Finding new business requires that you stick to a plan of promoting your business. Read through our recommendations about community involvement and generating sales, and then implement your own monthly plan.  Remember to always be consistent!  

 

Goal
Your marketing goal is to create awareness of your travel services, expand your base of contacts, and locate new and viable prospects.

 

Strategy 
People like to do business with people they know. Participate with others in your community through group programs, civic organizations, school committees and neighborhood activities.  You’ll get to know people in your area and they will become familiar with you as a friend and travel agent.

 

Plan of ACTION
Get to know your community inside and out.  Lay a foundation for meeting people by getting to know the different neighborhoods, business districts, public facilities, schools and cultural centers in your area.  

Examples: A new upscale housing development tells you people moving in probably have some discretionary income for traveling.  Business travelers are concentrated in high-rise office buildings and they also pick up dry cleaning regularly.  Identify places to influence people who have the time and resources to travel.

Put this type of knowledge to work for you in developing leads or distributing marketing materials.  Welcome neighbors moving into new developments with a call about your travel services.  They’ll appreciate the friendly gesture and recognize you as a caring independent travel agent.

Get to know the managers and commercial owners in areas around condominium buildings, shopping centers and offices where people live and work.  Determine where you might be able to drop off flyers that will reach people and identify pockets of potential. An upscale health club might be a good place to leave colorful brochures describing a weekend ski package.   

 

Follow Up is the Key
It takes time, energy, and financial commitment to really get involved in your community.  You will see results once people get to know you as an independent travel agent.  Community recognition brings you new clients, more booking and increased commissions. 

Make sure you always carry your business cards.  Hand them out like peanuts. Let people know that you will be happy to discuss their travel plans at their convenience, or offer to call them.  Tell people the best times to reach you. Express interest in their ideas about travel.