I found a really a really nice article in Travel Weekly this weekend that highlights YTB and our Passport to Giving program.

If you don’t know about Passport to Giving, it’s one of the finest programs I’ve seen. Coach and YTB designed it for non-profits to help raise money by turning the non-profit members vacations into donations. I was actually trained in this program back in 2005 before I was trained as an RTA.

YTB donates a booking engine to the non-profit or association a custom site with their own logo free of charge, which includes waiving the monthly fee. Members of the association then turn to the non-profits travel web site to book travel and the commissions earned are paid to the association just like they are to the RTA’s, but tax free.

No strings, no catch, just our way to give back to the community by offering something totally unique to help raise money for non-profits.

According to the Travel Weekly article, the National Academy Foundation is operating an online travel agency for Freshman and Sophomores at Rochester’s East High using our Passport to Giving program and YTB Booking Engine to train students with real world examples and booking travel for real customers. Classes help prepare the students of East High for a potential carrier in the Travel Industry.

You can view their site at www.easthightravel.com. (Note: the YTB logo is replaced with NAF.org’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism logo.)

Now in it’s second year, the students earned about $2500 in commissions their first year. The facilitator of the program, Jim Spawton, is looking to boost that number to about $10,000 by asking the faculty, students’ families and local businesses for bookings that earn real commissions for the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. The commissions earned help pay for other student programs, all while teaching students what it’s like to run a real travel business.

East High is one of the 78 U.S. high schools with hospitality and tourism academies that are overseen by the National Academy Foundation.

Other big name companies such as Marriott and PepsiCo are also helping students of the academy. PepsiCo gave $7,000 to six graduates to further their studies, while Marriott offers internships to students to help them attain real world experience inside their hotels. A picture posted in the Travel Weekly article also has students working with the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

I applaud both YTB and the National Academy Foundation for offering these programs to our future business men and woman.

While researching this article, I found a great “about us” video from the NAF.org website that highlights this important non-profit and how it’s changing our youth for the better. A great example can be found at about the 3 minute mark with a young lady named Nathsha who apparently started as an intern with Marriott and is now an Assistant Controller at the Bethesda Marriott Suites.

Enjoy!

UPDATE: Apparently, the constipation over YTB continues for one Anti-YTB Zealot. It’s been a long time since I’ve linked to anything this moron has written, but this one is just too classic to pass up.

Yes, John Frenaye has also found the Travel Weekly article, only to react with his own demonic twist and spin that no doubt matches all the classic myths, misrepresentations, and false claims we’ve come to know, but not quite love about this ignorant and constipated know-it-all.

I don’t know about you – but I’d love to take him up on his bet regarding the Facilitator being a member of YTB. Unfortunately,  we’ve learned John never delivers (just like he never properly researches) when shown point blank that he’s once again on loosing end of such unsubstantiated speculation and claims.

John, maybe the reason they didn’t pick you or any other “agency” is because you can’t get past your own dysfunctional behavior and limiting beliefs. Hell, you don’t even know the difference between a FAM and an internship. (Or who sponsors the internship you ignorant putz.)

Instead of being privileged like you were growing up – maybe a program like NAF could have shown you how the real world operates to provide you with the proper skill set to cope with life’s most basic lessons. Guys like me valued opportunities like this no matter who offered the tools or the opportunity. The internship I did with Pittsburgh’s number one radio station after college was invaluable to me back in the day.

After four years of blathering like a raving lunatic about MLM and YTB – it’s apparent that the travel industry desperately needs some fresh minds and faces that are capable of working instead of spiting at people and companies they don’t agree with, don’t like, and clearly are unwilling to accept as part of the solution.

Moron…

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Today, I wanted to give anyone interested a heads up on a service that I think is not only important, but primed to make the smart entrepreneurial mind and marketer money.

If you’ve done any research at all in this arena, you should know that Mobile Marketing is on the way up. If you don’t know about Mobile Marketing – what it is – and how it’s poised as the next boom, do your own independent research on the subject and you’ll certainly see what I’m talking about.

