Anita Pagliasso started her career in travel in 1992 switching gears from selling electronic components in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. Because of her own love of travel her home eventually became a travel library filled with file cabinets full of travel information. Soon friends and family began calling on her for her expertise and she became a home-based travel consultant. Since then she has built a flourishing, successful business by standing out from the crowd and getting noticed.

In 1993 Anita was appointed as the San Jose Chapter Director for OSSN. OSSN is a networking organization that was formed in 1990 to provide support, education and further the professionalism of the home-based travel agent. OSSN's membership of over 5500 has created a strong voice in the travel industry for the commissioned outside sales agent / independent contractor. OSSN provides training programs to enhance the agent with product knowledge and marketing techniques to help increase commissions. The association has over 60 U.S. chapters / 4 Canadian chapters that provide opportunity for members, through regular meetings, to network with other local members. OSSN's website has over 500 pages of information for members covering such topics s local and state travel promoter laws, applications for travel industry organizations, legal issues, tax information, live chat forums, member-to-member bulletin board, chapter events, calendar of events, domestic and international conferences, health insurance, sales and marketing techniques.

Under Anita's helm the San Jose / Bay Area OSSN Chapter went on to become the largest in the organization and still remains the flagship chapter. She has received numerous awards from OSSN for her efforts. In 1995 Anita was named as the Western Regional Director for OSSN. She is responsible for the development of all chapters west from Colorado to Hawaii and she still maintains the San Jose / Bay Area Chapter as well.

She has successfully lobbied Sacramento on behalf of independent contractors regarding the California Travel Promoter Laws.

Anita has had numerous articles written about her success in several publications such as "Income Opportunities Magazine", "Travel Weekly", "Travel Agent", "Travel Age West" and "Leisure Travel News" where she was nominated as "Enterprising Agent for the Year 2000".

She is the author of "Guide For The First Time Cruiser" (+ video) and "Everything To Know About Traveling To Europe With A Group". Her most recent accomplishment is the publishing of a book titled "How I Made a Small Fortune as a Home-Based Travel Agent" where the author/speaker shares her knowledge, expertise and proven techniques with readers. The book is filled with fun and innovative marketing ideas as well as sample letters and forms she has developed over the years. Also included are tips on how to overcome the diversions, distractions and objections of working from home. All the pros and cons of running a home-based business are covered in this comprehensive and insightful book.

Anita has produced a seminar based on the content of her book and also makes regular presentations to various colleges and travel education forums on many subjects such as "The Pros And Cons Of Running A Home-Based Travel Business", "There's No Business Like A Home Business", "How To Achieve Total Customer Satisfaction Through Creative Marketing And Innovative Products" and "Learn To Be The Major Exception". Anita has also been an industry speaker at numerous conferences and trade shows nationally and internationally.

Anita Pagliasso is a member of OSSN, ARTA, PATA, CTO and CLIA.

Interviews, Articles and Accolades

Princess taps Anita Pagliasso to Produce Princess Cruises Course

Modern Agent TV invterviews Anita Pagliasso on the topic: How to market more effectively as a home based agent.

The San Jose Mercury News on March 12th
If you're thinking of going on a trip . . .