedom I have today for over 10 years, so I was willing to give up a few things and gain others.
Take a look at your business right now. How is your time broken down? In my opinion, 80% of your time should be on marketing your business and talking to people. 20% can be spent on other activities that do not produce a sale. No answer is correct here..this is just my opinion. BUT...if you are not getting the sales you want, you'd better talk to more people. PERIOD!
One of the things I like about Coastal is that it's a simple business to run. SOME...make it alot harder than it has to be, adding alot of stuff that has nothing to do with talking to people and marketing the business. Use caution when you see them talk about training and coaching that has nothing to do with making Coastal Vacations Membership sales. This is a big red flag.
I could train you on stock training, real estate, mutual funds, psychology, parenting, and a bunch of other topics....BUT I choose to focus on Coastal Vacations. When I read or hear something that has benefit to my team, I always forward it to them and I plug them into the expert who has writen or produced the training.
Jay NaPier
Platinum Director
Coastal Vacations
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# Posted: 28 Sep 2007 04:28
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GAME PLAN CONTINUED
This is an exciting thread about your Coastal gameplan. I hope many of you are enjoying the thoughts and ideas that are being sparked by this train of thought.
Now we have discussed the time you spend in your business so lets talk a bit briefly about advertising. Im only going to cover it briefly in this segment as I plan to talk heavily on true advertising methods used by some top interner marketers ive come across in my research and experience later.
How do you advertise? Many of us have been taught to just buy leads and spend 70-90% of our time on the phone. That doesnt work. First off most dont have the skill set to be effective on the phone. It is an art in inself. Salesman are always rated among the top paid professions and that has alot to do with the fact they are good on the phone as well as in person. Well most of us arent salesman so why would you ever want to spend so much time on the phone. All it does is give you a chance to mess up the deal.
Mess up the deal you ask? Yes just that. Let take a look at our websites. They are incredible in detail. Then we have great live calls where extremely successful leaders are there to assist. With this support we all should play a supporting role in the process. In addition lets look at what most of us do. We buy leads from various lead providers. Im not here to knock any vendor but in my opinion all of the paid leads stink. Yes I said it they stink. Understand that most of them are generated because of incentives. The prospects can get a free ipod if they fill in the form. I for one dont desire to talk to people that arent really serious about being in business.
We must rethink our thought process. Now this is not to say you cant do well buying leads. I have as im good on the phone. Im quick on my feet and can handle any conversation plus im well versed in the travel industry as well as in the home based business arena. The question is are you? The better question is why should I have to be good on the phone. Lets be honest most people want to know the facts and want to see if this business is real. So your website tells them the facts and the calls make it real. Use the tools. That is why this business is in my opinion simple.
If you have been reading this you see everything ive said is straight common sense. That is all you need to be successful here. So lets take that into our advertising. Use your common sense. I call it fishing where the fish are. If you want to advertise you should advertise a travel package where you find travelers. It again only makes sense. Im also against just advertising the Coastal opportunity as a business. More people travel than are wanting to start a business. So throw out a bigger net.
If you advertise smarter and make better use of your tools then I assure you that Coastal will pay you like a business. Get in the game to win and play for keeps.
Adam Frederick
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jnapier
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# Posted: 28 Sep 2007 10:01 · Edited by: jnapier
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Quoting: ateamfuntimer How do you advertise? Many of us have been taught to just buy leads and spend 70-90% of our time on the phone. That doesnt work. First off most dont have the skill set to be effective on the phone. It is an art in inself. Salesman are always rated among the top paid professions and that has alot to do with the fact they are good on the phone as well as in person. Well most of us arent salesman so why would you ever want to spend so much time on the phone. All it does is give you a chance to mess up the deal.
I've had a different experience here. The phone is an important tool as many are not going to have the skills to do a semiar or go out doing travel presentations. In today's marketplace, you can't just advertise and expect people to "click here now" to purchase our membership. They want to make sure there's a real person behind the website.
We are not selling, I'm more of the Un-Sales guy. I'll give you a perfect example. I don't do cold calling, I only call those who've requested information. I seldom do follow up - My team if over 650 strong with people who called me to get started. I used a system that works...it's worked for over 12 years.
When you think about systems, McDonalds is the master of systems. I took my daughter there yesterday for a treat. It always amazes me...the fryer is always on the _________. The store is always run my young people and it's simple. They have specific ways things work. Coastal is the same way. Now, there are those who have tried to recreate the wheel...but some wheels work better than others. Some have struggled to make the wheel work right as they got the wrong wheel in the first place. I watch some very sharp people do this all the time....but hey, who am I to tell them how to do it, I'm just a multiple six figure income earner.
