Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meghan Umlauf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Meghan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Working in sales is a risk in itself – I don’t get paid for my work unless a client books their vacation with me AND they travel. So every choice made to build my current clientele and business has been a risk to some degree – from how much to spend on advertising and promotion to how much time to spend with each prospective client! I have definetly invested time and money into things that I cannot show on paper brought in any clients or income – however I don’t believe that means it wasn’t a valuable investment. I think the more times a person sees or hears your business name, the more they become comfortable with reaching out to you. So if they see your add in a local paper, then see your booth at a local fair, and then hear about you from a friend – those encounters may be the reason they think of ME once they decide they want to go on a Disney Cruise a few months later!

Once I have a potential client – It may seem like a Disney vacation is an “easy sell” – but that’s not what I am selling – it’s my planning services and expertise that really distinguishes working with me vs another agent or booking their own vacation. So once again – I put myself out there, with the risk that I may not be what they want… to minimize this risk I put my best foot forward for every client, giving as much time to the “low budget” vacations as I would for the “big spenders”.

While some clients need me to be more hands on than others – it all averages out – and the goal is always the same – to hopefully do my job well enough that my clients WANT to share my information with their friends that are looking for a Disney destination vacation!

Meghan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I began planning Disney destination vacations in 2016, when I joined Tink’s Magical Vacations! I was transitioning from being home full time raising my children to going back to work once they became more independent, and I loved the idea of working from home and having a flexible schedule that was possible as a Travel Planner. As an independant consultant for Tink’s, I am responsible for building my own clientele with the support of the agency. I specialize in all Disney vacation destinations – this includes Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani – A Hawaiian Resort and Spa, and Adventures by Disney!
What most people don’t understand is that my planning services cost them NOTHING extra! In fact a Travel Planner’s commission is built into the price of your Disney destination vacation – regardless of whether you book it or you go through a planner – so ALWAYS use a planner!
My experience with the products is what most travelers need when making all the decisions that some with booking a vacation! At Walt Disney World alone there are no less than 25 Disney resorts, 4 ticket options, 2 dining packages, and about 90 dining venues to choose from – not to mention understanding the tech needed to visit the parks, Genie+ and Lightning Lanes! Most people will need some help or guidance eventually! Why not have your own personal advisor – who can provide you with concierge travel planning services FOR FREE?
I myself am a Platinum Disney Cruiser, sailing over on over 10 cruises on all 5 ships! In the past 2 years I have travelled to Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, sailed on the Disney Wish in the Bahamas and The Disney Wonder to Alaska and travelled with Adventures by Disney to Portugal! I know my products and am up to date on all the latest requirements and protocols! I am very attentive to details and love to make all my clients vacations as magical as possible!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I treat all leads as “good” leads!! I don’t believe my time is “wasted” on anyone – regardless of how much money they spend on a booking – because every person I am able to connect with, in regards to what I have to offer them, is a potential client OR may refer a potential client! So all my leads are treated the same – I get back to them as quickly as possible and then get them the info they need within 24 hours. This continues once they have booked with me as well – I communicate in a timely manner and make sure they receive the service that I would want if the roles were reversed!

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

As a human – I’m definetly not perfect and have made mistakes, some that are small enough the client never knows – others that have been something I have to let my clients know about. Without fail, as long as I am honest about the mistake and make up for any inconvenience placed on the client – most are VERY understanding and in the end the mistake does not define my service to them. This may mean giving up earnings or even losing money – however I think it is always more important to make the mistake right, mostly because their negative review or comments to their friends could cost you way more money in the end!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tinksmagicalvacations.com/meghanwithtinks.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinkswithmeghan?igsh=MTI2MGZxZm01c3E3ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tinksmagicalvacationswithmeghan?mibextid=fVIIUt
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tinksmagicalvacations2390?si=A2cZJQ_Cn0jFAflh