Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shannon Law. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shannon, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
I have gone through several versions of being a Business Owner and none of them were in related industries. Yet, they have all tapped into the same part of myself. If you try enough options, you will start to see a pattern of who you are and what you are drawn to. I did not start this business until my late 40s. I was at a point in life when my kids were becoming independent and I was starting to question who I was going to be once I was no longer a full-time mom. It was a perfect time for me to start a new business venture.
I do sometimes wonder though, how it would have gone if I had started this particular business before children. I would have been so much farther along in my company growth and I would have already worked out the best systems for my clients, along with possibly already being a pro/selling a niche type of travel by the time I even got started. But, I do not regret those years with my sons.
I also don’t regret the businesses I did not follow to fruition in my 20s. I’ve heard time and time again that most entrepreneurs go through 5-7 start ups before they hit one that sticks and becomes their success. My previous experiences all taught me so much – what works and what doesn’t, the vibe I want to have with my clients, confidence and freedom to make it what I want it to be. After all, I am the boss.
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.
When I opened my Travel Agency (TRAVEL WELL, LLC), I really just wanted to plan trips for anyone who wanted to go anywhere. I wanted to help potential clients get there no matter what. While this was a noble cause, it was not a great way to run a business to make a living! But, I’m a Helper and it filled that part of my personality.
Years before, I worked in big corporate America and helped plan details and travel for hundreds of people for corporate events and trade shows. On the side, I decorated for weddings. Both these experiences gave me the knowledge and skills for working with groups and all that entails. I learned to work with and negotiate with hotels, venues, and convention centers.
As my Travel Agency grew, I started honing my skills in qualifying clients and asking the right questions to deliver on their dream trip. I consider their trip an investment in their life and memories. They are not just another booking, they are people with hopes and dreams in their travel investment.
I’m most proud of the relationships I build with my clientfriends as I like to call them. I never wanted to be formal or overly businesslike with my clients. I want them to plan all their trips with me because they like me and they feel as if they are my only client. Once a clientfriend starts to text me pictures and memes, I know we have crossed over that line and they trust me and consider me a friend as well. That’s my favorite.
I am still able to talk through their dreams and suggest ways to make it happen, whether it is saving up longer, making payments, or waiting for a sale. I still help people but my way of doing so looks different now.
I also specialize in group travel, using the skills I learned in corporate America.
I host several group trips every year. It’s an opportunity to maybe go somewhere you don’t feel comfortable going to by yourself. We have lots of fun and everyone comes home with new friends and great memories.
And don’t forget the annual Ladies Only trip we host! That’s always a blast and a time to connect and reconnect with girlfriends and sisters.
A couple of years ago, I brought on a planning partner. I considered this carefully, as I wanted her to match the vibe and personality of TRAVEL WELL. I ended up finding the perfect person in a long time friend. We met at a job in our early 20s and have remained friends ever since. We are a lot alike and she’s been the perfect add to the business and provides consistency with the experience our clients will have.
Above all, it’s the relationships that mean the most to me. A Travel Agent is often like a hairstylist – we hear all the family drama and people tell us their secrets. That’s my other favorite!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Imposter Syndr0me!
Often, when an entrepreneur first starts their business endeavor, we have a belief that we’re not worthy of people supporting our business; we should be an expert in ALL things related to our business; and we can’t make any mistakes.
I fell for these fears in a big way when I first started out. There is so much to learn in the travel industry and I felt like I should know it all in order to begin, Finally realizing that was impossible and giving myself permission and freedom to learn as I go gave me so much more headspace to actually process and learn. Realizing that the client doesn’t know what I don’t know and as long as I find the answers, from their perspective, I AM an expert. Because, guess what? They certainly don’t know!
It’s okay to make mistakes, but you have to own them. Apologize for the inconvenience and fix it. Then move on. Dwelling on it or letting it mess up your confidence is not worth your time or emotions. Make the client feel like you fixed it or made up for it, and they won’t dwell on it either. They will trust you though.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
What a time the global shutdown was in the travel industry! Many agencies and tour companies shut down never to return. Sadly, many of them had been run by families for decades. It was a heartbreaking time. Small countries where their GNP is based on tourism were completely devastated. Every trip I had planned for clients was cancelled (and often re-cancelled again) for a year and a half. All I did was cancel trips, help clients with Travel Insurance claims, reschedule trips, and then cancel them again. I could have thrown in the towel and taken it as a sign to quit. But, I decided to not stop showing up. Instead of being a planning agent, I became an information agent. I didn’t leave my clients and just disappear. I didn’t go silent on social media. Instead, I was a source of information of what was going on all around the world. Once locations started opening back up, I shared that with my clients and when the world was ready, we all started traveling again.
But, the last year has been the biggest hill I have had to climb with my business and in my life. I severely broke my leg in an accident in another country. I had to fly home for emergency surgery. I have had 3 surgeries since last December and am still facing walking issues and some unknown futures for myself. In the beginning was the issue of not being able to work for several months. Thank God I had my partner who stepped up where needed and TRAVEL WELL didn’t need to be shut down completely. Still thankful for the decision I made to have her join the team.
I struggled with how much to share with clients, as it was a personal medical issue and I don’t usually share those things. Because you know, who wants to hear about that?? However, my clientfriends have been amazing! So supportive -sending care packages and cards of encouragement. Still booking through us and being patient when they had to wait for me to be up to it. The biggest lesson I can share with other entrepreneurs is: Your clients are human too and they want to know about your life! Don’t discount that relationship! BUT – you have to build those relationships purposefully. They don’t just happen. You have to choose to build them. Be yourself. They want to know you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TravelWellTravelOften.com
- Instagram: travel.well.travel.often
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TravelWellTravelOften
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-law-0839951b9
- Other: LADIES ONLY! https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelwellladiesonly
Active Travel Over 50: https://www.facebook.com/groups/activetravelover50
Image Credits
TRAVEL WELL, LLC