Meet the 1000MTG travel expert - Nick A

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Nick to find out a little about him and his story of becoming a 1000MTG travel advisor.

Nick and his wife are passionate about travel. He’ll be taking the whole family on a round-the-world trip next June, starting with a visit to the United States before visiting his homeland, the UK, for the first time in 7 years, then Europe, Japan and back via Singapore. They can hardly wait!

Whilst this trip could potentially be his new favorite travel memory, his current one is just before he married his wife when they went on a Caribbean cruise from east to west with Royal Caribbean; scooting around Mexico without a care in the world (except for watching out for all the lizards!) and stopping off at private beaches for a quick dip. “The world is amazing and why I love what I do for a job.”

 

 

Nick has a beautiful family and joining the 1000MTG community has allowed him to enjoy more time with them and not miss any of the everyday and special events because he has to go to an office.

Read on to learn how 1000MTG has given Nick the financial freedom and complete flexibility he had always wanted.

Tell us about your business and travel niche

I have a mixed portfolio of corporate [40%] and high-end leisure clients [60%].

Now that I work for myself I’ve realized it makes sense to expand the services I offer, and after COVID it became the ‘norm’ to book a bit of everything. Unlike some travel agents who were made redundant during that time by their employers, I never stopped working through COVID. Although it was very tough, I didn’t want to step away or take a second job. I knew the industry would bounce back and those that were ready and operating would be flooded with inquiries, bookings, and clients seeking new agents.

I picked up many new clients and my business is booming and even my wife now works with me. I met her while working in the travel industry in London and whilst she had been out of travel for 11 years she is now ‘back on the tools’ and booking for our corporate clients.

Why do you think people book with an independent Travel Advisor?

People use an independent travel agent because of accessibility.

Back when I used to work for a travel management company (TMC), on days when I had to stay home I would have my emails and any calls forwarded to me and would get more work done but have loads of free time. I wasn’t constantly answering calls that were for other staff members. I felt fresh because I didn’t have to travel an hour into work. I could easily see the benefits of working from anywhere.

In my business today, I guarantee my customers have access to me, and this is a big selling point for how I get referral business. “You’ll never struggle to get an answer when you book with Nick,” my clients say.

What’s the best thing about running your own business with 1000MTG?

Where to even begin; there are many things. My family are so important to me and being able to be at every single one of my kids’ sporting events has been something to treasure. I feel so fortunate as many parents do not get this privilege whilst working in the corporate world doing the 9-5 grind with limited flexibility. I am also a parent helper at their school which brings me a lot of joy. Throughout all of this, my business has never suffered. My clients know what time to call me because they know when school pick-up is, that’s the beauty of working independently.

I love the money, don’t get me wrong, but it’s the fact I can wake up in the morning and not have to get up if I don’t want to. It’s the freedom to work to your own schedule and make your own decisions. To be honest, you start wondering why you spent so much time getting to and from an office only to answer other people’s calls. If I don’t have any urgent emails and my quotes are up to date, I have the option to get on with other things or to roll over and go back to sleep. Why? Because I’m the boss!

What would you say to anyone looking to start their own business with 1000MTG?

I’ve helped a few people make the leap from Travel Agent to independent Travel Advisor with 1000MTG by pitching the benefits to them.

It’s natural for you to be nervous and maybe even a little scared about starting your own business; I was, but now that I am on the other side and my business has gone from strength to strength. I say, just go for it!  There is a selection process though, so 1000MTG won’t induct you unless they know you are capable of being successful and have the right skills and motivation.

One of the biggest benefits is the strength of the 1000MTG network. As a tight-knit community, everyone is there for each other. That is something I noticed straight away, and which was very reassuring. As long as you’re not afraid to ask for help when you need it, the power of the network is amazing. With the support and structure, most of the stresses you would normally have when running your own business are taken away.

Find out how you can book with Nick by reaching out on LinkedIn.