A passion project in retirement that turned into a thriving business: Two reasons why and the how:
First, a little background: After twenty years of trading risk arbitrage and equity derivatives in downtown manhattan, the time had come for chapter two, or no chapter at all; the latter option was not appealing. My dad said, "what about being a travel advisor? You love to travel, have a great client list and have been to +60 countries. We use an advisor and it makes all the difference in the world?" I love the idea, but where do you begin?
With Wall Street clientele, the appeal of Virtuoso as the luxury leader in travel helped me narrow my search for a host agency on this very site. The other requirement was a real education; only GTN had both. The year-long program was vital to my success. One could launch without the education on the back of my extensive travel and business experience, but aren't your odds of success drastically higher if you are a true expert? Doesn't that take immersion and mentorship? Would I have done more damage to my budding travel reputation with the finance clients I hoped to convert to travel clients had I not? Would I get more than one chance from those clients?
Fast forward to December 2021, I am in GTN's top producers club (top 30) in my first full year of business! I am invited to the Virtuoso ultraluxe community, attended Belmond's signature Bellini event for 10 USA advisors in Sicily and was on a top producer retreat with GTN. Without education, it would not have unfolded this way and certainly not this quickly.
The second reason is: In real estate, the most valuable metric is location, location, location, but at a host agency, it is culture, culture, culture. The collaboration and support amongst advisors in our community is the silver bullet and goes hand in hand with the educational foundation of GTN. Imagine how much the collective mindshare benefits our clients. I was not expecting instant responses to questions or requests for advice yet opening up the browser to 7 responses in thirty minutes is common. It's another level of vetting and advocacy, but it only happens if the culture is there. We are not competing like local real estate agents who might compete for a listing in town. Our clients are worldwide, an enviable difference, and it means we are not competing so let's help each other win. We share tips, insights and experiences on our internal system in discussion groups that pale in comparison to snarky online forums. We travel together, 14 GTN advisors and I are just back from 12 days in Tanzania, and as a result, we grow together. It's made all the difference in professional growth inspired by culture and education. What more can you ask for?
It’s been almost a year since I decided to make one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life and that was joining GTN Travel MBA Program. After speaking with the staff and attending my first Conference I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Although I came into the industry with many years of business travel experience. The training, support and insight I received this year has been invaluable. I’m so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to do something I love and learn from the BEST. GTN teaches us to think outside the box and to celebrate our uniqueness. You will receive the BEST mentoring, life and business coaching, providing you with all the tools you need in every aspect to start your Travel Business. Even if your ready to start the program and not sure of your business name or what your niche will be. GTN can assist you with this, through their coaching process seamlessly.
The Travel MBA Program was so worth it!! I’m overwhelmed with joy from my experience and the amount of wisdom I’ve received. I can’t wait for everything I’ve learned to manifest into a new level of greatness in my New Business. Being apart of GTN you have no choice but to thrive. The tools are there. It’s just up to you to implement them!!
Being new to the travel industry, I did a lot of research before ultimately choosing to go with Gifted Travel Network (GTN) as my host agency. I then enrolled in their Travel MBA program, which is their mentoring course for new agents. It was such a good decision, both in enrolling in their school, and in deciding to go with GTN as my host. GTN was founded by three phenomenal women, Jen, Meredith, and Vaness, who have created a wonderfully collaborate community, as opposed to a competitive one. It’s a warm and supportive environment for everyone, and those new to the industry, a very nurturing one. GTN trains you to think like an entrepreneur and encourages you to find your own unique path rather than conforming to any restrictive agency guidelines and preconceived notions about what your business “should” be.
I’m happy to be growing alongside this amazing company, and would encourage anyone, whether they are new or a veteran to the industry, to take a look at what GTN has to offer. You’ll find the support, training, tolls, and encouragement to be successful in your business on your own terms.
I started the Travel MBA program just over a year ago. It was a great way to learn the ins and outs of the travel industry and it gave clear information on how to grow your business. Lisa Fletcher is a great mentor and is always there to guide you throughout the process. In addition, there is always constant and consistent information being offered through Facebook live sessions and weekly coaching calls. Everyone in the group is supportive of each other, not competitive and everyone is willing to share their knowledge and expertise. I can’t imagine belonging to any other host agency!
Gifted Travel Network (GTN) is an amazing travel business development and host agency. A fellow agent introduced me to GTN and I'm so glad because it was at just the time I needed them. Since day one, I have felt like one of the family. THANK YOU Shannon & Sarah. The founders, Vanessa, Jen, and Meredith recognize the need to be entrepreneurs and push us outside of our comfort zones. Sarah is always there on the administrative side, so efficient and helpful!! I truly can't imagine a better agency.
