About Stephanie Chandler - Author and Small Business Expert Expertise I am a professional speaker, business owner, and the author of two books: "FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO INFOPRENEUR: MAKE MONEY WITH BOOKS, EBOOKS AND INFORMATION PRODUCTS" and "THE BUSINESS STARTUP CHECKLIST AND PLANNING GUIDE." I can answer a wide variety of questions including business startup, marketing online or offline, creating information products (books, eBooks, etc.), and everything in between. Visit my website for additional resources for entrepreneurs: http://www.BusinessInfoGuide.com
Experience I am the author of two books:
"FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO INFOPRENEUR: MAKE MONEY WITH BOOKS, EBOOKS AND INFORMATION PRODUCTS"
"THE BUSINESS STARTUP CHECKLIST AND PLANNING GUIDE: SEIZE YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAMS!
I am also the founder of Business Info Guide.com, a directory of free resources for entrepreneurs, and the owner of Book Lovers Bookstore (http://www.BookLoversCafe.com) in Sacramento, CA.
In 2003 I fled an 11-year career in the Silicon Valley to pursue my entrepreneurial goals. I couldn't be happier with my decision!
I have read dozens of business and marketing books and handled every aspect of launching my store and web business. I wrote a 42-page business plan with a pro-forma, negotiated a lease, made property improvements, acquired inventory, developed a marketing strategy and continue to develop new business strategies daily. It is challenging and rewarding to own a business and too many fail from lack of planning and under capitalization.
I am a great proponent of small business and a supporter of people like me who have found the courage to take this very big leap of faith. I love to network with other business-minded people and look forward to hearing from you.
Publications Entrepreneur Magazine, Home Business Magazine, Small Business Opportunities Magazine, Comstocks, Prosper, Business Journals and dozens of others.
Expert: Stephanie Chandler - Author and Small Business Expert - 10/14/2004
Question Hello Stephanie,
Is it possible for one to become a free lance travel agent solo out of their home with a phone/computer...without having to work out of an agency? Agencys I see hiring are usually wanting so many years experience. Is any certification(s) required and can one get enough training from books, CDs, online, etc?
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Mike Eidson
Answer Hi Mike,
I don't see why you couldn't start a travel agency from your home. You would still need to apply for a local business license and insurance. I ran an internet search and found a few sites that may help you. It looks like there are lots of programs that cost very little to help you get set up. I don't have first hand experience with these, so you'll want to make a decision for yourself: http://www.becomeatravelagent.com/ http://www.travelathome.com/ http://www.ptstravel.com/
There are also some books available:
Become a Vacation & Leisure Travel Agent by Anton Anderssen (Paperback )
Home-Based Travel Agent, 4th Edition -- by Kelly Monaghan; Paperback
How to Start a Home Based Travel Agency -- by Tom Ogg, Joanie Ogg;
If it were me, I would want to gain some experience first. Have you talked to other home-based travel agents? You could use the internet to search from some in another part of the country (so they don't view you as competition) and ask them for advice. I own a bookstore and before I opened the store, I wrote to bookstore owners all over the place! About 50% of them actually wrote back and gave me some great advice, so it was worth the effort.
I hope this helps get you started. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. best of luck to you!
