Franchisee Sharon is celebrating making £500,000 in sales with her own travel business.
Sharon is no stranger to owning a franchise. She was a Slimming World consultant for 18 years, becoming accustomed to helping people shed pounds. Now she’s enjoying making them — this time with her own Not Just Travel business.
And this month she celebrated a milestone, making it to Platinum 1 pin level — which means she’s made £500,000 in sales.
Even though she started part-time, she’s had great success
Like many of our franchisees, Sharon started part-time. But now she’s well on the way to making her travel business a full-time occupation.
“When I joined I wanted travel to be my full time job, but then Covid hit. So I kept my previous job with Slimming World to see me through the pandemic. I’ve scaled that down now. By September 2022 I will be 95 per cent devoted to being a travel agent. I’m so excited, I’ve always loved travel.”
She’s also really building momentum, having already sold more holidays than the whole of last year, with a third of the year still to go.
“Last year I sold 100 holidays, this year I’ve taken over 111 bookings already. I’m getting a consistent monthly commission and regular bookings with returning customers too.”
She loves getting inspired by other franchisees
Being part of Not Just Travel means joining a larger community. Sharon has made close friends and taken advice from other Not Just Travel agents including Julie, who’s making bookings via a travel drop-in clinic at a local cafe.
“Hearing of Julie’s success I contacted a local cafe and I am now going to offer a drop-in travel clinic once a fortnight near me in Seaton.”
Taking advantage of our industry-exclusive training
Sharon has also signed up for the industry exclusive Cruise Mastery programme as part of our brand new Cruise Division. As part of that, she’ll be one of the first ever passengers on the luxury NCL Prima ship.
“I went on an MSC cruise earlier in the year and the minute I stepped off I found it easier to sell cruises. So I’m really looking forward to exploring the NCL Prima this September too as part of the Seminar at Sea”
Her advice is to just get out there and talk to people
When you join, we show you absolutely everything you need to do to grow your own travel business – even with no experience.
Among her business-building efforts, Sharon’s getting out there and talking about holidays.
She recommends new franchisees sign up to local networking groups, work hard at social media (she now has 1.6k likes on Facebook) and attend NJT trips abroad.
And always remember, customers can come from anywhere!
“I went to Mauritius in May and found it inspirational. I’m lucky enough to go back next year as my brother is getting married there. He called me to say: “We’re getting married in Mauritius… are you coming?” My reply? “Only if you book with me!”
Now that’s what we call commitment!
