Celebrate Uncertainty

It might sound odd to relate celebration to times of uncertainty. Three years ago at this time, we were asking ourselves important questions in the midst of the biggest uncertainty we will ever face: “Will we make it through this unprecedented time?” “What will the future of our industry look like?” “What will our businesses look like?”

Many of you were probably thinking about desperate measures for your businesses and personal finances: “I’m going to get out of the travel industry. I’m going to only focus on a niche. I’m going to downsize.” Well-calculated steps to remedy a negative position often lead to the best solutions. Rushed emotional decisions don’t work out as well.

When it comes to uncertainties, I look first to my faith for answers. Some of you might have the same viewpoint, some not so much. I also value the findings of our scientific community, and research points to belief systems as a source of strength and hope. Strength and hope are important when working on a recovery plan and following through on it. Dealing with finances during uncertainty calls for planning based on what we know.

So how did we reach the place of celebration we are at today? And what lessons have we learned? Getting back to the basics and streamlining our operation helped. Along with other creative solutions, KHM Travel Group embraced an improved technology infrastructure to support a work-from-home corporate environment so we could continue to support our agents. Above all the innovation, I believe that coming together as an industry helped us all make better decisions. Our unified approach helped us overcome the greatest of challenges.

As we move through any crisis, we should keep looking to the horizon, and the future will become clearer. Embracing the change, rather than resisting it, is the best way to recover. As KHM Travel Group’s Boot Camp educators always ask: “What type of travel advisor do you want to be?” A period of change could be the time to pivot your business model and make the changes that you always wished you could make.

Lastly, through any period of uncertainty (large or small), remember to do good around you. Treat people with the respect and dignity. Remember to give grace to clients, suppliers and even competitors.

This quote from Galatians 6:9 helps with this idea – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” You heard it: Don’t give up even when faced with uncertainty! Getting through difficult times can bring about the best celebrations.

About the Author

Rick Zimmerman is the President and CEO of KHM Travel Group, one of the country’s leading host travel agencies. Rick joined the travel industry fresh out of college where he worked as a travel agent for a small agency in Cleveland, Ohio. After a 25-year career in the construction industry, Rick returned to his travel roots and helped found KHM Travel Group in 2005. Rick is an active advocate of the travel agent community and serves on multiple travel-related Advisory Boards.