Winter is always a great time to book next years cruises and summer vacations. Problem with that is you don’t get paid until next summer – right?

Travel Weekly just might have an answer for you over the next two days as they host another virtual trade show right on you computer that highlights Winter Escapes with a impressive collection of industry leaders, training sessions and trade show exhibitors.

Travel Weekly’s editor in chief, Arnie Weissmann will once again head up the next two days. This IS his baby after all, and he’s done an impressive job in finding relevant topics and suppliers who you can actually learn from in the travel industry. The show is free to attend, and you can still register from this link and make it to this event. Login details will be sent to you via email.

If you’ve been around the industry for a while, you’ll recognize some familiar names below with companies and associations who are known for offering great insight and solutions for anyone who is willing to learn.

Here’s a list of auditorium sessions from Travel Weekly’s Registration page.

A Conversation with CLIA Chairman Rick Sasso - Tuesday, Sept 21, 1 p.m
Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann will discuss the outlook for the winter cruising season with Rick Sasso, Chairman of CLIA and President and CEO of MSC Cruises. The two will discuss new ships and itineraries, CLIA predictions for winter cruising, what will motivate clients to book for the winter, and how the winter cruise client differs from summer cruisers. It’s an interactive session, and attendees will also be able to share their thoughts and questions with Sasso in this live conversation.

Unexpected Opportunities in the 2011 Winter Season - Tuesday, Sept 21, 2:30 p.m
The economic outlook is uncertain, but 2011 holds some unique opportunities for travelers, agents and suppliers alike. Join Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann; Brad Anderson, Co-President of America’s Vacation Center/Avoya Travel; Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Royal Caribbean International; Milton Hugh, Senior Vice President of Viking River Cruises and Tim Mullen, Senior Vice President, Apple Vacations as they explore what might make this season unexpectedly robust. You, too, will have a chance to interact, live, with the panelists.

Experience Starwood’s Travel Professional Program, Presented by Chris Austin – Tuesday, Sept. 21, 4:00 p.m.
Are you a Starwoodpro? Join Chris Austin, vice president of global retail, leisure and luxury sales for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and find out how you can become a Starwoodpro. Austin will take you on a virtual tour of the company’s travel professional website, www.starwoodpro.com. New for 2010 Starwood is adding destination modules to its ProLearning platform. Austin will share some of the highlights of all the available modules, explain how you can earn access to Starwood’s lowest travel professional rates, and highlight all the resources Starwood has created for it travel professional partners through starwoodpro.com.

A Conversation With USTOA & NTA Leaders – Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m.
Winter touring is a bit different from summer — different destinations, different booking windows, different itinerary lengths. Find out what how to more effectively sell winter tours with Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann, John Stachnik, Chairman of the United States Tour Operators Association and Lisa Simon, President of the National Tour Association. . Together these leaders represent the lionshare of the travel industry’s vacation package and escorted tour market. Attendees will be able to ask their questions as well in this interactive session.

Grow your business with cutting edge online tools, Presented by Debbie Maier, President, Mailpound - Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2:30 p.m.
This session will share online solutions designed to grow your cruise business. Learn how to utilize free online tools to send targeted marketing pieces to your network of clients. Do you use Facebook? Learn how to easily post consumer friendly offers on your Facebook page. Whether your client is new to cruising or is a seasoned cruiser, enhance your communications with your clients and prospective clients with personalized, custom eFlyers and eBrochures.

Finally A Social Media Solution For Travel Agents, Presented by Marilyn Macallair, Passport Online Inc. - Wednesday, Sept 22, 4:00 p.m.
Introducing Agent SociaLink… the newest most innovative means for travel agents to enter and stay in the Social Media space. To compete these days you MUST be using some social media tools. Passport Online has created Agent SociaLink to help agents populate their travel agent social media sites using a clickable database of content. The new tool provides content from a variety of sources allowing agents to pick and choose information to add to social media outlets including Twitter, Blogs and Facebook. See it live and hear about agents who are already using Agent SociaLink.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone and it’s a great way to learn and grow as a Travel Professional. Two days of education, new product introductions and even prizes that will be awarded throughout the show.

