If you’re reading this, you probably want to become a better guide (and earn more tips) because that’s what the title says. I know I know, riveting information, but stay with me. Even if you’re just curious, there are a few things I’ve learned over the years that have helped me become a better guide, feel more connected with my work, and stay engaged with an industry I love. Here’s a brief look at some of the tips within:
- Watch Internet Reviews like a Hawk
- Learn and Learn Some More
- Never Lie
- Find Your Voice
- Add Value
- Pursue Relevant Certs
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Whether you’re a guide wanting to be better or a visitor just wanting to get a glimpse into #GuideLife, there’s something here for everyone. Read the whole thing or just scroll to the ones you’re interested in, but you can become a better guide in just 7 easy steps.
1. How to be a Better Guide: Watch Internet Reviews like a Hawk
Internet reviews are not just for other tourists. Reading and learning from internet reviews is like having your own personal improvement coach for free. Pay attention to patterns: what do people consistently write good things about? What do they consistently write less-than-good things about? Take it all with a constructive view – reviews are your audience telling you how to improve.
(Click here to learn more about How to Understand TripAdvisor Reviews)
2. Learn and Learn Some More
As with any industry, if you want to be better, you need to stay on top of trends. Guide life is no different. If you want to become a better tour guide (and earn more tips) you need to be a continual learner. Stay up to date with new information relevant to your tours, read books and articles relating to things you may discuss on tour, and find new jokes and fun facts to sprinkle in.
Not only does this help you better engage with your guests, it keeps you engaged as well. GuideLife can get exhausting, and burnout is a common thing. Keep yourself engaged by adding new information to your tour that keeps people coming back every single year.
3. Never Lie or Make Things Up
This is one of my biggest pet peeves from other tour guides. The last thing you want is somebody to roll their eyes thinking their tour is bullshit. Don’t lie or willingly make things up. Be transparent. Tell your guests if you don’t know, but be willing to find an answer at a later time.
4. Find Your Voice and Hone it
Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses, so find your voice by owning your strengths. What are you good at? What do you like and know a lot of? Improve on your weaknesses and hone your strengths. And never lie.
(BONUS: Hear tips straight from other guides by reading The Spotlight)
5. Add Value and Show Why Your Tour is Worth it
One of the biggest deterrents to booking tours is the belief that people could just go do it themselves. Add value to your tour to ensure your guests are satisfied by pointing out subtle things, little details, and go above and beyond what “doing it yourself” could possibly do.
One of my favorite ways to add value is to point out the subtle parts of a tour, the parts that really bring it to life. Tourists don’t need a guide to see easy stuff; they need a guide to help them find the challenging stuff and to weave a whole story through the experience.
6. Pursue Relevant Certifications
Most industries have certifications and continuing education programs. A few to check out (industry dependent) are:
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness EMT, or Wilderness First Aid (WFA). I suggest the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education.
- Become a Mountain Guide (AMGA) and guide all over the world.
- Learn from the American Canoe Association (ACA)
- Go to Raft Guide Training
- Check out the National Outdoor Leadership School
- Most states have their own Master Naturalist programs.
Certifications give you the tools to feel more confident in your abilities and lend a little credibility, too.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
You’ve put a lot of effort, passion, and energy into being the best guide you can, helping guests create memories for a lifetime. Do not be afraid to ask for the tip money you deserve! (Note: this is highly dependent on industry, type of tour, company policy, and country.)
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for improving as a guide, but the number one thing to do is try. Be cognizant of how you give your tours and to whom and continue to play to your strengths.
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Do you know a guide who deserves a story? Whether they raft, dive, hike, bike, boat, float, walk or talk – if they lead guided tours – I want to hear their stories about #GuideLife. Send me an email to thelivelost@gmail.com.
