Networking with other travel advisors can help you build connections, learn the travel industry faster, discover new resources, and create a community around your business. If you’re brand-new, start with the places you’re already connected to, such as your host agency, training community, supplier events, and travel industry groups. A few good conversations can go a long way when you’re finding your footing in this business.

Now, I know some of you hear the word “networking” and you’re already excited to work the room. Others would happily schedule a root canal instead. I get it. I’m a people person, and traditional networking has never been my favorite thing either!

You can find a style that feels comfortable for you. Give yourself permission to test a few things and see where you click with people.

Rather watch than read? Check out the video below!

Why Networking With Other Travel Advisors Matters

Running a travel business can get a little lonely, especially when you’re working from home. Your friends may love hearing about your latest trip to Italy, but they probably don’t want to discuss commission tracking, supplier portals, or a client itinerary at 9 p.m.

Other travel advisors get it.

They understand what happens behind the scenes of a travel business. As you build relationships, you may find advisors who share supplier experiences, tell you about industry events, send a referral your way, or simply understand what you’re working through that week.

Community also gives you a chance to see how many different kinds of travel businesses exist. That can be incredibly helpful when you’re still figuring out what you want yours to look like.

Start With Your Host Agency Community

If you work with a host agency, take a look at the community they already have available. Depending on the host, you may have access to private groups, online discussions, conferences, meetups, training events, or other ways to connect with fellow advisors.

Introduce yourself. Share what you specialize in or what you’re interested in learning. If another advisor posts something helpful, join the conversation.

Over time, you’ll start recognizing names and finding people whose businesses have something in common with yours.

Read more: Behind the Host: What Every Advisor Should Know Before They Sign

Attend Travel Industry Events

Conferences, trade shows, familiarization trips, ship inspections, supplier trainings, and tourism events can put you in the room with people who understand this business.

If walking into a big conference alone makes your stomach flip, give yourself a small assignment. Meet a few advisors. Ask what they specialize in. Find out what session they’re excited about attending. Travel gives you about a million conversation starters, so use them!

You might ask, “What kind of travel do you sell?” or “Have you worked with this supplier before?”

Easy. No fancy networking pitch required.

Read More: What Is a FAM Trip?

Join Travel Advisor Groups and Communities

You can also network without leaving your desk. There are travel advisor communities on social platforms, through professional organizations, inside host agencies, and within education programs.

Spend a little time observing the group before jumping in. You’ll quickly get a feel for its culture and the kinds of conversations happening there. When you participate, bring something useful to the conversation. Ask thoughtful questions. Celebrate someone’s win. Share an experience when you have information that could help.

Professional organizations such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) also offer industry events and opportunities to connect with the wider travel advisor community.

Build Relationships With Advisors in Other Niches

Some of my favorite industry connections are people who know things I don’t. That’s valuable in travel because our industry is huge.

Maybe you specialize in Disney vacations and meet an advisor who lives and breathes African safaris. A luxury cruise specialist might connect with someone whose sweet spot is destination weddings.

Those relationships can become useful when an inquiry falls outside your specialty. You may eventually develop trusted people you feel comfortable referring clients to, and they may think of you when someone needs your expertise.

Read More: Profitable Niches: How to Identify and Dominate Your Ideal Travel Market

Stay Connected After You Meet

You meet a fantastic advisor at a conference, exchange information, fly home, unpack your suitcase and…six months disappear.

We’ve all been there.

Send a quick message after the event. Connect on the professional platform you both use. If you talked about something specific, mention it. You could say, “It was so nice meeting you at the cruise event. I loved our conversation about group travel. I’d love to stay connected.”

Then let the relationship develop naturally. Some connections will become close industry friendships. Others may stay friendly professional contacts. Both have value.

Read More: Myths and Misconceptions: The Worst Advice Travel Advisors Hear (and What to Do Instead)

Find Your Travel Advisor Community

One of the things I love about this industry is how much we can learn from each other. You do not have to figure out every supplier, destination, business question, and client situation in a little bubble by yourself.

That community piece is also important inside Careers on Vacation®. You’re learning alongside other travel professionals who are building businesses, working through challenges, celebrating wins, and growing their skills. Having people around you who understand the journey can make a big difference, especially in those early stages.

Start with our FREE Masterclass!: P2L Masterclass Signup

So pick one place to start. Join a travel advisor community, introduce yourself inside your host group, or sign up for an industry event. Say hello to somebody new and ask them about their business. You already have travel in common, so you’ve got plenty to talk about!

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