Successful independent travel agents will usually get their bookings from a variety of sources. Things like advertising and online enquiries can both

be profitable ways to generate new bookings.

Placing offline adverts in publications such as newspapers and magazines can be expensive; and so can getting ranked on the first page of Google for

relevant keywords and phrases.

One way independent travel agents can build up their business is through networking.

Keep reading below to discover five useful business networking tips for independent travel agents.

” Tailor your offering to your audience
If you’re going to business network events, the obvious thing to concentrate on would be business travel. However, you’ll need to ask lots of questions

to ascertain whether or not there is a need for independent travel agents’ services within the group.

The worst thing you can do is to go in all guns blazing and make assumptions as to what people might be looking for.
” Sell ‘through the room’ not ‘to the room’
Some people, including independent travel agents, get disheartened at networking events when there’s not an obvious stream of potential clients. It

pays to remember that every person in the room will have a number of their own contacts outside of the networking group.

With this in mind, it pays to persevere, as you never know who your details might be passed on to.
” Don’t spam
Some independent travel agents take the completely wrong approach to business networking. Just because someone gives you their business card

doesn’t mean you have permission to spam them with email and unwanted calls about your latest flight deals.

” Make use of email marketing
If you get to know people and they like you, they’ll usually be happy to be added to your email marketing list. Email marketing is a great way for

independent travel agents to build a client base as well as get repeat bookings.
If you’re thinking of becoming a home based travel agent or are already working as one, email marketing is arguable the most cost-effective way for

you to generate bookings.

” Become a source of referrals
Business networking is all about give and take. If you refer business to other people in your local group, they’ll feel much more obliged to return the

favour.

Independent travel agents who get the most out of networking don’t view it as a way to simply try and win new business. There may well be

opportunities to develop relationships with local hotels, car hire companies and tourist attractions, which could be mutually beneficial.