JV Group Strategy

Travel Agents: Earn Your Largest Commission Ever Using This Powerful Business Strategy

How to book group trips consistently, making 5 figures in commission, without ever wondering where your leads come from

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Does this sound familiar?

You’re a travel expert who’s been in the travel industry for several years — or even several decades — but you’re still not making “expert” money.

You want to grow your travel business, but it feels like you’ve hit a brick wall because you’ve simply maxed out all the hours in your day …

You see other agents scoring invites to sit at supplier tables during industry galas, and you wonder, “why not me?”

You work REALLY hard for your travel clients … but sometimes it feels like you’re just not making enough commission to justify that hard work.

I don’t want you to accept that this is

“just the way it is"

Hi, I’m Michelle Woodson Howell, and as a fellow travel agent I’ve perfected a strategy that’s netted me more clients AND bigger commissions, while allowing me to reclaim my time. And I’ve helped other agents do the same.

How? Through joint ventures.

What’s a joint venture

A joint venture is when you partner with a business to create a group travel experience for their best customers. The business owner does all the marketing for the trip to fill the group block, while you do all the travel planning.

For business owners, this is an incredible way to build customer loyalty, explore new marketing avenues, travel at a DEEP discount, and even create a new revenue stream for their business through commission splits.

And you? You get:

… handfuls of new leads without doing any prospecting …
… consistency in your travel business, so you’re never left scrambling for your next client …
… and — if you’re anything like the travel agents who I’ve helped implement this strategy — you get your highest commissions ever.

Joint Venture Partnerships: It’s As Easy As 1-2-3

Identify and reach out to prospective business partners

Pitch your trip idea and guide your prospect to a "yes"

Plan the group trip and earn a commission with a comma

“As a direct result of learning Michelle’s joint venture system, I made the largest booking in my 25 years in business. I was able to confidently pitch the idea of a river cruise through Bordeaux to the owners of a local winery, the 3rd largest in North Carolina. I booked 78 passengers on the river cruise, and I was also able to book all the ancillary products as well — including airfare, travel insurance, and a 3-night pre-cruise package to Paris for 50 of the passengers. When all was totaled, it was over $400,000 in sales for my agency. Plus, I have been able to retain more than 40% of the initial group as clients of my agency.”

— Suzanne Smith, Champagne Vacations

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Trish Gastineau

Simply Customized Travel

Case Study #1

“I earned nearly $26,000 in commission […]
and the best part was my JV partner brought the clients to ME.”

Meet Trish:

“I first saw Michelle speak about her joint venture formula two and a half years ago at an industry event. I was immediately struck by her energy — she was so articulate and passionate about this strategy, I was immediately drawn to her. She clearly knew what she was talking about.

I reached out to Michelle after the event because I knew I wanted to be aligned with someone who had her passion and expertise. Soon, she was urging me to try the joint venture strategy myself — and she walked me through the process step by step. I was a little unsure, but Michelle made it so easy.

She helped me identify what kind of businesses to target and shared with me the email templates she used herself to reach out to them. She gave me a script to follow once a business expressed interest, and even helped me identify which river cruise itineraries would be most successful for joint venture groups.

Thanks to Michelle’s generous — and easy-to-follow — insights, I soon booked my first joint venture on a Tauck river cruise with a group leader and 5 cabins full of passengers. The trip was such a huge success that the group leader immediately wanted to work with me on another small luxury group trip … this time a land package with a whole different group of people. In addition to the new group trip, travelers from the original group river cruise contacted me about booking individual trips for them.

Between the first group river cruise, second group land package, and individual trips planned, I netted nearly $26,000 in commission. With very little effort on my part! That number doesn’t even include the service fee I charged.

Neither group trip was very large, but from travel insurance to pre and post stays, I was able to layer commissions on top of commissions. The best part was that the group leader brought the clients to ME — and I was able to add them to my own list and continue to market to them. That’s the gravy on top.

I don’t want to say Michelle’s formula for the joint venture strategy is ‘idiot-proof’ — because I think you do need integrity, passion, and a little basic knowledge of river cruising to be successful — but it really is as easy as 1-2-3 … with incredible results. In fact, I’m headed to an info night this evening with another group trip leader I snagged using Michelle’s joint venture system!”

How Joint Ventures Transformed

My Travel Business

Thirteen years ago, I was like a lot of travel agents in the industry today — desperate to make my dream work, but barely staying afloat.

