Are you hosted? | Travel Research Online

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Are you hosted?

When I lived in Ohio I hated the yard work that came with living in a suburban home: every fall the huge maple in our yard would shed its leaves and I would rake bags and bags. Winter brought shoveling snow after snow. Spring and summer saw me mulching, planting, fertilizing, and mowing. Not only was it time consuming, it was exhausting. There was always something needing to be repaired or cleaned—the roof, the gutters, the driveway, the lawn mower. It was never ending! Living in a house with a yard is great; but it’s a lot of work!

I’ve moved to Florida now and as I stepped out of my condo the other day, I was thinking how easy it is. Everything is taken care of for me outside. Sure, I pay a monthly fee but I enjoy maintenance-free living and amenities like a pool, lawn care, and pest control. The condo is easy and maintenance free. I lock the door and go. With a house—not so much.

As I think about it, owning a home versus a condo is very similar to being independent and working with a host in the travel business. When you work with a host you have (or should have) support, back-up, and marketing assistance. It should be easy. On the other hand, being independent is a lot of work. You wear many hats from accounting to marketing to janitorial. You work long hours and have little or no support. Yes, you are truly independent. But, at what cost?

Granted, working for a host is not for everyone. But, it sure does make life easier and helps you concentrate more on your clients and their needs; rather than the entirety of running a business. When your clients’ needs are met they are happy; and we all know that a happy client will reap rewards for you in terms of referrals for new business. If you are not hosted, give it some thought!

Mary Stephan is the IC Team Sales Leader for Preferred Travel of Naples.  Mary can be reached by email at mary@preferrednaples.com or online at www.preferrednaples.com

 

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