So go ahead and register. If this one’s anything like the shows from years past – you’ll be glad you did.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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YTB’s second weekend of the new RPM Training is now complete. The very first class was held just after Funshine in Orlando late last month, with the West Coast getting their first taste of YTB’s Regional Product Marketing this past weekend in San Fransisco and Irvine California. The remainder of the classes for the month of October have been posted in our weekly Newsletter for St. Louis and Kansas City, MO on October 17th – Atlanta, Detroit, Clearwater/Tampa, and Newark, NJ on October 24th – and the month will finish out in Dallas, TX on October 31st.

Additional cities will be announced for November as the company secures facilities to host it’s new training program. Plans right now include Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, and Denver, with additional smaller markets in the cities like Montgomery, AL.

As a reminder, RPM Training is designed for existing Reps with access to their back office, where you can find the exact locations for the training classes with instructions on how to register and pay for the courses. (A further review of the new RPM Training and what it entails can be found here.) It should also be noted that this training is for Associates and Reps, and not TSO’s. (TSO’s have First Class, E-Campus, and a plethora of supplier and industry association trainings they can register and participate in for travel related trainings.)

Here are a handful of comments received over the weekend surrounding the new RPM Trainings:

The RPM in Irvine was well worth the drive and the $ spent! Our Directors ROCK!
RPM was a one stop shop covering ALL our up-to-date and IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!
~ Kathy and Robert V., San Diego, CA

So happy to see training for the REPs. Great Job!!
~ Tonia L., Austell, Georgia

I feel that all should enroll and complete this course. It means so much to know more about what we have to offer. How can we promote what we have if we don’t know ourselves.
~ Gloria E., Norfolk, VA

Being new to this business and still learning I found it to be very useful. I feel that any class I can take only helps. I look forward to more trainings. Very well prepared and presented by the 36 new Certified Trainers. Great training.
~ Angela D., Englewood, FL

I strongly feel that EVERYBODY, new or old, should take this course.
~ Barbara C., Hialeah, FL

I enjoyed this experience very much.
~ Debbie J., Anna, IL

Great course. Lots of good info. Would definitely recommend to team members.
~ Joseph B., Saint Petersburg, FL

Great training and very positive. Addressed the needs in getting on track and staying focused.
~ Gregory & Sandra N., Sherwood, AR

Thank you, thank you, and THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!!!
~ Sonya C., Raleigh, NC

The course was great! I kept saying how fast the time was going. It seemed like I just got started and before I knew it, it was over. It totally excited me all over again about the business that I have.
~ Mary V., Mays Landing, NJ

RPM Training Classes are taught by Certified Trainers who have been hand picked by YTB, bringing Reps the most updated, relevant information at the time. The curriculum includes a complete study of all YTB products, how to sell them, and how to build your YTB marketing business.

While it’s still too early to see any residual effects from a training like this, it looks to be a HUGE hit for those who took the time to invest in their business.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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I enjoy Trade Publications. I subscribe to a variety of publications in both electronic form and in traditional print. I’ve always enjoyed reading and learning about the industry, and have promoted learning as much as you can about any subject that interests you. There has never been a time in our history when so many mediums are available for someone to learn and develop a skill or a trade.

I’ve enjoyed the way suppliers and trade associations have embraced training, enabling me to learn about the industry. From seminars and webinars; from a training call or port of call via ship inspections, the variety of ways to learn and develop in this industry is abundant.

I’ve seen many changes within the industry over the last several years when it comes to doling out credentials in the industry. I’ve also supported the upgrading of requirements for FAM eligibility from both suppliers and associations.

One thing that hasn’t changed much are the Travel Agents who think they “own” the industry.

I was walking home with the kids and my neighbor on Thursday and we stopped in the culdesac to chat a bit longer. While talking, I opened up my mailbox to get the mail with my monthly issue of Travel Agent Magazine in the mix. I typically look forward to each and every publication and wanted to see this months “cover”. When I saw the cover, I smirked, shook my head and commented “Good grief”.

My neighbor who was standing in front of her mailbox ask me what the comment was for, and I held up the front of the publication to show her. She asked “What’s that all about?” and I simply commented that the man in the mask…is supposed to depict someone like me.

She laughed and asked “That’s suppose to be YOU?!” and I responded, “No, not me specifically, but someone like me because of the company I work with.”

