Homeworkers could be enjoying extra bookings by using local business networking organisations.
Suzanne Smith, a Hays Travel homeworker based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, signed up with referral organisation Business Networking International and her largest booking through the service has been £15,100.
BNI brings together local business people for regular meetings to stimulate interest in their business, share ideas, contacts and make referrals.
Smith said: “You get to go to two meetings for free so you can decide if you want to join.”
BNI charges £500, plus VAT, to join the network. “I had to consider how many bookings I would need to make my money back,” Smith said.
“I got it back in one booking of a coast-to-coast tour of the US for eight people.”
Group meetings take place over breakfast and each person gives a one-minute presentation to remind other members what services they provide.
Hays Travel said several of its homeworkers had benefited from the service.
Hays Travel homeworker Lesley Moitie from Ashbourne, Derbyshire, joined her local group five weeks ago and has already had referrals for big-commission bookings
Moitie said: “Joining your local BNI group is really worthwhile. I’ve only been a member for five weeks and already I’ve had referrals for bookings to the Maldives, flights to the US and a potential ski booking for a group of 20 people.”
Have you used a local business organisation to boost your bookings? Let us know at travelweekly@rbi.co.uk