Become a Travel Agent

Home Based Travel Agents
Professionals Need Professionals

You may have already started your home based travel business and perhaps you have been operating it for some time. We just never know however when we might need to seek the services of another professional or an outside specialist to keep our business on track.  As I travel across the country and speak with our members and other home based agents I am always thrilled to hear them speak of themselves as travel professionals. In the olden days of being a travel agent (yes, I do go way back) we often thought of ourselves as agents and other such job descriptions that we somehow were labeled with. After the first round of airline commission cuts many agents suddenly found their true value was not in servicing but instead on consulting as a professional would. Recognition of the value of a travel professionals expertise and knowledge freed the community from the label of agent and brought consultant and professional to the forefront. That was and is truly a beautiful thing. When I ask an audience of travel professionals if they charge for their services I generally get a large response in favor of doing so. So again, it simply emphasizes the value you offer to the consumer buying a travel experience from you, the professional.

Professional Types
That being said we should not hesitate to seek out professionals in other fields when we need the services of an experienced and knowledgeable person to assist us with an aspect of our business. We may need services of a business plan consultant, an attorney, accountant, or maybe a computer consultant. We may even seek advice from a public relations expert to help market our business or perhaps even a marketing specialist. Remember, you are good at what you do and perhaps they can help you be even better by sharing ways you can save time and maybe even money.

Working Together
It is really important that you make the right choice when choosing a business consultant of any type. That is always a challenge but there are ways to help you narrow down the choices. Remember you are likely going to share confidential information if you are dealing with an attorney. Try to interview the potential consultants to ascertain a level of comfort and a level of commitment to your business from their side.

Try to find someone who really understands the aspects of running a small business and preferable a home based business. This will eliminate a great deal of time spent (especially if you are being charged by the hour) as you will not need to educate them on the business basics.  Try to find specialists in the field you need to hire that understand your business type which is travel. This can sometimes be a challenge but it is worth researching and asking for referrals form other’s in your field. Again this can save a great deal of time spent on educating the consultant.

At NACTA, we often make recommendations for members on attorneys that specialize in travel law. Remember that your membership in a trade association can help in so many ways. Try to ask for references. Think about checking with your local chamber of commerce and perhaps you will be able to even get some business from the professional you choose!

Do Your Homework
Before you begin your search try to have a clear understanding of what your needs are as well as what you can afford to budget to meet your needs. Get a clear picture of the exact service you are buying. If you are looking for an accountant, will it be part of his or her services to plan your tax strategy? Understand what the working relationship will be, and more importantly, what fees will be charged. Have a written agreement that details the deliverables, timetable and payment schedule. If there are provisions that you are not clear about, don't hesitate to ask and seek clarification.

Making it Count
Once you have selected the professional that you think is right for you, make it a priority to cultivate a trusting, businesslike relationship. Put yourself in the shoes of the professional and always keep in mind how you do your business as a professional.  The professional that you hired is now a key member of your management team no matter how big or small. Be honest with whom you have chosen so that they can assist you in both the good and the bad times. Don’t hide the facts from the professional you have chosen. You can only expect your money's worth if the expert can give you proper advice, and this cannot be done if you give out partial or incorrect information. Work together as a team to cultivate a strong and mutually beneficial relationship that will grow not only your business but theirs as well.