This week's MAC Chat features our interview with MailPound''s June MVP, Pam Brown of White Sands Travel. 

Why did you decide to become involved in the travel industry and were you in a different industry prior? 
I was in the legal field for 20+ years prior to getting involved in the travel industry. In 2004, the law firm I was working for closed it’s doors, giving me 2 weeks notice to find another job! I had already been booking travel for myself and family members as a hobby, so I decided to pursue that as a career, rather than go back to the legal field.

What was the biggest obstacle (if any) that you had to overcome in the beginning of your career as a travel professional? 
Finding clients!

What is the best marketing technique that you use to reach your clients and how do you get them to become repeat clients? 
E-mail campaigns that are specific to my niche. I get them to become repeat clients by providing personalized service and adding extra touches that make them want to return to me!

What is the most challenging aspect of this industry for you? 
Staying relevant in a world of internet “shoppers!”

What do you enjoy the most about this industry and what is your best advice for travel agents just beginning their career? 
What I enjoy the most is planning the perfect trip for my clients.

My best advice to beginners in this industry would be to take the time to figure out a specialization. In the beginning, it can be hard, especially when you’re trying to just get business…any business…but you will eventually start to gravitate to a specific niche (it will probably be where you love to travel yourself). Once you find that niche, concentrate all your efforts to it…eat, sleep, and breathe it…become a walking, talking billboard for your business and your niche. You’ll be surprised at how much business you’ll get when you stop trying to be all things to all people and become really, really, good at that one thing!

Thank you Pam for that great interview!