Truthfully, I was working on my travel business around the clock, with not much to show for it.

I was working full-time hours for part-time money.

Until … I was introduced to the idea of joint ventures.

I first heard about joint ventures at a marketing conference put on by the Global Institute for Travel Entrepreneurs.

I remember sitting in the conference with my jaw hanging open … I thought: Partnering with businesses? That’s genius!

It was a TOTAL light bulb moment. As soon as I got home, I went to work trying to secure my very first joint venture. I spent a month coming up with a system — which included identifying my passions and the kinds of businesses that aligned with them.

As a wine lover, I decided to reach out to wineries and wine bars to see if they’d be interested in taking a wine-themed river cruise with their customers.

I sent my very first email to a wine bar … and when I got a response back after less than 20 minutes, I knew I was on to something BIG.

Businesses were so hungry to try something new, something that would finally make marketing fun!

And, as a travel expert, I was in the perfect position to give it to them.

Many emails with different business owners and back and forths later, I secured my first joint venture partner.

My JV partner took a group of 34 wine enthusiasts on a luxury river cruise through France’s wine country.

That resulted in a $200,000 booking for me — with more than $30,000 in commission.

And this was my very first attempt at a joint venture!

In fact, it was the first group trip I’d ever planned.

At this point, I knew there was no looking back. Before I implemented joint ventures, I’d be lucky if $30,000 represented half my income in a whole year.

Today, 80% of my income comes from joint ventures with businesses. I average 35-40 clients per group trip.

And — I haven’t had a joint venture group net less than $200,000 in sales.

Since my first joint venture, I’ve spoken about my system at conferences hosted by the Global Institute for Travel Entrepreneurs and Travel Industry Exchange, and I was selected as a hosted agent for the 2015 and 2016 Global Travel Marketplace.

How did I get this success?

As I said, I think businesses are itching for something like this.

But — more importantly — I think joint ventures have been so instrumental in my own business growth because I approach them systematically.

Yes, my system is as easy as 1-2-3 … but there are a lot of little details that go into each step.

And I’ve found that not knowing those details has prevented so many agents from pursuing the joint venture strategy for themselves.

That's why I created a course that breaks it down for you.

Introducing: Drink Outside the Box!
How to Grow Your Travel Business
With Joint Venture Partnerships

It took me nearly 10 years to hit my stride in my travel business. But when I did, it was all thanks to my joint venture formula.

This course is exactly what I wish I had when I started my travel business. The step-by-step modules are designed to pull back the curtain on my own success, so you shorten your learning curve dramatically.

With this program, you can start pitching JV partners ASAP, so you can see your travel business grow A LOT sooner than I did.

Here's what's included in the program: 4 Step-by-Step Video Modules

Module 1: Introduction
Learn how I started my travel business and how I rocketed it to success with joint ventures. You’ll see that there wasn’t anything “special” about me — which means YOU can do this, too.

Module 2: What Is a JV?
Discover the step-by-step formula I use to earn 5-figure commissions with joint venture partners. I’ll cover how to identify and research potential business partners, how to reach out via email to generate interest, and how to hook the perfect partner with your proposal.

Module 3: Tying It All Together
Okay, you’ve got a business owner interested … now what? This module is your answer. Learn how to qualify prospective partners (remember, you only want to work with someone who will pull their weight), how to close the deal, and we’ll even dive into the logistics of marketing and designing a group trip with your JV partner.

Your Program Bonuses: The “Extras” That Will Make JV Success Even Easier

Bonus #1: Sample JV Emails — You’ll get the exact, word-for-word email template I use to reach out to potential partners and hook them instantly. You’ll also get a follow-up email template (because the secret is in the follow up!). Download the sample emails, swap in your info, and start sending them out immediately to potential partners.

Bonus #2: Sample Agreement — Embarking on a joint venture partnership requires an agreement that covers all your bases. Sneak a peek at the agreement that I give to my JV partners, and then tailor it to your needs.

Bonus #3: Sample FAQ — Many JV partners want to host info nights for customers who want to learn more about the group trip. Naturally, these customers will have questions — which my Sample FAQ Sheet answers in depth. You’ll be a hero when you share this cheat sheet with interested travelers.

Bonus #4: Private Facebook Group — Join a like-minded group of travel entrepreneurs who will support you on your JV journey. Share your successes, strategize together, and get all your JV questions answered (often by myself!).