I told her of the issues Travel Agents have had for years concerning “card mills” and downright phobias regarding MLM’s and what we have presumably done to disgrace, embarrass, and ruin their reputations as “Professionals”. You wanna know her reaction?

“And that’s their answer?”

Yep, afraid so. I went on to tell her about forums and blogs these “Professionals” hang out on to discuss all the wrongs, all the injustice, all the problems they can think of on a daily basis. How at one time I had befriended some of them, and because I’m not willing to change host agencies or simply get out all together, I’m now an outcast and seen as the man in the mask. (And then some.)

“How does that make you feel?” she asked. I thought about it, for say… a nanosecond, and replied with “How’s it suppose to make me feel?” I went on to ask a couple of more questions, like how someone I don’t even know, or more importantly doesn’t know me, should own any feelings one way or the other? I asked if she see’s any connection to me and the man in the mask. Do I look and act like that to her?

She thought that was a strange question based on the look on her face, because we happen not only to be neighbors, but friends. To think an article or even this cover will cancel out years of friendship does sound a bit over the top. I’ve heard that if you join and MLM that you can kiss your family and friends goodbye, because you have to hound them about joining the MLM you’re involved in, (any MLM) and they eventually get fed up with the constant badgering and eventually disown you.

It’s been over 4 years now, and I’m still waiting for THAT shoe to drop.

It’s not that I haven’t heard story after story about MLM’s destroying friendships and families. There are those who can’t fathom being unemotional or unattached to an attack like what’s depicted in the picture. Family especially, would want to protect those they are closest too from being “stained” in this way. I might be the same way when I was far less secure about my own abilities and worth.

But I have to wonder, why after all this time, all this energy, all the “talk” about how bad things are, just why a professional publication would even think that an article like this is a good idea. What some in our industry have categorized as “card mills” have been around for over a decade now, and the industry is only a small fraction closer to resolving this so called problem and embarrassment than they were back then.

There have been suppliers, (who by the way are the ones who grant these FAM’s and perks not the Agents or Associations) who have taken a stand in some form or fashion. Sandals for example, was one of the first I can think of who would provide a complimentary night or nights based on production. Doesn’t really matter which host you’re associated with; if you produce, you’re rewarded. The concept isn’t much different from a frequent flier program, which provides anyone who supports a particular airline is granted perks like free airfare. It’s also why I like the Carnival requirements that came out a year ago January. A minimum of 5 full paying cabins (double occupancy) are required, BEFORE you’ll be considered to partake in a FAM with them.

But for some reason, that’s not good enough for some, as you can clearly see in the comments section of the digital format of this cover story. There are those who simply can’t get over their own hang ups about “their” industry to see that someone is there on a FAM because they earned it. We’re participating in an industry seminar with them because we have a desire to learn. We join in on a summit because we want to expand our knowledge.

Instead, they snub their nose at the supplier because they welcome anyone who produces, regardless of what Host Agency, or so called “card mill” they may be associated with, as if the supplier would even care who they consider “worthy”.

We’ve run into the same problem most recently with Debbie Maier and Mailpound. Ms. Maier took the time to come to a Red Carpet Event to roll out a new private labeled e-marketing site for YTB to help our company promote and sell more travel to our clients. While the site does have a listing of FAM’s associated with it, the main purpose of this site is to enable Travel Agents to send out promotional e-mails and marketing materials to clients to actually sell travel. When she came to the Home Office she was, and I quote, “completely – blown – away” over the passion YTB has for this industry.

And because she now provides this service to YTB, and has seen first hand that YTB is a real travel company, she and her company have now been black listed. There are “Professionals” who are not only promoting that other agents send her an e-mail that “they know” who she’s working with, but if any of the e-mails or comments are like the ones I’ve seen…she’ll need to shower after being vomited on by this outspoken and obnoxious group of “legitimate agents”.

That’s the game plan, to make life as uncomfortable as possible in the hope that they just throw in the towel because the backlash isn’t worth it.

Based on a webinar that I know happened last week, there may be more of this kind of tactic coming from this group. The same day YTB was promoting Princess Cruises, (a Sail-A-Thon to sell full fair cabins, not FAMS) another group was planning how to get more of these types of “cover stories” out there to media outlets to warn the public about the masked men and women who are involved in what they’ve deemed to be undesirable Host Agencies. I know that these Associations are the be all and end all for some, and there have been Agencies associated with many of them to add credibility. (We saw how well that worked out, didn’t we?)

