Freedom, flexibility and family: How Corporate TC Amy Frost built her business her way
With travellers looking to book with someone they can count on to be there every step of the way, corporate travel is lifting Travel Counsellors to new heights. There's really never been a better time to join us as a Corporate Travel Counsellor.
Amy Frost took the leap to join us in October 2022 and is already smashing it. We caught up with her to find out about her experience of starting her own corporate travel business with Travel Counsellors…
Tell us about why you decided to become a TC? I’d been in the travel business a long time and I felt that I was now well equipped to run my own business. I wanted more of the freedom that working for myself allowed and, although I loved managing a team, I really wanted more time to concentrate on myself and my business. I also have a child that is now school age and being a TC gave me a lot more flexibility to manage my life and work in a nice balanced way.
How did you get into corporate travel? As the years went on in my old company and my corporate portfolio grew and grew, it became very apparent that in order to have a regular, consistent income, having a corporate client base was the way to go.
What do you love most about being a Travel Counsellor?
That I am able to manage my working life with my actual life, as it’s my business to run how I want to. Plus all the support that we are given – and the money!
What is the earning potential of a corporate Travel Counsellor? It’s uncapped and you can earn as much as you want. If you’re willing to work hard and grow your business in the right way, the sky is the limit!
What’s been your most challenging corporate booking to date? I wouldn't say that I've had any major problems, but there have been occasions when flights are cancelled very last minute and you need to find seats immediately for clients as they have meetings etc to get to. As soon as flights are cancelled you have to work so quickly as available options just disappear in seconds, so being quick off the mark to grab anything you can is key.
What 3 things do you love most about booking and handling corporate travel?
The speed of the booking process and the fact that people are very specific in their needs. Cost isn't always the main factor, which means that I can focus on getting things just right for my clients.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about becoming a Travel Counsellor? Absolutely 100% go for it, you need to back yourself and know you can be successful. At TC they have all the tools and support you need to make yourself a success.
How do you ensure you give a personalised service to your corporate clients? I’m always available and I’m quick to respond, I’ll also do everything from seats, to meals, to frequent flyers to checking in - anything to alleviate any work for the client.
How would you clients describe you? I think they’d say I’m efficient, available and knowledgeable.
What are you top tips for anyone who is still building on their corporate client base?
Referrals are a great way, especially friends and family. You never know who travels a lot for business or who works in a company that travels. I use the TC Business Development Managers as well - they are experts in creating relationships with clients.
Are there any stand-out moments so far? I booked a corporate client's leisure holiday, he takes the whole summer off every year, 8 weeks and takes his family away. I booked them a huge family holiday to South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar. It was amazing, all private residences, private islands, so many elements. I have to say I was nervous right until they came back, and kept double-checking the itinerary. At one point, they were due to check in to a hotel in the Seychelles when the property called to say that the Sultan of Dubai had booked out the whole hotel (and 2 others on the island!). Together with the TC support team, we found them somewhere else at the last minute. Fortunately the clients were very understanding, and they loved it!
Corporate Travel Counsellors use our cutting-edge technology and bespoke in-house platform to provide a concierge-style service to their clients. Of course, they also have the support of our friendly and knowledgeable community to help them on the way!
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