Berlin being a popular tourist destination, it is important for a tour guide or any person planning to be a tour guide to network his or her business. In this blog post, I will be presenting some great networking venues in Berlin that can lead to effective connections and a broad opportunities list.
1. Join Professional Associations
This is becoming one of the most effective strategies of increasing your network especially after becoming a tour guide. These organizations also offer accesses to resources, trainings and networking events as well as conferences.
Some notable professional associations for tour guides in Berlin:
European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (FEG)
Verband der Gästeführer Deutschlands (VDGD)
Deutscher Fremdenführerverband (DFV)
Get to know other tour guides through your attendance at their events and conferences and you can share experiences and may work together. Also, most of the associations contain online boards or mailing lists that can help to get acquainted with other guides besides these occasions.
2. Attend Tourism Trade Shows
Tourism trade shows bring together all sectors of the travel industry especially; tour operators, travel agencies, and fellow tour guides. It can be an excellent way to market your services and expand your contact list of people that you know.
In Berlin, some popular tourism trade shows you can consider attending include:
Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB)
Wanderlust Travel Summit
European Tourism Summit
Remember to have your business cards and brochures with you as you walk around looking for opportunities to meet and consult potential partners and customers. Plant yourself, talk to people, go to the workshops or seminars and do not forget to follow up with the contacts made after the occasion.
3. Collaborate with Local Tourism Companies
Consistent collaboration with local tourism providers creates new networking prospects since some new possibilities and contacts may be unlocked. Contact event organizers based in Berlin and ask for partnerships on your services. They can volunteer to give special tours or else may agree to become the preferred supplier of their clients.
For instance, if you identify a specific area in Berlin that you deal in, recommend that one outsource the services of a tour company that mainly offers services in other areas. In this manner, you and your fellow professionals can recommend your clients to one another and building a long list of customers.
4. Attend Meetups and Social Events
There is a very large and active tourism community in Berlin and mingling in the meetups and social functions are a great way of getting to know your fellow tour guides and other service providers in a more casual setting.
Some suggestions include searching for meet up groups for tour guides or travel trade in Berlin or for general meet up in Berlin. You also to locate websites such as the Meetup.com to assist you in finding the right meetings to attend. Talk with other people present in the event, listen to their stories, and reveal your love to the guiding in Berlin.
5. Utilize Online Platforms
If you never knew, internet tools go a long way in creating new connections you had never imagined possible. Groups available on such social sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook can provide sources for finding specific information connecting people within the sphere of tourism.
Become a member of forums, start discussions, and contribute in various forums. Engaging actively online can assist you with how you initiate yourself in your subject area and how you may attract potential partners or customers.
Conclusion
Looking for a networking opportunity for the tour guides in Berlin has been easy, and one should diversify his or her network greatly. Starting the process of network building in Berlin and hence establishing yourself as a part of the tourism trade can be achieved through membership in professional associations, participation in tourism trade shows, partnership with local tourism companies, participation in meetups and the use of the internet.
Networking is not necessarily about card swapping but creating good relationship. Closed to new contacts, never follow up, and don’t give anything to other people who are in their contact list. Eventually, you will observe the advantages of networking on your tour guiding profession in Berlin.
Have you availed yourself of any of these networking chances? What has been your experience? This is the perfect opportunity for us to hear what you have to say in the comments section below!
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