The smart players certainly will, while the pretenders won’t bother.

One of the first things you can do concerning this research is hop on a free webinar tonight provided by my company, YTB International. There’s no question this company knows marketing. It’s one of the biggest powerhouses I’ve ever been a part of in my professional career. It’s made some serious money for the seasoned marketer, and it’s taught the not so seasoned marketer (like me before I hooked up with them) how it’s done.

A few weeks back, at their National Convention, the company announced the launch of a new product called Z Mobile. A week later, it was live and running. At this point, everyone is on the same level playing field in finding out what this service is all about and what it can do. The webinar tonight will cover the features, advantages and benefits of this service for both the end user and the Representative who wants to market the service.

Here’s the real kicker. If you see an opportunity to market this service, like I do, you can sign up as a Rep with YTB and sell this product for no money down, and no annual fee. It’s absolutely free. The company did the same thing 10 years ago when they broke into the Travel industry selling travel websites. Within 5 years of marketing this Travel Company, the Representatives who sold the sites amassed a massive amount of home based travel agents. As a result, it enabled the Travel Company to become one of the top fifty host agencies in the country. Some, (certainly not all) attained great wealth by joining the company as a free Rep and selling these turnkey Travel Stores.

There was one glaring flaw back then when the company took the travel industry by storm.

It ticked the existing travel agents in the industry off. (A few are still incessantly whining and crying about it to this day.) Some were simply stuck in their time warp or fantasy and wouldn’t adapt. While others never dreamed that a simple marketing system with no real travel experience to speak of would really work. Within time, they realized how wrong they were in underestimating the power of our marketing system, and resorted to pulling out every trick in the book to regain control – including lawsuits designed to destroy the company. Some to this day still lay claim that it’s an illegal pyramid scheme – stating incorrectly that the Reps who sold the sites had to pay to participate.

Fact is, it did work. And while some of the chapters in that story over the last ten years have been mired in bickering and fighting to regain control of their industry, YTB Travel Network is still around and still selling travel. (And still in the top 50) I’m a proud Travel Agent myself to this day.

Now here’s the beauty of this new product and service that YTB has just launched with Z Mobile. There’s no real player right now in this industry. You’re not going to hurt somebody’s feelings, or tick someone off for taking business away from them like we did to the Travel Agents. It’s all virgin territory and the market is wide open to blaze your own path and your own marketing story. The Rep position is still free, just like it always has, but you’ll be selling to an end user that’s a little more business minded. (Unlike the travel agents I’ve seen bickering on the internet.)

True, this product is for the “early adopters” at this point in the game. The way I look at it, it simply gives me a little more time to wrap my arms around this product and the potential it has to change the way we market and communicate with clients and customers.

Also, true that there is no guarantee that Mobile Marketing will be as big as some are predicting. It costs you nothing to take a look, and it costs you nothing to become a part of the company to find out. If it does take off – great. If not, well – nobody who signs up for free loses out.

If you want to change your financial picture, you have to change what you’re doing and thinking. If you’re not where you want to be right now financially, then you’re current form of thinking and doing simply isn’t working. (If it was, you’re circumstances would be different.)

I know that may sound a little in your face – but sometimes the truth happens to be just that – in your face.

I’m not here to mock you, or make fun of you. I’m here to help you. I’m here to give you a dose of reality. Which is a lot more than I can say for some of the “experts” I’ve seen on the Internet.

Hop on tonight’s webinar and at least check it out. There’s no high pressure and we’re not even going to ask for your name, nor have you subscribe for a link. It’s open to anyone who wants to take a look. The smart players (who are the actual people we’re looking for here) will find a way to contact either me or someone else who invited them to find out more and get started.

Oh, and if you miss any part of it, it will replay every hour on the hour all night. It all starts at 8:00 pm Eastern, 7:00 pm Central, 6:00 pm Mountain, 5:00 pm Pacific.

