You will naturally announce your new business to your co-workers, employees and colleagues.   If you are in a professional service business, such as accounting or real estate sales, you have several advantages. You have established customer relationships, people look to you for advice, and you have practiced serving your clients.   Your new Travel Agent status allows you to offer yet another professional service for their benefit.

Even if you are not currently in business, you do business with a great many people.   Your hair stylist, dry cleaner, grocer, appliance salesperson and other businesses you patronize, value your loyalty and support over the years.   When they learn that you have a valuable service to offer, they’ll want to return the favor, especially since, as a Travel Agent, your services are usually free to them.   Successful salespeople will tell you that you should expect this reciprocation, and reconsider your patronage if it is not forthcoming.   With a particularly prominent individual, you may want to offer a finder's fee, a share of your commissions, or some other compensation in return for referrals, business cards or display space they can offer you at their place of business.

Consider Social Organizations

The best salespeople are visible in their communities.   Many accomplish this by being habitual joiners. They join religious groups, civic organizations, professional associations, trade groups, country clubs, golf clubs, beach clubs, charities, political committees, etc.   Why? First, because successful salespeople usually have a genuine interest in people.   Second, because people usually prefer to buy or take advice from someone they know.   These organizations provide ready networks of customers and referrals and you should join as many as interest you.   Keep in mind the first reason, though, and be prepared to give as well as take.

If you are not a joiner, find customers who are.   The best customers become marketing representatives for you! Seek out club officers and other influential people and put their networks to work for your business. Do they have access to membership lists?   Can you use their name or the group's name? Can they authorize a lobby or bulletin board display?   If the organization is made up of people who travel often, this kind of endorsement can mean significant income for you and may be worth some kind of inducement, such as a share of your commissions, or complimentary accommodations on the next group trip (see "Advanced Selling Techniques").

Host Travel Talks

Hold a get-together in your home, or at friends' and clients' houses, to explain your services. Your presentation can be simple and understated with a brief introduction of your services and then informal conversation.   Or you can be more promotional, with a showing of a dramatic travel video featuring a destination, cruise line, hotel or other Travel Partner you think will be attractive to your group. Your favorite cruise line, tour company, resort or other Travel Partner may provide brochures and sometimes even promotional gifts that fit your theme. 

Once you have developed more knowledge (and more customers), we may arrange for a sales representative or one of InteleTravel.com's Preferred Travel Partners to attend your event as a guest speaker.   Again, an influential person with an impressive house and a valuable party list may warrant a special gift or incentive to host your presentation.   Door prizes, or even a special travel purchase incentive for all of the guests, are a good way to ensure a turnout.   A coupon for discounts off their next trip booked through you is a good way to ensure future business!