When you join a new organisation getting to grips with unfamiliar systems, processes and technology can often be a tad overwhelming, so to make that transition a breeze TravelManagers’ employs a comprehensive and all-inclusive induction program that not only includes training and personal support in all aspects of the business from day one, but the also offers its Personal Travel Managers (PTMS) ongoing, personalised and practical support beyond the induction phase.
TravelManagers Executive General Manager Michael Gazal, says the comprehensive induction program has evolved over the years and includes all new recruits spending a minimum of three days with the team at the National Partnership Office (NPO) in Sydney.
“When you join TravelManagers you join a family,” says Gazal.
“ The first experience of TravelManagers is critical and we work extremely hard to deliver an interactive induction program that really epitomises exactly what TravelManagers is about – a company that cares about its business partners, providing face-to-face training and the ability to create relationships with their entire support team right from the beginning of their new career.
“We’re continually challenging our induction process, modifying processes in line with PTM feedback – it’s this type of inclusive partnership that really works for us.”
With a dedicated team to support the induction process and ongoing training, Gazal says TravelManagers’ consistent, relevant and ongoing training is unparalleled and sets the company apart from its competition.
“TravelManagers holds state meetings twice a year around Australia, complementing the national conference, and these are supplemented by regular intra-state cluster meetings. This is in addition to numerous training webinars on offer, face-to-face fares and ticketing training and the support received from their locally state-based business partnership manager and the NPO.”
All smiles as PTM class of July graduates – from left sitting: Sarah Segal, Erin Oliver, Katrina Hermiston, Jodi Morrow and, standing: Terri Dillon, Nina Hastings, Chris Ezzy
PTM Michelle McKay representative for Camden Park in South Australia, said the induction process proved to be a real winner for her, in more ways than one.
“Induction week in Sydney was great! Draining and definitely ‘brain-stretching’ but great. The national partnership office (NPO) team are absolutely amazing, and I don’t think I have ever been in such an encouraging and helpful environment before. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, which helps with the fear factor of starting your own business. Also, super pleased to have had the chance to meet Annabelle my fellow inductee, and have another Adelaide girl to bounce off throughout training. I think I’ve made a friend for life.
“I’ve never done anything like this before and I was concerned I would have some trouble drumming up initial business. I still have some nerves but after the initial training I came out feeling incredibly supported by the team, and knowing there is always someone to ask for help is incredibly important to me. I can only say to people thinking about becoming a personal travel manager – give it a shot, you will be glad you did!”
NPO’s Tania Myles (back right) enlightens the new PTM recruits on all things marketing
Likewise, Jo Patton, representative for Ulladulla in New South Wales, says the initial training provided all of the information and confidence she needed to start selling as soon as she got back home.
“ TravelManagers thought of everything – my own computer was setup with all the systems and passwords while I was in training, so I was ready to start working as soon as my training was completed. Meeting the staff at NPO from all the different departments during induction and knowing who to contact when I had questions once I returned to my office made it much less daunting. With TravelManagers as my business partner and meeting other PTMs who were also starting out, I now have a great network of support so although it’s just me in my business, I don’t feel like I’m alone.”
For many, the decision to swap a traditional travel consultancy role from an agency owner or an employee to that of a PTM, albeit extremely appealing, might seem confronting, but if you are thinking of making the career move, one of TravelManagers’ recent recruits, Toni Perrin, representative for Trinity Park, Queensland, has this reassuring message – “Just do it!”
TOP IMAGE: NPO’s Gary Jensen provides hands-on training on Tramada Next Gen mid/back office
The post Fancy a change? Why TravelManagers’ newest PTMs receive the best support appeared first on Travel Monitor.