What Experience You Need
We are looking for driven and successful people with experience in the following fields:
Travel Industry
Sales
Customer Service
Business Management
Communications
Accounting/
Banking
Human Resources
Marketing/Social Media
Journalism/
Broadcasting
Film/Video/TV
& More
A high school and college degree are not required.
Would You Make A Good Travel Agent?
Self-motivation is key!! We are looking for people with drive. Education, intelligence, talent, and skill are important, but drive is critical. Remarkably successful people are driven by something deeper and more personal than just the desire to do a good job. If you have passion, drive, and a the desire to be successful in this industry then we would love to have you on our team!
You'll do great in this industry if you:
-Have traveled extensively before. It's imperative that someone selling travel already know the destinations they are selling firsthand
.
-Love to talk to people and find yourself striking up conversations with strangers all the time.
-Are passionate about travel and learning everything there is to know about the industry.
-Love helping others and are excited at the idea of being able to plan their vacations, honeymoons & destinations weddings.
-Are very organized and pay attention to detail.
-Are computer and internet savvy, especially on Social Media sites.
-Can name at least 5 people you know who love to travel off of the top of your head.
-Have a large following of friends on social media sites or are active in your community with a large network of friends and family.
What You Need To Get Started
In order to join our team you must have the following:
Home Office Space- Even a small desk in a corner of the room will work. As long as there is a door that you are able to shut when you need to take or make important calls in a quiet space.
Strong Internet Connection
- Our industry relies on the internet right now, so having a solid and reliable connection to the internet is key. You must have internet in your home and not be relying on a smart phone, tablet, coffee shop, or neighbor for wifi.
Newer Computer With Available Disk Space- The worst thing to have is an older model computer and/or a computer that is almost at it's memory capacity. Both things separately or even together will slow you down. All of our agents work on computers that are 5 years old or younger. You may use either a laptop or a desktop and either Mac and Windows systems work fine.
Cell Phone and/or Land Line- You can use either, or both. Some of our agents prefer land lines as cell phone connectons can be shoddy. While others tend to travel a lot and prefer clients reach them on their cell phones. Either way, we will provide you with an extension with our Toll Free 888 number. This means that you won't need to pay extra for a separate business number, or worry about giving out your personal number. When your clients call, they will be calling the 888 number and being connected to your personal number directly.
Separate Account For Email - We will be giving you a free email address ending in <em>@myparadiseplanner.com. </em>
It will forward to whichever email you wish to use. However, we do require that you use a professional email address and not your personal one when replying to clients. Example: you would need to set up an email account like Love2Travel@gmail.com instead of using your personal one, Cutiexoxo5001@gmail.com, to connect with clients.
Optional: Website and Company Name - You have the option to create your own company name (example: My Travel Company) and use that name instead of our My Paradise Planner name. If you prefer to do that, then you'll want to create your own website. The cost of a domain name and upkeep of a website will be your responsibility, but we can work you through how to create one and save money on monthly expenses for maintaining one.
Start Up Costs
Luckily, there is a low overhead for starting a travel business, since most people already have a computer, workspace, internet connection, and phone line.
You can start today without having to spend a dime. Our agency provides you with an offical agency email, agency phone line extension, webpage on our agency site, fax acces (through email), and more.
How It Works
Once you submit your application to us, we will contact you via phone or email to speak further. If everything goes well and you are offered a spot on the My Paradise Planner team, a contract will be sent to you and once you sign and return it you will officially be an Independent Agent of our agency.
How We Are Paid:
This is a commission based job, and it may take some time and hard work to get things going in the beginning. You won't be making a salary, but will be receiving a 1099. Please consider that when applying. This isn't a "get rich quick" industry. It is going to take time and hard work, but the rewards are worth it and our team of successful agents are here to help you every step of the way!
How Booking Works:
Once you are signed on with My Paradise Planner, you will receive an industry booking code (IATA number). That code must be used when booking all land or sea travel. This code will allow you to receive your commission from the suppliers (cruise, hotels, resorts, car rental companies, etc). This code is unique to our agency and should not be shared with other agents/agencies.
Commission Splits:
There will be a commission split to help My Paradise Planner to cover expenses such as group fax number, toll free number, website, annual company fees such as the Seller of Travel registrations, LLC filing, E&O insurance, and more. Each agent contributes a little bit of their commission to keeping everything running. The commission split amount depends on your level of experience in the industry.
Training & Support:
Our agency has a Facebook group that is private and only visable to our agents inside of the group. We use this group to share information, ideas, answer questions, and help each other succeed as travel professionals. It is an excellent group and through it there are many opportunities to grow and learn. We also provide agent-only trips exclusive to our agency, webinars with our preferred suppliers, one-on-one phone meetings with our agency owner, and more. You will never be alone. Anything you need, we as a team are here to help.
Benefits Of Working In This Industry
Here are just three of the MANY perks of working in this industry are:
Working From Home - It feels great to wake up, stretch, shower, make a cup of coffee and sit down at our desks. We can do all of this while most people are sitting in traffic or at drive-thru lines at Dunkin' Donuts. It also feels great to be able to go to the doctors, get an oil change, go to the bank, grocery shop, etc. when everyone else is at work. We're always home to sign for packages and our pets are never left alone for longer than a few short hours. These are just some of the many perks of working from home.
Being Your Own Boss - You don't have to answer to anyone. You don't have to fight co-workers for holiday time off or vacation days. You don't have to beg for a raise. You want more money? Give yourself a raise by going out and booking more vacations. It's as simple as that.
Be Part Of A Team-
Just because you are independent doesn't mean you have to be alone in this. Our team of successful travel professionals are always just a phone call, email or text message away. We all build each other up and want to see each other succeed. Most of us have been with host agencies who did nothing for us but provide a number to book with. We are not that kind of agency. We provide help, support, and encouragement for all of our agents.
Free or Discounted Travel*-
Yes, we do get free and/or discounted travel in this industry. Unfortunately, not so much with airlines, but there are plenty of discounted agent rates with hotels, resorts, and cruise lines to make up for that. There are also industry FAM (familiarization) trips which are are offered at an even deeper discount to agents, or sometimes offered for free. Also, some resorts and hotels offer programs where the more you sell, the more free nights you earn.
*This industry is for people who are driven and want to be successful. If you're just looking to sit at home, book a few trips, and travel for free- we are NOT the company for you to work with! It's a lot of hard work and is not in the least bit easy. This is a career and is for serious people looking to make a change in their lives. People who are ready and excited about making a living doing what they love.
