What are the most important services that an association must
provide for its members in the travel agency community today? If
those members are home-based agencies or independent contractors,
the answer is very clear. Outside Sales Support Network has found
that the industry surge toward working in a home-based environment
or “non-storefront” location brings with it an obvious set of
challenges.
Indeed, OSSN’s growing chapter network has provided a networking
organization at the “grass-roots” level for independent contractors
and home-based agents. OSSN currently has 54 North American
chapters, representing 5,800 members. Participation at local
meetings is booming, including the San Jose OSSN chapter, which has
more than 300 members. We also plan to add 15 more chapters in
2003.
In addition to networking opportunities, an association must
provide the professional tools to help an independent contractor or
home-based agency to locate or negotiate on an individual basis.
Whether those tools include E&O insurance, health insurance,
merchant account status, or professional contracts to use with
their host agencies or their own outside agents, an association has
to anticipate the needs of its membership.
One of the main functions of an association representing
home-based agencies is to be a champion in the establishment of
professional recognition for its members. Being identified as a
professional in your field should not be determined by whether your
office resides in a commercial building. Over the last decade, it
has taken a very watchful eye to make sure that the rights of the
independent contractor have not been stifled.
