And it’s that spirit of recommendation that’s helped make her business a success, even though she began part-time and had no prior experience. Previously working in HR and IT respectively, both Louise and Lee were fed up with their careers.
“Both of us were fed up with the corporate life and the nine to five. I was making people redundant and holding disciplinaries,” explains Louise. “Maybe I didn’t realise it at the time, but I had all these little things from my background that were pushing me towards a career in travel. Now I get to talk about holidays and look at hotels all day!”
Just six weeks after being introduced to the concept, Louise did her initial one week induction training. Her first bookings came soon after, from friends and family. And they still book to this day, five years later, with one friend recently booking an £18,000 multi-centre trip to Japan for next year.
“In the early days it tends to be people that you already know. We've both booked for a lot of ex work colleagues - and it was definitely family and friends in the beginning.”
But that’s just the start. The biggest growth Louise has seen has come through being referred and recommended to others. That isn’t something to take lightly, as it means people are happy to be associated with you and your service.
“We get a lot of referrals, which is amazing,” says Louise. “I think it's the highest compliment that the customer can pay you. That they're happy to put their name to your service when they recommend you to their friends and family.”
Social media has also amplified the word-of-mouth effect, with a local Facebook group being the source of a recent massive £85,000 booking for a multi-generational family trip to Thailand, Singapore and then the Maldives.
“I joined some of the local groups on Facebook,” Louise says. “The biggest one that I'm in has about 80,000 women in the area. Everyone asks for advice and tips. And, as time went on, when people were asking for independent travel agent recommendations, my existing customers were mentioning my name. I guess I had a bit of a reputation in the group!”
Running a great travel business isn’t about getting customers once - it’s about keeping them and having them recommend you to others. That only happens when you love your work, and your customers too.
That’s clearly true for Louise and Lee, and it shows in the reviews and testimonials they get. Rated 5/5 on Trustpilot, one recent reviewer demonstrates how their service is valued.
“I had the responsibility of making a group booking. 18 people, 5 families with a broad age of children. Louise did a great job and has found us… the perfect all-inclusive hotel in a great location. Very happy with the prompt and professional service provided and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending.”
Far from being fed up with careers that weren’t going to be right for them long-term, Louise and Lee now get immense satisfaction from helping people make great memories.
“There were lots of people that didn't travel and now they are travelling again. They haven't been away for two or three years and they're really nervous about it. They really appreciate the support. You feel like you've helped someone to get away and have a good time.”
Helping people with tailor made itineraries, where they don’t quite know what they want is also hugely enjoyable.
“I feel like that's where we get to add the most value. If you get to know the customer and actually understand what they're looking for, you get to bring that to life for them. Equally it might be that you listen to what they're asking for, and you tell them that it's not actually what they want. It sounds so cheesy, but to go on that journey with them, people are so grateful when they've had a lovely holiday. That’s a lovely feeling.”
When Sejal Devlia started her travel business with leading UK travel firm Not Just Travel, she had a single goal in mind; hit a predetermined sales target to be rewarded back her entire franchise fee
“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” says mum Becky Westaway who got her travel franchise for free!
After almost 29 years as a teacher Julie-Anne Craig is now her own boss after retraining to become a home-based travel consultant with The Travel Franchise.
Becoming a Not Just Travel consultant allowed Jacki Cooper to walk away from her highly pressurising corporate job and change her life for the better.
How buying a travel franchise enabled Marietta to be her own boss, enjoy dream holidays and build her dream home in Cyprus.
Dog crèche entrepreneurs, Nathan and Candy, invest in The Travel Franchise and sell £70k-worth of holidays in first month.
A finalist for TTG’s New Luxury Designer of the Year 2023 award, Rachel Tredwell has gained a reputation for creating dream holidays, particularly for those tying the knot.
Being able to travel and have the flexibility to work at the same time is one of the biggest reasons why former RAF crewman, Chris, loves his new job as a travel consultant.
How two sisters who decided to invest in a travel franchise together have become closer and more successful than they ever dreamed possible.
Mum of two, Amy Howerd, decided to join The Travel Franchise in November 2019.
Five years on Palvi Harvery loves her new career as a homeworking travel consultant and is celebrating reaching a milestone of £3 million in holiday sales.
Not Just Travel franchisees Natasha & James Oliphant work on their business part-time, haven’t spent a penny on ads and are still successful.
Not Just Travel franchisee Jenifer Compton shares how her travel business has given her more freedom and flexibility.
Since starting her business in 2017, Sarah has gone from a career as a police officer to a highly trusted travel consultant.
Not Just Travel franchisee Andy Richardson shares his top 4 reasons travel agents are back in fashion… and why business is booming.
Not Just Travel franchise owner Lloydie Gardiner shares his 3 top tips if you’re thinking about using networking to grow your business.
Digital marketing training, provided by Not Just Travel head office, showed Sue Aitken how to leverage Facebook Lead Ads.
After his music production business slowed following the pandemic, Ross started his instant travel business with The Travel Franchise
Emma plans to work alongside her daughter to make her travel business more of a family affair.
Ben aimed to work part-time but managed to get his money-back in our challenge and is on the way to over 100k a year in commission
'I’ve more time with my family now. I have more time to get away with my family. It’s given me a new lease of life and something to be joyful about.
I did £340k of turnover in my first year. I’m now looking for my next challenge, reaching 1 million turnover by the end of year 2.
'The Travel Franchise offers you everything you need to create a successful travel business and to be your own boss. It’s hard work, but starting a new business is within any sector. The growth in the business and quality of the training and materials you are equipped with really puts you in a superb position to build a fantastic travel business.
Work from home part-time or full-time
Uncapped earning potential
Win your franchise fee back with our Money Back Challenge