Destination On The Left

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I’m sharing my recent appearance on the Desuckify Work podcast with TJ Bennett. We discuss why people crave purpose-driven work, why it’s important to have a vision, and, more importantly, how to communicate that vision throughout the company. We also discuss building a strong team and how structure and operationalization of your vision and values lead to more flexibility and creativity. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP) influences the economic vitality of local communities through the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry Why having a clear vision and purpose is crucial for attracting and retaining employees and creating a fulfilling work environment Strategies TAP has implemented to maintain team connection and communication in a remote work setup Processes involved in integrating core values and brand promise into internal and external communications when rebranding Why consistently reinforcing the company’s message and core values impacts company culture and the role of employees in contributing to and feeling ownership of the company’s culture How to address the challenges and benefits of managing different generations in the workplace and the significance of training and support in creating a positive work experience Creating a Purpose-Driven Vision On the show, we discuss the significance of having a clear vision and purpose and how it helps a business attract and retain employees of all generations. I share more about how I intentionally crafted my company’s vision, emphasizing its evolution over time and continuously refining its direction and purpose. The discussion sheds light on the need to shift the focus towards purpose-driven work to engage and motivate employees across different generations. I share the potential for small businesses and entrepreneurs to lead the way in shaping positive workplace culture. Fostering Collaboration and Recognition Our conversation extends to the value of coaching and mentoring in creating a supportive work culture and why it’s so important to recognize achievements and foster a sense of community among team members. I speak about the impact of structured onboarding for remote and on-site employees and why it’s crucial to create intentional connections and have increased touchpoints in a remote work setting. TJ and I discuss strategies for creating a fulfilling work environment where individuals can be themselves, make mistakes, and find joy in their work. Aligning Values and Brand Promise We focused on aligning values and brand promise within TAP and explored the rebranding process, including how the entire team contributed to integrating core values and brand promise. We also discussed why it’s so useful to have a system for recognizing and reinforcing core values, including “nice job” feedback given through an online form, illustrating the company’s consistent effort to uphold its brand promise and values. Resources: Website: https://www.thepuddingfactory.net/ Additional Web link, Substack: https://tjbennett.substack.com/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pudding-factory/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/pudddingfactory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desuckifywork/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Marketing expert Nicole Mahoney and specialist Sharon Toerek discuss the importance of finding a niche, becoming a thought leader, and vision-driven decision-making in building a marketing agency. They explore diversifying client base, navigating time constraints, and the value of thought leadership for agency leaders.

Geoff Thatcher, expert in storytelling for brands, discusses the importance of creating immersive experiences at attractions. He delves into the Experience Model, emphasizing the power of storytelling, collaboration, and finding the right partners. Geoff shares insights on planning collaborations, clarifying team roles, and exploring creative solutions in the hospitality industry.

