Lessons learned while developing the WeChat ready course

I have spent most of my free time over the last 4 months developing a WeChat ready online course. As many of you know, I often teach and speak on WeChat, the Chinese social media app used by over 1 billion people. As a matter of fact, when you read this I will have just returned from ABA, where I will have spoken on Why WeChat is important to learn. But in developing the course, I learned a lot as well. And i think the lessons translate well to the tourism industry.

Ask for help

I knew what I wanted for on online course- easy to follow format, modules that would have video lessons, written text, and interviews with Chinese operators and others. What I didn’t know was how to do it. So I did research online and found a business coach and strategist that specialized in helping others develop online courses. You might find yourself in a similar position.

Have you always worked in the domestic group market and now you have to pursue the international market as well? Maybe you have worked at a DMO and are now working at an attraction and have to meet sales goals. Or maybe you are a DMO and your traditional funding sources are drying up and you need to execute a new strategy. Don’t flounder and spend time wondering what to do.

Reach out- either by searching on the internet, or contacting your state DMO for resources and references. Sign up for helpful newsletters. Look for industry webinars to attend. Help is out there. Heck, send me an email with your questions, and I will turn it into a blog post so everyone can learn!

Embrace new technology.

Once we are familiar with a certain technology, it’s hard to transition to new software. When I worked at the Corning Museum of Glass, we were always having to learn new technology. We were given training, but we had to spend time wrestling through elements on our own to be able to understand and work with it. I did not always embrace the changes, but most often the new programs were helpful. You can be sure that your career will have plenty of times when you are having to learn a new technology. My advice is to be proactive and search out new technology to learn.

I have read about the term ” neuroplasticity’ which basically means that no matter how old you are, or how much you are used to a certain activity, the brain is always capable of learning more. And its good for us. But not easy. There were plenty of times when I had to get up and walk away from my computer in frustration. But now when I look at my course or hear myself talking to someone and using terms that make me sound like a computer nerd, I am actually very proud of myself. You will be too when you make the commitment to master a new online skill.

Break big projects up into small steps.

When I first decided to create a WeChat ready course, I knew it would take time. Before I let myself get overwhelmed, I started a list of all the actions and tasks I would need to complete. Then I put them in a list by priority. Lastly, I put dates next to each action item. So I knew my first step, the second step and so on. It didn’t seem as daunting when I could see each step. As I went along, I learned about other elements I would need to add into my action steps, but it was easier to see where they fit into the big plan.

How about you? What big initiative are you undertaking in 2019? Here are the goals some of my clients are working on:

– creating products that will sell online to create cash flow in slower months

– creating and implementing a strategic sales and marketing plan to grow the group tour business to at least 20,000 people by 12/2020

– to provide online training opportunities for their partners– with possible revenue stream -to get DMO partners trained and ready to welcome Chinese visitors.

Spend some time creating a plan and as you tackle each step you will gain momentum along the way.

Sh** happens

Maybe you had a great initiative underway and a key staff person left. Maybe a change to your budget put your great idea on hold. No matter the situation, our best-laid plans hit roadblocks. For me, it was when my sales page funnel, which I had worked on for months, all of a sudden disappeared. Yep. Gone. Calls to the help desk weren’t helpful, and my coach was even perplexed about where it went. I was mad at the world- for a day. Then I started re-building it. It went faster the second time and came out better.

So when you hit roadblocks in your plan, take a deep breath. And take a break from the project – but only for a day. Someone out there needs what you are creating. A tour operator will be able to sell more tours based on your plan. Your DMO partners need the resources you are creating in order to increase their revenue. Some visitor on the other side of the world will have their best vacation ever based on the work you are doing now. Don’t give up!

We work in the best industry in the world

We all work hard every day, but sometimes it’s good to lift our heads up and remind ourselves how lucky we are. Lucky to work in an industry that produces fun and memories. To be paid to travel to new destinations. And to have friends all over the country – or all over the world. I was reminded of this when I would reach out to those outside our industry for help with my course. The comment I heard most often was- Wow – I had no idea you could have such cool jobs and that tourism is so big. Yep, our industry is a force to be reckoned with. Different sources say the tourism industry makes up over 10% of all jobs in the U.S. We are lucky.

So tackle those big projects, don’t give up when the going gets tough, and create something new that will improve the world around you. You got this!

Interested in getting more Chinese visitors?

The reason I developed this course is that I have seen first hand how using WeChat can help you build relationships with tour operators, and start getting business. But WeChat is a great tool only when you use it, and know what you are doing.  I have taught WeChat sessions at tradeshows such as the RTO Summits, and Active America China. I know how to teach you step-by-step instructions on how to set up your account and start interacting with tour operators and others.