This episode kicks off our “Summer Tech Series!” Over the summer months, Robin and Jennifer will be interviewing tech founders to share about their platforms, their favorite features, as well as the future of their systems. They will also be interviewing founders of tech companies that are revolutionizing how founders research and book their travel. 

To start this journey, we’re discussing what you should consider when selecting a CRM for your growing travel business.

Customization

When choosing a CRM for your travel advisory business, it’s crucial to find one that can be customized to meet your unique requirements. This includes the ability to tailor fields, workflows, and processes to align with your specific operations. Flexibility is essential since travel advisory businesses often handle diverse client needs and offer a variety of services. A customizable CRM ensures that you can adapt to these varying demands, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction.

Integration

Integrating your CRM with other systems is crucial for making your travel advisory business run smoothly. Look for a CRM that syncs easily with Gmail, your inbox, calendar, and DocuSign. It’s also great if your CRM can connect with other tools you use, like Flodesk or QuickBooks. If you need to replace software or work around limitations, consider using tools like Zapier to link different platforms together. This integration will help everything work together seamlessly and make your business more efficient.

Consolidation

Having the ability to consolidate systems into one platform is a game-changer for your travel advisory business. A CRM that combines all your tools and processes into a single platform can save you time and reduce the hassle of switching between different systems. This means everything from client management to booking details and communications can be handled in one place, making your operations smoother and more efficient. Consolidating systems also helps ensure that all your data is easily accessible and up-to-date, improving your overall workflow and client service.

Client Communication

Organization is key when it comes to client communication and retaining documentation in your travel advisory business. A well-organized CRM can save you thousands of dollars by preventing mistakes and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation at hand. It’s fantastic when a CRM can store signed forms and agreements in one place, so you’re not scrambling to find them if a client issue arises. Keeping track of all email communications is another huge advantage. Instead of manually filing emails into client folders, a CRM that automatically organizes these communications makes it easy to find anything you need quickly and efficiently.

Reporting & Metrics

Having good reporting and metrics in your CRM is essential for your travel advisory business. Detailed reports help you track your performance, spot trends, and make smart decisions. With a CRM that offers easy-to-use reporting tools, you can quickly see important metrics like sales, client engagement, and service effectiveness. This helps you understand what’s working well and where you can improve. A CRM with strong reporting features ensures you always have the insights you need to grow and succeed, making your business run more smoothly.

Accessibility

Accessibility is crucial for your travel advisory business. Since we often travel for site inspections and familiarization trips, it’s incredibly limiting if you can only use your CRM on a computer or laptop. Look for a CRM that has a mobile app or at least mobile capabilities, so you can manage your business seamlessly on the go. This way, you never have to worry about being restricted when traveling for work, and you can always stay connected and productive.

Want to hear more? Click the episode link at the top to tune in!