Aloha Untraveled Agent,
It is all about customer service and being a good, honest and always having a friendly conversation. This is what impresses folks to always to remember you.
My last position prior to retirement was an International Sales Representative for USAirways now American Airlines after 40 years in this industry. I have had up and close contact with passengers
as a flight attendant, ticket and gate agent, baggage service, ramp/field service operations and lastly
air freight rep.
What I am saying to you is be yourself. The USA has alot going for itself which includes Alaska and Hawaii!! These are very exotic places. Now you being a "travel agent" All airlines including International
Airlines offer and sometimes FREE TRAVEL including hotels, tours etc. to all the far distant travels...i.e. Europe, Middle East, Far East etc... They want you sell their places and  as well their Airlines( Japan Airlines, Air France, Singapore Airlines etc.. You pay nothing for free travel with  positive  space on board. Some times if you are lucky you get upgraded to FIRST CLASS!!
This is all true as I have personal friends who owned their own Travel Agencies.
There you have it in the raw from one who lived this industry from every aspect.
Mahalo nui loa, Christopher