Lisa Ann Schreier, “The Timeshare Crusader” is the founder and director of the consumer education/consulting company Timeshare Insights.
A former timeshare salesperson herself, she is now dedicated to providing both timeshare owners and prospective owners alike the information that they need to make wise choices.
Timeshare Insights does not sell, rent, buy, broker, list or represent any timeshare or any timeshare company. Rather, Lisa focuses on educating and consulting with consumers in an attempt to shed some light on an often mystifying product.
She is the author of two best-selling books, “Surviving A Timeshare Presentation…Confessions From The Sales Table” and “Timeshare Vacations For Dummies” in addition to co-authoring the college-level textbook “Timeshare Management-The Key Issues For Hospitality Managers.”
Lisa, a Chicago native has lived in the Central Florida area for 13 years and is a frequent contributor to major media as well as a sought-after speaker.
What are you working on right now?
In addition to speaking with consumer groups and continuing to be a catalyst for positive change within the timeshare industry, I am working on a new book for consumers which takes into account all the changes that the timeshare industry has undergone in the past few years as well as providing consumers with the information that they need to know.
I’m also working on developing a radio call in show and a television program dealing with timeshare.
3 Trends that excite you?
Gaining a better understanding of the social media tools available is something that I am concentrating on. Having something of substance out there is a far better alternative to just “having” something out there.
I’ve always been focused on the need for a better educated consumer and fortunately, consumers are being forced to become better educated in order to save what money they have. Moving forward, this will continue to be important.
Thirdly, I see the need for more vacations! The truth of the matter is that the more stress, financial or otherwise, that people on under, the more they need a vacation. It’s about making wise vacation choices that will lead to happier consumers.
How do you bring ideas to life?
As a writer and blogger, I often suffer from writer’s block. When that strikes I do two things: a) read and b) go for a walk. Sounds cliche, but it works!
Also, managing a blog, a website, a Twitter account (@timeshareauthor), a company Facebook page, working on the book, preparing for personal appearances, doing media interviews etc.; I can not over-emphasize the importance of scheduling and prioritizing.
I’ve also had to become adept at figuring out who and/or what deserves my time and energies, and who and/or what will ultimately become and drain and suck the life-blood out of me. It’s about being focused on the end result for me…once I keep that in mind, I can make almost immediate decisions which will keep me focused on the end goal.
What is one mistake that you’ve made that our readers can learn from?
My biggest professional mistake is that I entered the field wanting to be “the young rebel” and really shake things up.
This was not wise for three important reasons:
a) I’m not that young after all!
b) sometimes rebellions are looked at with great negativity
c) there is a fine line between being a “rebel” and doing something different in order to being a catalyst for positive change
In other words, “play well with others” 🙂
What is one book and one tool that helps you bring ideas to life?
One book?!?! I absolutely loved “What Would Google Do” and highly recommend it to anyone in any business. I refer to that book a great deal.
Tools…with all the newer tools that are available and that I use I still rely on the trusted pen and legal pad. There is something very concrete about writing (as opposed to typing) something down and referring to it.
What is one idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A veritable gold mine exists out there to the person or company who can allow consumers to purchase timeshare as opposed to selling it to them. Make timeshares a sought-after product and you will win!
Why did you stop selling timeshare and choose to educate people about timeshare?
I grew increasingly unhappy with the entire method of “bribing” consumers to come in to listen to a two-three hour sales pitch and on a good day/week/month/year, being happy with a net 7% closing ratio. Coming from a marketing and advertising background, those aren’t good numbers.
Plus, my own personal purchasing style would have prevented me from ever making a $15,000 purchase on the spot without doing some homework.
When I found out that there was no place to do this homework, as the timeshare industry puts a clamp down and doesn’t allow consumers time to think about the purchase, I decided to strike out on my own and provide the information that consumers like myself could turn to without being subjected to any sales pitch.
What are your passions and interests?
I love to read, to learn and to travel. I am a huge music fan (my favorites include: The Who, The Beatles, Roxy Music, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Pete Townshend) and have been known to make trips just to see concerts.
Connect:
Website:
e-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @timeshareauthor
Facebook: Timeshare Insights
Blog Included in the website and:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.