We buy leads from various lead providers. Im not here to knock any vendor but in my opinion all of the paid leads stink. Yes I said it they stink. Understand that most of them are generated because of incentives. The prospects can get a free ipod if they fill in the form. I for one dont desire to talk to people that arent really serious about being in business.
I've been in the network marketing/ direct sales industry for over 19 years. I've used a TON of lead companies and they are not all created equal. I've used $5-$10 leads and today....I just go with what works 85 cent - 66 cent leads. They work very well for me. I've done alot of marketing and one thing stays consistent...leads give you a guaranteed return. When I first started in this business I did classified advertising and found that was a real challenge. I paid $99 and got 6 calls. I've done magazine advertising and found that most of the people calling were not even qualified to gather the info I needed them to gather...No computer = No lead.
Some leads are incentivized and I've found that to not be the case with the primary leads provider I use. I also know that some leads companies advertise like a job opening. Giving the impressing that there's a salary. Well, when you get them the details and they learn it's a business...they are no longer interested.
Still...others will have you believe you can buy bulk leads and qualify out everyone with a lead capture page. It can work, but the quality of most leads go down when you can buy 100,000 leads for $250. Hey..if it's working for you..continue on.
We must rethink our thought process.
I don't think most people will need to rething their thought process. I think people really, simple need to take more action. Ask Yourself...How many people did I talk to on Thursday the 27th? My answer is 0, I took the day off....BUT my phone rang all day from people I'd left a message with on the 26th.
If Coastal Vacations didn't work, we wouldn't be here 13 years later. It would have died like the here today, gone tomorrow programs we see today that last 6 months.
So your website tells them the facts and the calls make it real. Use the tools. That is why this business is in my opinion simple.
Yes, I agree! And I also know that there's got to be a reason for people to review your website. Movie leads have become very popular because they get more information into peoples hands, but FEW qualify themselves to a level that they call you. I've still found that my 66 cent leads work just as well, requiring only a half step more.[/quote]
Use your common sense. I call it fishing where the fish are. If you want to advertise you should advertise a travel package where you find travelers. It again only makes sense. Im also against just advertising the Coastal opportunity as a business. More people travel than are wanting to start a business. So throw out a bigger net.
This again brings up some great conversation. I've tried ALOT of marketing...some worked, some didn't. It takes ALOT of knowledge...way more than it takes to buy a leads. I've invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to learn how to advertise. It's a science. I own a program that cost the people who went to the live event over $25,000 for a 5 day event. How many are willing to pay the $8000 I paid to buy it?
The internet is packed full of people who will show you how to advertise and make big dollars online, but so few ever even get their money back. There are programs that specifically show you how to put 20-40 people into your business each month - Hey, I've taken their coarses and I say - Save your $500. Most are not in a position to do what they teach.
Published books are some of the best ways to get information about advertising and marketing. Why would I say that? Books that you'd find at the book store have a publisher who's put their money on the line for a book. The stuff you see online are generally done for 2 reasons. 1) It's cheap 2) They put an affiliate program together with resell rights so people out there will buy the program and maybe even market it so the publisher makes more sales.
One of the reasons the right director is so important is because you - the prospect - are looking for a result, it's different for everyone. You've got to find the director who has gotten the result you are looking for....OR BETTER!
If you are a director who has not yet gotten the result you were originally looking for it might not be because you are doing something wrong, it could be that you are not doing something ENOUGH.
Another thing that has become very popular is to have a funded proposal where you sell an ebook for say.. $50 and make a small commission from people who buy the ebook. You then market to them your opportunity. It is said that this type of lead is a better lead, but I also know that a group within Coastal tried something very similar working with CEM and could not make it work.
As a former advertising agency owner I can tell you that there are alot of well meaning business owners who buy advertising...but let me use this example. Look at your business card or a business card you've recently gotten. Is it Name, Address, phone number..and oh, hey there's a lawn mower on there so you know that Macs Lawn Care will cut your grass.
Jay NaPier
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# Posted: 29 Sep 2007 12:58
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GAME PLAN CONTINUED
Much of creating your gameplan depends on advertising. Now in week four I will go into detail of advertising strategies but I want to talk a bit about planning them out here today.
Business is very simple. You have a product that you want to get to the public for a good price. How you deliver that product to the marketplace is important. Im not a fisherman ( in fact ive never ever been fishing as im a city kid..btw im open to any of you that would invite me as long as we promise to have a few beers on boat) but ive learned to use fishing parables and examples alot. Fisherman go where the fish are. If so desire to find customers you could put a huge sign up but if no customers are in the are well that sign is a waste of time. So in our gameplan how do we account for advertising?