While I was invited to this little gathering with these very prominent and important people and associations in the industry, I declined the offer. I asked the question of how this type of behavior would make me a better person, a better Travel Agent, and a better Leader, but like most of the questions I ask, they were left unanswered. (Ignored was more like it.)

They are welcome to do what they do, and I’ll do what I do. That’s promoting a rebroadcast of the Princess Sail-A-Thon this afternoon at 4:00 pm Eastern to sell more cruises. It’s far more productive, supports the hand that feeds me, (and them) and helps bring the truth to light.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Since purchased my iPhone last month, I’ve become a HUGE fan of podcasting. I’ve subscribed to a number of podcasts via iTunes that automatically download into my iPhone. I listen to these gems either on a daily basis or weekly basis depending on how often they’re updated. There are a number of reasons why I’ve fallen in love with this new format.

One, I only listen to programs of my choice, and have found several that feed me knowledge to continue to learn and grow, and motivates me to help in areas of personal growth and professional development.

Two, I can listen at times that are convenient for me. I don’t have to stop what I’m doing simply to listen to a show that I enjoy, these shows are ready at any time I am.

Three, multitasking. My schedule can get very busy and hectic at times, but there are times that I can easily listen to a podcast while doing something else, such as driving, doing the dishes after dinner, or working out in the yard. (Which got ramped back up again this past weekend.)

The vast majority of these programs come free of charge which is a bonus and like your favorite radio stations or television stations they have regular schedules when these shows are available for downloading. By subscribing to shows that interest you, iTunes goes out to cue up any new podcasts that are available to download into your iPhone or iPod when you hook it up to your computer. The player also knows if you’ve finished listening to shows, and will erase the programs you’ve finished with, replacing it with the new updated show. (If you hadn’t had a chance to listen, no problem, it saves it on your mobile device so there no need to worry about missing any shows.)

A couple of podcasts that I’ve fallen in love with are “The Daily Boost” with Scott Smith, who is a new C.M.O. (Chief Motivating Officer) Scott comes from the professional broadcasting arena, and his polished rhythm, positive energy, and words of wisdom and motivation make this a top show that always puts a smile on my face and creates a positive vibration that I carry with me throughout the day. Another show that I really like is Morning Coach with JB Glossinger. JB comes across as one of the “average guys”, but after listening to him for the last several weeks, he’s far from average. (Exceptional is more like it.) JB’s down to earth style and personal experience make him “one of he guys” who I can relate to and if he can overcome some of the same obstacles he’s overcome, so can I.

I also TiVo Joel Osteen, but find it easier to bring him with me during the week via my iPhone via his podcast of the show to get my week first thing Monday morning off to a good start. This past week, I actually found myself accessing his podcast a few times because the message was meaningful and I enjoyed his perspective. It was just the pick-me-up I needed to keep me focused on the task at hand instead of getting wrapped up in subjects designed to distract and derail me.

But the best news of the week was finding out you can now subscribe and download The Saturday Morning Leadership Show to either listen or watch right on your iPhone, iPod, or other MP3 player. I don’t know if you caught the word “watch” or not, but for those of us who have video capabilities like I do on the iPhone, the same streaming video we watch each Saturday morning is also available right on the phone. I’ve got to tell you, the video is about as pristine as I’ve ever seen on any device. It’s like a mini Hi-Def player and I’ve been showing it to a number of prospects and team members this week who have been blown away at the quality of this video. The one word I’ve heard most is “impressive”.

Once again, YTB has embraced the technology available and uses it to it’s advantage to help those of us out in the field. I have to give a huge shout out to James Tackett for this gem. He’s the one who put this Leadership Show format together, and with YTB’s blessing, and podcasting already available, now all of us have news, events, and motivation to bring with us throughout the week. 

Don’t have an iPhone or iPod? Not to worry, you can still download iTunes to you desktop to watch at home when it’s conveniant for you, or this could be just the ticket you need to go out and get yourself and iPhone or iPod. You could also register to win one, but you’ll have to actually learn something in return. Wyndham Hotel Group is holding a Webinar on Monday, April 6th, 2009 at 2:00PM EDT. Thier new travel agent Specialist Programs will enable you to earn a diploma and continuing educational units along with special offers and promotion at over 7,000 properties.