I sincerely hope you like what you see. Not only in the product but in the company and the way we market. It’s been a real game changer for me over the years – and it could be for you too.

But only if you take that first step and find out more.

See you tonight?

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For the fifth year in a row, YTB Travel Network makes Travel Weekly’s Power List of the top 50 Travel Agencies. Some will be a bit surprised. Others will be pleased. While I’m sure there will be others who will be (as they always are) frustrated with another year of YTB being included in Travel Weekly’s listing.

Personally, I consider this year’s listing as one of the finest showings from previous years for several reasons. This year’s listing dispels the skewed and misleading math formulas we’ve seen in years past from socialist pin heads. It also puts to rest any notion that the word “Travel” in YTB Travel Network is an afterthought.

Let’s not forget as well, all the mud that was thrown up in the companies face three years ago that has now been cleaned off, putting any claims of pyramid or ponzi schemes behind the company.

I’m quite certain that some had dreams and others feared that California’s Attorney General could actually put an end to the company. If California couldn’t get it done, surely Illinois or the opportunist ambulance chasers would. Yet, here I am three years later with the same capabilities in selling travel, and a better commission split to boot.

Clearly, YTB Travel Network has had its share of the spotlight. Some good – some bad – and some just completely bogus accusations. (Some have turned out to be rather comical.) Through it all however, YTB Travel Network has survived because of a very solid foundation laid by the Founders of the company and a few thousand loyal “Travel Agents” who appreciated a different approach in selling travel.

So, here we are – the numbers from the Travel Weekly Power List:

At number 34 – YTB Travel Network

2010 Sales: $221.7 million
Employees: 120
Previous Rank: 29

What is so impressive about this spot is the company has accomplished this number with a small fraction of people compared to years past. At the companies height (before the mudslinging and bogus lawsuits) YTB Travel reported 92,383 travel sellers who sold $424.1 million in travel. What “socialist pin heads” did was divide total sales by the total number of travel sellers. This year, the company reported 12,200 travel sellers who sold $221.7 million in travel.

So why the big jump in “average sales”?

Clearly, these “averages” we’ve seen (or are forced upon Network Marketing companies from our fine Government as “Income Disclosures”) aren’t what they’re cracked up be. You can’t possibly dictate to anyone what someone is capable of selling based on average numbers. Some will excel, while others won’t do a blessed thing to get their business off the ground. Travel sellers who weren’t making any money (because they couldn’t change their thinking or work ethic from “employee” to “business owner”) are now gone. Those who could grasp the thinking and habits of “business” were making money as travel sellers and are still around and producing numbers more consistent with traditional travel agents. It’s always been like this – but it wasn’t until now that we see how the real world actually works – not some mathematical theory.

We’ve heard over and over again that our focus isn’t travel. Again, you can’t dictate as an overall consensus (just like the bogus “averages” above) that’s true for everyone. I got into YTB Travel Network so I could get paid for telling people that a cruise was the best vacation money could buy. I’m still just as passionate about the industry as I was the day I signed up. Sure the other products offered via the ZamZuu shopping cart are nice. In fact, I was selling similar items here on this blog long before ZamZuu ever came about. Ever since I changed hats from employee to business owner, you become educated about what multiple streams of income can do for your bottom line.

While it’s a nice bonus, my focus – and what fires me up is still travel.

Well, that and the Pittsburgh Steelers. But just because I moved from Pittsburgh to Atlanta 19 years ago, I’m still just as much of a diehard fan than I ever was. (Okay – fanatical, but you get the idea.) You know damn well, you’re never gonna take the Steelers out of this boy. You’ll also never take the passion I have for travel out of me either.

While others in our industry would like our focus to be something else – it’s honestly not up to them to tell me, you, or anyone else what we should or should not focus on. Travel got us to where we are – and travel will continue to carry this company in the future. It’s a fantastic product that everyone still enjoys talking about and still the number one answer to a question I’ve asked for years.