Im one for getting things free. Free advertising is a winner all around. If you look at traditional businesses they spend a huge amount of their budget on advertsing. Look at all the commercials we see. I heard recently it cost about 12k for one minute of televison time. Thats expensive. Many of us starting out dont have ton's of money nor do we understand how and where to advertise. In your gameplan it is important you focus on this with your director. No customers means no business so this is the most important part of being in business. So how do we get free advertising you ask. I say open your mouth.
Having been in so many MLM's and other home based businesses I used to hate when I had to make a list of my closest 50 friends. But this is a great market to start with. I wouldnt try and sell them but rather share this great travel package with them . In your gameplan you need to think this out. In alot of MLM's and home based businesses people will run from you but here in Coastal we market a product everyone uses. Make this a priority in letting them know about this great product.
Ive heard somewhere that if you dont plan you plan to fail. Many people skip over planning when they get started in Coastal. They are so excited that they get ahead of themselves. Case and point, so many of my teammates lose their first possible training sales by telling everyone they are in business right away. Here is what happens. They tell their good friends they have a business and everyone starts asking questions.
How much money have you made?
Where are the vacations to?
Exactly how much is it going to cost me to go to Hawaii?
How long have you been doing this?
How much did you invest?
Now when you start going into all the details and you are new chances are you are going to get stumped and lose credibility. Not to mention you now sound like a salesman. How about telling them you found a great travel package and asking them if they travel as well? Plan in your gameplan to market Coastal as a retail product from the start. Here is why. If you market a good product that saves people money on something they are already spending money on then you have a winner. If they have an entrepreneurial spirit believe me after they see the value of the product they will ask you how do you make money. But you lose a wide base of customers by starting with the business aspect first. Plan your approach strategically and watch the results.
As you can see alot goes into planning your business and I can only scratch the surface here. Remember my goal is not to say my way is better than your way or get into a debate with anyone on breaking every point down like a scientist and trying to dismantle it. This is to get you thinking. The methods I use work for me. They may not work for you. Many talk about this system being duplicatable. I love that many parts are but the real successful Coastal members think outside of the box and make things their own. They dont take time to debate over every point but rather take in the knowledge and use it in a way that works for them. I have been part of various groups and had the opportunity to met many great leaders and work closely with them. The one thing I have learned is to take in the knowledge and then apply what I need for myself. I never compete with anyone other than Adam. Their style is their style and to be honest I could never be as good as anyone else when I play their game. But believe you me no one and I repeat no one can be a better Adam Frederick than me Adam Frederick.
Stay tuned for more of my thoughts and opinions and experiences on Coastal Vacations. I hope that this thread continues to spark your mind and is something that helps you grow your business.
Adam Frederick
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# Posted: 1 Oct 2007 13:23
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GAME PLAN CONTINUED
In any business people need to look at their strengths and weaknesses. We have a ton of systems out there and many believe if they follow the system to the letter it will work for them. What happens is part sof the system dont fit into their strengths and they fall on their faces. Lets say you are horrible on the phone. What I mean by horrible is that is feels like it weighs a ton when you pick it up. If you concentrate on just following the system of just calling people you wont have success.
This is what I believe separates the successful and not as successful in the Coastal Business. Have you ever tried to put the square peg in the round hole. You might be able to force it in but it doesnt fit correctly. You must evaluate your strengths and use them within the system to work for you. If they dont fit into the present system them create a system for yourself with your strengths being in the forefront.
How do you really evaluate your strengths? Thats a fair question. You have to honestly look at yourself and grade yourself like an outsider. If you were the client would you listen to your pitch? Would you buy from you? If not then you need to change a few things.
One of my strengths is my ability to think quick on my feet. I can start a conversation on just about anything and have knowledge of a bunch of different subjects. I picked this up when I was dating. That skill served me well as it found me my wife and now I have adapted that skill into my business. You see I evaluated myself and used what I have to get what I want. You can do exactly the same.
Is your strength being on the phone? Is it being in front of people? Is it advertising? You have to decide.
On the flip side you have to minimize your weaknesses. You need to not focus on them so heavily and take some time to learn from them. What we focus on expands so when you focus on weakness we get more weakness. It erodes your confidence and you become frozen. In your gameplan you must account for this. And more importantly you must get ready for i as your team will have to be able to deal with it.
Im all about strength and confidence. You should plan your business around these two key points. If you do it will soar. Also remember to plan to use the system your advantage and not to your detriment. If the square peg doesnt fit dont force. Adapt and find a round one.
