Travel Counsellors brochure

TheHAPPIESTin the

worldcompany

Be the best, call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

ONE FAMILY, WORKING TOGETHERTO BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD

VISIONOur

2

or email: [email protected]

We want to give the best possible travel service to our customerseach and every time they get in touch with us,” says TravelCounsellors Recruitment Manager Cathy Oldfield. “And if that’swhat you want too we’d love to hear from you. As a TravelCounsellor you will be able to give your customers your undividedattention, while enjoying the work life balance benefits thatworking from home brings. You’ll have the support andenthusiasm not only of our committed head office team but alsoyour fellow Travel Counsellors worldwide who will offer you helpand friendship at every step of this exciting journey.

“Travel Counsellors offers a fantastic opportunity for you no matter what

your travel background. What’s important is not where you used to work –

be that the high street, for a tour operator or in business travel – but that

you share our passion for travel and for exceptional customer service.

Initial interviews take place at our Bolton offices where you can find out

more about us and see if we’re right for you.

“One of the great benefits of being a Travel Counsellor is that we take care

of all your administration for you, which allows you to concentrate on

what you are good at - looking after your customers. It also gives you the

time to network and grow your business.”

“We launched in 1994 and with over 1,300 agents worldwide we’re a

name you can trust. But what really makes us different is that with no

shops and no call centres we don’t compete with you. Instead our sole

focus is on making you a success.”

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WE UNDERSTANDYOU’RE ABOUT TO MAKE ONE OFTHE BIGGESTDECISIONS OFYOUR LIFE...

...but our experience, understanding anddesire for your success will ensure it’s thebest decision you ever make. When you step from a monthly salary to commissiononly, you are entering a challenging, yet exciting, new world. But as our 1,300 plusTravel Counsellors around the world willtestify, it’s a career path that will put a smileon your face. You’ll become part of aninternational family - supported, rewardedand recognised as the cream of the travelindustry. By joining us you are givingyourself the best possible chance of success as a home-based agent because no company cares about its agents – and its customers - like we do.

When you join Travel Counsellors you’resigning up to job satisfaction, flexible hoursand the rewards of building your ownbusiness. The only UK travel agency to havewon the Queen’s Award twice (2003 &2014), the UK’s top award for businessperformance, we know how to make you asuccess and won’t let you down. We’ll helpyou build a successful travel business thatwill put a smile on your face - just like Cathy.

Let us make you smile, call 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)4

I DID IT ,

It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” says Cathy from County Armagh, Northern Ireland “It’s a massive decision, but Travel Counsellors gaveme confidence, and ensured the whole process went smoothly. From the initial interview, through to the induction training and setting up

took just 14 days. With help from the head office marketing team I did a press release in the local paper, and enjoyed a great response. In my first eight months I earned more than I did in a year in the High Street.”

smiling

Cathy Acheson - Former High Street Agent

and I

can’t stop

“

Interview“It gave me confidence straight away when I wastold that my partner, Jason, could come with meto the initial interview so he could find out moreabout Travel Counsellors as well. I thought it wasa good sign of how professional the company isthat they thought it was important I actuallycame to head office and met the team ratherthan just have an interview over the phone. Icouldn’t believe it when I saw just how manypeople there are supporting the agents, and howfriendly everyone is too. It gave me reassurancethat I was making the right decision.”

Your customersDon’t worry if you don’t have a database of existingcustomers, many of our most successful Travel Counsellors had no database when theyjoined. They followed our ‘System of Success’ (seepage 12) and have seen great increases in theirbusiness, some as much as 90%. Other TravelCounsellors have become a Gold Travel Counsellorwithin 18 months of joining. If you would like tospeak to a Travel Counsellor and find out more, letus know and we will get you in contact.

Training“The two days introductory training at our Boltonhead office gave me a great overall insight intohow to operate as a Travel Counsellor and all thebooking tools, suppliers and systems we have atour fingertips to make us a success. I didn’t haveto worry about remembering everything as wewere reassured that help is only ever just aphone call away should we need it. And for thosewho want it there’s a whole suite of refreshercourses on all sorts of subjects.”


