There are many people who begin their careers in the travel industry as a side hustle. They do it in conjunction with another job or other responsibilities. But many of these individuals are beginning to realize that this side hustle can be more than just a part-time gig. Making it a successful full-time business requires some planning and effort on your part, however.
The most important aspect of building a successful travel agency is your commitment to the effort. In addition, there are other guidelines and steps to follow to make your agency viable and legitimate.
Business Licensing
To establish your business as a legal entity, you will need to obtain a business license. Even if your office is in your home and you don’t have customers visiting, you will still likely need a home business permit.
The license can be in the form of an LLC, or an S or C corporation. Sound intimidating? No worries: The Small Business Association (SBA) can help you complete all the paperwork and provide guidance. There are also companies, like Incfile.com, that will handle it for a fee.
Business Name
The name of your agency is your legacy and it will identify your business as long as it is operational unless you change it. It’s important to choose the name wisely. Make sure you check to see if the name you want isn’t already trademarked by another business.
Contact Information
You should establish a business phone number and email address before you print business cards, letterhead, create a website, etc. Use an email with your company’s domain appended instead of a generic “@gmail.com” address. Getting this established upfront can avoid costly modifications down the road. Also, if your earlier customers have the old information, they may not be able to reach you.
Online Presence
Most business is conducted online nowadays, at least at the beginning. Make sure you have a legitimate and professional-looking website. Make sure the website includes all your contact information. Get your company on social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram. Post lots of photos and stories about what you offer.
Business Plan
You’ll need to create a plan that includes a marketing strategy, budget, and other important criteria to establish a framework for success. The plan should be detailed enough to cover all aspects and anomalies that may arise. As your business evolves, the plan may need to be modified to accommodate growth and expansion.
Networking
Travel is a people-oriented business that requires constant networking to grow the business. Join local neighborhood business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. Check with the SBA to find out what networking opportunities are available to you locally. Working with other small businesses is another great solution to get referrals. The more involved you are, the stronger your business presence will be.
When you decide to turn your side hustle into a profitable business, you’ll need to establish a mindset that it’s not a hobby anymore. You can still have fun doing it but your goal is to make money at the same time. Don’t give away your time for free. You’re providing a valuable service and you deserve to get paid for it.
If you take the time to plan and put forth the effort, your business will thrive. You are the one in charge of how much it will grow and prosper. It takes initiative on your part. You cannot just sit back and wait for customers to come to you. You must stay actively involved and committed to making it a success.
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