What can I say about the past 6 months? I prepared myself for the ups and downs, but I can honestly say, without doubt, it was just up after up after up.
My life philosophy is so simple “things will come to you at the right time, in the right way and with the right people”. I consciously didn’t want to make a big deal about launching Frankie Boatours, instead I wanted to see what I could achieve “piano piano”. For those that don’t speak Italian that means “bit by bit or slowly slowly”, and for us Southern Italians, it’s a phrase we live by. So rather making a big splash, I wanted to spend this 2018 Season taking a small number of bookings whilst I found my feet. And so I decided that I wouldn’t spend any money on advertising or the commitment of a sales desk, and instead use word of mouth. I wasn’t driven by strategy, profit or a strong social media following. I didn’t chase the dream, but rather followed my bliss, my passion, my joy. That for me is all about the sea, the landscape, the nature, the food, the environment, but most importantly the people. And so it made sense to me to rather than to push my business on to people, I would be more comfortable having people spend their time with me that have been recommended by people that I already have a rapport with. Why? Because I believe that the Amalfi Coast is a land of wonder and sharing this magical and mythical place and I want to connect with people who actively seek out the hidden true beauty of our shores and want to experience the surroundings from a local perspective. Plus I thought if their friends liked me and I liked their friends, the chances are we’re going to get along too – which makes my job so much more easier when you serve people that you genuinely have a synergy with. Both Victoria and I are huge on energy and when those around us are having a great time, it’s impossible for us not to either.
And so armed with little more than a business card (courtesy of my brother in law), a half finished website and email address, I invested a tidy sum into the best boat I could afford and set sail for a course unknown, with only faith in the universe and support from my friends and family to guide me. Victoria decided that she also wanted to spend more time on her own business and so whilst building her dreams, she helped me manage all the areas that are not my fortê. And so we truly worked as a team and I’m proud of what Frankie Boatours has manifested in to.
I put my heart and soul into every customer, every tour, every taxi and before I knew it I was getting recommendations from all over the world. I’m blessed that I have a brother from another mother based in New York, Philip Siciliano (www.philipsicilianophotography.com) who advised his newly wed clients to get in contact with me whilst visiting Positano on their honeymoon. They were telling their friends, who were telling their friends and so it went on and on. It is such a wonderful feeling to welcome people on board that are friends of friends and I can honestly say that it is such a pleasure to host people that have someone in common with. I told Victoria that I wanted my customers to arrive as clients but leave as friends and she assured me all I had to do was to be myself and treat the boat as if it was my house and home. This seemed to work and on many occasions we had dinner (and a few after hours “aperativi:) with a few of our new found friends. I always thought the World was a small place and the summer reaffirmed that for me as I connected with so many amazing people from all over the globe including the United States, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Brazil, Jamaica, France, India, Argentina, Japan… the list seems endless.
So what will next Season bring? I don’t know. And for me, that’s what I find so exciting about this life. It is an adventure and the thought of meeting more people, making more friends and having more fun, makes me feel so very grateful.