Fora’s community is diverse, dynamic and thriving. And although the majority of our training is online and taken at your own pace — we’re big on flexibility — we also recognize the importance of in-person learning. Our in-person training days for Fora Advisors are essentially travel-advisor bootcamps, filled with workshops, collaborative working sessions, business training and, in true Fora fashion, some sort of happy hour.
“Fora's in-person day of training is actionable and goal-oriented,” Fora’s Head of Training & Development Ross Thomason said. “Advisors develop their technical and adaptive skills in service of building their business and implementing next steps the very same day.”
Building businesses and community
Fora Advisors are entrepreneurs, and building a business is challenging. These in-person training days allow advisors to network with each other, Fora’s co-founders and Fora’s travel partners. (The founders noted they learned a ton from our advisors; it’s a two-way street.)
Attendees go deep into industry niches (like travel insurance, for instance) and learn actionable, immediate skills, from time-management best practices to scalable business strategies — all while having fun. Additionally, several of our small learning sessions feature our partners, allowing advisors to interact with them in a small seminar setting. Advisors leave with valuable relationships and takeaways that will render day-to-day tasks more efficient.
“I am so appreciative that Fora is investing in advisor success in this way,” said Fora Advisor Jen Perrone. “Building a business in a totally new industry is so challenging, but experiences like this are beyond motivating.”
Fora Advisor Alexandra Shea also found the in-person collaboration valuable and reassuring. She said she found working through shared pain points to be especially helpful.
“I am so glad I came,” she added. “Getting insights from others really will help how I position my business in the future. [Being in person together] felt so good, too!”
Culture of collaboration
We’re big on community at Fora. Our community app, Forum, enables virtual collaboration, and many of our advisors cite how valuable it’s been when planning trips (it’s a shared treasure trove of insider knowledge and advice). But there’s something to be said about in-person encounters.
“Being together, meeting other agents and meeting HQ staff is very helpful for collaboration and all-around morale boosting and confidence building,” said Fora Advisor Jill Hirsberg.
And the in-person collaboration extends beyond the classroom. Several Fora Advisors often independently meet up days after the event to keep the momentum going. They collectively participate in self-guided operational management sessions to get themselves organized and set up for success.
In-person learning days are one of the many ways we support our advisors and empower them to build thriving businesses. (Also see how we’re fostering community through our Fora Ambassador program and Fora Chapters.)
“We make learning meaningful and fun,” Ross said. “Learning days are organized so that advisors make the most of their day while also enjoying the experience.”
Fora Advisor Maria Chapman said she certainly made the most of her time.
“I've learned so much from this experience that I feel inspired to restructure my whole business,” she shared. “I'm really excited about implementing what I've learned and taking my business to the next level. This experience has opened up so many new possibilities, and I can't wait to see where it leads!”
We’ll continue to introduce additional creative ways in which advisors can build their skill set alongside each other, our partners and the Fora team.
“I will jump on any opportunity to meet other Fora colleagues and HQ staff,” Fora Advisor Ashley Emala said. “I love seeing friends in person, meeting new ones, hearing how others approach their businesses and sharing best practices. It was a great day!”
