It takes all kinds, as the saying goes. People come in all shapes, sizes and with many diverse personalities. The ability to sell requires a combination of personality traits. Some of us are entirely suited to sales while some of us cringe at the thought of having to convince someone else to buy something.

Of course there are many different types of scenarios for selling travel. Selling travel can be done in person, over the phone, by e-mail or online. Some people are terrific sales people over the phone but freeze when confronted with a person across the desk from them. Others are great on e-mail and prefer written communications. And then there are the born sales people, with outgoing personalities and a helping of natural charm.

If you are considering becoming a home-based agent, there are many benefits. You can be financially better off and be your own boss.

But not everyone is cut out to be a successful independent agent. Yes, you will bring over your loyal clients who will follow you anywhere. But how do you generate new business? How do you grow your sales and client base?

With the help of a good host agency, you should have marketing tools you can use to promote your products and services, and you should make sure you have all the right back office support, as well as the right booking systems, and your own website, so that you can devote your time to selling travel.

But growing the business … that is largely up to you. Here’s where your personality comes in. You need to find ways to network in your community. Explore every possibility: your church, the parent/teacher association, the parents on your kids’ sports teams, the parents at your kids’ school, senior’s groups, bridge clubs, ski clubs, your condo residents. Everyone you meet is a potential client. It is up to you to get involved and find ways of making sure they know you, and know you are in the travel business.

Does that sound like you?

Are you a home-based agent?

This article appears in Sphere, Travelweek’s monthly e-newsletter for home-based agents.

Subscribe to Sphere, click here.