Advisors gave the thumbs-up to joining a host agency. (Source: Air Canada)
Fact or Fiction is a new TravelPulse feature that asks travel advisors about industry issues, enabling them to advocate for or debunk them. This is the second in series.
For many travel advisors, joining a host agency
is a no-brainer. They recognize the value these companies bring: higher
commissions, networking opportunities, in-depth training programs, cutting-edge
business tools and more.
So, no surprises here. All three advisors gave
the thumbs-up to joining a host agency.
Here’s what they said.
Fact: Becky Lukovic, founder, Bella Travel
Planning
Becky Lukovic (Source: Becky Lukovic)
While it’s not a requirement for an advisor to
be a part of a host agency, the benefits of Being aligned with a reputable host
agency is an essential element of success. Buying power, higher commissions,
preferred partner agreements, agency tools and reporting and support can
enhance your business in myriad ways.
Add camaraderie and educational opportunities to
this mix, and your business can improve exponentially.
Gone are the days when an advisor with a host
agency is seen simply as an independent contractor operating under the agency’s
name and branding. Nowadays, independent advisors operate mini (or not-so-mini)
agencies with their own business plan, focus and consumer marketing efforts. We
are a savvy lot, and are way more than just extensions of our hosts.
A quality host agency is one of the arrows in my
quiver of business tools – one aspect of my success, but a very important one.
I do have dear friends who have left the host
agency model. However, they are agency-minded, looking to start their own
full-blown agency versus operating as a lone ranger out in the travel world.
Can it be done? Of course, but are advisors leaving
opportunity on the table? Perhaps. There are a myriad of business plans out
there, and my opinion is that being aligned with a quality host agency is
essential to most travel advisors out there.
Fact: Mark Hennigan, senior travel advisor,
Dreamers Travel
Mark Hennigan (Source: Mark Hennigan)
New advisors just starting out may want to join
a host agency to build relationships earlier rather than later.
I started my agency 19 years ago with no help,
no support, no guidance. That said, at a minimum, get some help and/or guidance
so you don’t flounder as I did. A host agency may be a great place to start.
I think the difference between needing a host
agency versus not needing one is that it can fast-track you to success more
quickly; a host agency will start you out at top-tier commission levels, which
is more than you would receive starting out on your own.
The training and support are invaluable. If I
had to start my business all over again, I would certainly join a host agency
versus starting out as a one-man show. Today, with so much to learn in this
industry and changes happening so fast, a host agency is needed.
Fact. Ralph
Iantosca, founder, The Expeditionist
Ralph Iantosca. (Source: Ralph Iantosca)
In today’s climate, I honestly don’t know how an
advisor finds the hours to run the back office, handle endless administrative
responsibilities, build a clientele, sell and still deliver unforgettable
journeys. Something has to give, and too often it’s the client experience or
the advisor’s sanity.
Going it alone sounds glamorous, but it’s not
brave. It’s exhausting. The smartest advisors I know aren’t doing everything
themselves. They’ve surrounded themselves with the right support, so they can
focus on what they do best.
Still flying solo? Do the math. What is it
really costing you? Then go find your host agency. Your clients – and your
calendar – will thank you.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
