When it comes to building a customer base as a travel agent you should consider tapping all of these resources:

• Church groups
• Sports or hobby groups
• Volunteer associations
• Trade associations
• Community events
• School events or classes
• Parent Teachers Association (PTA)
• Waiting rooms
• Airport waiting areas
• Health clubs
• Civic clubs and organizations
• Scout troops
• Little League teams
• Theater groups
• Youth choirs and bands
• Fraternal organizations
• Professional and trade organizations
• Lines at stores, airports, movies, restaurants
• High school athletic team boosters

The easiest way to start building your customer base is to talk to the people you are closest to: friends, neighbors, family members, business associates, people who are members of the clubs and other groups you belong to, and anyone else you come into contact with on a regular basis.

Marketing to your friends, family and business associates can accomplish a variety of goals. First, most people are likely to buy a product or service from someone they know and trust. Second, people you know are more likely to tell others about the products and services you offer, thereby increasing your prospect base.

An excellent way to find prospective clients is to make a list of everyone you know. Your list should include family as well as their friends, acquaintances and colleagues. Consult family address books, the people you send holiday cards to, the people you know through religious organizations and the PTA or business associations to which you belong. Consider also the people you do business with, as well as any customers you may already have from your career. It’s a good idea to decide in advance how to make your friends and family aware of your new business. Consider the best way to approach them. You may want to send a handwritten note along with your business card letting them know that you are now in the travel business. You can also mention it to them at the next cocktail party or club function you attend. Choose the method you feel most comfortable with to produce results. Encourage them to call you the next time they are traveling or need to arrange any travel.

The most important thing to remember is that you must keep in touch with potential clients after making them aware of your services. When you hear about a special cruise deal, send a note to your clients who enjoy cruising. Before long you’ll find that clients are coming to you with ideas of their own and a desire to book travel with you.

Labels: global travel international, travel agent, travel marketing