It really doesn’t matter how you access this show, simply that you access it to stay plugged in and up to date on what’s going on. It’s been one of the best tools I’ve used for years and I’ve been extremely impressed with how it’s evolved with the times and the technology to stay on the cutting edge.

That’s the YTB way.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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I wrote on Monday about Paul Henderson, who like me is getting just a little tired of the nonsense filling our in boxes, and the witch hunt that’s going on in our industry right now. There are those who believe that we as a group of MLM’ers can not call ourselves “Travel Agents”. The reality of the issue however is that not one association or group has been able to outline for us what type of qualifications are necessary to provide us with the proper definition or qualifications to be considered a “Travel Agent”.

IATA enables you to carry their card with a paid commission level of $5000. CLIA just upgraded their qualifications with training and a minimum of 25 cruise sales.  Others have their own hoops to jump through such as a business license, or an approved host that you need to align yourself with.

Yet we are still left without one clear definition as an industry that everyone can agree on (or at least reference too) to become a real live “Travel Agent”.

Over the last couple of years YTB has made many changes in order to legitimize it’s model in the industry and become a respected member of the industry. We’ve listened to and responded accordingly. Some call it “reactionary” and that’s okay, because it’s the first step for some in noticing that changes ARE being made. Before any of this mess erupted back in October of 2007 with Royal Caribbean terminating it’s agreement with YTB, during a Funshine “Travel” Trade Show no less, YTB rolled out E-Campus, a course designed by one of the industries leading educators, Marc Mancini. YTB also revamped it’s certification program to First Class Training, and with that, changed both the level of commission percentages, and qualifications to book directly with vendors with it’s First Class Training Program. When you enter the industry with YTB you are an Affiliate, and without the proper training via either YTB or an indsutry associations no title of “Travel Agent” is bestowed upon you.

In addition to training, the company has made numerous changes in the way it actually books travel and helps customers secure the services we offer. The Convergentware upgrade with direct connections to GDS, suppliers and vendors has eliminated the need to “glean” numbers, and since we have enough staff now to handle our own calls in our expanded Home Office, the primary number in the help section is now directing customers to our own support center instead of pawning the responsibilty off on vendors.

In addition to the changes YTB has made, we’ve seen changes from suppliers such as Carnival Cruise lines, who implimented a minimum booking policy in eary 2008 before enabling anyone to enjoy a discounted cruise with them. We’ve also seen changes from Assoications such as CLIA who now requires not only training but actual production in order to have the privilege of carrying their card. While I’ve heard of rumblings of a loophole with this, YTB as a company, nor do I support or promote such a loophole.

This above snapshot of changes should provide for many that both YTB and the industry is serious about being a player in this industry. I for one am pleased with the response both the industry and the company has made. There are a select few however who either don’t want to talk about the issues or are incapable of communicating effectively what the real issues are.

I was amused this morning to find a comment, which I approved. In a very roundabout way, this TA finally got to the bottom of his issue after several days of comments and an entire post yesterday.

The real phobia for him and for the rest of this small group is “recruiting”.

I don’t know why it took so long or why he needed to go off on a tangent about Delta Airlines being the first to start cutting commissions in 1995, or that online companies such as Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia and Priceline have call centers to support their initial design of self service booking. My guess is that he needed to show how smart he was and attempt to point out how little I know, thus disqualifying me as someone who is worthy of recruiting anyone into the industry the right way. If he feels that works for him, I have no problem with it, but he could have saved himself a couple days of ranting and badgering, and needless reading by me and just come right out and told everyone that he can’t stand the recruiting aspect and we need to dispose of it in order for him to personally accept me or YTB into the fold of brethren.

I suspect however that he certainly feels better now that he’s been able to vomit on two separate blogs.

Now that he’s fianally been able to get the real issue of the matter, he’s asked me to participate in a webinar that’s coming up at the end of the month. While I’m not sure if he’s cleared this with those who initially set this puppy up, but regardless if he actually has or not, I politely declined the offer to join the group and have chosen to participate instead in a Sail-a-thon with Princess Cruise Lines later that evening.

Be that as it may, I have to wonder why he feels this would benefit me or anyone else in the Travel Industry resolve the issue of “qualifications” and finally be considered a “Travel Agent”.

