Which Comes First? The Supplier or the Customer?

If you haven't noticed yet, I'm that person who likes to ask a lot of questions. Not because I am 100% clueless, but because I want to understand things a little better. That stated, I really want to understand how influential a supplier is to your business. What do I mean? Well, I often hear about agents "taking a stand" against those suppliers who do not support their business, be it commission cuts, policy change, or lack of BDM/DSM support, etc. And what is the most common response from agents when faced with this scenario? "I'll move share away from Supplier X and to Supplier Y." Is it really that easy? If you don't move their product well to begin with, I can see how it could be. But if you move a lot of their product or worse, the customer demands that product, I would imagine it would be a tough strategy to stick by because perhaps you are so entrenched in their business that your business would suffer as a result.

I understand that there are several variables to consider with this strategy and I want to hear (read) them, so I encourage you to post a comment.

Chris

Traveling to a Travel Conference & Trade Show

I recently returned from the NY Times Travel Show in New York City. It was my first time there so I was really unable to gauge the success (or lack thereof) of the trade component of the show. I did speak to a few folks, however, and they had told me that this particular show had gotten smaller and smaller each year and the workshops/seminars weren’t exactly innovative. Again, I can’t really comment as to whether or not this is true because I have never been to a NY Times Travel Show, but I can tell you that if the lack of innovative workshops/seminars statement is true, it’s nothing new. Sometimes it seems like Show hosts are recycling content year after year. Or worse, when it gets down to the eleventh hour and they can’t fill a workshop/seminar, they resort to a panel discussion on something so vague, 90% of the time it turns into an opportunity to promote one’s business.

I know I don’t have a lot of guests just yet, but for those who visit I’d like to get your opinion on the Conferences and Trade Shows of today. Don’t get me wrong, I’m am a huge advocate of training, I just want to know if you think you can get the same training at any show nowadays. Also, what drives you to select one show over another? And in your opinion, what is the best show out there today and why?

I anxiously await your feedback.

Chris

The VTC Program & Marriott International

It was recently brought to my attention that VTCs are no longer being recognized by Marriott’s Travel Agent portal site. I want to let my VTC friends know that we are actively engaged in conversations with Marriott on the matter. Unfortunately I am not at liberty to share specifics, but my obvious goal here is to secure a meaningful relationship between ARC and Marriott, where VTCs can thrive.

I will share as much new information as I possibly can as soon as I have it. Hang tight!

Chris Flores

Something to think about in 2009...

I’ve seen some trade stories recently that made me think “how the heck is this supposed to inspire and motivate travel professionals?” While some of it was simply reporting, the negative spin writers choose to insert can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many travel professionals will read right into it and regurgitate what they’ve read to friends and colleagues, triggering hopelessness and despair. Others, however, will shrug it off and embrace the challenge that lies ahead. I encourage you to think positively. You know your business and your clients; you know your market. But maybe ideas from others can help?

We’ve launched is brand new VTC Blog to give us an outlet to communicate and share our ideas. The first topic and exercise I wanted us to focus on is the business year ahead. If you had to guess, how do you think your business will do this year? Ignore all of the talking heads, unrealistically positive, and “doom and gloom” stories. What do you truly think? Is there nothing to look forward to? Do you think there’s business to save? Or is there plenty of opportunity out there?

The Exercise
When you’re able to answer that question, write down the bullet points that support it. If you find that an overwhelming amount of your supporting bullets are negative, prepare to fail. If you find that an overwhelming amount of your supporting bullets are positive, prepare to succeed. If you find that it’s split 50/50, repeat the exercise. Post some of your bullet responses below.

Chris Flores
Product Manager, VTC Program