ReassuranceOur 200 strong head office staff are the best in thebusiness - professional, friendly and only a phonecall away. We understand you, your business andthe daily challenges that you face. We keep in closecontact with you, especially during the early days,and invite all our new starters back to our headoffice after three months to review their progress,listen to their individual needs and give them tipsand ideas to take their business to the next level.

Friendship“The last thing I feel is isolated. I’ve joined aninternational group of friends who I can speak toat any time of the day for advice, support or achat. It’s just such a sociable company.”

TechnologyIt’s the best in the industry. The Travel Counsellorspackage includes a PC or laptop, printer, webcam,GDS system, Microsoft Office, Email - and Phenixour exclusive dynamic packaging and bookingsystem. We don’t expect you to be good with IT –that’s our job. Our IT team are always on hand tohelp. And you won’t be left leaving a voicemailmessage - someone is always available at the end ofthe phone.

5

Vicky Crompton - Business Travel Specialist and Mum

For the

For a balanced view, call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

IT’S OUR SUPPORTTHAT MAKES THEDIFFERENCE…You’re passionate about travel so we ensurethat’s what you’re able to focus on. The allround support you will receive from our headoffice simply can’t be matched anywhere else.Not only do we look after the admin, butthere’s a 24/7, 365 days a year helpdesk who are always there when you need them.

Our agents and staff are the very foundation ofTravel Counsellors. We offer an unparalledlevel of support, not only for our TravelCounsellors but for their families too.

Our TC Kids club keeps the kids entertainedduring the school holidays allowing you to dowhat you do best. TC Teens get support withcoaching from top motivational guru MikeFinnigan. Your number one advocate, yourpartner, gets to attend TC Partner TrainingDays allowing them to get to grips with theday-to-day life of a Travel Counsellor.

Our technology is the best in the industry -from our exclusive dynamic packagingsystem, Phenix, to the intranet system and message boards that link all our Travel Counsellors around the globe and mean you can get on-the-groundinformation and advice from a fellow Travel Counsellor in Australia or South Africa.How good is that?

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first time

workLIFEBALANCE

in my life I have

Joining Travel Counsellors was the perfectanswer for me and my family,” says Bolton

based Vicky. “I knew I could earn more moneyworking for myself, and I was fed up of thelong drive into work every day. But mostimportantly I wanted the freedom andflexibility to put my family first. Now I can walk Jolie and Ben to school instead ofdropping them off at 7.30 in the morning. MyBlackberry means that I can comfortably goshopping in the middle of the morning, or visitfriends for lunch. I can then use the eveningsto catch up with enquiries. It really is the bestof both worlds.”

“ Flexibility“For me, this was a key reason for joining Travel Counsellors. I can now comfortably weavemy business around my family’s needs. My familylove the fact I spend more time with them, myclients appreciate being able to speak to me atany time of the day, and for the first time in mylife I have work life balance.”

SupportWe help you make the best use of your working time.Over 200 highly experienced staff deliver unrivalledsupport to our Travel Counsellors, freeing you up tospend your time concentrating on your customers.Invoicing, ticketing, operator payments, BSP,customer balance collections, booking confirmations,and credit control are all taken care of for you.

The future“Our highest earning Travel Counsellor sells morethan £3.5million/€4million worth of holidays ayear, which is just amazing. It’s so motivational forme to know that people can hit those heights andthat one day I could even achieve the same!”

RecognitionEverybody enjoys reward and everybody likesrecognition for a job well done. The day’s top sellersare displayed on the company intranet, for all to see.Flowers from the business development team, a wordof encouragement down the phone from a director,winning a luxurious holiday from a companyincentive, or a place on the Gold Travel CounsellorsVIP weekend (exclusively for our top sellers) all helpto motivate our Travel Counsellors on to even greatersuccess.

Reward“Not only has my work life balance improved butI’m also earning so much more than I was before.And it’s so satisfying to know I’m doing the bestfor my customers. I work hard, but the differenceis that now it’s my family who benefit directlyfrom all my hard work – I’m not just slaving awayfor someone else. It’s so satisfying being able to give my customers the service they deserve. It takes hard work and the right attitude butbecoming a Travel Counsellor has made such a difference to my life.”

