In a tight post-pandemic labour market, there's a new option for travel companies requiring 'brand ambassadors' for trade and consumer shows, agent training events and general sales activities across Canada.
Jackson says that as the travel industry recovers from the biggest crisis in its history, many companies are no longer sustaining large in-house sales teams. But in-person sales activities are still important, and her new company Reps4Rent will provide knowledgeable, experienced industry members to perform those roles on a temporary basis.
"Your salespeople should be focused on your key goals, and we can help fill in as brand ambassadors when your team can't. There's a lot of noise out there, so these sales activities are still important. Reps4Rent is an affordable, professional and flexible solution."
The company, which is committed to building "Canada's largest network of independent professional sales representatives," offers four areas of service: trade and consumer shows; training and keynote speaking; general sales activities; consulting and special project work.
"Travel is back and a lot of companies are being stretched to attend all the trade and consumer shows and other sales functions. We can ease the pressure to be everywhere, all the time," Jackson told an audience of close to 70 supplier representatives at Toronto's Belmont Events Centre.
"There's no long-term commitment, so you pay only when you need us," Jackson added. "The best part, because we offer a menu of services, is that you pay for only what you need. Our brand ambassadors will be trained to the client's standards to deliver key messages and handle typical queries and concerns raised at industry events."
Another option, she adds, is for companies located outside Canada who want a presence at Canadian events without the long-term commitment of permanent representation.
The veteran of key roles in major companies including Signature Vacations, Allianz Global Insurance, CAA and Red Label Vacations says the national team of independent representatives she has assembled know how to get the job done.
"We're all salespeople. We know how to sell. We may not drink your corporate Kool-Aid every day, but we are honoured to enjoy a glass of it when things get hot. Our mission is simple: we will always represent " Jackson said.
Some of the Reps4Rent brand ambassadors to date include such well-known industry figures as Sal Buccellato, Karen Scott-Caplice, Jackie Coulson, Nick Roberti, Toni Defino, Richard Hoffe and Joseph "JD" Dubois. They bring decades of experience with hotel chains, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel suppliers.
Jackson is still recruiting across the country, and says Reps4Rent will provide an opportunity for industry personnel looking to work as independent sales professionals to keep involved in the business they love or to grow their current business.
"Coming out of the pandemic, the travel industry is in a different world. And we're doing things differently," Jackson said.
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