As the growth of the sharing economy continues to skyrocket, people anywhere in the world can now monetize their assets, passions and knowledge. Micro-entrepreneurship is booming, giving way to more balanced work/life regimens, whether you want to rent out your apartment or use your car as a taxi for the day.
NY-based startup
is throwing its name into the micro-entrepreneurship ring. The e-commerce platform is fueled by personal recommendations, enabling everyday travelers to become virtual travel agents. The online agency lets anyone open a personalized travel store, gaining access to all the vendors Rollinglobe works with in order to create a travel package. Users then curate vacations based on past experiences, and earn a commission any time someone books a product from their store.
Rollinglobe’s inventory of products includes over 600,000 hotels, tours and activities. When a Rollinglobe agent, dubbed a “Travel Pro,” makes a vacation package using these products, they can then share the suggested trip on social media or within blog posts.
The company came to fruition in 2014 when founder Michael Nobiletti realized there was a large gap between modern technology and what traditional travel agencies offer. Rollinglobe’s business hinges on the fact that recommendations from friends, families and social networks are paramount when it comes to planning a trip.
“We felt it should be easier to get started in the travel industry and fill those gaps in terms of technology and branding to appeal to a younger demographic of millennials,” said Nobiletti.
Using this model, individuals with an insatiable travel itch can go on a unique trip, and then recreate the experience for future travelers. In this sense, users become online concierges and get paid for successful recommendations.
Not only is the platform applicable to travelers who want to get paid for their worldly expertise, Rollinglobe is currently solidifying partnerships with larger publishers to create immersive travel packages. Bloggers and publications will be able to translate their wanderlust content into complimentary travel packages that people can tangibly purchase and experience.
Rollinglobe graduated from New York's Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA) in April. Since joining ERA, the company has seen a 314 percent increase in the amount of revenue its agents are raking in.
“Looking forward, we want to let people know there is this opportunity in the travel industry to do what you really love and build up your income, whether you’re working for another agency or want to start your own independent business,” Nobiletti said.
