Let’s be honest — square footage and brochure stats won’t sell your services. If you’ve ever left a supplier meeting with a bunch of generic info and zero clarity on how to use it in your marketing… this episode is for you.

In episode 2 of the Don’t Market Like a Supplier series, we’re talking about the five questions to ask your BDM (or supplier contact) that actually matter — and how their answers can shape your content, boost your bottom line, and keep your brand message clear.

You’ll learn:
✅ What booking window data can teach you about your funnel
✅ How to identify hidden add-ons to increase commissions
✅ How to use supplier trends and spotlight promos to ride the wave
✅ Why general info ≠ strong strategy
✅ The difference between selling a trip vs. selling your service

Whether you’re new to working with BDMs or ready to level up your conversations, this one will change the way you prep for every supplier interaction moving forward.

🔗 Bonus: Listen to last week’s episode first if you haven’t already — it's the perfect setup for this conversation.

Follow Me on Instagram

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new 5-part series: Stop Marketing Like a Supplier

In this powerful episode, Kelli Hayes Smith shares the truth behind why so many travel advisors struggle to stand out in a saturated space — and it's not because of lack of effort, it's because of supplier-style marketing.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why supplier content doesn't work for building YOUR brand

• The big shift you need to make if you want to sell transformation, not transactions

• How you're competing with online booking tools — not other advisors

• Why loud marketing isn’t better marketing (and what to do instead)

• The skincare analogy you’ll never forget

Whether you’re still using supplier content or wondering why your posts aren’t converting, this episode will help you see your business in a whole new light.

Don’t miss next week’s episode: 5 Questions to Ask Your BDM That Actually Matter

🎧 Listen now and take your seat as the main character in your marketing story.

✈️ Episode Summary:

In this episode of Social Takeoff, Kelli dives into the top 5 red flags she’s seeing in the travel advisor marketing world—and what to do instead if you want your content to convert, build trust, and grow your business.

These aren’t just industry rants. Kelli brings real solutions to the table—like what to do when you’re tempted to copy-paste content, how to stay connected without being glued to your phone, and why showing up as yourself is your greatest marketing advantage.

You’ll also hear updates on what’s happening at Wanderlust Campus, including exciting things in the works with our partner network, Marketing Mondays, and what to expect at this year’s Wander Beyond conference!

🚩 In This Episode, We Cover:

• [00:00] Intro & life update (surviving Maymageddon 😅)

• [02:00] What’s new: Bliss to Abundance weekly podcast + Marketing Mondays

• [04:00] Why this episode matters: red flags popping up all over your feed

• [05:00] Red Flag #1: Copy/paste content is "good enough"

• [08:30] What to do instead: personalizing content with AI and brand voice

• [10:55] Red Flag #2: Set it and forget it strategy

• [13:00] Showing up beyond the content calendar

• [15:30] Red Flag #3: Original content is optional

• [17:45] Why your unique voice must be part of your strategy

• [21:00] Real example: The Disney Dream overboard story + your perspective

• [22:40] Red Flag #4: You’re not part of your marketing

• [24:00] People buy you—not your supplier’s graphics

• [26:30] Red Flag #5: Focusing on trends over trust

• [28:15] Why visibility without clarity doesn’t convert

• [29:45] Final thoughts + what’s next for July and beyond

• [31:00] 💥 Homework: Show up as you in your marketing once a week

  📌 Episode Homework:

  Yep, there’s always homework with Kelli 😉
  ✅ Your challenge: Show up once a week as yourself in your marketing.
  That could be a story, a live, a voice memo, or a behind-the-scenes photo—whatever feels authentic to you.

  🔗 Resources & Mentions:

  • 🎧 Bliss to Abundance Podcast

  • 💻 Free Wanderlust Campus Account – Includes global calendar + mini courses

  • 📸 Abby Grace Photography – Wander Beyond photographer

  • 🌴 Wander Beyond Retreat Info – Don’t miss this if you’re an alum or experienced agent

  🎉 Connect with Kelli:

  • Instagram: @kellihayessmith

  • Join the conversation in our Wanderlust Campus Community

  Enjoyed this episode?
  Leave a review, share with your team, or tag us in your stories—we love seeing how you take off with your marketing. 🚀