According to me, February can be a funny month. Not “ha-ha” funny, but perhaps a better inference might be peculiar, or interesting, or often-times even mildly depressing.
Based on my 73 Februarys to date, I can say this will some degree of accuracy. I gently approach this infamous month from two angles.
The first being that people have gone through the happy but stressful periods of Christmas/Hanukah (Holidays) and New Years, and now are steadily growing tired of the cold and windy days associated with January—with more “weather” to experience in February. February can prove to be a gray month with Spring looming well out of sight.
Due to the nature of the human sinewave (ups and downs), this might just be the ideal time to toss out a few ideas for alleviating much of the discomfort, i.e. an unplanned mini-vacation to the islands. A 4-day cruise might also be just what the doctor ordered.
In brief, the month of February just might be spelled OPPORTUNITY for upbeat travel professionals who are not afraid of a little creative thinking.
The second angle comes with a warning. According on one’s personal makeup, the month of February often proves to be an effective catalyst for people to uncover their less-than-attractive personality. Behaviors that come to mind include anger, terseness, depression, sadness, or lack of personal control in several ways.
Why am I telling you this? If you are aware when going into client/prospect communications during February, you can prevent yourself from over-reacting if and when signs of this negative behavior surfaces. I think this discussion falls nicely under the subject of empathy. But not just empathy, rather professional empathy.
January is now in our rear view mirrors, and we are looking down the barrel of two challenging months before we get to see the branches support life and the flowers begin to bud promising a new beginning.
My advice, before I leave you today: Hang in there. Spring is worth the wait. (And toss out a few ideas to break any “doom and gloom” atmosphere.)
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.