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Exceptional customer care, and the ability to build a relationship with their clients - these are the key qualities we look for in new starters. Our Travel Counsellors arepassionate about the travel industry, andsimply love selling holidays. Most haveseveral years’ experience in both leisureand/or business travel, and bring with them in-depth product knowledge. Many newstarters join us because they aredisenchanted with directional selling,targeted sales and stacking brochure shelves.

TOPI’msimplyon

worldof the

Make a call to 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL) top of your list

OUR PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE –THEY’RE THE CREAM OF THE INDUSTRY

But being a Travel Counsellor is no easyoption, and it’s a world away from thetraditional way of selling. It’s certainly not forthe faint hearted and that’s why our support iskey to your success. You’ll need to be good atselling, able to gain a customer’s trust andfriendship, well presented and professional.During the recruitment process we’ll find outmore about you, and you can find out moreabout us. We’ll give you every tool you needto be a success and we’ll swiftly have you up,running and focused on your new career.

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Nadine Farrelly - Former Independent Agent

Personal website“We have all got personal web pages on theTravel Counsellors website and they’re a greattool for us to get new business. It has informationabout my expertise, my contact details, plus aphotograph. Not only that but I can submit traveldiaries and photographs of the places I’ve visited.And because I’m building my business throughreferrals and recommendations, it’s great that mycustomers can submit a testimonial about medirectly onto my web pages. It all helps to givevisitors to my pages confidence that they willreceive excellent service from me.”

Customer confidenceMore than 95% of Travel Counsellors’ customersacross the world, say they would recommend ourservices to a friend. We are rated among the topcompanies in the world including Apple, ebay andHarley Davidson for customer service.*

Phenix“This is our very own dynamic packaging andbooking system, and it’s brilliant. My customerswant a holiday that is tailor made to suit theirneeds exactly and Phenix allows me to create theperfect itinerary for them. It means I can managemy own margins, create tailored holidays to suitmy customers’ needs and deliver the bestpossible deals. It also allows us to bookeverything, whether it’s in Phenix or anotheroperator, even cruises. It’s so easy to use and it’sjust getting better and better all the time.”

ConferenceFor our Travel Counsellors, our annual conference isthe highlight of the year and something to be lookedforward to with eager anticipation. An annual affairthat brings together Travel Counsellors from aroundthe world, its a colourful blend of work, rest andplay. There’s first class guest speakers, businessenhancing break out sessions and an update fromdirectors about the performance and direction of thecompany. It’s also a great opportunity to meet upwith friends old and new including colleagues fromas far afield as South Africa, Australia and Canada.

*Confirmed by Net Promoter Score (NPS), a globally recognisedmeasurement of customer satisfaction.

Being a Travel Counsellor is totally different to working in an independent travel agency” says Nadine Farrelly from County Westmeath in the

Republic of Ireland. “I’m doing what I always wanted - running my own businessand now I have all the time and tools that I need to make sure my customers getthe perfect holiday for them. It’s all about becoming a trusted friend to mycustomers. It’s the extra little touches we give that make our service so special.I send ‘thank you for booking with me’ cards; e-mail any extra details, phone twodays before they go to check final details, and send another postcard on theirreturn. I’m making clients and friends for life.”

“

9

my

earningMORE NOW

than I’ve done in

l’m

Donna Waddington - Travel Counsellor for Business

Ilove the buzz of this industry,” says Donna. “And I have made business travel myparticular area of expertise because I love achallenge. I feel as though life has granted mea second breath of fresh air. I am the happiestI have ever been in my career. I love the TCethos and feel like I have made a massiveamount of new friends, rather than colleagues.Joining Travel Counsellors has enabled me toliterally change my life and that of my family. Ijust kick myself every day for not joiningsooner.”

“ Dedicated team“It’s important that Travel Counsellors has its owndedicated travel management division specificallyfor people like me who are dedicated businesstravel specialists. They provide me witheverything I need to give exceptional levels ofsupport to my clients. They even help me win newbusiness by putting together first class proposalsfor me and coming with me when I pitch for newbusiness.”

