Keep in the loop while working from home

Build your online profile

Consistent social media activity, client testimonials and email newsletters play an important role in nurturing client connections, raising awareness of your brand and building trust. Constant Travel places significant emphasis on marketing and networking workshops that help agents showcase their personalities, expertise and travel knowledge online, while InteleTravel supports agents with its Content Concierge tool designed to create promotional social media posts – using supplier images – and tailored messaging.

Looking ahead, Nisha Bean, head of sales at Travelosophers, thinks this focus on brand development for individual agents will only increase. She says: “The homeworking travel sector is set to continue to grow with better training and standards, niche expertise and a stronger focus on personal branding and digital engagement.”

Tap into mentoring support 

Mentoring remains an important source of support for many homeworkers, particularly those moving from a traditional retail environment. During the first year of trading, it can also establish valuable working practices from the outset.

Travel Four Seasons is among several companies that help agents build confidence and stay connected through a structured mentoring programme that provides guidance on everything from sales techniques and business planning to client relationship management.

Some agencies, including 1000 Mile Travel, have introduced buddy schemes, pairing new recruits with experienced advisors who can provide day-to‑day support and encouragement. Others provide access to experienced business development managers and peer networks.

Strengthen supplier relationships 

Agents can stay informed about new products through supplier roadshows, webinars and in-person and virtual trade updates. As well as helping agents keep pace with sales opportunities, regular engagement can raise their profile with key partners. Suppliers often reward agents with invitations to educational visits, fam trips and exclusive events. Suppliers also often hold in-person training workshops with regional business development managers and account managers in attendance.

Richard Light, director of Experience It Now, says: “The right support structure makes a huge difference, particularly when you’re starting out. Our agents have access to training and marketing tools, supplier relationships and product updates and a wider network of colleagues they can learn from.

Keep learning  

Online learning platforms remain one of the most effective ways for homeworkers to stay up to date with key developments from tourist boards, airlines, hotels, cruise lines and more. There are plenty of different platforms to access, including Online Travel Training (OTT), where free, interactive and accredited courses are designed to help broaden your expertise and offer bite-sized chunks of learning that you can easily fit around your day.

After more than 25 years in the industry, Designer Travel homeworker Susan Dearing says OTT still remains an invaluable tool for learning about new products and destinations. She adds: “I had a client who was interested in a Hurtigruten cruise. I wasn’t that knowledgeable about them, so I went on to the OTT platform and did the training course. It worked really well as it helped me secure my first booking with Hurtigruten.

Training is important for new and more‑established homeworkers. Auria Travel refines sales techniques and expands specialist knowledge through development programmes, and is just one of the many ways homeworkers are kept in the know.