Today we’d like to introduce you to Katina Bradley.
Hi Katina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always loved the idea of travel. While growing up, I didn’t have a lot of opportunity but relished any little trip I could. Fortunately, I grew up in California, and we had a plethora of incredible things to see and do within hours of us.
In high school I talked to my guidance counselor about being an agent. I was told the industry would disappear because of this new thing called the “internet”. I went into education. And while I don’t really. have any regrets, it took me a while to find my way back to where I wanted to be.
in 2012 my family and I were finally in a position to start prioritizing our travel. I began looking for the right agent for us. After not finding it, I decided to build it myself. That is where my travel story really begins.
I started small. Part time while still working. I talked to anyone and everyone I could. In the industry, I focused and gleaned all I could from anyone I met. Outside of the industry, I talked travel to anyone who would listen, and I asked questions, figuring out what people wanted and how I could help them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Other then the C word that will not be named from 2020- it has been a pretty smooth road. Life lessons have taught me that in all things, you get out of them what you put into them. I put a lot into my business. I never really thought I’d be good at the sales part of it. I pride myself on NOT being “salesy” . I don’t do pressure. I sell fun, and excitement. I handle the details of things that people really want to do and I’m passionate about. I also answer the phone. That combo has served me really well for the last 13 years.
I take pride in my work and I know, this business, like so many others, is all about building relationships. I enjoy building those relationships and knowing I get to be a part of some of the happiest moments in people’s lives brings me much joy.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After a little over 10 years in the industry I finally took the plunge and invested in myself and my business the way I wish I could have from the very beginning.
I bought a Cruise Planners franchise. Before that I was a “hosted agent”. While similar these models are actually quite different. Cruise Planners is highly respected in the industry. And they have the VERY BEST tech available to agents today. Each year as new things get introduced, my mind gets blown again and again. Things that I used to pay separately for, or piecemeal together, are not a part of my system. This frees me up to do more of what I love, both in the business and personally.
Basically, at the core, I’m in sales. I sell travel. Travel is adventure, and fun, exciting, relaxing, renewing… and so much more! Travel is really what you want it to be. It’s my job to figure out what the client is really looking for and then make sure I deliver that to them.
I mostly sell cruises. That’s my niche. I have a few lines I love, a few I’m a bit more hesitant about… but I believe my super power is matching the client to the right cruise line for them.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Everyone is different. What one person may love another person may loathe. Accepting that that is okay, and then figuring out how to marry those differences within families has been huge for me.
But really, the biggest thing… stop talking and start listening. This is the only way you can really learn.
Pricing:
- While I don’t sell my self on having the lowest price- I usually do. I pride myself on making sure clients are getting the absolute best value available anywhere.
- I’m honest to a fault. If you want something and I don’t know about it I’ll tell you. Then we’ll decide together if it’s something I should learn or pass on to a colleague who is already an expert.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.happydaisyvacations.com