How to Know If This Program Is Right for You

at happens when you use the JV strategy, powered by my perfected formula, in your travel business? My program is for you if you want to:

Stop hunting for leads … because your JV partner brings the leads right to you. After your group trip, you can continue to market to these hot leads.

Pocket consistent 5-figure commissions. Booking group trips exponentially grows your earning potential … without adding to your workload (it’s almost as easy planning a trip for 20 as it is for 2!).

Earn predictable income. Large group trips are planned well in advance, so you’ll know exactly when to expect your next big paycheck.

Become the apple of your supplier’s eye. Suppliers LOVE group business — get ready for FAM invites, awards, and a whole lot of personal attention from your BDM.

Stand out as a specialist. It’s no secret: experts make more money. You’ll soon be known as THE group travel expert, which will help you attract even more lucrative leads.

Faith Sproule

Niche Travel Group

Case Study #2

“My ICs now have 20-30 new clients — and the ball starts rolling for them.”

Meet Faith:

“Pursuing joint ventures has helped me secure group trips that align with my passions — like music, wine, and the culinary arts — and using Michelle’s formula has helped take my groups to the next level.

My first joint venture partnership with a wine shop led to booking an 8-person trip. My numbers have grown exponentially since then. Today, I’m planning joint venture group trips with an average of 16-24 travelers — and 2018 group trips will be closer to 30. In fact, one of my agency’s biggest wins was a joint venture partnership with two musicians, with whom we escorted 157 guests to an all-inclusive resort. My agency earned $11,775 in commission plus two free rooms at the resort.

I owned a travel agency for six years before opening the group-focused arm of my agency in 2014. I knew I personally wanted to focus on group travel, so I needed an army of experts to give all my other leads to — and I needed consistent leads to pass on.

So one of the biggest benefits of JV partnerships, for me, is it allows me to consult with a fellow business owner, block out the group, and then pass the booking off to one of my ICs to facilitate. If the IC does a fantastic job, they now have 20-30 new clients — and the ball starts rolling for them.”

30 Day No Questions Asked Money Back Guarantee

When you join my Drink Outside the Box! JV Program, you’re protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Spend a full thirty days studying my system and digging into the bonuses; if, after 30 days, you don’t feel like you’ve gotten your expected value out of the program, let me know and I will provide you a full refund.

I’m offering this no-questions-asked money-back guarantee because I believe so strongly in the value of this program, and your opportunity to make your investment back over and over again.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long will I have access to the program?

You’ll get lifetime access. I want you to be able to refer back to the online modules for a refresh and download all the bonus sample copy whenever you need to.

Does this strategy only work for wine-themed river cruises?

Nope! Wine and river cruising are my passions, so I go after potential partners — like wine bars — who share the same passions. But my JV formula will work for any type of affinity group travel, and it can also work for non-profits and fundraising trips. In the program, I’ll show you how to discover which of your own passions can help you identify the best kinds of businesses to work with (Module 2).

My travel business is already buzzing — why would I invest in this program?

Even if business is booming, ask yourself this: how hard are you working, and how many hours do you spend servicing clients? If the answer is “way more than I want to” — then my JV formula is for you. You’ll be able to concentrate on a few big trips per year, with individual trip leads coming through your JV partners. In fact, it’s a great lead-generation strategy if you have ICs. Some agency owners implement the JV strategy and only plan the big group trips with their JV partners, while passing on all the leads who want to book individual trips to their ICs (this is what Faith, in the case study above, does).

I’ve never even booked a group trip before … will your JV formula work for me?

Here’s my little secret: when I landed my first JV business partner, I had never planned a group trip either! It’s definitely do-able. You can also partner with another agent or work with your host agency if you’re not totally confident in your group planning skills.

Juggling group trips sounds like a lot of work … how will using the JV strategy save me time?

Honestly, when you have a reliable point of contact for your group, planning a group trip isn’t much harder than planning individual trips. Plus, you only need to plan a few group trips to match — or out earn — what you would make planning lots of “onesies” and twosies.” The REAL time saver, though, comes from partnering with a business owner — he or she will be wholly responsible for filling the group block. No more endless hours spent marketing, or sleepless nights spent wondering how in the heck you’ll get enough people interested in your group trip! That’s why I show you how to vet potential JV partners (Module 3), to ensure they have enough of a following to fill the group block.