Why Use a Travel Agent? -- Part 2

This is a continuation.  If you missed Part 1, click HERE.

I found this on another agent's website (here)- but thought it'd be good to share w my friends:


Why Use a Travel Professional?

3. Show me the Money (I saved)

Saving money is not just about price. It is more about value. If the hotel was not the right location, if the cruise line was not the right cruise line, if the golf course was not the right golf course.it does not matter how much you saved. One can save a ton of money and be miserable or spend a little more to be in heaven. A travel agent can recommend relevant offerings and also provide cost saving strategies. Moving a date, changing the location of a room/cabin, being open to flight options, etc., all can save money. Nobody wants to pay more than necessary so an agent will help you find the best value without the sacrifices of a cheap trip.

4. I already have a Job! 

If you have an agent that you trust, then you don't need to spend what little free time you have, scouring the web, trying to piece everything together-- flights, cars, rooms, etc. In addition, your agent might be working with transfer and car rental companies that you simply don't have access to, and in many cases, even hotels and airlines that you don't have access to. An agent is someone who has taken the time and made the commitment to be the best so you don't have to make planning your vacation a second job!

Why Use a Travel Agent? -- Part 1

I found this on another agent's website (here)- but thought it'd be good to share w my friends:

Why Use a Travel Professional?

In the technology age of find it quick and easy on-line, you may be thinking, why should I use a travel agent? So to help you answer that question here are our favorite reasons: 1. Who Ya Gonna Call? What would you do if the hotel has lost your reservation? What would you do if the car rental agency has run out of cars? Specifically, who are you going to call? Who's going to help you? The hotel? The car rental company? They don't care. You're just one person. Losing you as a guest or a customer is no big deal. Basically, you're on your own. About all you can do is hit the streets and hope that something comes up... If you book through a travel agent, all you have to do is make one simple phone call. And everything will be taken care of. Will the hotel assist your agent? Will the car rental company assist your agent? Of course they will, because now they're dealing with someone who has the potential to send either hundreds of guests, or no guests at all. From a purely business perspective, a travel agency can send thousands of dollars (or even tens of thousands of dollars), or no dollars at all... 2. It is not just about price  You look to travel agents to provide the best overall solution to your individual travel needs.  By asking tons of questions up front, an agent can provide a relevant needs assessment. This can include dates, quality or location of accommodation or stateroom, cancellation policy, recreational amenities, the ease of doing business, etc.  No two customers are alike. What works for one may not work for another.

My New Job(s)!!

Introducing:: Tiffany Hines - 

Photographer, Travel Agent, & Sign Salesperson

So most of my friends know that I've recently quit a great job at a local church to pursue more of the passions God has placed on my heart.   

I had another BHAP (big hairy audacious prayer) that I could:: do something that I loved, be creative, help people, make more money than I did before in less hours, be able to pursue volunteer opportunities, be able to pick Nate up every day so he didn't have to goto an afterschool program, and be able to invest in people! 

At first, this was really scary! I didn't know what I'd be doing or where I'd make my money - but HE IS FAITHFUL!! 

So - what am I doing now?

Well - a LOT of things!!  I'm juggling all sorts of hats these days and I LOVE it! I'm going to fill you in!

Tiffany Dawn Photography - Photographer

First, I'm working on growing my photography skills and clientele - as well as my portfolio/web presence.  This one is going to be a slow process as I have felt like its something I will enjoy doing (hopefully as a job & ministry to families) for years to come!   I've talked to a few people that have really encouraged me to pursue all that God has for me in this area and I'm excited to see what he wants to do w that!  If you know anyone in the DFW area that would like to do either Fall Pictures w their families or Christmas Card pictures, I'm booking now!!

Send Me Out Travel - Travel Agent

Second, I'm now getting to work in one of the coolest industries - TRAVEL!  So far I've booked trips to Mexico, Iraq, China and can't wait to book many many more! I'm going to be blogging about why you would use a travel agent in the future - just so you know more abut what I do and why, because I had many questions before I got started of why anyone in my generation would want/need a travel agent!  Obviously, I saw the "why" and joined up w my good friend David Gladney as an agent in his company.  And now from honeymoons to weekend getaways;  hotel stays to flights to car rentals;  to cruises and all-inclusive resorts - I can help you with your next trip!

