by John Frenaye
Monday October 10, 2016

I have, and continue to be, a huge proponent of business cards. They are one of the least expensive, yet most effective marketing pieces you can have. Where else for $35 can you get 1000 chances to wow a potential client? Nowhere! Now that little bit of cheerleading does come with a caveat or two.

First off, use them. Use them often. They are cheap and easily (and quickly) replaced. You should offer more than one to everyone—ask them to share. I know of an agent that sticks business cards in all of the bills he pays; he booked a $12K Sandals honeymoon for the clerk in the mailroom of the electric company. Not a bad return on a 5 cent investment. Occasionally I will use…

"If you make your business about helping people you will always have plenty of work.”

The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau, page 38

This thought is voiced by many, but it has been my personal observation, practiced by few. In the travel industry, your job is not to sell cruises. Your job is to help people choose the right ship, the right itinerary, at the right price, for all the right…

by Richard Earls
Sunday October 09, 2016

Fear, ignorance and inertia - these three keep a lot of people from traveling. Let's face it - North Americans in general, and US citizens in particular, are very timid travelers. We are all easy victims for a news media that plays to worst case scenarios. It is little wonder that people are often afraid to travel when the news is filled with stories of  airline safety, drug violence, riots, and terrorism.  The fact of the matter is, however, that most travelers will never encounter anything more troublesome than an airport delay or a stolen purse abroad.  The day-to-day crime in most foreign destinations to which the majority of North Americans travel is less prolific and violent than that found within a ten mile radius of those…