Donna Askew, Author at Dive Center Business

The Whole Dang Family — Families Who Dive Together Spend More Money!

Aah … spectacular dives in turquoise-blue waters, beautiful hotel, relaxing with friends by the water, kids running around … whoa, hold on. Something isn't quite right with that picture. As you contemplate your next dive trip to the islands, you…

Donna AskewDecember 9, 2009

Local Diving Travel

Everything Old Is New Again: How to Keep the ‘same Old’ Local Site Fresh for Your Customers and Students

Many dive center owners I speak with share their concerns about the current state of our economy. We all earn our living from a recreational activity, a somewhat expensive one. Faced with rising prices and possibly lower incomes, a number…

Donna AskewDecember 8, 2009

Travel

It Ain’t Heavy, It’s My Dive Gear. an Airline and Security Restriction Primer for Dive Travel Leaders

Could I possibly fit this into my carry-on bag? Maybe I don't really need clothes? Plagued with these thoughts, I packed for my first trips after recent changes in airline luggage weight limitations. I had nightmares of being in line…

Donna AskewDecember 8, 2009

Marketing Marketing 101

Diving Divas: Getting Women into Your Store and into Diving

When I began teaching (a while ago), this was definitely a sport dominated by men. I lived just outside Minneapolis, and the local newspaper ran a half-page article on me, the woman in town making a career of teaching scuba…

Donna AskewApril 26, 2009

Marketing Travel

Eight Beacons Of a Successful Dive Travel Marketing and Sales Program

Guiding Lights for Building Your Travel Business With a Few Shining Examples Operating a retail business can seem like navigating a small boat on the ocean. Some days the seas are flat and the sky is clear; you can accomplish…

Donna AskewMarch 4, 2009

Travel

One Big Party…the Profits and Perils Of Large Group Travel

Mark Smith and the staff of Underwater Adventures in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, definitely have a handle on running large dive trips. I mean really large; with groups ranging from 38 to 120, on a Cozumel trip. The store even managed…

Donna AskewMarch 3, 2009

Marketing Marketing 101 Travel

On a Roll: the Four Spokes Of a Balanced Travel Marketing Program

"I know I waste half the money I spend on advertising," department store pioneer John Wanamaker said. "The problem is, I don't know which half." The same goes true for your dive travel marketing and promotion program. You might do…

Donna AskewMarch 1, 2009

Operations Travel

The Pros and Cons Of Setting Up an In-house Travel Agency in Your Dive Center

You're taking your divers to the Caymans, Bonaire, Cozumel and Palau. You're filling live-aboard dive boats in exotic dive locations around the world. How are you doing it? Do you take care of all the details of booking the trips…

Donna AskewFebruary 28, 2009

Marketing Marketing 101 Seasonal

How to Prosper During the Slow Season

You notice the days are growing shorter. Leaves are collecting on your front yard, and yesterday morning you could see your breath as you walked down the driveway to pick up the morning paper. The kids are back in school,…

Donna AskewFebruary 12, 2009

Dive Travel Business Travel

A Feast Fit for a Diver…how to Arrange Topside Culinary Adventures for Your Dive Travel Customers

Venture outside the underwater world for a moment to see what interests your customers, besides blowing bubbles. You might be amazed at just how fascinated travelers are with the culinary possibilities of their destination. Most everyone has at least heard…

Donna AskewFebruary 3, 2009

Donna Askew