www.giftedtravelnetwork.com
704-585-7732
Email Host Agency
197 Medical Park Rd. Suite 202 Mooresville, NC 28117 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?
Even though I am still very new to the travel industry, I decided to switch hosts and join GTN a few months ago. I have learned in my short time as a travel professional just how vital it is to have the right type of support and leadership. GTN exists and thrives because it truly does support agents who are interested in figuring out how to be successful running your own business with your own personal brand, and adopting a true entrepreneurial mindset. This is a shift that needs to happen, and I believe GTN is at the forefront in doing so.
They are very supportive and helpful, and they also have many different ways to acquire the knowledge and expertise you need to develop the brand and the business you desire to have. The monthly mentoring calls are amazing, and there is a helpful community of likeminded people available to always offer support and guidance, no matter what level your business is at.
This agency is really a great choice for anyone who got into this business to be an entrepreneur and wants to develop a travel business that is unique and purposeful-- not to mention PROFITABLE! :)
I joined the GIFTE team a little over a year ago now, they have been a wealth of information for me in my quest to becoming a travel business entrepreneur. When GTN decided to become a host agency I was very excited and could not have asked for more. I signed up with GTN five months ago and it has been the best decision I could have made for my travel business. I highly recommend if you are looking for answers as to how to have a successful travel business and have the opportunity to connect with like minded individuals than GTN is where you should be. Go ahead give them a call and get more information.
Joining GTN has been the best decision I have made in my travel business. Meredith has an uncanny ability to help you uncover your message and nail your niche. This is so critical, because let’s face it, you can’t know everything about everyplace there is to travel. When you work within your specialty, you will see your business thrive. At GTN, they encourage you to grown your OWN brand, they are there to help and support you all along the way. The customer support is superior to anywhere I’ve ever been. Once on a holiday I emailed with a question and had an answer from Sarah within minutes. That was unexpected and above and beyond. Vanessa and Jen are always available to answer any questions you may have and to guide you through any challenges you may have! My business has completely changed in the last few months. I have joined Travel MBA, and had no idea how much I really didn’t know and to a mentor available by phone or email is priceless. The community at GTN has been so helpful and supportive. I’ve never worked with so many people who are happy and want to help everyone! There’s no sense of competition between us; other GTN members have (more than once) even messaged me to check in on a post/question I had a week or more before. I think one of the biggest perks of GTN is the opportunity of up to 100% commission when you’re ready. At some point it will just make sense to pay a small fee and keep 100% of your commissions. Call GTN. Set up an appointment to talk to them, this will be the change you’re looking for.
As a travel professional with 25+ years experience, I recently made the move to The Gifted Travel Network. I had know Meredith Hill and liked her philosophy on helping the travel agent, I have been a part of GIFTE and the Travel Entrepreneur Success Academy. Even then, it was a difficult decision to make because of being with my old agency for 20 years. However, GTN offered something that my old host agency did not, 100% commission with a reasonable monthly fee. GTN recognizes the independent agent as a business owner, an entrepreneur, and provides the support that is so necessary to make a business run smoothly and the back office support that can be overwhelming to do on your own. If you have been wondering if making only a fraction of your commission is all there is, check out The Gifted Travel Network. Have a conversation with Jennifer Cochran, and find out the information that will help you make an informed decision.
Being part of GTN is the best of all worlds. As an independent travel entrepreneur, I have the strength and negotiating ability of the group with suppliers. At the same time, I have the ability to pick and choose the suppliers I feel best serve my clients. I am not coerced into using "preferred" suppliers and/or penalized for not (as some Host Agencies do). My clients' best interests are always my highest goal. GTN supports me in offering that excellent service.
At GTN I really feel supported, not only in product knowledge, but more importantly in best business practices. As a solo entrepreneur, I have a "home office"who truly cares about my success on all level; financial, professional and personal growth. It's truly a win/win for all.
I joined GTN last summer after leaving a host agency where I felt like a paycheck and a number. Not a good feeling at all. I've been involved w/the GIFTE community since 2012. I'm completing my second year in the TESA program and I'm a private coaching client. Joining GTN was a logical next step for a host agency that actually cares about my entrepreneurial success. It's one of the best decision I've ever made. I feel like they are invested in me as much as I'm invested in them. I pay a nominal monthly fee to keep 100% of my commission which is a GAME CHANGER. While I probably don't need to book through a host, I absolutely love the sense of community, the giving, sharing and learning so that we all benefit. Jen and Sarah are VERY responsive and attentive to every inquiry. I don't think I've ever waited more than one hour for a response - if that long. Commission is by direct deposit which is very convenient. I highly recommend GTN and the entire GIFTE program no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey. I love everything about GTN and the GIFTE community. I've definitely found my home!
INCREDIBLE experience! The team at GTN is so supportive. The transition of switching host agencies was handle with such ease, care and in very prompt time. I am so pleased with the relationships that GTN has with suppliers and their agents.
The team at GTN genuinely care about their agents and the success of their business. The focus is on leveling up in all aspects of the business. I highly recommend GTN as a host agency for anyone in the travel business that really wants to excel in their business.
Their way of doing business is not the traditional "travel agency" way and that is because traditional travel agencies have changed. GTN is on the cutting edge of helping travel entrepreneurs in this ever changing industry.
Joining GTN was one of the best business decisions that I have made. The 100% commission model was a huge draw for me, but what they have offered me beyond that has been priceless. The members truly are "gifted" individuals. The network is made up of a team of talented travel professionals working together. The goal is not to "outsell" the others here. We are all working to encourage and support one another in each ones efforts to succeed. I have learned so much about taking my business to new levels. I am so thankful for GTN!
GTZn was a perfect place for me to be as I looked at my bottom line to determine the percentage of commission I wanted to keep! The support from the staff to the members is the best I have ever experienced. Here is s place where the entrepreneurial spirit reigns and is supported.
GTN has been super helpful getting my agency up and running. I am new to the travel industry and everyone has been very helpful. They have mentors, a great selection of hotels through their Ensemble network and lots of motivating seminars and webinars.