Welcome back to The Travel Advisor Life! In Episode 8, host Amy Westerman, Founder of Curated Travel Collection, shares how travel advisors can navigate slow business seasons without losing confidence, momentum, or motivation.
Every advisor experiences quieter periods. Whether caused by economic changes, industry challenges, seasonal trends, or personal responsibilities, Amy explains that what matters most isn’t why business slows down, but what you do during that time.
Reflecting on the pandemic, Amy shares how advisors who stayed connected, supported clients, improved their skills, and strengthened their systems were better prepared when travel returned.
She also offers practical strategies for using slower periods productively, from reconnecting with past clients to building supplier relationships and celebrating small wins.
The message is simple: A slow season isn’t failure. Stay connected, keep moving, and prepare for what’s next.
In This Episode:
[00:01] Leading Yourself Through a Slow Season
Amy introduces why your actions during quiet periods shape future success.
[00:57] When Business Slows Down
Why fewer inquiries and bookings don’t automatically mean you’re failing.
[01:56] Understanding Slow Seasons
How economic shifts, industry changes, seasonal patterns, and personal responsibilities affect business.
[02:55] Lessons From the Pandemic
How advisors who stayed connected, trained, and improved their systems emerged stronger.
[03:52] Stay Connected and Keep Moving
Why withdrawing during difficult periods can hurt your progress.
[04:47] Reconnect With Past Clients
Build genuine relationships through thoughtful check-ins rather than sales pitches.
[05:38] Strengthen Relationships and Skills
Use quiet periods to connect with suppliers, attend webinars, and expand your knowledge.
[06:36] Improve Your Business Systems
Organize client records, email templates, CRM workflows, and follow-up processes.
[07:31] Small Wins Over Major Overhauls
Why manageable steps are more effective than overwhelming business changes.
[08:17] Short Wins Support the Long Game
Simple actions like client check-ins, supplier webinars, and CRM updates build momentum.
[09:07] Be Honest About Your Business
Ask whether the slowdown comes from external factors or actions you’ve stopped taking.
[09:59] Give Yourself Grace
Recognize when you’re doing your best and life simply requires different priorities.
[10:54] Don’t Go Through It Alone
Why advisor communities provide support, ideas, and encouragement during difficult seasons.
[11:42] Create Your Slow-Season Plan
Identify three actions you’ll take when business slows down.
[12:30] Take the Next Step
You don’t need a perfect plan. Start with one action and keep moving.
[13:16] Stay Connected
Amy invites listeners to explore the travel advisor lifestyle.
Why This Matters
Slow seasons are a natural part of running a travel business. They don’t necessarily reflect your abilities, commitment, or potential for success.
Amy reminds advisors that quieter periods can create opportunities to strengthen client relationships, improve business systems, develop new skills, and reconnect with their communities.
Instead of panicking or attempting a complete business overhaul, focus on small, consistent actions that support long-term growth.
As Amy emphasizes, “Stay connected, stay in motion. Even if the motion is small.”
It’s also important to evaluate your business honestly. Sometimes you need to adjust your approach. Other times, you’re doing everything right and simply experiencing a quieter season.
Most importantly, don’t isolate yourself. Your community can offer encouragement, fresh ideas, and valuable support.
A slow season doesn’t mean your story is over. It’s an opportunity to prepare for your next chapter.
Action Steps for Listeners
- Reach out to past clients with genuine check-ins.
- Strengthen supplier and agency relationships.
- Complete training you’ve been putting off.
- Organize your CRM, templates, and workflows.
- Focus on small wins instead of major overhauls.
- Evaluate your business habits honestly.
- Stay involved in your advisor community.
- Write down three actions for your next slow season.
- Take one small step today and another tomorrow.
Resources & Links
- Curious about life as a travel advisor? – https://curatedtravelprofessionals.com
- Curated Travel Collection – https://curatedtravelcollection.com
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Remember: Travel is simply the vehicle. The life you build is the destination.
