When Michelle joined us back in December 2023 she set her sights on one firm goal – to beat our Money-Back Challenge.
The rules: make enough commission in your first year and we will refund your entire Elite franchise package fee!
Now, not even a year down the line since she completed her training, Michelle’s not only got a thriving business but she’s got £14,995 back in her pocket!
“I was determined right from the very start that I was going to smash this Challenge. For me it was my primary goal.”
Michelle was so focused she achieved the challenge with one month to spare.
“I set up a spreadsheet so I could always see where I was and plot my progress. It was my intention to do it by the end of November but I beat that deadline. I’m absolutely thrilled.”
So how did she beat our Money-Back Challenge and become yet another person to get their franchise fee refunded in 2024?
“I networked, not just on social media, but in person. I joined every community group in my local area. I did pop-up stands. I just put myself out there and met as many people as I could to tell them what I did.”
Although Michelle has a background in sales, by her own admission, she says that “sales experience is not a prerequisite”.
“This really is not a hard-sales job. You don’t need to be pushy. What is necessary though is to put yourself out there in your community, meet people and get yourself known. Be passionate about travel; engage with people you’re talking to and build up a personal, friendly rapport with them.”
The amazing thing about being a consultant is that everyone loves to talk about travel. It’s an exciting and inspirational subject and it’s so easy to bring up in conversation.
“Even if you find the idea of meeting new people and networking daunting, just do it and it will get easier. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the momentum builds up and you start to establish a client base.”
To help our consultants find new customers we have an innovative Partners in Travel scheme.
It’s a scheme where we enable consultants to join up with a local business, club or charity to offer a travel service to all their ‘Partner’s’ contacts. Whatever commission is earned is then split between the consultant and the Partner. It’s a great way for our franchisees to build up a client base without having to go out looking for business. The clients come to you! This scheme is open to all our Elite franchisees.
Michelle signed up her local hairdressing salon as her Partner in Travel and didn’t look back.
She now has more than 100 customers, many of which have become repeat clients due to Michelle’s exceptional service.
“I like to sit down with all my new customers to really get to know their likes and dislikes. I need to fully understand what they consider to be an excellent holiday – and this differs from one customer to another. I might visit them at their home and we have a good chat until I’ve got a really precise idea of what they want. It’s then my job to come up with a fantastic itinerary that they love and make the whole booking process as smooth as possible.”
Michelle also likes to take the personal service one step further.
“For one of my big bookings I surprised them by booking afternoon tea for them while they were at the Banyan Tree in Thailand and most of my customers get a welcome home card or a lovely box of biscuits when they get back. That way I make myself memorable and invaluable.”
While Michelle’s business is well and truly up and running now, it hasn’t also been easy. She openly admits that at the start there were times she felt like “a fish out of water” but she knew she had the support of our team of business development managers and support phone line.
“When I first started I often felt out of my depth but there was always someone I could reach out to for help. The infrastructure and the support from Not Just Travel is phenomenal. From training on the various systems to advice on which operators and suppliers to choose, there’s always someone for me to reach out to if ever I get stuck.”
Michelle joined us in December, just before the busiest time of the year known as Peaks – the January to March period when agents typically book four times more holidays.
“Last year’s Peaks was crazy for me. It was a fast and steep learning curve and I soon learnt that I had to have processes in place in order to keep up with all the enquiries. I’m so better prepared for Peaks this next time around.”
So has Michelle had any time to travel?
As part of the Elite package, two overseas training retreats are included. These retreats are not only an opportunity to learn more about how to operate your business and fine tune your entrepreneurial skills, they’re also a great way to network.
“I’ve been to Fuerteventura on the Millionaire’s Retreat and to Mauritius on the Elite Experience. I’ve also been on a Seminar at Sea and Not Just Travel’s Platinum conference with Virgin Voyages. On each one of these trips I’ve met other consultants and made friends. Many of us form Whatsapp groups so we can all reach out to each other whenever we need advice or tips. Everyone is so supportive.”
As an MBC winner who’s proven herself, what would be her advice to franchisees who are new or thinking of joining?
“Just do it. Don’t sit around thinking about getting out there meeting people because you’re just wasting time. Do it. Embrace it. And, even if you’re doing it part-time or even if you’re working elsewhere full time, invest as much time into your new business as you can. Literally just do it. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your business will grow.”
And so does Michelle have any regrets?
“No. The Travel Franchise gives you everything you need to make it a success. And it’s so much fun. I absolutely love my job. I love the autonomy. I love the flexibility and I love the travel. It’s just down to your own mindset to make it work.”