If you are brand new to the industry, like I was when I found them. I would recommend the Travel MBA course (Lisa Fletcher) and The Blue Print. They are wonderful tools to meet you right where you are. Lisa is incredible and so encouraging and helpful! They are there to help you succeed. With the leadership of GTN, our company has flourished and we could not be more pleased with GTN as our host agency--this includes the founders and all staff members. Thank you to the entire GTN team for all that you do on a daily basis to help and encourage us.!
Today marks my one year anniversary with GTN and my completion of the Travel MBA programs. I'm so glad for the decision I made a year ago.
In the Travel MBA program, they don't just train you on how to book travel, they help you with your mindset (which is a HUGE piece of the entrepreneurship puzzle), with how to start a business, how to market a business, and how to find YOUR unique niche in the travel world. The program is amazing for those new to the industry. Some new folks come right out the gate booking trips while others (like me) are much slower and that's totally OK at GTN. All the training and coaching you get means that everyone can move at their own pace and not feel left behind.
GTN, both the company and their network of independent contractors, are the most helpful people I've met in a long, long time. It truly is a community. Plus, the company run by an amazing trio of women, which is quite motivating in itself!
Gifted Travel Network (GTN) is the most amazing travel business development and host agency. With GTN, you are one of the family. The founders, Vanessa, Jen, and Meredith are available to you. This team realizes and acknowledges that as entrepreneurs your personal and professional overlap considerably. They help you by getting to know you and help you pluck those mind weeds that are stopping from progressing in your business. If you are brand new to the industry, like I am, they have put together the Travel MBA course, which has been wonderful to help and guide me along the in my business with modules that take you step by step through the process. With the Travel MBA, you have a support system that to include the marvelous team of Lisa and Sandy! They are there to answer all your questions and as everyone in my Travel MBA class knows, I have a lot. With GTN, you have the tools to make your business “professional” and therefore successful. They are there to help you succeed. I started my business with a lot of prayers and a dream!! With the leadership of GTN, my prayers have been answered and my dreams are becoming a reality. Thank you to the entire GTN team for all that you do on a daily basis to help me succeed in my business!
I'm so glad that I found GTN as my Host Agency. There are so many Hosts out there and yes, you can get the basics from any of them. However, GTN goes BEYOND the basics. Yes, you have access to the marketing side of how to sell from the vendor side and you need to know the product. BUT product knowledge will only get you so far in this industry. I know first hand because I had chosen a previous host and they were great but the training was only ever product. You NEED to know how to get the clients to come to you as well. That's where GTN SHINES ABOVE THE REST! They give you unlimited support on how to gain the client list both online and offline. They have monthly support calls and more. Everyone supports each other, not just the "home office" but all of the GTN agents, we are a family. I came to GTN with basic product knowledge and not knowing how to get the client and GTN has brought me to the next level and getting the client to work it all together. Thank you!
GTN is really a community. The GTN team has done so much to foster a network of agents that act as a team instead of competitors, and that share information and advice, and they actually get to know their members and are involved in helping them overcome challenges. GTN's Travel MBA program is focused on much more than just products and sales - they know how important mindset is and offer inspiration to keep you driven and excited about your travel business. As someone who is brand new to the travel industry, I am glad I chose GTN and the Travel MBA program, because I feel like I have a team with me every step of the way. It's so refreshing and inspiring to see this amazingly well-run company founded and led by strong, successful women!
Gifted Travel Network (GTN) takes 'hosting' to the next level of support for their independent contractors. I was initially hosted with another agency until I discovered GTN's business development calls, weekly supplier shop talks, private Facebook forum, and extremely supportive environment encouraging each of us to learn, share, grow our individual businesses. I am know hosted with GTN and feel they are my partner, not my competition since they have no side travel agency. Through GTN i have gained a solid sales foundation and began implementing many aspects to grow my business. Look no further is you're searching for a host agency!
I have been the Travel MBA program since November 2017, and I am very pleased. In the 2-3 months that I have been in the program, I have learned so much. I am currently with another host agency, but I am transitioning to Gifted Travel Network. I have been participating in a couple of webinar series and received some great feedback. Meredith, Vanessa, and Lisa have been wonderful. The ladies have answered all of my questions and exceeded my expectations. They are also very encouraging. I have even received an email from a fellow student who heard me on the mentoring calls. The MBA program modules breaks down every single topic, which makes it very easy to understand. With each module I am learning something new that I haven't heard before. The ladies have taught me the difference between treating my agency as hobby and treating it as a business. I am looking forward to completing the MBA Program and hopefully I will be able to take advantage of more programs GIFTE has to offer. Thank you Ladies.