Kerith defied all odds and achieved Gold during the pandemic

Kerith started her own travel business as a Travel Counsellor on the 4th of November 2019. A few months later the Covid-19 Pandemic Hit and travel was grounded.

Kerith did not allow the Pandemic to stop her. We caught up with Kerith to learn more about what she did during this time.

Kerith was able to defy all odds and to achieve Gold Status in what has been the most challenging trading conditions.

Take a look at what Kerith shared with us.

What do you love most about being a TC?

The people in Travel Counsellors are really what makes it special. Both the head office and fellow TCs make you feel like you are part of a great big team and not on your own.

I have formed friendships with people who I have never met, yet I speak to them daily. We keep each other motivated, we vent together, we are there for the good times and the bad. I love it! I also value the independence and being able to do as much – or as little – as I want.

No one is breathing down my neck and as the world opens up again I can start to specialise more and more in what I do. The global community and access to knowledge are incredible too, there is nothing that someone doesn’t know, and everyone is so happy to help at all times!

How did the pandemic affect your business?

It obliterated it. Literally, the MICE industry came to a global halt, and I did not know what I was going to do. I had never sold leisure travel, I did not know the suppliers and I felt completely adrift. But then I began to work on inspiring travel during the hard lockdowns, learning things I was unsure of, and getting out of my comfort zone.

I did not have a choice, and in hindsight perhaps the pandemic was the best thing that could have happened as it forced me to leave behind the events industry and to put my considerable passion into travel.

I was able to focus, spending whole days on single Facebook posts as I got more and more distracted by the wonders of the world we could not explore. I spent time in training seminars and learnt the systems I needed.

In all honestly, those first weeks of the pandemic were some of the best for me as I spent time purely focusing on my business foundations. Through the tough times, I stayed on top of the constant changes for repatriation flights, provincial travel, permits for travel…. all of it, and it paid off with referrals trickling through early on.

I would never have been able to do so much groundwork if I was still running another business and my phone was constantly ringing. In a few years’ time I think I may even feel grateful for that time…. but only in a few years 😃

Could you share your top tip for business success?

This is such a hard one.

• I think for me the most important thing in business is to deliver on your promises to everyone. And in order to do that one has to manage expectations – of clients, suppliers and myself.

• Working hard is not always working smart, and you have to respect and value your business as its own entity.

• Show up every day with a fresh approach, and if you need to take time out then do it.

• Keep your eye on the prize.

• Stay in touch with your clients with the soft touches.

• And always make your bed!

How does it feel to achieve Gold?

Insane. Surreal! My mantra for the last few months has been GoForGold2021 ha ha – I never thought it was possible. It’s the ultimate confirmation that moving to travel was the right thing for me and that the TC system works if you show up, work hard, and deliver.

What’s on your travel bucket list?

Antarctica! Azerbaijan and Georgia, the Tour de France, Everest, Kyoto, the Galapagos… the whole of America… Just getting on to a plane again would be great 😊

Kerith's journey as a Travel Counsellor is an inspiring one. She achieved what many would say is impossible and even during what must have been becoming a Travel Counsellorthe toughest conditions. If you would like to explore more about becoming a Travel Counsellor then please get in touch.