It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve posted. I’m sorry about that.

While it’s nice to have multiple streams of income and so much going on, at times some areas don’t get the attention they use too. The truth of the matter is, priorities have changed when it comes to things like this site. While this site started out as little more than a hobby and an idea that could promote the sexiest product on the planet – I had no idea of a growing reader base which was following both myself and YTB’s rapid and dominant growth in the travel industry.

I was blessed with a voice and ability to be a point of reason and sanity in the chaos and mudslinging that endured for what seemed like an eternity. As with any success, there will always be those who will take issue. What resulted was a vicious backlash towards YTB by other agents, a few vendors, and a host of critics who simply couldn’t comprehend our model and our people. While some couldn’t handle what was going on – this site, and the words written here provided reason, logic and hope.

If there was any question of who was right and who was wrong – take a gander at who’s still here and who’s now gone. Today, with all the hype and mudslinging behind us we move on and take a look at what’s going on under the hood with YTB. What’s being unveiled these days as we get back to our roots in travel, and recapture the reason why most of us got into this business in the first place.

A sincere and respected love of travel.

Back in October of last year we ALL got word about Sixth Scott, LLC and First Travel Alliance. While the announcement was straight forward, supplying support and travel services to the RTA field – it also made clear, once and for all, a separation of the marketing side of our business and the travel side.

In addition, the acquisition made clear (at least to most) that travel is not only a product, but an asset of YTB International. (Who knew?)

Yes, I realize that there have been (and most likely always will be) those who fail to see the value of Network Marketing and Direct Sales. True, the model isn’t perfect. (Can you think of any business that is?) You simply can’t fall prey to the simpletons who do a lot of talking – and focus more on those that actually put their money where their mouth is.

Fact is – anyone with any business sense would realize the gold mine that YTB has with so many people – and that’s exactly why Sixth Scott acquired the travel side of our business.

While I know far more than I’m letting on to right now on what’s coming down the pike, we have seen a number of upgraded and changes already. The first being a new facelift to the booking engine. The new look also provides better flexibility to drop in any new vendors or technology – a valuable asset as we dive deeper into both service and product upgrades.

Customer profile enhancements were also been upgraded for TSA & Redress numbers, multiple credit cards, and loyalty programs for air, hotels and car rentals. All trips are now saved in one central location. (Past – Present and Future)

Travel services and questions are now handled exclusively by First Travel Alliance. A new support number was announced a few weeks ago that redirect calls from the Home Office at YTB International to FTA. After calling the number, I’ve found this service department to be just as friendly and knowledgeable as the Home Office at YTB. The kicker for anyone outside of the company who might have an issue with MLM – it’s been totally removed. (Bonus!)

For current or new RTA’s – there have been plenty of upgrades as well. Two new enhancements were offered up this month. The first being better commission rates for the field – meaning more money for selling what we already have. Some are short term rates to promote various specials or products – while others are locked in with the new partnership with First Travel Alliance. In the past – a commission upgrade was labeled as a price hike to the customer. (Which was never the case.) Today, that kind of hype is a little harder to pitch since we’re on the same level playing field.

And lastly – at least for now – is a brand new “Customer Tool” located in your left side menu in the back office to help RTA’s stay organized, build customer retention, and help everyone become all-around more efficient when working our travel business. Plus, it’s searchable! Find the info you need with a few clicks of a button.

And in case you’re wondering – all these upgrades are absolutely free. No additional charges or fees are associated with any of the upgrades we’ve mentioned here – it’s all part of the package – unlike other companies who charge additional fees for these kinds of products and services.

But all this being free isn’t the best part of the deal. We feel what lies ahead for our company will overshadow all the current enhancements and really start attracting smarter, savvier business minds who also love to travel. A whole new category of Travel Agent is in the works with this company. Once that gets into full swing, it should put the industry on its ear. (Again.)

Stick close – it’s gonna be a really fun and rewarding ride folks as we move into this new era with YTB based on the progress we’ve seen thus far.

Thanks YTB and thank First Travel Alliance!

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

Tags: First Travel Alliance, Home Based Travel Agent, Sixth Scott, Travel Agent Commission, Upgrades, YTB International, YTB Travel Network

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 at 7:00 am and is filed under Travel Agent, Travel Agent Commission, Travel Agent Training, Travel Training, Upgrades, YTB, YTB News, YTB Training, YTB Travel, YTB Travel Network. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.