Turning the Side Hustle Into a Business

Many people get into the travel industry as a side hustle. More and more of our advisors are starting to realize that their side hustle could be more than just something they fit in when they are not at their other job. We have people who retire and sell travel full time which is truly exciting for the travel industry. What steps are needed to do this business as a full-time position?

An important part of starting a successful full time travel agency is making the commitment. You must take the steps necessary to create a real business. If you want others to take your business seriously, you need to show you are serious.

Steps that are helpful are:

Business licensing and you must turn your new business into a real, tangible legal entity. This will mean getting an LLC or S or C corporation. Don’t know how to handle the necessary paperwork? You are in luck as the SBA and companies such as Incfile.com will do this for you for a fee. Reach out to your local licensing department to make sure you are doing everything by the book. Even if you do not see people in your home office, you will still more than likely need a home business permit.

Does your business name reinforce that you are a legitimate business? Is your business name trademarked by any other business? Are you using a @gmail.com instead of your own business domain? Are you needing to adjust this to make sure that later on you do not have to make changes that could hurt your customers being able to reach you? Now is the time to get everything in order before taking the plunge.

Chances are you already have an online presence, but now is the time to make sure that presence is professional. You should have a professional looking website, making sure that everything you have online reinforces this is a business not a hobby.

Do you have a plan? A business plan that is. Who will be your target customer? This is the time to build that foundation for success. You do not want to put walls on a house with a unsteady foundation. When it is time to build that second floor, you want to know you are good!

Networking is key to being successful in your business community. See if your area has any type of business mixers or events with your local chamber of commerce. SBA is a great place to find out what is available to you locally. Finding other small businesses to work with is another great solution to get referrals. You can be involved in your local community and strengthen your business presence.

Deciding to make this into a business rather than a hobby requires a mindset that you are not doing it for fun anymore, but for profit. Analyze where you make money and where you do not. Do not give away your time for free. You deserve to be paid for the work you do.

The best news is your business will go as far as you are willing go to. You are the one who is in charge of making this a success or not. You must work it. You cannot sit back and wait for business to come to you but rather go after it.