Just when you think you have all the letter shortcut meanings down pat, up pop a few new ones. You already know what TGIF infers. LOL in text refers to something that triggers your funny bone. ASAP is another way of implying that sooner is better than later. One of my recent favorites was CAVU. You aircraft pilots out there might recognize this as a sign of good news. (Ceiling and visibility unlimited.) Then there is the ever-popular FOMO* and, for you travel professionals, let’s not forget TWA and KLM. *FOMO = Fear of missing out.
All of this initial groundwork leads up to today’s message, via a new four-letter acronym—OODA. More specifically, the OODA Loop.
The letters in OODA stand for observe, orient, decide and act. It stems from military fighter jet pilots who have mere seconds to determine if a safe landing is in store for them, or a decision to jettison from the cockpit in an effort to save their lives. They need to interpret the current situation; identify their current position; weigh their options; and do something expeditiously.
Do you see how the OODA Loop might fit into your attempt for building a business? To me, it is obvious.
You must understand your potential contribution to the client-travel agent relationship. Who might require your services, what role you play and to what extent. Then you must position yourself as the go-to resource for meaningful results. Next comes the decision of how you are going to remain visible and what marketing tactics make the most sense given your set of circumstances. And finally, you must “pull the trigger” and actually “do something.”
All the while balancing the two contradicting mantras that (1) They who hesitate are lost, but (2) Haste makes waste.
If you asked me, I would suggest—in this multi-faceted world we live in—that not unlike like the fighter jet pilot, the sooner you make a decision, the better your chances for a favorable outcome. But unlike the pilot, a poor decision on your part won’t necessarily end in “game over.” You usually will have time for a do-over, or a mulligan.
That being said, you might want to keep your OODA Loop in good working condition.
Why Bother?
Is Good Enough Good Enough?
The Bottom Line
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club, mike@mikemarchev.com.
*** You want more to think about? Check out my weekly podcast (Miked Up Marchev). Also listed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and iHeartRadio.
