Two Regional Sales Managers have been inspired to organise a big agent get-together after hearing about a homeworker who said she felt lonely.
P&O Cruises RSM North Amber Eastwood and Cunard RSM North Savannah Fryer have organised a summer picnic next month in Heaton Park, Manchester and hope more than 100 agents will attend.
The event is in response to a post on Travel Gossip’s Facebook group earlier this month by homeworker Katie Hull, who said she loved her job but often felt lonely.
Amber said Katie’s post got her thinking about how sales teams can ‘make a positive difference’.
She told Travel Gossip: “I think it was a great post from Katie. Sometimes so many people are thinking or feeling the same way but don’t want to speak up out of fear of others judging or being negative.
“It brought so much positivity and supportive comments, which was so nice to see.
“I think it’s vital for homeworkers to have a support system whether that be via teams, WhatsApp or in-person meet-ups.
“Building strong partnerships has always been at the heart of what I do, but I’m also a huge advocate for positive mental health and creating opportunities for people to connect.
“With that in mind, I wanted to bring homeworkers and branch-based agents together, giving everyone the chance to step away from their desks, enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, meet new people, and strengthen the amazing travel community we’re all part of.
“Sometimes, the best conversations happen outside the office, and a little connection can go a long way.
“It gets homeworkers out of the house. I know if I relied on commission only I’d be glued to my laptop. It’s a great opportunity for them to meet other people in our industry and build partnerships with the likes of me and Savannah and hopefully go home with new knowledge and confidence around our products.”
Since Amber posted details about the meet-up last night, she’s had about a dozen people signing up, including one agent who is coming all the way from Swansea.
She said she’d love at least 50 people to attend ‘if they just drop by on a dog walk to say hello if they’re local’, but said: “If we could get 100+ it would be incredible. There are so many agents in and around Manchester, so we could do this.
“I just really want it to be a positive experience, lots of smiles, new friends made, a chance to meet myself and Savannah so that they know who we are and help them feel part of our brands with some learnings along the way.”
Katie said: “It’s nice to see my story has inspired Amber and Savannah to organise this event. I hope agents come along with their blankets, bring a little picnic and the event is a success.
“I’m super excited for the event. I think it’s really important for suppliers to strengthen partnerships with agents, and gives agents like myself more knowledge to sell the product to customers.
“Also, for agents like myself who struggle with loneliness it’s a few hours away from the desk, connecting with fellow agents and I’m all for it.”
The summer picnic event will take place at Manchester’s Heaton Park on 21 August from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
Agents need to confirm attendance by 10 August. Email [email protected] or [email protected] to register.
Pictured from left: Amber and Savannah
