You’ve turned your journeys into words – words that enthrall, entice, inspire. You might be entering writing contests, taking classes, posting on your blog, publish a book, have loyal and engaged readers. You’re a travel writer! Now what?

It’s time to ACT like a professional. Being a writer doesn’t preclude being a good business person. In fact, utilizing some key business skills will take your writing career farther than you thought possible.

1.    Up your game. Your business game! Treat your writing like a business – something that you do and get paid for. Don’t give away your writing for free unless you’re getting a direct benefit (i.e., guest posting will bring you new readers).  Keep track of expenses, for your taxes. Keep track of ideas, for your writing. Get organized.

2.    Social Media Rules. Clean up your social media profiles. No more facebook posts while under the influence. Ascertain what you want your professional image to be, and stick to it. You can still be friendly, have great conversations, and interact with friends. Be present on travel writing discussions on social media networks to get your name out there. Keep in mind, though, that your travel writing is now just a part of your online presence. Which leads to…

3.    Your image is everything.  Your voicemail should be very professional. Have direct ways for people to contact you – via email, snail mail, voice mail, social media profiles, and on your site.  Get professional business cards – either with cool photos you’ve taken, or with an artsy design that lets people know you’re a travel writer! Business card printing is inexpensive – do several designs and hand them out and gauge the response. You’ll know which cards work by the business and contacts you get from them.

4.    Be prepared. Have all the accoutrements you need to successfully capture your travels – camera, videocamera (hopefully combined), moleskin journals to write in, pens and pencils, a laptop if that’s your gig, somewhere to put the ticket stubs and menus, etc. Take photos of everywhere you travel, including the entrance signs as you go in (so you not only know where the following photos are, but you can also easily identify it later). Have backup batteries for your electronic gear, and store your photos and writing online in case of theft.

5.    Network and collaborate – genuinely. Be honest, giving, kind, helpful, and resourceful. Help people, let people know you are thinking of them, work toward collaborative projects that let both of you shine. It’s true – it’s all who you know (and how much they trust and believe in you). You’ve got to earn it!

6.    Believe in yourself. Showcase your writing online, have a cv online, and be ready at any time to promote your work (you never know who may be sitting next to you at a conference or on a flight!).  Be zen about your interactions – you’re a great writer, able to share the world with your readers.