Here’s the outline of this little seminar and you tell me if this looks like it’s designed to talk about qualifications or if it helps the industry resolve the real issue here.

Card Mills.  Instant Agent Programs. MLM Travel Companies.  These entities spring up relentlessly, convincing consumers that anyone can be a travel agent. Card Mills disparage the professionalism of traditional travel agents and misrepresent industry “benefits” as a reason for joining.

Too often, travel agents are left without the tools necessary to successfully educate consumers and market effectively against the Card Mills.

No longer.

Join Richard Earls, publisher of Travel Research Online, in a webinar that will turn the tide by providing traditional travel agents with effective strategies, press releases and marketing tools to educate their clients on the fallacies of the card mill phenomenon.

You will receive materials after the webinar that will assist you in combatting Card Mills in your own communities.

A panel of experts will assist travel agents with arresting the Card Mills in their tracks.

By the way…the emphasis here is not mine, it’s theirs. This seminar is nothing more than the “witch hunt” that both Paul Henderson and I both abhor. Why on God’s green earth would I have any interest learning how to spew negative propaganda about a company that I support? There is nothing about this recruiting message that talks about the issue of qualifications, training, or customer support to enable me to be a better travel agent.

What it does appear to teach however is how belittle me in press releases, marketing tools, and seminars. (Something that I’ve grown quite accustom to, and expect as a rebuttal to what I write here.)

Oh Joy!

According to some, I’m the one who doesn’t offer “value”, and I’m being ridiculous for not wanting to spend my afternoon rolling in this very large pile of horse dung.

I do find it serendipitous that while this group of professionals attempt to educate the world that all we do is focus on recruiting so anyone can be one of these Travel Agents, the lead company they will be talking about and slandering is actually doing what they should do…selling travel and supporting the hand that feeds them.

Now there’s a novel idea!

I’m sorry gang, but I have to state for the record once again. I don’t find this “get together” the least bit productive, or see how it answers any of the issues we talked about on Monday.

The answer is still “no thanks”.

But that just me.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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There’s been a lot of talk all over the internet about what was going on last week at the Directors Meeting in Dallas. It’s so funny to me how things are just thrown out there as speculation without any regard to being accurate or even remotely realistic. While I know that we in YTB have been accused of making unsubstantiated claims in the past, most of what I’m seeing these days comes from the other side.

What’s good for the goose must be good for the gander right?

Some are so hard up that they will throw out anything just to keep people busy talking about YTB. What’s so amusing to me is that people post on message boards and forums asking “What’s going on?” like any of these people who frequent there have any clue as to what’s going on. I’ve actually grown numb to just about anything I read on the Internet these days on such forms and message boards.

One of the funniest comments I read was that there are plans for YTB to purchase Sabre. For those who don’t recognize that name, you may recognize the funny little Roaming Gnome who advertises for one of their brands. It’s amazing to me how something like this is just thrown out there like fish food and to watch the schools of starving fish feed on in the frenzy they do is hysterical.

So I figured I’d help those of you who are having problems finding out what’s true and what’s not at about the only place you truly count on these days for accurate information.

• Slowed Growth – Current economic uncertainty, and rising fuel costs have contributed to recruiting sales slowing industry wide. According to the DSA Data Tracker Survey released on May 19th, sales industry wide are down 13% overall, while YTB only experienced a drop of 7%, Q1 of 2008. If you look at the industry trends over the last several years, you will see that this slowing is nothing to be overly concerned about, and we certainly can’t be concerned about any trends being set from one quarter of date. I do believe it’s important to note that while the entire industry is slowed, YTB’s growth is stronger than other markets and companies associated with the DSA.

• $50 Bonus – I’ve seen the “wording” changed several times over the years concerning the $49.95 web site fees and having six personally sponsored people on your team. The FTC has issued a revised Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Business Opportunity Rule. To ensure that there is no confusion about the $49.95 fee that RTAs pay for website hosting and maintenance, after an RTA personally sponsors six other RTAs, as long as those RTAs remain active, the sponsoring RTA will receive a monthly $50 bonus.

Now, what’s the difference? The primary difference is in the language used. We no longer say that “the $49.95 monthly fee will be reimbursed” because YTB needs to make it clear that the monthly maintenance fee will still need to be paid monthly and that everyone is paying this fee. (If everyone is paying the fee then there nothing “multi-level” about it.)

