Do you have a heartwarming story about traveling? Now there is a
chance it could be published in "Chicken Soup for the Traveler's
Soul," the latest version of the best-selling book series
showcasing inspirational stories.
There are
currently "Chicken Soup" books available for many different kinds
of souls -- from petlovers to teenagers to golfers. For the
traveler's edition, the authors are looking for "true travel
stories that open the heart and rekindle the spirit," according to
co-author Steve Zikman.
When Zikman initially publicized his request for travel stories,
he received thousands, which he and his coauthors, Jack Canfield
and Mark Victor Hansen, whittled down to 200. The final cut, due to
be made next year, will include just 101 tales.
The "Chicken Soup" gang wanted stories from people involved in
the travel business. But although they received submissions from
workers in most industry segments, they had a serious shortage of
one category. There were no stories from travel agents, said
Zikman.
So even at this relatively late date, "we would love to have
something from agents" because people bring their travel dreams to
them, he said.
If you would like to submit a story, you should not send him
sermons, essays or travelogues, Zikman said. Instead, he is looking
for tales that "have a beginning, middle and end and inspire
readers to live more fully, travel more richly and love others more
unconditionally.
"If you have not read a 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' book, we
highly recommend that you first read one or more in the series to
get a clearer idea of the kind of story we are looking for," he
said.
Among the book chapter headings will be "Living Your Dream,"
"Getting There," "It's All in the Attitude," "Our Common Bond,"
"Making a Difference," "On Love," "A Matter of Perspective," "On
Children," "The Kindness of Strangers," "On Healing," "Special
Moments" and "Wisdom on the Way."
Zikman prefers that submissions be made by e-mail to: [email protected]., with each submission sent
in the body of the e-mail (not as an attachment), and that a
separate e-mail message be sent for each submission. Be sure to put
"Traveler's Soul Submission" in the subject line.
Those without access to e-mail may send stories to Traveler's
Soul Submissions, Box 69774, Los Angeles, Calif. 90069.
More 'Chicken Soup' tales
Steve Zikman has read thousands of heartwarming travel stories
in his quest to find the best 101 tales for the book, "Chicken Soup
for the Traveler's Soul."
One memorable story that could make the final cut was about the
way a Texas hotel pampered one of its frequent guests, a "poor
exhausted businessperson," who received a note at the end of his
stay that everything was free. "It was quite a funny story," with
the humor "all in the telling," said Zikman.
Another strong contender concerned a woman suffering from cancer
who was walking with her husband in a port where many cruise ships
were docked. "Let's check this ship out," said the husband. While
they were on board, the captain popped by and said, "Why don't you
just stay on and sail with us?" Of course, the surprise had been
prearranged. With details on how the woman threw her champagne
bottle out to sea, "it was kind of a healing story," said
Zikman.
Zikman, whose separate book "The Power of Travel" is due out in
September, also is looking for submissions for another "Chicken
Soup" book he is working on: "Chicken Soup for the Outdoor
Soul."
If you've got an inspirational story concerning outdoor
adventures ranging from hiking to enjoying nature, feel free to
submit it, according to the specifications listed in the piece
above.
Working with sales reps
Are you
taking advantage of everything your sales reps have to offer? Or do
you only call them when there is a problem or you need a favor?
Too frequently, sales reps are viewed as pushy people trying to
get us to sell more. Well, duh, that is what we're supposed to be
doing: We are retailers, after all, whose job is to sell a
product.
And these reps' area of expertise, besides their particular
product, is the art of selling and marketing. The suppliers spend a
fortune keeping them updated on current promotions and sales
ideas.
Now don't go calling every rep you know hoping for a magic pill,
because they'll just send me nasty e-mails. It's very important to
do your homework first before you call a particular rep and ask for
help in setting up a marketing campaign.
Start by looking at your business. What is the makeup of your
current client base? If you have 10% to 15% of any one demographic
(seniors, families, singles, golfers, etc.) you should be marketing
to them instead of waiting for them to call for their annual trip.
Some (but certainly not all) of the advantages of marketing to
current clients are: It will keep you at the top of their minds,
and it's a good focus during slow times.
Once you know your client base, decide on what product you'll
focus on, then call that particular rep and set up an appointment.
The key here to a mutually successful marketing campaign is
knowledge and sincerity.
You may not know the best marketing or sales promotion -- that
is where the sales rep comes in -- but you know your clients. And
you must make a sincere effort to increase the sales of the product
you have chosen. Sales reps are smart and want to help us succeed.
Use them.
Lucy Hirleman, CTC, MCC, owns Berkshire Travel in
Newfoundland, N.J. Contact her at [email protected]; fax: (973) 208-1204.