Small Fish…Big Splash
by Anita Pagliasso-Balamane
Author of "How I Made A Small Fortune as a Home-Based Travel Agent"
(www.redticketproductions.com)
President, Ticket To Travel (www.aticket2travel.com)
OSSN Western Regional Manager
Email: sanjoseca@ossn.com
Phone: 408-531-9228

Although I do not go out after the normal day-to-day corporate travel, I have expanded my travel business into the lucrative incentive and group meeting planning segment. To do this, I had to find ways to work my way into this market even though I knew that I would be competing with the large established agencies.

SWIM WITH THE BIG FISH

In an effort to expand my home-based agency into this market, I researched and then joined numerous business associations, networking groups and service organizations. However, it takes a lot more work than paying the membership dues and hanging a plaque on the wall. You must participate and get involved on an ongoing basis. This proved to be the right move because, I am proud to call some of the most powerful people in the area my clients, including the Mayor, President of the Chamber of Commerce, the City Manager, County Assessor as well as numerous Presidents and Vice Presidents of major corporations. You can find many opportunities to socialize with people of influence not only by joining these types of organizations but by volunteering at special community events.

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