• 10% Override – YTB Travel RTAs no longer need to become Certified by attending a YTB CRTA class before being able to receive the 10% override in their Power Teams. Now the 10% override will be paid automatically based on travel booked by the people in their Power Teams. Again, this comes directly from the “Business Opportunity Rules”, so YTB needed to change.

• 50% Match – YTB REPS now qualify the same as YTB Travel RTAs for the 50% match. In the past, before a person who was a YTB REP could qualify for the 50% match, they would have to personally sponsor four RTAs instead of three because they (themselves), were not an RTA. Now, YTB Travel REPS will qualify for the 50% match simply by sponsoring three RTAs. (Again, Business Opportunity Law.)

• Absolutely No Solicitation – Fam Trips or any other trips that are taken as part of YTB Travel is to learn about your product NOT for solicitation to join YTB. To do so is strongly frowned on in YTB Travel and in the travel industry as a whole. In other words, YTB Travel RTAs are admonished to never use FAM Trips, Cruises or any trip where they received travel insider benefits, to advertise or recruit their business. If it is discovered that a YTB Travel RTA or REP is guilty of this behavior, they will be in jeopardy of losing and being permanently barred from the YTB Travel business.

And you if I catch you doing so, I’ll personally take you out back and shoot you.

No exceptions.

That’s about all I’m at liberty to release to you publically at this point in time. I know that everyone was expecting “major announcements” last week. Honestly, after reading all the “hype” out there, I was too.

I was looking forward to owning Sabre, but I guess it was all a bunch of hype. Who knew?

I will speculate this for you if you really want something. YTB does have something in the works and its driving Coach nuts. You may have seen or heard some of his calls recently and he’s chomping at the bit to let the cat out of the bag. It’s my understanding that our Legal Department and our Board of Directors has either a long hook or one hand on the electrical cord in preparation to pull the plug just in case Coach begins to spill the beans before we have all our T’s crossed and I’s dotted.

With so much focus on our company right now and people digging for information and reporting every step, every move we make I’m actually kind of pleased that the company has been so tight lipped and holding their cards very close to the vest lately. Of course, not having anything doesn’t seem to matter to some people. They’ll say just about anything these days just to throw something out there to talk about. I guess that’s what happens when you have nothing better to do with your time. (Like ohhh, selling travel to all those devoted customers they claim to have.)

If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with links and documentation for you to share with clients and prospects alike.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker

Phone: 678.458.5812

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RTA #24635

Now that my focus has shifted back to a more positive course of thinking and action, I wanted to offer up something for the members of YTB. I’ve been working very closely with my immediate Director, Tim and Georgia Dominey. At the beginning of the year, Tim asked me to start a weekly and monthly Newsletter for his team. It’s something I’ve been doing for my team for some time, and when Tim asked me to start one for his team, I wanted to take the program and content to a whole new level.

What has evolved over the last few months has been something that I’m very proud of and the team members who have been receiving these Newsletters have responded with compliment after compliment. If you haven’t guessed by now, I love to write and there certainly hasn’t been any shortage of information to write about. What started as a monthly newsletter a year or so ago to a select few of my team, has grown to a weekly update of YTB news and events, complete with a “7 Day Quick Start Guide” to get your YTB business started off on the right track, bi-monthly recorded conference calls, weekly and monthly updates on upgrades, enhancements, awards, trainings and events that nobody in YTB should miss.

I’ve always been taught, even from a very early age, that I should always be willing to give of my time, talent, and money. Many of my courses, seminars, and mentors currently have also instilled this believe that what I give out, will be returned to me 10 fold.

Therefore, I am going to open up my Newsletter company wide for any member of YTB. It is my hope that you will find the information I provide not only informative, but that you also see this as a valuable tool for new team members to learn how to build and work their YTB business the right way.

I do have one request of you when doing this, and that is that you provide your YTB Marketing web site for verification purposes when submitting your information. I am only asking you of this because I want to limit this information to YTB Reps and RTA’s only. Your information will not be shared, and will only be used to verify your YTB status with the company. This is also a “double opt-in” type Newsletter, so you’ll be sent an e-mail via the e-mail address you provide to confirm you want this Newsletter.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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