The Business Lesson I Learned from Switching to Hulu + Live TV

After more than 30 years in the travel industry, I’ve learned one thing for certain: change is inevitable.

I’ve watched our industry transform from paper airline tickets and thick travel document folders to mobile boarding passes and digital itineraries. I remember when Cancun had just a handful of hotels. I remember flying double-daily DC-10 charters to Las Vegas from multiple gateways.  

Back then, no one could have imagined the travel landscape we have today.

But how do we feel about change? Many of us say we embrace change—until it happens to us. If we’re being honest with ourselves, most of the time we prefer what’s familiar. We convince ourselves that “good enough” is, well, good enough.

Sometimes comfort, however, quietly becomes the biggest obstacle to growth.

My Cable TV Wake-Up Call

For two years—yes, two years—I had the same item sitting on my personal to-do list: Cancel cable. Switch to Hulu + Live TV.

Sounds simple, right? Not to me.

I’d have to return the cable boxes. Figure out a new system. Teach myself how everything works. Despite my kids constantly reminding me that I was hanging onto cable like it was a landline telephone, I made every excuse.

Every time I looked at that task, I’d think, I’ll deal with it next month.

Why? Because I was comfortable. Or, more accurately, because I was comfortable being uncomfortable.

Finally, I made myself do it. Within a week, I found myself asking one question: Why didn’t I do this two years ago?

Now, we can watch TV anywhere in the house without cable boxes. The interface is better. We have more choices. It’s easier to use. Switching actually improved our everyday experience.

The hardest part wasn’t learning something new. The hardest part was deciding to change.

The Business Changes We Keep Delaying

I think we all have our own version of switching to Hulu.

For you, maybe it’s learning about a new destination. Maybe it’s embracing a new technology platform (dare I say an AI platform). Maybe it’s connecting with a new BDM, or taking a fresh look at partners who can help your business grow.

None of those things are easy. But neither is standing still while the world keeps moving forward.

Growth Starts with One Switch

Recently, I’ve been inspired watching so many travel advisors choose growth over familiarity.

We’re seeing Disney Destinations specialists expand into all-inclusive vacations.

Cruise experts are maximizing the revenue opportunities that come from pre- and post-cruise stays, finding new ways to book those experiences with ALG Vacations^®.

Group specialists are embracing our custom event pages, putting a stop to the chaos of manual booking transactions, and giving themselves time back to build relationships with clients.

No one has enough time these days. Advisors need better technology. Enhanced marketing support. Stronger educational tools. Simply put, they need more efficient ways to grow their business.

None of these travel advisors were failing. They simply realized they weren’t finished growing.

That’s a big difference.

Leading Change Instead of Reacting to It

Throughout my career, our industry has faced economic shifts, hurricanes, pandemics, airline disruptions, changing consumer expectations, and countless other challenges.

The advisors who consistently succeed aren’t necessarily the ones who avoid change. They’re the ones who learn to lead through it.

They ask questions. They stay curious. They invest in themselves.

They make decisions based on where they want their business to be, not where it is today.

How ALG Vacations Supports Advisor Growth

At ALGV, our mission is simple. We want to be your best business partner.

That means providing education that helps you sell with confidence. It’s why we have dedicated trainers who help you every step of the way, even for groups.

It means giving you tools that help you earn more.

It means creating programs that save you time, strengthen your client relationships, and help protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

Because at the end of the day, your success is our success.

We’re proud that so many advisors have chosen us as their partner, and we love establishing relationships with those who are new and growing with us—not because they had to, but because they wanted a partner equally invested in helping them evolve.

What’s Your Version of Hulu?

I’ll leave you with this one question: What’s the one change you’ve been putting off because it feels like too much work? Think about the opportunity you’ve convinced yourself can wait until “someday.”

If your business is exactly where you want it to be, congratulations. Truly. I admire that, and I wish you continued success.

But if there’s even a small part of you wondering if there’s another level you could reach, maybe this is your sign.

Thirty years in this industry has taught me that almost every meaningful step forward starts with a decision that feels uncomfortable.

For me, it was finally cutting the cable cord.

Whatever it is for you, know this: You don’t have to navigate it alone. All of us at ALGV are committed to helping travel advisors grow, adapt, and build even stronger businesses for the future.

And if you happen to make a change you’ve been putting off for two years, I promise not to judge.

If you would like to explore how ALG Vacations can support your business, please reach out to your ALGV BDM to get started.