Business Travel TCTVA fortnightly dedicated webcast brings our BusinessTravel Counsellors up to speed on all the latest issuesaffecting the travel management sector, as well asgiving useful tips and advice on running yourbusiness even more effectively. If you have a specificissue you want to raise you can email in during theshow and have your question answered live on air.

career

Travel management websiteWe believe we have one of the best travelmanagement sites in the business.www.travelcounsellors.com/business is for potentialand existing clients alike. It not only tellsprospective clients all about the personal servicewe offer but allows existing customers to access acomplete range of management and online bookingtools.

Out of hours service“We’re signed up to a 24/7 support servicewhich is such a valuable tool. Basically it meansthat if for some reason I can’t respond to aphone call, then an incoming enquiry is stillgoing to be dealt with. It’s brilliant!”

TechnologyWe use the market-leading global distributionsystem Galileo and we also have a sophisticatedfull management reporting system, allowing clientsto view reports on business expenditure, hotels,car hire, rail and air spend.

You’ve earned it, call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)10


OUR CORPORATECLIENTS APPRECIATETHE PERSONALSERVICE WE PROVIDE

Let’s face it – corporate clients would rather notbe dealt with by a call centre, which is where wecome in. We give our business travel customersall the options, tools and management reportingsystems they require with one all important extraingredient – exceptional customer service. If youshare our commitment to giving your corporatecustomers the best possible service, and haveat least five years business travel experience wewould love to hear from you.

By becoming one of our specialist BusinessTravel Counsellors you will be able to build yourown corporate travel business, and our leadingedge technology means you will be able to workthe hours that suit you and your clients best.

You will be positive, enthusiastic and preparedto work at least 35 hours a week. With a provensales record, and ideally an existing customerbase, by choosing to become a Business Travel Counsellor you will take control of yourown future and have the potential to earn farmore than is possible working for a salary in a traditional Travel Management Company.

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Be a success and make a call to 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

Travel Counsellors is different. Not because we were the UK’s first homeworking company, butrather after 20 years we have developed a tried and tested system that empowers our TravelCounsellors to connect to their customers and build lasting relationships with them. Despite theadvancement of the internet, individual Travel Counsellors are enjoying staggering success bycombining their excellent customer service with our proven ‘System of Success’.

RECIPE

The reason we call it a ‘System’ is because eachelement is equally as important as the next. Like cogsin a machine, they work together and help our TravelCounsellors build relationships with their customers,generate referrals and network to build a successfulbusiness.

As well as the various activities to help you findcustomers, there are a whole host of activities to helpyou build relationships with them as well, so that theycome back to you time and time again. The activitiesare all achievable by anyone, which is what makesthe System of Success so great. There is nothing thatyou can’t do or achieve if you set your mind to it.

In your current or previous job you will have dailytasks. You will have them as a Travel Counsellor too,but the great thing about the activities in the ‘Systemof Success’ is they benefit you. The tasks willbecome good habits and the more you do, the moreenquiries you will receive, the more bookings you willmake and the more money you will earn.

And with our top 100 agents earning over £35,000,the proof is in the pudding!

SUCCESSfor

Lindsay Garner (left) and Emma Parry-Thorpe (right) both followed the ‘System of Success’. Lindsay’s business increased by 92% and Emma became a Gold Travel Counsellor within 18 months of joining. She now earns over £35,000 per year.

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The Simple Steps to Success

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Build your own business, call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

You may like the idea of the flexibility that comes with working from home and being free to dowhat you enjoy - selling travel. But without a shop window or call centre to rely on, you may bewondering how you will find your customers.

It’s simple!

YOUR

Every day we are mixing with people; some weknow, some we don’t. The trick is spotting theopportunity to communicate with these people sothat next time they want to book a holiday orbusiness trip, you have developed a relationshipwith them by keeping in contact with them so theyremember you.

Everywhere from your address book to the localschool is an opportunity. Ringing friends and familyor setting up funds for school projects are just acouple of ways our Travel Counsellors have kickstarted their business.

As part of the ongoing support your BusinessDevelopment partner will work with you to makethe most of the opportunities around you. We willalso provide a range of tools (e.g. posters andpersonalised leaflets) to help make contact withpeople and keep in touch with them.

Once these people become your customers youwill provide them with first class customer servicebefore, during and after they travel. They will thenwant to refer you to their friends, family andcolleagues.

