Shameless Self-Promotion

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to another edition of "Travel HiFive."

It feels like it's been a while since I've shared some thoughts on the business of travel, and, as this bi-monthly feature lands on your screen, I often wonder what resonates most with you when you read it. This month, I have a simple ask: if what you're about to read gets you thinking differently or inspires you to take action, let me know with a comment or an email.

Today's topic is one that I don't think gets talked about enough: shameless self-promotion.

Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer. This isn't a step-by-step "how-to" article. In fact, I'm stepping away from my usual five-point format this month. Instead, consider this some straight talk, a few takeaways, and yes, a little shameless self-promotion of my own. 

Some Straight Talk 

Let's start with an observation. 

Some of you have no problem promoting yourselves. There are people among us who could probably sell wood to a woodcutter. If that's you, don't stop reading. There's still something here for you. 

After more than 10 years of coaching travel advisors, I've noticed a common challenge. When it comes to promoting ourselves, many of us are surprisingly uncomfortable. Why? The answers are usually the same: "I don't want to brag," "I don't want to sound salesy," "I don't want to come across as pushy."

Most of us have a negative image of what selling looks like. We picture the stereotypical salesperson who talks too much, listens too little and pushes for a sale no matter what. The truth is that sales isn't the problem. Poor salesmanship is. As travel advisors, we're helping people create experiences, solve problems and make informed decisions. That's what being an advisor is all about. Once you become comfortable with that idea, promoting yourself starts to feel a lot less uncomfortable. 

Sharing Your Expertise 

The next challenge is figuring out how to communicate the value you bring. Many advisors have developed tremendous expertise but struggle to showcase it.

There are plenty of options. Networking groups, community events, social media, advertising and local organizations can all help build your visibility. But I'd like to focus on one opportunity that is often overlooked and usually free: local media and trade journalism.

My Shameless Plug

I'm one of the hosts of the "Easy Travels" podcast, along with my co-host, Cris Dobrogosz. We regularly speak with suppliers, advisors, host agency leaders and industry professionals about what's happening in travel. 

We recently recorded an episode with our guest is Dori Saltzman, senior editor of Travel Market Report, who shared some great insights about the role of trade journalists and why building relationships with people in the media can be valuable for your business. Her episode will drop Friday, October 16. 2026.

Click here for a link to our most recent episode on Spotify so you can find us and be ready.

We keep the episodes intentionally short, usually between 12 and 25 minutes, making it an easy listen during a commute or while running errands. We would love for you to subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Maybe one day you can even be a guest!

The Big Takeaway 

If there's one thing I'd like you to remember from this article, it's this: Be willing to promote yourself. Carry business cards. Use a digital business card. Most importantly, listen carefully to what people are talking about. The questions you hear every day can become social media content, educational posts, presentations, videos or conversations with local media. Being "shameless" can simply mean being willing to tell people what you do. You never know where your next client will come from.

Don't forget about LinkedIn. Publishing articles and sharing your insights can quickly position you as a trusted voice within your professional network.

If something in this article resonates with you, leave a comment. If it inspires you to do something you've never done before, I'd especially love to hear about it. 

You don't need to make yourself smaller to make others comfortable. When your self-promotion comes from a genuine desire to serve and help others, good things tend to follow. 

Here's to your success in this area, and in all things! – Coach Martin