by The CCRA BlogLast updated:: 4:30 PM ET, Thu September 15, 2016 Supplier networks are, according to CCRA, "One of the most crucial pieces (if not the most crucial), of running a successful travel agency." This roster consists of professionals "you trust and rely on to satisfy your client's travel needs."
So how do budding and veteran travel agents go about finding and creating lasting relationships with suppliers?
CCRA's own Margie Jordan, vice president of membership services (as well as president and CEO of Jordan Executive Travel Services) laid out the three steps:
Step 1: Understand Your Business
What are you selling? Jordan puts forth some questions to ask yourself: "Are you a niche agency? Do you specialize in a certain type of travel experience or destination?"
Knowing your identity as an agency helps to pinpoint the ideal types of suppliers.
[READMORE] READ MORE: 5 Ways to Network IRL and Give Your Travel Agency a Boost [/READMORE]
Step 2: Network, Network, Network
Getting out there and meeting people is the best way to accumulate contacts. Attending trade shows, chapter meetings, conferences, FAMs or exploring on your own are just some networking examples.
Once you have a contact, get to know them and find out exactly what they are offering and how it can mesh with your business. Hold off on commission discussions at first.
Step 3: Your Due Diligence
Try out the new supplier with a few clients to see how it goes. Working with them will determine whether or not they become a preferred supplier.
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