CUSTOMERS

The Simple Steps to Success

Local Community

Mobile ContactsA Friend on Facebook

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When you start as a Travel Counsellor youwill be introduced to your BusinessDevelopment Executive. They will be yourexpert when it comes to building asuccessful business, as well as yourbiggest supporter. They have seen andheard it all and they know what works. Theywill be on hand to steer you on your wayand provide insightful advice.

Over webcam, phone or email they are available toanswer your questions, hear your ideas or simplyjust to chat. They will be there for you 100%.

And if that isn’t enough, you also have over 1,300professional colleagues around the world! All our agents can communicate with each other no matterwhere they are, whether it is on our message boards or even by instant message.

So if you have a client who wants to find out the bestrestaurant near their Cape Town hotel, you canspeak to one of our South African Travel Counsellorswho will give you first hand knowledge.

Or if you have just had a great new marketing idea,post it on our message boards and share it witheveryone so they can benefit too.

We know that partners and spouses are animportant part of our agents lives. Following our ‘TCPartner’ Training Day, you’ll have a partner whounderstands the company and can implement theirnew found knowledge to spread the word about youand your business.

Even though you are working from the comfort ofyour own home, you are never alone - you are partof a family of the very best travel professionalsacross the globe.

YOU’RE NEVERYOUR OWN

on

Melissa LaGalbo, Travel Counsellor(r)

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International growth“I have more than 1,300 colleagues around the world and it really is a major benefit to me – and my customers. I was able to webcam acolleague in Australia to get first hand advice onthe best restaurant in Sydney for a UK client’sanniversary dinner. You can’t get that sort offeedback and service anywhere else in the world. It’s reassuring to know that I am part of asuccessful international company, and of coursethe buying power our size gives us means I canget great prices for my customers too.

GrowthWhen you become a Travel Counsellor you’re doing far more than booking holidays and earningcommission, you’re building a business for thefuture. You can employ people, and you could, if youwanted to, sell on the business. It’s such an excitingprospect and it puts you in control of your owncareer and destiny.

Tailor your own career, call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

As a luxury holiday specialist with Travel Counsellors I have the time to meet up with myclients to talk through their requirements at length and make sure they are happy with

every detail of their itinerary,” says Andrew Lowe from Blackpool. “I’ve been in the travelindustry for 25 years and being a Travel Counsellor allows me to have a successful businessbut also enjoy time with my two daughters Ella and Sophie, something I could never havemanaged before. I believe in building long lasting relationships with my clients. That’s whatthis business is all about. My customers are my friends and I give them such exceptionalservice they then refer me to their friends. And with the incredible administrative supportfrom head office I’m confident they’re getting the best. When someone puts their trust in youto spend tens of thousands of pounds on a luxury holiday, you need that sort of support. Ifyou’re passionate about what you do, if you want to make people’s dreams come true, and ifyou want to be rewarded financially as the best in the business...this is the job for you.”

“

bespokeservice

whilst delivering aMY CLIENTS

nurture I have the time to

Going for gold“As one of the company’s top sellers I get treatedto a VIP weekend away each year. Previousweekends have taken place in five star hotels inLas Vegas, South Africa and Dubai. It’s a reallyrelaxed weekend and a great opportunity to talk atlength with the company’s directors and other like-minded Travel Counsellors to pick up ideasthat will make my business even more successfulthan it is now.”

SuitcaseThis is Travel Counsellors in-house tour operation. Its highly trained team is on hand to give you thebenefit of their first hand knowledge and experience.Suitcase has direct contracts with over 600properties, with more being added all the time.Suitcase allows you to create tailor made holidayswith the added benefit of being able to control howmuch you make on a booking. It means you can notonly get a great holiday for your customer but earnmore money for yourself too.

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Andrew Lowe - Luxury travel specialist

FREQUENTLYASKED QUESTIONSQ. How long does it take to get set up?A. The installation of telephone lines canusually be organised within two weeks*. Mostnew recruits need to serve four weeks notice,and therefore the set-up is done during thisperiod, making the transition very smooth.

Q.When do we get paid?A. You are paid monthly by bank transfer.

