Starting a business often feels overwhelming. Where do you start, how do you stand out, and how do you keep going when things get busy? Vanessa Palumbo proves it does not take a perfect resume to build a thriving business.
After years as a nanny and stay at home mom, Vanessa saw a unique opportunity during COVID. Travel was on pause, but she knew demand would explode once restrictions lifted. Instead of waiting, she trained, found a mentor, and prepared herself to launch when the timing was right.
Today, she runs her own Dream Vacations franchise under Vacations by Vanessa. Her business is built on service, relationships, and trust, not flashy ads.
Here is what business owners can learn from her journey:
1. Spot the Opportunity Others Miss
Vanessa leaned into what most people saw as a dead industry at the time.
“I saw there was a need that was going to come up… everybody was going to come out and need travel.”
By training during COVID, she positioned herself ahead of the wave.
2. Service Beats Marketing in Crowded Markets
In an industry flooded with agents, she focused on what most overlook:
- Answering client calls before, during, and after trips
- Offering concierge style support, not just booking reservations
- Building repeat business instead of chasing cold leads
“At the end of the day, you are selling yourself, not just the products.”
3. Busting Misconceptions About Travel Agents
A big barrier to her industry is that people think travel agents add fees.
“I don’t charge a fee. If you book directly, the supplier keeps it. If you book through me, it comes to me, and sometimes I can even save you money.”
This is a reminder for entrepreneurs: educate your clients. If they don’t understand how you work, they won’t buy.
4. Systems Keep Entrepreneurs Sane
Like many solo business owners, Vanessa juggles marketing, client calls, bookings, and follow up. Her solution is simple but powerful:
- Each night, write the three most important tasks for tomorrow
- Work in 90 minute focus blocks, then take a short break
- Use tools like Motion to keep tasks from slipping through the cracks
“If I complete my top three, I move on. If not, they shift to the next day.”
5. Growth Comes Through Discomfort
Vanessa admits she is naturally introverted but she forces herself to step into new rooms and conversations.
“You can’t grow unless you get uncomfortable.”
She joined BNI, attended national trainings, and walked into events knowing no one. The result was partnerships, friendships, and referrals that keep fueling her growth.
6. Honesty Builds Trust
Instead of promising the world, Vanessa is upfront with clients about budgets and limitations.
“I’d rather disappoint you now than later.”
This is true for any business. Being direct today prevents bigger problems tomorrow.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
Vanessa’s story is not about travel, it is about how to build trust and stay organized in any crowded industry.
Her journey shows that success often comes from:
- Seeing opportunity where others see problems
- Delivering service so good clients come back
- Using simple systems to stay focused
- Building relationships even when it is uncomfortable
- Setting clear expectations instead of overpromising
📞 Connect with Vanessa Palumbo
Phone (call or text): 716 504 0035 ext. 1