In an increasingly digital world, travel agents are ditching their long commutes and making the most of their time by starting their own business and working from home.
Tired of working overtime and seeing little in return? You’re not alone. Agents are notorious for clocking plenty of unpaid overtime which mixed in with frustrating meetings, and endless reporting can lead to serious job frustration.
We had a chat with one agent, Mark Knight from TravelManagers, about doing things a little differently, ditching the traditional office and starting your own business.
You’re lucky enough to be running your own business now, what were you doing before you worked with TravelManagers?
I worked with a large travel retail brand for ten years, managing nineteen stores by the end of my time there. I’ve also worked in accounting for major Australian airlines, so I know the industry quite well.
What made you want to branch out and work for yourself?
I got to a point where I was tired commuting, reporting to someone else, having meeting after meeting. I wanted to be able to work from home and have more control of my time, the typical work-life balance a lot of us dream about.
Did you have any concerns about switching to working remotely and starting your own business?
I had all the usual doubts. Would I be able to retain clients? Would I still have enough knowledge of the industry? And most of all – will I be able to make enough money?
With those doubts in mind, what was it that pushed you to make the move?
I knew an agent who had transitioned from a retail brand and was now a personal travel manager. We had a chat (similar to this one) where I picked his brain about all the things worrying me. His experiences had all been really positive.
At the same time, I’d heard of TravelManagers, a company supporting travel agents to start their own businesses. Between his reassurances and the support offered from partnering with TravelManagers, most of my concerns were alleviated. It started to seem like less of a risk and more of a no-brainer.
What has been the biggest surprise since moving to TravelManagers?
One of the biggest surprises to me has been the level of support.
I came in thinking that I would have some support, but effectively I would be on my own. It seemed too good to be true that you could work for yourself plus have the support of a team. Since joining, the team at the National Partnership Office has been so helpful, over and above what I expected. As have the Fares and Ticketing Helpdesk crew.
I’ve been surprised to find I get client referrals that I normally wouldn’t, as it’s my business and they feel more connected to me than a business.
Do you have more of a work-life balance now that you work for yourself?
Absolutely. With starting any business there’s a fear that it’ll end up taking over your life, but I’ve gone from working 12-hour days to 3-5 hours on average.
Now I do school drop-offs, assist in my daughter’s classroom once a week, catch up with friends and cook (a bit of a passion of mine).
What about your income? By working fewer hours are you losing income?
I’m on track to make about two-thirds of my previous salary this year and I expect to surpass that next year.
Is there anything you miss about the office?
Overall my experience has been very positive. It does take time to adjust to working from home but I had factored this in and, believe me, it’s worth it. So no, there’s absolutely nothing I miss.
What is your advice to other travel professionals thinking about starting their own business and potentially joining TravelManagers?
The best advice I can give is to not be scared. If you are confident in yourself as a travel agent and your current client base supports you they will follow you.
Just back yourself and know that you have a support network out there willing to help get you started.
Earn. Travel. Live. More.
Want to work from home with more freedom and flexibility?
Check out TravelManagers today at https://join.travelmanagers.com.au/
Join TravelManagers today at https://join.travelmanagers.com.au/
READ: Launching your own travel business is easy peasy with the right support
READ: 4 advantages to having localised support as a mobile travel agent
What’s your secret? Tell us in the comments below…
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