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sonya Nash, Executive Director of Visit Shipshewana. She shares how she honors the local community through the work her DMO does and describes her role as creating an experience that visitors love and positively impacts the local community. Sonya also talks about a countywide collaboration she is part of and the importance of building bridges between stakeholders for the greater good. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why understanding the other party’s perspective is crucial for successful collaboration What role destination marketing organizations play in community branding and development, and how collaboration between various agencies impacts tourism assets and the community as a whole Sonya’s creative solution to challenges faced in a conservative, tech-limited community to accommodate visitors’ needs Why understanding and promoting cultural values within a community is essential for effective destination management How Sonya is working to connect and collaborate with other communities within the county to promote off-the-beaten-path experiences and cultural exchange Branding for Destination Marketing Organizations Our conversation started with a deep dive into the role of destination marketing organizations (DMOs) in community branding and development. Sonya shares the importance of collaboration between various agencies and why tourism has such a profound impact on the local community as a whole. We also discuss the pivotal role that DMOs play in shaping visitor expectations and experiences and how that influences the narrative and perception of a destination. Embracing Unique Experiences Sonya’s passion for creating unique experiences shines through as she recounts her journey from aspiring to be a school teacher to discovering her calling in the tourism and hospitality industry. Her emphasis on understanding what makes a destination unique and tapping into the interests of travelers also underscores the value of authentic and immersive experiences that resonate with visitors and allows them to disconnect and embrace a slower, more relaxed lifestyle in Sonya’s location, Shipshewana. Overcoming Challenges Through Innovation Our discussion touches upon the challenges faced in conservative, tech-limited communities, such as some of the destinations in Amish country. Sonya’s creative solution of leveraging the Bandwango platform to create a trail and incorporate creative offline ways to help visitors get to know the rural area and accommodate both visitors’ needs and the local community’s needs. Resources: Website: https://visitshipshewana.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitShipshewana/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitshipshewana/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClANSNzu4yLmTjYWtMdoegQ Off the Beaten Path Group Experiences: https://www.offthebeatenpath.com/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Emily about how her creative skills and early experience in theater led her to the hospitality industry. She walks us through a process for evaluating your brand and thinking about it from a people-first perspective and shares her approach to addressing challenges that cover planning for short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs in that order. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The importance of building relationships before seeking mentorship and why creating a culture of collaboration establishes trust and open communication How Emily manages imposter syndrome by addressing her “shadow Emily” and seeking support to counter negative thoughts How to build genuine connections and create communities aligned with individual needs How Emily helps her clients let their weird flag fly so that all of their people can find them The connection between hospitality and wellness, and why Emily’s company also serves the wellness industry as they both aim at ensuring people’s well-being and contentedness Aligning Brand Identity with Organizational Culture I loved discussing the alignment of brand identity with organizational culture with Emily on the show. Drawing a parallel between developing a script for a story and developing a brand for a hotel, Emily highlights the interconnectedness of a business’s branding with the patterns of corporate behavior and people within an organization. Understanding your brand inside out is what helps you connect with your ideal clients. Building Relationships and Establishing Trust in Business Drawing from her experience in the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International, Emily discusses the importance of building strong relationships before seeking mentorship. She talks about how to create a culture of collaboration, where open communication and trust are built through genuinely supporting and connecting with other people. On the show, we talk more about some creative ways Emily has moved through challenges and the framework she uses to keep her on the right path. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Nurturing Authentic Connections We also dig into the topic of imposter syndrome during the podcast, particularly the importance of acknowledging and addressing fear-based thoughts that are blocking your personal and professional growth. Emily shares her method of addressing her “shadow Emily” and seeking support from friends to move past any negative thoughts. This prompted our discussion on the importance of making genuine connections with others and the power of compliments and appreciation in establishing authentic, collaborative relationships. Resources: Website: https://pendailey.com LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pendailey/about/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empendailey/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, Megan Grant and I talk about how her tours are designed to create a positive social impact. She highlights the trends that are helping her business grow and thrive, including mindful purchasing and lone female travelers. We also discussed the importance of community and how Megan’s tours build community. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What inspired Megan to start Cherish Tours during the pandemic and how she is creating a positive impact through small group tours How Cherish Tours supports women in business through travel opportunities and social impact Why Megan’s approach in the hospitality industry focuses on creating meaningful connections and experiences for her tour guests How Cherish Tours partners with and supports women-owned or managed businesses in the destinations they visit Some of the destinations Cherish Tours has almost sold out to, and the tailor-made private tours they are currently offering Why an abundant mindset benefits the travel industry Embracing an Abundant Mindset Megan dives into the concept of an abundant mindset and why we should prioritize collaboration and mutual support over cutthroat competition. She shares why she firmly believes that a rising tide lifts all boats and why the success of one woman does not diminish the opportunities available to others. Cherish Tours exemplifies this belief by actively seeking to partner with other travel advisors, fostering an environment of collaboration and shared success. The encouragement for travel advisors to connect and partner with Cherish Tours showcases the flourishing culture of cooperation in the industry, promoting opportunities for growth and mutual support. Empowering Women Through Travel One of the central themes we discussed is the importance of uplifting and supporting women as travelers and industry professionals. Megan passionately describes how Cherish Tours is dedicated to providing transformative travel experiences that prioritize mindful purchasing and social impact. The company amplifies the voices of women in business and actively supports women-owned or managed businesses and initiatives in the destinations they visit. Megan calls Cherish Tours her ‘love note to the travel industry,’ which gives women a sense of community and connection. Tailor-Made Travel Experiences Cherish Tours sets itself apart by creating tailor-made travel experiences that prioritize interpersonal connections, community building, and personal choice. Megan’s approach is all about bringing women of all ages and cultural backgrounds together, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating diversity. Resources: Website: https://www.gocherishtours.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-grant94/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cherish-tours-llc/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/gocherishtours/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocherishtours/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, Sean Hebert goes deep into the backstory of TourRadar, an organized adventure platform. He shares his perspective on the importance of trust, what adventure travelers are looking for in terms of new experiences, and how TourRadar facilitates amazing collaboration between travelers, tour operators, and travel advisors. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How TourRadar evolved from a consumer-only marketplace to serving travel agents as a time-saving search engine How TourRadar’s recent marketing campaign “The Ultimate Travel Hack” promotes organized adventures as a fun travel opportunity How TourRadar collaborates with destinations and DMOs to promote sustainable tourism and creates campaigns for specific products and areas Why TourRadar’s Adventure Together event was conceived, and how it helps share best practices and address common challenges in the industry How TourRadar’s platform helps travelers and tour operators by providing trust, more choices, and a competitive marketplace A Gateway to Adventure Sean discusses how TourRadar serves as a platform to connect travelers, tour operators, and travel agents in over 160 countries. By giving travel enthusiasts the opportunity to access more than 2,500 operators offering a variety of experiences, including safaris, cultural tours, and white water rafting, TourRadar is a hub for adventure travel enthusiasts because it prioritizes inspiring and surprising travelers with unique experiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for organized adventures. Exploring Sustainable Tourism and Collaborative Campaigns We discuss why TourRadar is so passionate about promoting responsible and sustainable tourism while collaborating with destinations and destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Through innovative campaigns like “The Ultimate Travel Hack,” TourRadar emphasizes the style of organized adventures as a mode of travel rather than focusing solely on specific brands or destinations to encourage collaboration instead of competition among operators. From Traveler Marketplace to Travel Advisor Support Sean and I also dig into TourRadar’s evolution, particularly its transition from a consumer-focused marketplace to supporting travel advisors. This transition acknowledges the pivotal role that travel advisors play and positions TourRadar as a time-saving search engine, empowering agents to find and compare itineraries that best meet their clients’ needs. Resources: Website: http://www.tourradar.com/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tourradar/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/TourRadar/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TourRadar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourradar/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/tourradar Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tourradar/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Meredith Calloway, Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder of Gifted Travel Network (GTN). She shares more about the inspiration behind her community of luxury travel advisors and her nuggets of wisdom about how to develop and cultivate a brand message that will help you stand out from the crowd by finding your brilliance. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Meredith transitioned from working in finance to starting a travel business and founding Gifted Travel Network Why finding one’s “zone of genius” and pursuing a passion is crucial for any business owner How Meredith’s community fosters connections and holds members accountable through mastermind meetings and group coaching Why travel advisors need to cultivate their brand message and uniqueness to stand out in a crowded market Strategies Meredith’s travel advisors used to navigate challenges during the pandemic and achieve exponential sales growth How a transformative mindset contributes to success and what resources are available for mindset tips in the travel industry Nurturing Community Professional Growth Meredith explains how her community works and the importance of offering solid content, group coaching, and experiences to meet the needs and wants of her members. They use mastermind meetings and group coaching to foster connections, share knowledge, and hold each other accountable. This approach helps them create a nurturing and engaged environment where members can learn from each other and collectively thrive. Embracing Change and Adversity We also dig deeper into the concept of accidental business owners, particularly in the context of the travel advisor profession. The shifts in the travel industry, compounded by the challenges of the pandemic, led many travel agents to become accidental entrepreneurs. Meredith shares how her advisors leaned into the adversity, using their resilience and community support to pivot and find success in turbulent times, even inspiring improvements in many travel advisors’ businesses. Find Your Brilliance Turning toward the future, Meredith expresses excitement about potential opportunities in the luxury travel industry and emphasizes why we need to shift the public’s perception of travel advisors from mere order takers to designers, project managers, and master coordinators. Meredith also encourages travel advisors to fully understand their niche, share their unique brand message, and find their brilliance to stand out in the crowded marketplace. We also discuss the transformative power of mindset and its impact on personal growth. Meredith highlights the importance of an abundant mindset in embracing change and navigating challenges. Resources: Website: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithhill/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/giftedtravelnetwork/ Free Download: Mindset Blocks for Entrepreneurs and How to Overcome Them We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