Q. Can I choose my own hours?A. Yes, you can. The most important thing to us is that you devote enough time to thedevelopment of your client base to give yourbusiness a solid foundation.

Q. Do I get ideas on how to market my business?A. Yes, we can help you develop a plan on how to market yourself in your area.

Q. How long is the initial training?A. The training is held at our head office in Bolton, and is for four days.

Q. Is there a minimum sales target?A. All our Travel Counsellors have to maintain aminimum of £15,000 in commissions in any 12month period.

Q. Is there out of hours support?A. In addition to the unparalleled supportprovided by our team at head office,there are also staff on standby out of hours toassist if needed.

Q. Is there an IATA license?A. Yes, you can process scheduled airbookings, and the ticketing is done by ourteam at head office. We also have our ownconsolidated rates with major airlines in bothUK and Ireland.

Q.Will your admin be as efficient as I would?A. Yes, we look after all of the administrationand have a dedicated care team to look afterqueries. This proven process providesconsistency, continuity and a seamless service.

* Applies to UK only

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No paperwork, just call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSCONTINUEDQ. Do I have to be home-based?A.We believe that a home-based office offers thebest solution, however you can rent a non retailoffice if you prefer.

Q. I’m concerned that I may feel isolated.Is there anything to help with that?A. Yes, we have a range of systems in place tosupport you. There’s our intranet, TCTV broadcasts,main conference, webcams and message boardsalong with anniversary days, training days and miniconferences during the year. We encouragecamaraderie amongst our agents and head office,so that everyone feels part of one family.

Q. I’ve always enjoyed going on educationaltrips, will I still have that opportunity?A. Yes, we have excellent relationships with all oursuppliers as well as hosting our own trips. Webelieve first hand experience of a destination is vitaland we encourage all our Travel Counsellors tobroaden their knowledge by taking advantage of thefantastic range of educationals we offer.

Q. Is there anything that I can offer my customersas a Travel Counsellor which sets me apart?A. Yes, Travel Counsellors operates a uniqueFinancial Trust.** The industry we all love has seenits fair share of change lately, with the newregulations around Flight-Plus and ATOL last yearand now possible changes to the Small BusinessATOL. Our customers have been 100% financiallyprotectd for years through our Trust alongside ourATOL, unlike so many in the industry and we’reproud to say we were the first company to beaccredited for the new Flight-Plus scheme by theCAA. Complying with new regulations isn’t as easyas it sounds and even then, there are elementswhich aren’t covered by schemes like Flight-Plus,creating an often confusing picture for agents andowner/managers alike - As a Travel Counsellor, wemanage all the administration and regulationheadaches for you so you can get back to doingwhat you love without all the - peace of mind for youand your customers. Simple.

Q. Can I still employ my own staff?A. Travel Counsellors’ unique franchise agreementmeans that you can employ your own staff, shouldyou wish to do so, once your business gets to acertain level. It also means at a future date you cansell your business and realise the value in it.

Catherine Thorburn - Former Agency Owner

** In Ireland we are licensed and bonded with theCommission for Aviation Regulation (CAR).

18


Iran a £2million turnover travel agency formore than eight years,” says former

agency owner Catherine Thorburn from herWorcester home. “Today I’m earning morewith Travel Counsellors than I did running abusiness on the high street. But for me it’snot about the money. It’s about the lifestyleand being able to do what I’m best at andlove most - and that’s selling holidays.Closing my shop was a major decision after18 years in travel. But a landlord pushing fora new 11 year lease was the catalyst,alongside the sleep depriving stresses ofrunning a business on my own whilst tryingto compete with the High Street andinternet. Of course it’s hard work. I work afull five day week, and if I do take time off Iwill make it up by working on a Saturday.You have to be incredibly disciplined andyou can’t do it half heartedly if you want tolook after your clients properly. But you willdefinitely reap the rewards if you put theeffort in. For me joining Travel Counsellorshas been an absolutely fantastic experienceand I would thoroughly recommend it.”

“ MarketingOur marketing department is second to none andprovides you with everything you could possiblyneed to promote your business and build up a longterm, profitable customer base. This includes anarray of promotional materials including stationery,posters, greeting cards and portable exhibitionstands. Your own personal customer databaseallows head office to send personalised e-shots to customers on your behalf.

