How to Network With Others in Your Travel Niche

Making connections is important when you run your own business. Networking has tons of benefits – it’s a chance to create partnerships, learn from others, discover new ideas and so much more.

But making it happen is easier said than done. You have to know where to find people to network with and then you have to know what to say to them to foster relationships and make those connections last.

So, to help you improve your networking efforts, we’re bringing you 3 of our favorite tips to get you started.

Tip #1: Attend Conferences

One of the best ways to network with people in your niche is to speak at conferences, conventions or seminars. It’s a great way to increase your visibility as a travel agency owner. If you’re successful, you’ll be viewed as an expert and can position yourself as a leader in your field. You might even gain some clients from these events!

Additionally, speaking publicly will give you new ideas that you may not have come up with on your own. The more connections and relationships you create, the more material (and advice) will become available to help you run a better business.

Tip #2: Create a Facebook Group

Create a Facebook group (or other social media group). This can take time to get going, but once it does, you’ll be able to connect with your followers in a much more personal way. Facebook groups allow you to post updates, share photos and answer questions from the people who matter most – your target audience.

While this can be a great place to connect with people who might buy from you, it’s also an ideal place to connect with others who share your passion and work in the industry. You can also look for travel groups to join and jump in the conversation!

Tip #3: Introduce Yourself

The easiest way to get to know people is to simply introduce yourself. When the opportunity arises, whether it’s at a conference, online or on a trip, make an effort to connect.

When you do connect, keep the conversation about the other person, not you. People connect easily with those who are curious about them. Take the time to learn about the other person’s business and what drives them. Ask questions about how they operate and how they get customers, but don't be afraid to ask personal questions such as “What’s your story? How did you get into this niche?” If you show genuine interest, people will be happy to tell you their stories, which helps you connect on a deeper level.

Networking is an important part of growing your business and it doesn’t have to be as intimidating as you might think. Attend conferences to find people in your niche, create and join Facebook groups around shared interests and introduce yourself to people when the opportunity arises.

Want to learn more about building a successful travel business? Get started right here!