This week, I’m reflecting on our new brand and why we are so excited about the next chapter. I want to share the branding journey with you to highlight the lessons we learned along the way. I hope that our story will inspire you and give an introduction to our new company and the philosophy behind it. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why we decided to merge two brands, and how the Travel Alliance Partnership will be an economic development partner for destinations What the rebranding process involved, including workshops, visual mapping, and merging of brands Why embracing “cathedral thinking” is important and the impact of building projects for future generations Strategies we used to roll the new brand out and the importance of building a lasting brand foundation How involving employees early in the branding process fostered a sense of community and shared knowledge within the team Community Collaboration and Partnerships I want to talk a little more about the significance of community collaboration and partnerships in the growth of the travel industry. Travel Alliance Partnership is committed to supporting economic growth and prosperity within the communities we serve, and we live out our core values of collaboration and the impact it can have on the overall success of businesses within the industry. I shed light on why we merged the two brands into a single entity with distinct service pillars to reflect our strategic approach and our commitment to creating a cohesive brand architecture. Cathedral Thinking and Lasting Brand Foundations I talk more about cathedral thinking, emphasizing the importance of building projects and brands that leave a lasting impact on future generations. Our forward-thinking approach aligns with the Travel Alliance Partnership’s vision of creating a community based on collaboration and innovation. Empowering Employees The significance of involving employees early in the branding process cannot be underestimated. By encouraging team members to share company milestones and stories, we foster a sense of shared knowledge and unity among employees. During the rebranding process, it also became clear that we had scope to add capacity to the team by creating a new position, director of strategic partnerships, who could help us continue to build long-term relationships and expand our capabilities. Resources: Creating Your Authentic Brand Story, with Karley Cunningham Strategies for Fostering Meaningful Connections in the Workplace, with Nicole Mahoney We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

Amir Eylon, a veteran in Travel & Tourism, discusses American traveler sentiment, use of chat GPT in trip planning, and the impact of research in marketing decisions. The podcast also explores Longwoods International's evolution, the transformation of industry tools, and the positive effects of destination marketing on community vitality.