Lifestyle and wellbeing“There is a great family ethos at Travel Counsellors and I really feel like they careabout me. As a Travel Counsellor I have manybenefits I certainly never had before when Ioperated my own shop. These include discountedhealth care for me and my family and access to aconfidential counselling and advice service forany personal problems I might want to discuss.There is even a ‘TC Kids Club’ for my children totake part in during the school holidays.”

**Applies to UK only

IndependenceYou can’t offer your customers good service ifyou’re being told what to sell. Travel Counsellors is acompletely independent company not aligned to anysupplier or tour operator. We deal with all the majortour operators, plus lots of specialists you may noteven have heard of too. Add to that our own directlycontracted accommodation and the breadth anddepth of what you will be able to offer yourcustomers can’t be matched elsewhere.

Our Trust Fund**“My customers enjoy financial protection whichno-one else comes close to. It’s free of charge,covers hotels, low cost airlines, scheduled flightsand car rental. And the date they book, the datethey depart or the value of the holiday doesn’tmatter. My customers are 100 per centguaranteed to get their money back if anythinggoes wrong.”

holidaysto sellI JUST WANTED

paperwork,I hated all the

19

Reward yourself, call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

TCTVOur daily webcast, TCTV is a fun-packed showbroadcast live from our Bolton head office direct intoyour home and ensures you stay connected and intouch with all the latest TC news and happenings!Featuring the latest commercial deals, specialistindustry guests, and news, views and chat fromaround the company, this is an invaluablecommunication tool. It’s also a great opportunity tohear from Travel Counsellors old and new as theypass on their own top tips for success.

Business Development“Support, advice, innovative ideas or just afriendly chat on how to grow my business are justa phone call away. I have my own businessdevelopment executive, who I speak towhenever I have concerns about businesschallenges, winning new customersor improving the way I do things.”

Contact CentreTravel Counsellors’ award winning IT department havecreated a contact centre - an online system thatensures every Travel Counsellor is automaticallyreminded about customer birthdays, anniversaries,key dates and facts like passport numbers. It’s abrilliant system that helps you build up personalrelationships with clients and allows you to effectivelytarget your customers at the click of a button.

MotivationTravel Counsellors recognises that no matter howdedicated you are, sometimes everybody can dowith a little extra encouragement. We have our veryown motivational guru who regularly appears onTCTV and at our conferences to keep our Travel Counsellors upbeat and focused. We alsoorganise regular sales incentives with fantasticprizes to motivate you to go out and get that sale.Recently winning teams have enjoyed trips to luxurydestinations including Barbados, Thailand andAustralia. If you’re ever in need of an extra boost ourTravel Counsellors are always welcome to headoffice, where we hold regular catch-ups and trainingevents to help keep you in touch with us and witheach other.

PR Support“Customers love to see me in the local newspaper.Our PR team generate media coverage for thecompany and for individual Travel Counsellors.Stories in both local newspapers and radio helpraise my profile...and increase my enquiries.”

After 19 years in the High Street I foundthat the opportunities to deliver personal

service became less and less, until I wasconvinced it was time to leave”, says TanujaSudra from Westbrook near Margate.“Directional selling put me under pressure,all the admin reduced my time selling andthe financial return didn’t reflect the timeand effort I was putting in. Add to that twohours driving everyday and you’ll get thepicture. Today I use that time to go to thegym or see friends. I’m earning more moneythan ever before, in fact I’ve more thandoubled my salary. I’m delivering the sort ofservice that I feel my customers deserve. Itdoesn’t seem like work because I enjoy it somuch. And my husband says I laugh like Iused to. We’re enjoying a totally differentlifestyle, and we work the business aroundour own needs.”

