When Sejal Devlia started her travel business with leading UK travel firm Not Just Travel, she had a single goal in mind; hit a predetermined sales target to be rewarded back her entire £14,995 franchise fee - effectively starting her business for free. She had 365 days to hit the sales figure, but just five days away from the Sunday midnight deadline, she was in tears, as she was convinced that she would miss it by several thousand pounds. 

Sejal says: “I had started the year well, but business had waned - simply because I was too scared to pick up the phone to speak to people or follow up with customers. I was broken in spirit as I felt it wasn’t going to happen.” 

That was until she met co-founder Steve Witt at one of the company’s exclusive Millionaires’ Retreats - a five-night luxury overseas intensive training retreat - which is included in the company’s Elite franchise fee.

Steve spoke to her during the trip (held in Crete) giving her inspiration and the determination to return home and make the bookings she so badly needed.

Says Steve: “When I met Sejal, it was clear that she felt that there was an insurmountable mountain of an obstacle in front of her that was preventing her from hitting her sales target and achieving the Money Back Challenge. However, at Not Just Travel (the customer facing brand of The Travel Franchise), we are a family and so will always cheer and spur each other on to success.”

Sejal said: “All my fellow consultants at the event told me I could do it. They energised me and I was amazed at the level of support - both from Steve, NJT and its consultants. I came back totally buoyed by the experience. Most importantly, I immediately put into action the training I had learned at the retreat - to face your fears, put yourself out there, and pick up the phone. 

“I was still several thousand pounds away from hitting the Money Back Challenge and the deadline was midnight on Sunday. Despite coming back home at 4am, I got up at 8am and started hitting the phones. I faced my greatest fear and called everyone I knew, including prospects from whom I hadn’t heard from for a few weeks. I even told my customers that I was desperate to hit a sales target. They responded with “Why didn’t you tell me this before? Of course we’ll book with you!”

Co-founder Paul Harrison  says: “Sejal is a prime example of what it takes to be a successful personal travel consultant. Sejal is driven and has laser-sharp focus. She’s left a high-flying, well-paid yet tiring corporate job to become an entrepreneur and so has to be accountable to herself. Our business is all about relationships and she put so much effort into hers that they were happy to help her over the line. She followed our advice and has not only transformed her business, but her whole mindset too. On behalf of Steve, the team and myself we congratulate Sejal on achieving what previously seemed unachievable and being rewarded her entire franchise fee back. It’s an incredible way to start her second year in business.”

Sejal concludes: “I’ve learned to believe in myself and speak to people. Now, I’m on a quest to find the leads and provide the ultimate service to them. I am truly grateful to the team and other consultants who cheered me on and gave me the confidence to enable my business to flourish. Picking up the phone? It’s now second nature.” 

If you want to join a travel franchise that rewards your hard work and success, get in touch.