Collaboration can be one of the most rewarding steps a person can take for their career, or it can be one of the most damaging. Especially for Travel Agents who are accustomed to working solo.
Fortunately for one pair of Travel Agents and individual business owners, Michelle Schulze and Julie Painter, teaming up to expand their offerings was one of the best things they ever did.
Back in 2015, the infectious duo shared a desire to launch group tours for female travellers. However, they weren’t confident about running them solo.
The pair sporting Moo Moo Madness’ TravelManagers-inspired dress.
As long-time friends and colleagues at TravelManagers, Julie and Michelle decided to team up and launch ‘Ladies Escapes’, which ran its first trip that same year to Fiji.
The sold-out tour was such a success that they’ve since run several more ‘escapes’ to the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and plan to expand into Europe in the coming year.
Image: TravelManagers Julie Painter/Facebook
Despite the success of Ladies Escapes, the pair admitted to peers at the TravelManagers Conference in Hawaii that it isn’t always “rosy” working with a plus one, but they’ve managed to find a rhythm that works for them.
In the hopes of inspiring more consultants to collaborate successfully, Julie & Michelle offered these five tips:
1. Find your other half
Michelle and Julie say that it’s important to find someone that balances you out. You need to have a similar drive and similar goals but not necessarily the same personality.
“We have completely different styles, and this adds value and motivates us.”
2. Let it all out
Without honesty, there can be no trust. Without trust, there can be no success.
Once you’ve found your soul mate in business, the pair said you need to be completely honest with each other. This means opening up when something doesn’t feel right, if you have another idea or if you’re unable to meet deadlines.
“Honesty is key.”
3. Brainstorm
Image: TravelManagers Julie Painter/Facebook
Communication is vital, as is coming up with fresh ideas regularly.
Michelle and Julie said that although they may not see each other often, they communicate daily. They use that time to catch up, ensure they’re both okay and brainstorm new ideas and strategies.
4. Have each other’s backs
Image: TravelManagers Julie Painter/Facebook
Be there for the highs and be there for the lows – the pair couldn’t have stressed this enough.
Supporting each other through everything means picking each other up or talking each other down in certain situations.
“We’re there for each other from planning and escorting trip to tough family situations. We always have each other’s backs.”
5. Don’t be stubborn
Compromise! Compromise! Compromise!
The pair said collaboration should be treated as any partnership, which includes compromise.
“It’s not always rosy, but it’s important to resolve any conflict by finding a compromise. If you don’t, the situation won’t get any better.”
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