Adam Frederick
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2007 11:55
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BECOME A STUDENT OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY AND LEARN YOUR PRODUCT
Our business is travel and it amazes me how many people in our business that dont understand travel. They are great at marketing but have no idea of how the travel industry works. Here are a few tips I use to learn.
1- Go on your vacations yourself
2- Give them away to friends and get their feedback
3- Join internet travel groups
4- Subscribe to travel publications
5- Go on travel forums
6- Talk to people that you know that travel
7- Call our vendors
8- Learn testimonies from our live calls
9- Attend as many live product calls as possible
10- Be willing to understand the travel industry is always changing
Stay tuned this week as I expand on how I began to learn about the industry that we all make a great living in.
Adam Frederick
Level III Director
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jnapier
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# Posted: 2 Oct 2007 12:32
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Great post Adam,
You know. We can ask ourself one simple quest. Would you buy a weight lose product from a fat guy? No offence, but REALLY!
If you've ever watched an infomercial for a weight lose program or gym type product the first thing you notice is that the person pitching it (spokes person) looks GREAT! If you wanted to look the way they look....you'd buy the product.
Now, I'm always amazed by the people who have not used their Coastal package. You know, they can make excuses but we have part of our membership where we can travel for just the taxes. $20 or so.
This has been a question I've recommended to help choose a director. You should know travel. You should be a product of the product. Travel and enjoy!
I'm leaving at the end of this week to Orlando. I paid $355 for a 7 day condo stay at the Celebration World Resort. This will be my second time staying at that resort. We'll goto Disney World no less than 3 days (I'm sure my wife will want to go 5). We'll visit with my aunt and uncle who live in the area. We'll goto the beach and we'll enjoy one of my favorite restaurant in the area Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney.
If I had to choose between working the business and using the coastal membership. I'd use the membership or and over again. I say this because I can always find something I enjoy doing for a living, but the Coastal Membership is priceless.
Jay NaPier
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# Posted: 3 Oct 2007 12:12
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BECOME A STUDENT OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY AND LEARN YOUR PRODUCT
How many of us really know our product? How often do you get on the phone with an interested prospect and lose the sale as you cant answer a few questions? Now im not saying you have to know everything there is to know but you have to have a working knowledge of the travel industry.
Lets map out a few simple facts about our travel package. The reason that we are able to receive all the amazing deals we do is because of our power as a group. The hotels, condo's and motels are never at full capacity. Thats means on "X" percent of their rooms they make no money. As business owners they are trying to maximize their profit so that is why they offer us a discount. We have become a sales and advertising force for them. They believe they have great lodging and count on the fact that when we come to stay we will love where we are and refer the place to other travelers. Word of mouth advertising is the best. Think of the last time you picked a dentist. You probably asked around for referrals. They are only doing the same thing. In addition they are even putting extra income in their bottom line even if it is at rock bottom prices. If I was selling "widgets" and none sold at $100 but I lowered the price to $50 it would be better than going home empty handed.
Understanding this is important when explaining and showing a prospect why this program works. Its a simple principle that is key to your development as a business owner.
Another place we have to begin our learning is about the trends of the travel industry. All travel is based on availability. If a convention is going on in a hotel and they are booking rooms because of the demand the hotel will probably raise the rates. Its simple supply and demand. Think of the gas prices. The nations that have the oil have the supply and we in other countries have a demand for it. That means we will pay higher prices for it. We must understand this simple truth.
Let me give you an example. Many of you have heard my testimony about my trip to Williamsburg Va. Ive told it before but here are the details. We got a 4 bed room condo for $259 for the entire week. The condo usually retails for $3600. Now what ive never told you guys is that we first were going to get a 2 bedroom. My wife who is an expert traveler and a true student of this package kept looking at the availability to almost the last minute. Now understand we used our Access card so we can book the condo on the spot. Well as she waited she saw that a 4 bedroom was available for the same price. Why was it available you ask? Well the resort didnt have anyone to book that condo so they offered it at a discount at the last minute. They would rather give us the room at a discount and make some money than leave the room empty and make nothing. You see the fact my wife understood how travel works we got a place twice the size for the same price.
How are you learning about travel? Are you studying your package? Are you asking the vendors questions? Are you using the product? We make more sales because of product knowledge than we do because of my marketing skills. Yes im a good marketer and salesman but this package sells itself. When you can show someone you are an expert you will make your business soar.
Stay tuned for more learning on the travel industry in my post the rest of the week. I hope that something I say helps you market more packages and teaches you to enjoy the great travel we get even more.
Adam Frederick
Level III Director
Trainer + Motivator
302 476 2753
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