Get unlimited access to the latest travel industry news and analysis, comment on articles and sign up to newsletters.
Register for free
Already registered? Login here or below.
Having difficulty logging in? Try these tips, or contact support@flymy.co.uk
A new network created by Uniworld equips homeworkers with the tools they need to succeed. Abra Dunsby finds out more
Keeping abreast of evolution in the travel industry is no easy task, especially when you’re a homeworker lacking an office full of colleagues to learn from and bounce ideas off.
Keeping homeworkers in the loop is high on the priority list for Uniworld’s national sales manager David Chidley, the brains behind the river cruise line’s new homeworking network.
Chidley, who has worked in travel for 20 years and in the cruise industry for 13 years, explains that in his experience, reaching out to homeworkers wasn’t the major focus.
“At Uniworld, we decided we needed to get the brand message out and interact more with agents. Speaking to homeworkers is a big part of that; it’s about inclusivity,” he adds.
Launched last November, In Your World provides homeworkers across the UK with a dedicated network through which they can access webinars, incentives, event invitations and fam trip opportunities.
“It gives homeworkers across the UK the chance to come together, share experiences and ideas, and access a platform where offerings are specifically applicable to them,” explains Chidley.
The project began with Uniworld building up a definitive list of homeworker contacts, which was padded out by cooperation from Clia and various consortia.
The next step was in-depth research to find out about their needs and habits.
“We spoke to a cross-section of homeworkers, from those working for big companies to independents and franchisees, and sent them a questionnaire to find out more about them and how they work,” explains Chidley.
The findings provided insights into their working lives, and formed the outline for the In Your World Programme.
“Homeworkers don’t work nine to five,” says Chidley. We now know that the best time to conduct our webinars is around 10 or 10.30am, once the kids are at school, and that events often need to be local for homeworkers to attend.
“They have a unique way of doing business and tend to know their customers personally. It’s great to tap into their knowledge and also give them a personal experience,” he adds.
In Your World training webinars can be completed from home, and can either be experienced as live events, or watched later, as all are recorded and posted on YouTube.
Fittingly, the In Your World network was also launched virtually and presented by Chidley via YouTube, making it easy for homeworkers to “attend”.
“Agents are still watching the welcome videos back. It was a fun way to provide homeworkers with a sales update and to talk about offers and trade incentives,” Chidley muses. “We even had virtual champagne!” he laughs, explaining that a homeworker was selected at random and sent a bottle as a thank-you for watching the video.
After the launch, In Your World members were invited to join coffee mornings, which took place in 12 locations around the country, mostly in cafes. “The feedback was fantastic. It was a way for members to meet, share ideas, and learn about Uniworld face to face in an informal set up.”
Chidley says the coffee mornings will be a regular fixture, moving around the country to give all members the chance to come along. The next batch is set for March to mark the launch of new Uniworld ship Joie de Vivre.
Other membership perks include spots for homeworkers at industry events and awards ceremonies, and opportunities to win tickets to events.
Those who sign up for the free membership will also hear about Uniworld news as soon as it happens, helping them keep their finger on the pulse. “If we launch some new agent rates for 2017, they’ll be the first people to know about it by a day or two,” says Chidley.
Dedicated homeworker fam trips and ship visits are also on the horizon. “Homeworkers often don’t have time to take long trips so we’re planning shorter trips for them. We’ll also be offering travel trade rates for homeworkers who would prefer to take their family with them.”
Every four months, homeworkers will receive an e-magazine updating them about relevant news from Uniworld and people in the industry. “We’re encouraging homeworkers to be a part of it themselves, and they can write their own blog posts and submit pictures,” says Chidley.
Members will also receive help with marketing collateral, with offers and exclusives put together by Uniworld to be used on social media, or printed off as flyers.
Speaking about its success, Chidley says: “It’s only been around for two months but we have more than 200 members and it’s growing organically every week. We’re finding out from homeworkers what they want from the network and how it can move forward.”
Uniworld has also seen a growth in homeworker bookings since the launch. “It’s great to see them interacting with us more and more,” says Chidley.
Julia Wallace and her husband Jim took up homeworking for GoCruise in 2015, and have known Chidley since his Royal Caribbean days. The pair are In Your World members and are positive about its benefits.
Wallace says: “In travel, homeworkers aren’t always the priority but the network gives us a sense of belonging and that they value what we bring to them.
“I went to Nottingham for the Uniworld briefing and coffee morning, and it was great as it brought the value of the brand to us and kept us up to date.
“No other river or cruise line does anything similar and I know that most of the GoCruise franchisees have signed up.
“It’s also good for marketing content and YouTube videos that we can push on our own social media channels,” she adds.
Kicki Smith at Independent Travel Experts is equally impressed: “I’m quite new to homeworking as I started last October, so the homeworking network group has made me feel more included.
“We’re meeting people with the same interest and purpose, which I think will make us more likely to succeed.
“I was invited for the first coffee morning in December in Hove, near my home in Shoreham. They gave us information about how to promote their cruises with videos, in newsletters and on social media and they were very enthusiastic. It’s like being part of a small family,” she adds.
