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

Meredith, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

Planning a vacation during the pandemic can be challenging. As a travel specialist I work with my clients to plan the vacation they want, at no cost. Where some other travel agents may charge planning fees for boutique vacations, my services are complimentary to everyone. I treat every client’s vacation like I was the one taking it, making sure everything is just right. From the moment a client reaches out to me to plan their trip, I work with them to make their vision a reality.

Some agents may take multiple days to reply to you, and even then it may be an automated email asking you to fill out a form. I believe in putting the person back in personable. I don’t have any automated reply systems. It is genuinely me interacting with my clients, getting to know them, and what they are wanting out of their vacation. We then turn this dream into reality together.

If something doesn’t go according to plan, I work diligently to fix it so it will have little or no impact to the traveling party. I keep up to date on travel industry trends, destination protocols, discounts, and news in order to pass on any benefits or knowledge to my clients. It’s the personal touch that makes every vacation magical.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For the past 29 years I’ve lived in the small town of Kokomo, Indiana. During that time I raised two wonderful sons, going on countless vacations making incredible memories in destinations around the country and around the world. This love of travel and retirement from education had me thinking about what to do next. I decided to turn this passion for travel and helping others into a new career, and signed onto Magical Moments Vacations as a Travel Specialist.

What sets me apart from other travel specialists is that I keep up to date with supplier training and education, while still offering that personal human interaction that is often missing when using larger chains. The travel industry is constantly changing, and keeping informed about these changes is important.

Each of my clients is treated as family, getting personalized services and travel tips specific for their destinations. I am always available to my clients, whether it is late at night, on a holiday or while I am on vacation. Communication with my clients is important to me, I want them to know I am here for them. Even though I live in Indiana, I work with clients all over the country.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my business has been word of mouth and social media. Word of mouth from friends, family and past clients has helped my business grow exponentially. You can find many travel specialists online, referrals from family and friend are beneficial for continued growth.

Social media is also a platform I use to grown my clientele. Posting on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and even TikTok can help clients find me. I post daily on one or more social media platforms, whether it is about a destination, fun trivia facts or even a National Day celebration. Being active on my many social media channels helps the algorithms pick up my profile and share it more broadly.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Communication with my clients is important to me. When a client emails me, texts me or calls me I get back to them as soon as possible, so they can start planning their dream vacation right away or answering any questions they may have.

I keep in touch with my clients reminding them of final trip payments, making reservations, travel tips and destination information.

By providing clients with exceptional service I have repeat clients who also refer me to their family and friends, further building my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mmvbymeredithkerner.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmvbymeredithkerner/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.magicalmomentsvacations.com/meredith-kerner-oh
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-kerner-866ba01b7
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmvbymeredithk
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@merediththetravelagent

Image Credits
All photos taken by me.