What Are You Waiting For?
by Anita Pagliasso

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The point that I am trying to make is that, if I had thought too much about the "Who, What and Why's" before I started writing, I probably would have never completed the project and possibly never published the book.

Just as I was motivated by agents who suggested that I write a book, I am also always happy to hear from agents who have been motivated to use one or more of my ideas either from my book, my seminars, or something that I wrote in an article.

Most recently, Jeff Greider (OSSN's Midwest Regional Director) sent me this email. "Anita, I want to thank you personally for sharing your 'INFAMOUS' VIP LETTER with me and the rest of the travel agent community. IT REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY CLIENT’S RECENT VACATION and I really appreciate that. Thanks a Million Anita!"

Jeff had used my VIP letter that is in my book and CD when sending some of his pickiest clients on vacation. The outcome from Jeff going the extra mile by taking only an extra five minutes to send the letter to the hotel manager, on behalf of his clients, was outstanding. Not only did his clients get complimentary upgrades, but they also got exceptional service at the hotels. In addition to giving Jeff the assurance of their future business, his clients also sent out a testimonial to other large networks of individuals upon their return from an expertly planned vacation. And, as we all know, word-of-mouth advertising is priceless.

I would like to share just a few more of these stories with you -- and, hopefully, you will be inspired to try something new.

• "I love your book and have been using many of your suggestions to enhance my business as a family travel specialist including using your TRAVEL TIPS FOR MY E-NEWSLETTER." (Lauren Goldenberg)
  
  
• "I now use your '10% OF COMMISSION RULE' that is in your book as a good budget for the special extras and gifts for clients. Your marketing ideas have inspired me and will be glad to know that the new motto for my business is "OVER THE TOP!" (Saralynn Turner)
  
  
• "You are a wealth of information and your enthusiasm is infectious. I am so glad I stayed for the seminar. Now, armed with all this new information and creative juices, I WILL DEVELOP SOME CLEVER BUSINESS CARDS AND BROCHURES. Thanks for getting me started." (Lori Dillon)
  
  
• "I read your book 'How I Made a Small Fortune as a Home-Based Travel Agent" and I have done a few of your suggestions and they worked out fantastic. JUST KNOWING A FEW OF THESE TRICKS REALLY HELPS US STAND OUT AMONG THE BIG MEGA AGENCIES." (Janice Hada)
  
  
• "We read some of your book before taking our group to Cozumel. I CALLED THE RESORT MANAGER and arranged a cocktail party and special welcome for our group. Because of the call, we also received (free) upgrades on our clients' rooms. Now we are going to read the rest of the book and put to use some new ideas for the next trip." (Larry and Lisa Squillace)

OK, now what are you waiting for? Go ahead -- inspire someone, complete a project, or just try something new. I urge you to not to let procrastination or fear of failure get in the way of your success. Remember, the only time you will fail is if you don’t try.

Anita Pagliasso is president of Ticket to Travel (www.aticket2travel.com), OSSN’s Western Regional Manager, and an executive board member of PATH. She has written a book titled “How I Made a Small Fortune as a Home-Based Agent” and a CD (“Anita’s Toolbox for Home-Based Agents”) with dozens of her most popular forms, letters, and guides that you can download and customize for your own use. Visit www.redticketproductions.com. This article appeared previously in Agent@Home Magazine.

(Credit: Anita Pagliasso)