Amplify Designs - Banners/Signs Sales

Third, I am working with another good friend, Kenten Waldrum, doing sales for his sign company.  He specializes in Church Banners & Signs and does great work!  I used this company all the time when I was at Shiloh and now get to help other churches get banners and things for their congregation.  So if you know any churches or ministries that are looking to do some banners, let me know - or have them go online to see some of our stock banners.  We customize all our banners (sizing, adding logos, changing text or background, etc) at no extra charge to the customer and I've been surprised at how fast our turnaround time is!

So as you can see, I'm staying busy - and if you know me, you know I LOVE that!!  I'm also picking up Nate from school every day at 3:15 from Kindergarten which is something I was LONGING to do but did not see any way that would EVER be possible as a Single Working Mom!  BUT my God is bigger than my circumstances! God made a way for me to do this and to have that sweet time w Nate after school as we play on the playground or go get a treat & I get to hear about his day, help with his homework (yes Kinder has homework!?), and play w my little man!  God is SO good!  I am so thankful!

After a month of this, I am LOVING this change.  I feel like I'm exactly where the Lord wants me and its so fun and freeing! AND on top of that - last month I made $45 more than I would have at my old job!  Its just $45, but still- I felt like it was God's assurance that His hand is in this and HE is my provider! 

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 says:    for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;    you are exalted as head over all. ¹² Wealth and honor come from you;    you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power    to exalt and give strength to all. 

IF you would keep me in mind as you hear about people planning trips, needing pictures, or displays for their ministries - I'd appreciate referrals!

Contest - UPDATE!

Ok so my last post (almost a mo ago) was about this contest I'm in for a new fancy photography website. Well, the contest is ALMOST OVER (friday) and I had the lead the entire time... until......Last weekend!  My opponent who is quite talented as well has somehow SOARED past me in the last few days and I've been scrambling to catch up.

Right at this moment - I have 388 "votes" (or LIKES) and she has... 461.

I have 1500 friends on Facebook... but I'm not sure how to convince all of them to click on my photo and like it by Friday!  Anyone have any ideas? I need some help!!

If you haven't already voted - I have great news for you! Facebook just made it so you dont even have to like the Host page to vote.  AND if you have a Business page on FB, you can vote under that profile too!

To vote:
*Pretty sure you have to already have a FB acct and be logged in
1. Click link below
2. Click LIKE below my photo
3. Share w your friends/family/co-workers to help me win!!
Vote Here!!

CONTEST

I need your help!!  There's a facebook contest for a free Photography website valued at $3500!  I submitted a picture and need you to LIKE it on Facebook!

This is what you do:

1. Click this link
2. I think you have to LIKE the hosting page (Exquiture)
3. Like my actual photo (is a little girl w a hat and has a watermark that says Tiffany Dawn Photography)
4. Share with your friends so I have a better chance of winning!! :) PLEASE!

The one w the MOST like's by SEpt 30 wins the free blog.  It would be FABULOUS if I could get that since I'm pursuing photography more now!


Check out a sample of what my site could look like here: http://juliekraaiphotography.com/
Fabulous right??

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!

Thanks,
Tiff

crib crafts

So I dont post a lot... but I never really intended to.....and kinda only talk when i have something I think is sorta significant.

HOWEVER, today - this blog post is to share a link i discovered today!  I think my bloggie friends might like some of these super creative ideas!!

Enjoy: http://consignmentmommies.com/_blog/Consignment_Sale_Advice/post/30_Fabulous_Reuses_amp;_Repurposes_for_Old_or_Recalled_Cribs/#.Th2oR4Orvas.facebook

Birthday FREEBIES 2011

Ok so I have ALWAYS ALWAYS loved birthdays.  I actually dont even know why... but they just get me excited! I like planning parties and going above and beyond to make them special, unique, memorable!

Last year was my 30th and I LOVED my bday party.  The party was PERFECT - almost like a Mini-Wedding! So fun!! So this year, I'm turning 31 and realized my excitement is not quite as high as it usually is.  (Case in point- its 1 wk from my bday and I haven't even really thought about the party a whole lot.  No ideas.  Its just blank!)

This year I've decided its my goal to use as MANY bday Freebies as I can before they expire!  Here's a list of Freebies I've gotten so far. Most are by EMAIL from email clubs.  I'll be updating this at the end of my attempts to use them all!  Stay Tuned!

Hint: To join these, simply goto the website and look for their "club" links and sign up.  I use a separate email address so as not to clog my NORMAL email with offers and coupons all the time.