Simon Rawson Owner, Simon Rawson Travel, Travel Specialists by Advantage
‘AS THE WORLD REOPENS, OPPORTUNITIES ARE GROWING’
Q. Why did you become a homeworker this year? A. As an experienced agent at an independent high street agency, the pandemic forced me into a situation where I had no alternative than to trade independently for the first time in my 24-year career. I didn’t want to lose my relationship with loyal customers. Q. What was the first day like?
A. I can’t pretend it wasn’t daunting. There was one person to do everything – me. I was
concerned because I’d never run my own business. I began at 8.30am and finished around 7pm. By the end of day one, I’d already done my first booking. Q. What have been the biggest challenges? A. Time management – I’m a workaholic. My other challenge is many operators are busy with significantly fewer staff so I can get held up for hours and have to work evenings to catch up. Q. Any regrets? A. I’ve no regrets about starting when I did. As the world reopens, opportunities are growing. At first I sold mostly packages to Europe, now I’m selling cruises and long-haul. Q. What advice do you have for others? A. To anyone thinking of working from home, this is the time to do it. It’s hard work but so rewarding when you reap the benefits of your endeavours.
Ask the experts
PAUL HARRISON co-founder, Not Just Travel “Pick a company to work with that has a proven track record. No matter how experienced you are, ensure that whoever you choose to work with has the team, tools and support to help accelerate your business to the next level.”
TRICIA HANDLEY- HUGHES, UK director, InteleTravel
“Create a business plan and keep it to hand. Good admin will help you keep on top of payment deadlines; use files for your customer bookings and documentation.”
Cheryl Mallon Homeworker, The Holiday Village
‘I MANAGE WHAT COMES IN AND REACT TO IT’
Q. Had you thought of becoming a homeworker before now? A. I’d flirted with the idea over the years but timing, financial circumstances and working in a specialist area of tour operations for years meant it never struck me as the right thing to pursue until recently. Q. What hours do you work? A. I work around my customers so I don’t set an open and close time. I manage what comes in and react to it. Q. What is the key difference between your previous job and now? A. In previous roles I worked with suppliers and ground handlers directly, so it’s taken a bit of getting used to being a customer of the tour operator. Q. Was it harder than you thought to get started as a homeworker? A. Understanding the different media and what works was a puzzle initially, as was adapting to being on the other side of the fence after many years on the tour operator side. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy during the pandemic, but I thrive on challenging myself. Q. What’s the best thing about homeworking? A. The flexibility, knowing that my passion is my success, and having an amazing, supportive team behind me. Q. Will you stay in it for the long term? A. Absolutely. After 30-plus years in various travel roles, I know I’ve made the right decision.
MARK SMITH head of business development, Simplexity Travel
“With working from home the ‘new normal’ there has never been a better time to consider a remote position. To succeed, you need discipline, self- motivation and drive. We’ll help with the rest.”
SARAH HILLARD premier homeworker, Hays Travel
“Have a dedicated workspace, plan but be flexible and work with your company for results. Most importantly, enjoy it. You have the freedom to be your own boss and build a business. Don’t be impatient, your hard work will pay off!”
travelweekly.co.uk
28 OCTOBER 2021
49
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