We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kathy DeBoer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kathy below.

Kathy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new firm – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I love traveling to various Disney Destinations with my family and I traveled so often, many friends have reached out asking for tips and tricks, advice on where to stay, how do you navigate the parks and other related questions. Since I was helping so many people plan their family trips, I thought after a few years of helping it might be a great part time opportunity for me to join an agency that specializes in Disney Destinations. I found Tink’s Magical Vacations which was established in Connecticut, where I live and interviewed and began my journey as a Travel Planner!! I was nervous because I have a few friends that would book through me, but how would I find future clients?

While I was completing Disney’s College of Knowledge, I received a call from a former colleague asking to find out more about Disney cruises as she remembers me taking my family. She was thinking of booking a trip with her granddaughters. I explained all the benefits and amazing activities for kids of all ages. She thanked me and a few days later called back and asked if I could help her get her trip booked. I wasn’t fully certified yet, and being so nervous because this would be my first client, I asked if she was willing to wait a few weeks because I had just signed on with an agency and needed to complete my training so I could “officially” book her through Tink’s Magical Vacations. To my surprise, she agreed to wait and I worked so hard to complete the training and I will always remember the gratification I felt when I was able to send my first trip confirmation as a Travel Agent!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I first traveled to Walt Disney World when I was 12 years old. I instantaneously fell in love with the magic and was fortunate to visit a few more times. My local mall was opening up a Disney Store and I ran to apply to work there! My love for all things Disney blossomed as I visited Disney destinations more and more. I worked with amazing cast members who I still keep in touch with today, and when I started my own family I couldn’t wait to show my kids and see Disney through their eyes – which is entirely a whole new experience.

Once I saw my children’s love for the magic, I wanted to make sure other families experienced that same joy. Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming with many resorts to choose from, various ticket options, park reservations, dining reservations, how do you navigate the various theme parks, and I constantly hear from clients “I have no idea where to begin.” That’s where I come in!

My main goal is to make sure my clients are prepared for their trip so it will run smoothly, be stress free and they experience the magic! The planning is completed up front and I provide my clients with park maps ahead of time, discuss the best rides for their children’s ages, go over special experiences available to book and how to plan their theme park days. I make sure they know all about the App and how to use it ahead of time so there is no last minute standing in the park trying to figure out what to do. I discuss various dining options, character meal options and will even make my client’s dining reservations if they’d like. I keep my clients up to date if something new comes out during their trip or is going to be refurbished and unavailable. I even watch for promotional offers that may affect your trip and modify them to save you money! Whether my clients are planning a family vacation, adults only trip, bachelorette parties, honeymoons, a large family gathering, birthday or graduate celebration, what brings me joy is being sent pictures from their trip or hearing from clients “We had an amazing time! Everything went so smoothly! We can’t wait to cruise again!” There are times where things may not run smoothly, but by having a travel agent on your side, I can advocate if necessary and be a continual resource to you until you return home. The best part? My services are free to you as long as you book your trip through me!

Additionally, I love to give back to my clients as a thank you for booking with me by providing an onboard credit for cruising, or sending kids a “pixie package” before the trip to get them excited for the vacation. If it’s a surprise trip, I’ll work out something special while you are on your trip or provide adults a gift card to enjoy towards a nice dinner reservation.

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

Building your client database is constant work to keep growing your business. My most successful strategy to gain clients is by offering my clientele a referral bonus. When their referral books and travels on their trip, I offer a wide variety of bonuses – a gift card, a discount on their next trip if they are in the process of booking, a surprise delivered to their resort on their next stay or a gift in their cabin when sailing. If your clients were thrilled with your service, they will share within their circles and business continues to grow.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

My database of clients shares with me important dates and I’ll reach out either by e-mail, text or social media and wish my client a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary! Every year I have sent a card to my clientele at various holidays like Thanksgiving to let them know how thankful I am for their business, or wish them a joyous New Year. Keeping in touch and remembering important milestones in their life is something I learned from a salesperson, who became a friend, when he reached out to me to call me on my birthday, or sent me a quick message on social media to say Hi every now and then. That was the first time anyone has ever followed up with me and wasn’t just reaching out to ask for more business. That left such an impression on me that I treat my clients how I appreciate being treated.

Contact Info:

• Website: tinksmagicalvacations.com/tinkswithkathy.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinksmagicalvacationskathy/
• Facebook: facebook.com/tinkswithkathy