Computers? Eeek!

Here's an interesting email:

I have been a group travel consultant, tour guide and independent travel agent in the past (25+ years ago) Having travelled rather extensively and being an avid Italiophile, I have enough knowledge and guidance to be relatively helpful in planning trips for folks, but I am not savvy on the "computer" end although I do know quite a bit about computers. Is this going to be a drawback (it has already in my checking around)?

I am approaching retirement and am looking for supplemental income and LOVE THE TRAVEL industry. I can't think of anything I'd like to work with better. I've read your website and it has answered lots of questions, but I am looking for an honest answer about my chances of getting past this barrier. Maybe I missed this on your site....thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

Joan C.

Hmm. Not savvy on the computer end, but you know a lot about computers? Sounds like a bit of a contradiction.

I don't think you'd have much of a problem, but if you have some sort of block when it comes to computers, that's something else again. But it sounds like what's happening here is that you have a misunderstanding about what "computers" mean in the home-based travel agent environment.

First, there is no "programming" involved, unless you want to get really involved in having your own web site. But even if you want to go that route (doesn't sound as if you do), there are "point-and-click" solutions that don't require any great computer knowledge, as pointed out here.

The computer side of things largely involves the sort of things that used to be done on a typewriter -- email, for example. There are some programs that will prove helpful: something to keep track of your finances, something to keep track of your clients. But these are pretty easy to master, at least at the basic level, which is probably all that most of us will ever need. And I just did a teleseminar about a free web-based customer relations management system. You could check that out and play around with it to see if presents any great challenge.

And then there's the time-honored advice for people who are having computer problems: Find a kid to show you how. Seriously, it works. I know because I've done it myself.

But what's really interesting in your email is the background you bring to the table as a prospective home-based travel agent. You are extremely well-equipped to succeed as a home-based travel agent. And since it seems like you will be specializing in Italy, it's worth pointing out that the more you specialize, the more business you can handle over the phone. Why? Because you are dealing with a smaller number of suppliers, most of whom you will get to know very well because you are sending them so much business. My course for home-based travel agents covers this area in some detail. I hope you will invest in it.

You will probably encounter supplier web sites that let you make commissionable bookings online. For obvious reasons, the suppliers have gone to great lengths to make these as "user friendly" as possible, so I don't think you'll encounter any great problems there either.

If you come into the industry with your obvious enthusiasm, you will approach any little hiccups you might encounter on the computer simply as "necessary evils" in the pursuit of your goals. Keep your eyes on the prize, and you will have the will to overcome any little digital obstacles you may encounter.

Hope this helps. Good luck and godspeed.