“

goodbye

reward

I’VE KISSED

INCREASING ADMINto directional selling,

and little

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IT’S HARD TO PUTINTO WORDS JUSTWHAT MAKES TRAVELCOUNSELLORS SODIFFERENT…

….which is why it is so important for you tocome and visit us at our head office, meet someof our wonderful staff and find out more aboutwhat makes our company so special. I amimmensely proud of what we have achievedsince we established the business in 1994. Andmore than our sales success, or the fact that wenow have so many agents in six countriesaround the globe, what makes me personallymost proud is the fact that we have created sucha spirit of friendship and camaraderie within thecompany. As a home based Travel Counselloryou will never feel alone. You will be supportednot just by our excellent head office team, but byyour fellow Travel Counsellors who will cheeryou on and spur you to even greater successes.There really is no other company like TravelCounsellors. So don’t stay on the outsidelooking in. Come and visit us. Meet our people – they’re the best in the business. We’dlove you to join us and look forward to hearingfrom you soon.

David SpeakmanChairmanTravel Counsellors

David S

peakman - C

hairman

Tanuja Sudra - Former High Street Agent

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At Travel Counsellors we believe that Corporate Social Responsibility put simply means doingthe right thing – for our customers, our Travel Counsellors and our head office staff too.

Ever since the company was founded in 1994 wehave always tried to do the right thing because wetruly believe that it is the key to a successful, happyand healthy business. Our aim is to be a proud,innovative and caring company with a family ethos.

Right from the start we decided that our businesswould not be built on advertising but on customerreferrals and recommendations. Our customers book with their Travel Counsellor because of theexceptional service they receive each and every time they contact us, not because of our latestadvertising campaign. We believed that this was thebedrock to a long term, sustainable business and soit has proved. Indeed we are now rated as one of thetop companies in the world when it comes tocustomer service.

From the outset we also decided that our agentswould be home-based, equipping them with thelatest technology to allow them to work from home.We recognised then that working from home was the key to a happier lifestyle and healthier work lifebalance. Of course we have far more informationnow on the environmental benefits of remoteworking and its positive effect on reducing damaging carbon dioxide emissions.

We can all make a difference and it is wonderful to think that every time a Travel Counsellor opts to work from home it has a positive impact on theenvironment. It also benefits the local communitytoo. Our agents grow their business by networkingand participating in community events and buildingstrong local ties. Their customers become theirfriends. And as Travel Counsellors has expandedoverseas, we have been able to introduce thesebenefits into new markets, sometimes – as in Ireland- for the first time.

Technology not only allows us to work from homebut also brings us closer together, fostering a realcommunity spirit within Travel Counsellors. Web-cam technology allows our Travel Counsellorsto contact head office and each other whenever they have a question, need advice or just feel like a friendly chat. We also reach out to localcommunities. A £200,000 donation from us toPLAN UK helped establish the charity’s SchoolLinking Programme, which provides an opportunityfor children to engage and develop relationships withchildren in Kenya, Malawi and Sierra Leone. Ongoingtechnology support to the schools means thatcommunities outside the Travel Counsellors familycan benefit from our technical expertise.

We aim to support our agents and head office staffwhenever we can. We believe in encouraging andmotivating our people to keep them focused andupbeat, but also in being there for them on theoccasions when they need extra support. Not onlydo our Travel Counsellors benefit from their ownpersonal business development executive to helpthem with their career; but we also provide aconfidential counselling service for personalproblems. We provide specialist support for thoseaffected by breast cancer and private health care*.

It is initiatives such as these that brings us closer toachieving our company vision of being ‘One family,working together to be the best in the world’. If youshare that vision we’d love to hear from you.

*Applies to UK only

Green for go, call us on 0800 072 5704 UK or 0818 332 003 IRELAND (LO CALL)

A GLOBAL

caringcommunity

with a family’s

ethos

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To join theHAPPIESTin the

worldcompany

call us on 0800 072 5704 (UK)

or 0818 332 003 (Ireland Lo Call)

or e-mail: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook, search Careers Travel Counsellors

Follow us on Twitter, search TCworldwide

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Travel Counsellors, Travel House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1TH, UK. Tel UK: 0800 072 5704, Email: [email protected] Counsellors Ireland Ltd, NSC Campus, Mahon, Cork, Ireland. Tel Ireland: 0818 332 003, Email: [email protected]

www.travelcounsellors.com/careers • www.travelhomeworking.ie

we’ve

neverLOOKED

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Travel Counsellors brochure

Career

Transcript of Travel Counsellors brochure