I worked for a large retail agency for eight years and I became more and more frustrated about it being all about the money rather than putting the focus on better servicing my clients.

I decided to make the move and to join Travel Counsellors as they had a stellar reputation, and I knew that their business model would best suit me as I could build personal relationships with my clients and I loved the Travel Counsellors ethos of always doing the right thing by the customer. After seeing the demo I knew immediately that it was right for me and my customers.

I was astounded by how much support head office provided. I didn't know much about how to run a business and was a bit worried about this aspect. But I didn't need to worry at all as Travel Counsellors assisted me through this, teaching me everything that I needed to know. I love the fact that I can run my own business within my own time frames with the backing of a professional company that gives me all the scope that I need and I don't have to worry about the back office. I love the fact that head office takes care of my back office, giving me more time to look after my clients to ensure that they get the very best service possible. My clients love that I have more time to spend with them.

I am never on my own and my Travel Counsellor colleagues have become close friends. I really feel like I am part of one big happy family. We are all like-minded individuals who are passionate about travel and putting our customers interests at heart. I know that I can call on them day or night for any work related or personal matters.

The tools and support that Travel Counsellors offers is just incredible. "With us it's personal" is our pay off line and we truly live it. The tools that Travel Counsellors provide help me to keep in touch with my customers and to build relationships with them, the training is outstanding and I have access to a business development executive who works with me on a one to one basis helping me to grow and build my business. The marketing is fantastic as it helps generate leads and referrals which result in increased sales. This year we have just had all our consumer websites overhauled at no additional cost. The Travel Counsellors brand name is grouwing stronger and we have just launched a short consumer film as well as a corporate version that is on our websites, in an eshot format and it's something we can also showcase at BNI meetings. The best part is that my business has grown consistently and I haven't had to spend any of my own money in building my business. I have simply used all the tools that Travel Counsellors provides.

Phenix is a powerful weapon that sets us apart from all other travel providers. Within a few minutes we can dynamically create our own packages using special IT fares, accommodation, transfers, car hire and attractions. The best bit is that there is a default commission of 20% which I can move up or down. I can book this, take payment and issue vouchers 24/7 so I am in full control. I can offer my clients products that other agents in South Africa don't have and at an affordable price to my clients.

The IT support is fantastic and I can simply pick up the phone any time of the day and night and someone from our head office team can log onto my laptop remotely and sort the problem out. As we are a global company operating in seven countries around the world - we have a 24 hour full support structure which is so reassuring to me.

My proudest moment was being awarded gold status (earning in excess of R790,577 in gross commissions) in less than a year, at the global Gold Conference in Abu Dhabi last year - the sheer energy was like a million light bulbs under one roof.

 

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