PlanNet Marketing is pleased to welcome Caroline Dillon to the 20/20 Club! Caroline tells us, "As a Mum of two teenage boys, a work-life balance is super important to me. I became self-employed after I had my first son, 17 years ago! I worked in work-based training for 9 years and had worked my way up to senior management. However, becoming a mum changed my career aspirations. In 2007, I opened a children's furniture retail store in Belfast; my eldest son wasn't even a year old when the doors opened! The business grew until we hit the credit crunch and other challenges that were unique to the area where my business was located....so sadly with a heavy heart, I had to close the store.
"At this point I had two boys, my youngest was 5 and oldest was just 7 years old. They had grown up with a mum who worked hard, but had days off to spend with them and see them grow – I just couldn't go back to being 'employed.' Fortunately, I found work as a self-employed associate with a training provider in my local area. This allowed me the flexibility to still be around for school pick-ups and events, whilst working on my terms.
"Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic hit – I found myself at home and saw the opportunity to have my own home-based travel agency! I knew this was perfect for me, as my family and I loved to travel, so earning from something I love was a no brainer. We were a lucky family and went on a 'Learn to Sail' family holiday for two weeks in Croatia in July 2020, while most of the world was a no-travel zone. Sailing is now something we have done on several holidays and I am qualified as an RYA Competent Crew. Being close to the water makes me happy! It's also a fab way to visit places! Truthfully we travelled every year during the pandemic! So launching a travel business mid pandemic - crazy or genius?? Thankfully the latter!
"Travel has always been a passion for me! I love exploring off the beaten track and getting to see places that aren’t on the normal tourist trail. This is no doubt inspired by my parents, as I was lucky enough to travel around Europe as a teen in our caravan, visiting numerous beautiful towns and villages. To date I have travelled to 39 countries … definitely need to increase this! We mostly travel across Europe, buy have had special trips further afield...
"After a year of being an ITA, I just knew I couldn't keep this opportunity to myself .... coming from a career where I had helped young people gain employment and progress their careers, it seemed a natural progression to empower people to start their own business. I just loved the freedom self-employment had given me and I couldn't think of a better way to start earning even more income! I wanted to let others know that they too could have their own business and earn an extra income! To know that I have helped others fills me with happiness.
"I was a total newbie to 'network marketing' and never saw this as a viable 'career'.... so turns out it's a massive industry and travel is the best product to sell .... it's been a journey for me, but I have loved every minute! I am also a UK Ambassador for InteleTravel.
"So here we are at the start of 2024 and I have achieved 20/20! My boys are now approaching 18 and 16!
"Like many of us, I set goals; this milestone was a bit late in coming for me, but it did come! I stay consistent with my DMO, have a positive mindset, fully believe that the universe has big plans for me and know this is a pitstop to bigger things. The ITAs whom I have introduced mean the world to me, they are all from different backgrounds and hope they would agree that I am there to support them as they need, without smothering them!
"The fact that PlanNet Marketing offers a legacy and will offer my family a 'Will' if I am no longer around is my drive to become a Director .... watch this space!"