We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Felicia Barringer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Felicia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

My first client was my best friend from high school. It was absolutely a God thing. I had my paperwork printed and signed ready to close my business. My limiting beliefs were in full force. I was sitting in church praying, “God, I am done with this. Why is it so heavy on my heart. I am not meant to do this work. I don’t know why I thought I could do this.” This sounds bananas, and I know it is not, but as I was leaving church that day my friend texted me saying her mother-in-law wanted to do Disney for Christmas. Three rooms! A multi-generational trip. I am fully aware God was saying, “I have kept this on your heart for a reason and since you continue to not listen here is an in your face sign to KEEP GOING!” I booked their trip, and it was my biggest singular booking of the year. From there, the business took off!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Felicia, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by day and a certified travel advisor by night and weekend! I am also a wife to my husband of 12 years and a mom of 2 boys, ages 3 and 7. We love to be outdoors and have new experiences with each other.
My skills as an LCSW are used every time I am connecting with a potential client. I have to actively listen, make connections, tease out wants and needs, and partner to problem solve the perfect trip!
I work with kids at my day job and I see the impact of families and experiences on kids. It is my mission with this business to partner with families to create core memories together. There is not an electronic or toy that can take the place of new experiences with family. What keeps me going in this business is giving every family the perfect trip that fits in their budget and for their unique family make-up. We can do an over the top Disney trip or a weekend staycation. Both of this trips accomplish the mission; Spend time together making memories.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I did not have a social media presence for my business for the first six months. I relied on word of mouth referrals, which did work out, but I continued to feel a tug to something more. When I met with my team leader we dug into why I had not made a page for my business. The reason? People would judge me. They would think it is silly. They would think I am not competent in this field. They would laugh. So many limiting beliefs that were rooted in other peoples opinion and not in the truth. After that meeting, I made a page and started my email marketing. Do people see my posts and think some of those things? I am sure they do, however, I am confident in the gifts God has given me that I continue to use in this business. My best marketing and sales strategy is to show up authentically despite what others might think. It is proven to be a risk worth taking for me!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth referrals. To me, that is the biggest compliment I can receive as a travel advisor. That screams trust and connection and that is what I want my business rooted in for my families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pages.smartmomstravel.com/vacation-questionnaire-feliciabarringer
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelswithfelicia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeliciaBTravels