‘Founders need to chase dreams, but it’s not for the faint-hearted’

What makes an entrepreneur?

‘Entrepreneurial’ is one of our four key values at Travel Counsellors, alongside being human, showing care and making an impact. So, when I read an article recently on the topic of entrepreneurship by Luke Johnson, chairman of Risk Capital Partners and the Institute of Cancer Research, and an entrepreneur and investor, it really struck a chord with me. In it, Johnson talks about the courage, passion and creativity involved in being an entrepreneur, and how it takes a special type of person - one who is willing to accept things won’t always be rosy and who is ready to make sacrifices - and who accepts the challenges that come with being in charge of your own destiny.

It takes a special person

Johnson states that these special types of people ‘take the plunge into the choppy waters of entrepreneurship because they like adventure, because they must chase a vision, and they have the self-confidence to ignore all the threats and negatives.’ Just the type of special person that makes a great Travel Counsellor!

It struck me just how empowering and also what a privilege is it to be part of Travel Counsellors - an empowered community of travel professionals - driven by exactly this mindset. Our people are powered by the passion to succeed and the goal to do the very best for themselves, their families and those around them. Having the confidence to ignore the negatives is so important; accepting the things we cannot control but embracing those we can and focusing on all the positive actions we can take to drive success. Surrounding ourselves with winners and having a positive, entrepreneurial attitude. It’s exactly this mindset that we both encourage and recognise in our franchise holders.

It's not easy!

The article states there are 5 million small business owners in the UK, out of a working population of 27 million plus. So being an entrepreneur isn’t for everyone, and as Johnson points out, it requires long-term commitment, dedication and patience. But as we all know, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it!

At Travel Counsellors, we find a way of making things happen and getting things done, especially where this will benefit and improve the experience and lives of our customers, our business owners and each other. That care for what is important, for protecting our community, living our values and providing a platform that enables, supports and grows entrepreneurs and enables us to redefine what personal means in the travel industry. It is, quite simply, why we exist.

Love what you do

Johnson describes entrepreneurialism as an adventure. I couldn’t agree more. After all, if you do something you love for a living, you’ll never work a day in your life. I do hope this message resonates with anyone considering taking the plunge, changing their life for the better, and starting their own personal adventure with Travel Counsellors.