Business Profile: Jude Robert
- What is the name of your business and what is your role? Blue Ticket Companions. I am the Companion Coordinator who liaises between the client, family, and Travel Consultant.
- Describe your business in two sentences. We provide a Medical Companion to anyone who requires assistance to travel – local or international. Examples are unaccompanied minors, families, people with all disabilities (e.g., physical, flying anxiety), individuals, groups, or seniors.
- How long have you been in business? Launched September 2019.
- How did you get into this business? I was retrenched end of June 2019 from a very stressful and demanding job, so wanted a change. I came up the idea (sounds unbelievable, I know!) and after lots of research realized that even though this service is available in USA, UK and Europe, there was no service like this in SA so forged ahead!
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it? Definitely C19. It’s still a current issue as worldwide there are restrictions on entry to many countries. It’s beyond our control, but we work around it as best we can.
- What single trait/skill could you not have succeeded without? Resilience and patience.
- What is the best business advice you’ve received? There is always something you can improve to ensure a better experience for the client.
- Your secret to business success is? Listen with your ears, not your mouth. Learn constantly. Be kind.
- What is your business goal for 2022? Marketing via the travel industry network, social media platforms, and word of mouth. It’s difficult to set targets as the information changes constantly.
- Tell us one thing that not many people know about you? I’m a New Zealander. (I know! I’m “here”) and have been in SA since 1985.