How to Become a Travel Counsellor: Clair Stier's story of success

Taking the leap to start your own travel business is a thrilling prospect - just ask Clair Stier, who’s now proudly celebrating her first anniversary as a Travel Counsellor. You have a deep passion for helping people discover the world, a desire for flexible work, and the drive to unlock your true earning potential. Yet, it is completely natural to feel a bit apprehensive about stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. Will you have the right technology? How will you find clients? What happens if you need help?

We understand these questions because we hear them every day. At Travel Counsellors, we believe that you should never have to compromise between running your own business and feeling supported. Our community is built on a foundation of care, innovative technology, and unparalleled mentorship and support. We care more than anybody else, and that care is designed to give you the confidence to explore what you are truly capable of achieving.

When you join us, you are not just getting access to industry-leading booking systems; you are joining a network of like-minded professionals who are ready to fuel your ambitions. To show you exactly what it is like to transition into this rewarding career, we sat down with Clair Stier.

Having previously run an independent tourism business for 16 years, she shares her candid journey of joining our community, the challenges of building a pipeline, and the incredible rewards of thinking big.

Whether you are looking for a career change or searching for better tools to grow your existing travel business, her story offers invaluable advice on taking that exciting next step.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Travel Counsellors?

I was actually a TC client for 6 years prior to joining - I used the services of Karin Livingstone for all my own business and personal travel and more importantly, to fly my clients around the country as I only booked land packages. Prior to joining TC, I ran my own business for 16 years in the tourism industry, creating incentive packages for corporates as well as proposal, honeymoon and anniversary short-stay packages that people could give as gifts (primarily eCommerce-based). There was a lot of overlap with TCs domestic business in terms of suppliers, and I wanted to shift the focus to more inbound tourism and the decision to join TC was then two fold - grow my market, grow my offering footprint and definitely take advantage of the incredible tech and systems on offer which I could only dream of affording as a small business owner.

Has your life changed at all since becoming a Travel Counsellor?

In terms of the day-to-day operations, no, not really - I still work from home, and I still run my own business. But in terms of the calibre of client, the systems and support and the opportunity to really stretch my abilities - it's vastly different. I love being a part of something so much bigger than myself. I STILL feel like I've landed my dream job where I can fully utilise my creativity to delight my clients. Joining TC has truly expanded my world beyond SA, not that I haven't travelled extensively, but I felt I'd become stuck in a rut travel-wise, and it's completely blown the world wide open for me..... My husband rolls his eyes each time I add ANOTHER exotic destination to my travel bucket list. What has really changed for me, though, has been my attitude.... I wake up each morning genuinely excited for the day ahead. No two days are the same; there's ALWAYS something to do, plan, work on, and I'm never bored.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a TC?

The people.... I didn't realise how lonely I'd become working in a transactional business. I've really loved building relationships with my clients over the phone and in numerous coffee shops! I also love the TC community - the attitude of helpfulness, my awesome TC team in the Helderberg, and support from Head Office. I get to experience the best of both worlds: the flexibility of owning my own business, combined with a supportive corporate structure and great colleagues.

What’s been your highlight of the first year with Travel Counsellors?

Seeing what I'm capable of achieving. Before joining Travel Counsellors, I completed some very complex business leadership courses where I set huge goals for my future. The turning point was realising I could never achieve them in my previous role, but as a Travel Counsellor, I can. This year, particularly the last couple of months, has shown me that I can close bigger sales and work towards a future I never imagined possible. I am learning to think BIG! And there is so much inspiration from other TCs out there :-) I find it exhilarating.

Describe your work environment.

I'm fortunate to have my own dedicated home office - my hubby and I each have our own offices downstairs. My lovely, partially sunny room looks out onto our back garden. It's frequently staffed by at least one feline co-worker, one of whom is a consummate chair thief if you dare to stand up. I’ve made the space my own by painting a world map on the wall, which serves as both inspiration and a great vlog backdrop.

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking of joining the Travel Counsellors community?

Definitely go for it, but you'll need to bear a few things in mind:

1. It's REALLY important that you make friends with the TCs in your area - you'll need support and cheerleaders.
2. Work on your pipeline and reach out to grow your contacts - join a networking group, be proactive on calls, really give it all in terms of reaching out. Schedule regular call times each week to connect with people. It’s a good way to remind them you’re there, but be prepared to offer advice and share your knowledge without making a sale. It’s all part of the process. So many times I felt it was all going too slow, and Karin, as my mentor, checked in and reminded me about the basics - aka Golden Habits. They do work, they just take time.
3. It can take longer than you expect to see a return on your investment. I was hoping to be comfortable by the six-month mark, but it wasn't until month nine that I started to see how my future earnings were shaping up. That can be a scary prospect, and it's where you'll need a solid support system and a patient partner or family to help financially while you get your business off the ground.

Ready to Transform Your Career?

Starting your own business is a journey, and as highlighted in the interview, it requires patience, networking, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Building a solid pipeline and waiting for your income to stabilise can feel daunting at first. However, the beauty of joining Travel Counsellors is that you never have to navigate these early hurdles alone.

Our comprehensive training and mentorship programmes are designed specifically to guide you through these initial months. You get to enjoy the absolute freedom of business ownership while leaning on a highly supportive structure and cutting-edge technology that makes your day-to-day operations seamless.

If you are craving more flexibility or simply looking for a career that makes you wake up genuinely excited every morning, it is time to take action. You have the passion for travel, and we have the tools, the network, and the expertise to help you build something extraordinary. We are creating the future of travel, and we want you to be a part of it.

Click below to reach out to our team, ask us your questions, and find out exactly how Travel Counsellors can help you launch the travel business of your dreams.