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Written by: Bill Coyle, KHM Travel Group’s Director of Education and Programs

One of the best ways to reach our top-producing agent programs, Basecamp and Pinnacle, is by working smarter not harder. This can be achieved by focusing on the high commission products available through our Preferred Suppliers. But what happens when you get to those levels? Maintaining a growing list of clients and bookings can be a challenge, and you may find yourself overworked and overwhelmed.

These suggestions are meant to help you better manage your time, reach your goals, and maintain a work-life balance.

• Establish set work hours and make them known to your clients. Posting your hours on your Facebook page or website gives clients a realistic expectation of when you’ll be available to answer questions and work on new bookings. This is good practice, even if you are still working another job and working your travel business part-time. 
• Create a to-do list every evening to help focus your day.  Make final payments first and check email and social media after those must-dos are complete. 
• When possible, try to package travel components.  Offering packages with itineraries that are easy to create with air, hotel, and car helps avoid time spent piecing together every aspect of the trip. 
• Embrace technology for keeping track of your time. Whether it’s the calendar app on your phone, or tasks in myTravelCRM, or a scheduling app like Calendly, find a system that keeps you organized and on track. If you’ve set aside one hour to work on researching a client’s trip or scheduling posts on social media, set a timer to remind yourself when that hour is up.
• Part of managing your time is being able to realize when you’re burnt out. Try to move every hour. Take a walk, get a snack, or read something unrelated to your travel business. Think of these as little rewards to keep you motivated throughout the day.
• Make sure to be 100 percent present when you’re off the clock and spending quality time with friends and family. Set aside this time for them and try not to check emails or take client calls. You can talk to them about your day or what is happening in your work life, but make a point to ask them about their lives too.
• Spend time with people you really enjoy.  Since your free time may be more limited as your workload increases, ensure the time you do have to spend with friends is fun and productive. 

What are other strategies you have for maintaining a work-life balance? Let us know in the comments below!