We recently connected with Tracy Effron and have shared our conversation below.
Tracy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
I take a bespoke approach with each client by going above and beyond in terms of the details. Asking the right questions, getting to know my clients, and establishing a genuine relationship with them allow me to customize and create authentic experiences based on their lifestyles and desires. Some examples have included private cooking demos with a Michelin Chef, bespoke tours with vetted tour guides, or shutting down museums or boutiques for a privatized experience. This provides a wow factor for them, but they see that I am truly listening to them to curate a seamless experience from start to finish while exceeding their expectations every time.
In addition to planning truly one-of-kind experiences for my clients, enhancing destinations with personal touches is also a way for me to show my appreciation for my clients. For example, if I’m working with a couple on their honeymoon, I always make sure to have framed engagement or wedding photos in the room with a bottle of champagne. Taking this one step further, I’ve even incorporated elements from a wedding, such as florals that matched their wedding arrangements or decor items in the room that speak to their big day, serving their wedding cake as a surprise and delight moment at dinner. These touchpoints allow my clients to think of the added value that I bring, and I pride myself on providing that in my services.
People value superior service, and quality is value. Quality doesn’t necessarily mean luxury; it means giving customers expectations every time. They buy whatever offers them the most value for their money in that sense. With my approach, I incorporate these little details every step of the way (for any trip, regardless of the occasion) throughout their travel experience with a seamless experience from start to finish.
Tracy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve been in Miami for 13 years, and that is where I got my footing in the travel industry and learned the best of the business, helping to shape me into my current role as a Luxury Travel Consultant. Earlier in my career, I spent about six years working on the hotel side in Miami, fine-tuning the art of customer service and anticipating the needs of guests checking in from start to finish of their experience.
I am most proud of the way I can create lasting relationships with my clients and establish authentic connections with each and every one of them that, in return, allow me to exceed their expectations and curate unforgettable lifetime memories. I am eternally grateful for my repeat clients, who allow me to express my creativity throughout designing meaningful travel. With me, you will see that the difference is truly in the details ranging from time-saving service, personal, discreet, and consistently error-free.
I’ve been an established player in the travel marketplace for some time now, appealing to affluent tastemakers. I like to travel, hit a spa for a treatment, play tennis, and check out culinary outposts around town in my free time.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Referrals! I find referrals to be the biggest compliment, especially when it comes to people’s time while on vacation, trying to unplug nonetheless. Knowing they put their trust in me with something so personal is not only flattering but a role I take very seriously as time is the most limited resource we’ve got.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Working in travel during a pandemic! If you can survive in the travel industry through a global pandemic while working on a global level, you can honestly conquer the world! In March of 2020, I had to pivot in every sense of the way – first to ensure I could get every client home safely from all parts of the world in a comfortable manner, followed by processing, arranging, and assisting with refunds, rebookings, and cancellations amongst all of the unknown. Before the pandemic, I was working primarily with international destinations; however, given the circumstances, I had to make a shift and begin a deep dive into local and domestic options, as I knew that was going to be the trend for the foreseeable future at the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://avenueapart.com
- Instagram: @luxuryXleisure