I am a big believer in goals. Every year around my birthday in December, I start thinking about what I want to accomplish in the following year. Believe me, I don’t attain all my goals each year. In 2016, I had set nine goals for myself and only accomplished four of them. But I know for sure that I wouldn’t have reached any of my goals if I hadn’t written them down.
As tourism professionals, we are often pulled in many directions. Goal setting is a great way to prioritize your actions and energy. While we may have goals similar to anyone, there are some I think we need to pay particular attention to. Here is my list for us to think about- let me know what your goals are for 2017!
Take time off and travel
Our businesses are dependent on people who take vacations and travel. How can we ask others to do it if we don’t do it ourselves? America has developed a strong martyr syndrome where people either don’t take vacation or work while they are on vacation. It is such an issue that U.S. Travel, our national tourism promotion office, has started a program called Project Time Off. This year they are even promoting January 31st as “National Plan your vacation day”. Take action and plan time away to experience new surroundings and experiences. Your family will thank you.
Encourage your staff to travel.
Project Time off has research showing the many benefits when employees use all their vacation time. On their website they state:
In 2015, American workers reported taking off just 16.2 days, almost a full week less compared to the pre-2000 average (20.3 days). We call this America’s Lost Week. The growing stockpile of unused paid leave is contributing to worker burnout and even larger balance sheet liabilities that directly affect a company’s bottom line.
What can you do to help your employees use their vacation time? One attraction I worked at networked with other attractions to get admission tickets available for all the staff. It was a great way for our staff to have things to do, and great for all the attractions to have other tourism professionals be able to speak about and promote their attraction. When I was affiliated with a chamber of commerce, we developed a passport book for frontline staff to enjoy other area attractions for free. These type of initiatives might take a bit of work to set up, but are a great benefit for your staff.
Use the 80/20 rule at work and at home
I am a huge believer and follower of the 80/20 rule. Basically it says the 20% of our efforts or energy will lead to 80% of our results. I have written about this in the past, but I am always looking for ways to reinforce this with my readers. Understanding this law of nature has transformed how I work. My staff is used to hearing me say “Is this the best use of your time and talents?” In 2017 I urge you to read The 80/20 Principle and find one specific way to incorporate this gift into your daily life.
Learn a new technology or try a new app
Travel is one of the industry sectors most affected by changing technology. Therefore we have to keep up with the changes. A quote by Dean Baquet, Editor of the New York Times, sums this up perfectly:
“To do nothing, or to be timid in imagining the future, would mean being left behind.”
Personally I am going to get familiar with VR, or virtual reality. I am starting to see it being used at tradeshows and reading about it being used by DMO’s (destination marketing organizations)
So my goals are 1. Find out how to get a VR headset that will be compatible with my phone. 2. Research destinations and attractions that are already using VR and start to think how other attractions might use this fun technology.
Do you use Snapchat? How about Instagram? Do you use Evernote or Dropbox? Set a goal to stay current this year with technology and all its benefits.
Continue your education online
I am amazed at how easy it is to learn something online these days. Udemy has free and low cost courses taught by professionals around the world. From Microsoft office basics, to business productivity and personal development, this is a great place to start looking for a course. If you are a small attraction in a remote location with a limited budget, you have no more excuses!
Lynda.com is also a terrific learning platform. There is a 10 day free trial, and then monthly fees start at $19.99. My current job allows me access to the over 5400 courses available. One option that I do like is that once you complete a course, they can upload the certificate of completion to your LinkedIn profile. I have taken courses in public speaking, developing innovative ideas and more.
Set networking goals
The tourism industry is all about relationships. The larger your network, the easier it will be to accomplish your sales goals. How big is your network and how can you grow it? Goals have to be specific in order to be measured. Can you set a goal like this “I will meet at least 10 new people this month and get to know them well enough that we exchange business cards. If you do this every month, you will have 120 new contacts by the end of the year.
Last words of advice
We have all read numerous article on setting goals. The most important rules I follow are:
- They have to be measurable. Make sure each goal has a number attached to it. Examples: I will take at least 2 online classes this year, I will take at least 3 vacations this year.
- They have to have an end date. Sometime is not a good tool for measuring. “By the end of June, 2017” is a good measurement. Sometimes I don’t make the date I have set for myself, but I get it done at a later date. Still success!
Let me know if you need help in setting goals for your success in 2017. After all my tagline is ‘Helping attractions get more visitors through their doors’. I am here to help you become more successful!