“If you had more time and more money – what would YOU do?“

What makes this year’s list especially gratifying is that all the crap from California, Illinois, and a handful of ambulance chasers is now behind the company. All laid claim about being a pyramid scheme. Thing is, pyramid schemes are illegal and scams like that are ultimately shut down. Sure, there will be those who will continue to throw that out there – and that’s perfectly fine. Looks worse on them at this point than it ever will YTB, because it illustrates they haven’t learned a blessed thing. (And most likely, never will.)

I really could care less – because all I have to do is pull up my booking engine and look at another listing on this year’s Power List.

Nuff said.

YTB Travel Network will move on as it always has. Like I said before – travel got us here, and travel will continue to be a major asset for YTB International. If the company can do this with all the obstacles thrown up to distract everyone – imagine what it can do now with this core group of travel sellers.

Nothing like a little dose of reality to get things cranked back up again now is there? The way I see it, there’s nothing stopping this company from climbing back up this list to even higher levels once reached in years past. Difference is, there were lessons learned from the first go around that will make it all that much easier to accomplish if everyone pitches in.

Based on what this year’s list has shown us, the company is leaner, meaner, and battle tested for another great run.

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I participate in a private group on Facebook with other YTB Travel Agents. It’s one of the few places on the Internet we can discuss business openly without the fear of some jerk taking what’s said out of context or flat out rearranging our words to promote another agenda.

Instead, the group has been able to stay private (and therefore amazingly on topic) to discuss all things related to travel and servicing our clients. One of our Agents gave a review last week after sailing Carnival Splendor’s special one-night-only event which celebrated Splendor’s return to Long Beach for her regularly-scheduled series of 7-day Mexican Riviera sailings. (You may recall Splendor made International news last fall when it was disabled by an engine-room fire.) They were impressed with the ship and with Gerry Cahill, CEO of Carnival who thanked everyone for selling Carnival.

When Kim Sorensen announced the Home Office would be going virtual instead of live to save money for this year’s Funshine event, Agent’s in the group got together to create our own live event in Las Vegas the weekend before. We’ve shared ideas about which vendors we’d like to see there, and most of the Agents have had a grand time planning the event. Of course, the cost of doing something like this lies upon the Agents themselves. Because we’re successful business owners, we not only understand the concept, but appreciate what goes into organizing and planning an event like this.

The group also supports one another. If someone needs help with a particular niche – all they have to do is ask the group. One of the other members of the group will chime in to offer their assistance. We are free and open to discuss all ideas which has been invaluable in opening up new marketing ideas and offers for clients looking for new adventures.

To qualify as a member of this group, you must be a YTB Travel business owner that has taken the First Class Training and/or e-Campus Training. We don’t discuss ZamZuu (although there is another private group for that side of the business) and this isn’t about “recruiting”.

This group is about travel – and I absolutely love it.

It’s also a place where we can celebrate our success in this business as Travel Agents. Someone books a large group cruise – we’re all there to congratulate them. Last week I saw a link from one of our own who was featured on the morning news in Las Vegas as an expert guest to offer Travel Agent advice. (Segment below.)

This isn’t the first time one of our own has been featured on television or in print with YTB Travel Network. (Before the 2009 Convention, Travel Agent Central contacted yours truly for an interview – so it does happen.) But what I really like about this interview – is it’s all about travel.

Some will tell you that travel is dead within our company. Others will tell you that it’s all about recruiting. For them, I’m quite certain that assertion makes them feel better. For the rest of us however that don’t get all worked up about misguided issues and fabricated events, we see things in a more accurate light. YTB Travel Agents are not only alive, but doing very well these days thank you very much.

Clearly, for our clients, suppliers, and this news organization it makes no difference which host agency you align yourself with. It’s up to you to create your own value as a “Travel Agent” to the general public regardless of how industry insiders perceive how we conduct our business. Travel Agent isn’t a credential you carry, or a host you align yourself with. It’s how you present yourself and service your clients that really counts. (Who knew?)

Nice job Doris! It’s an honor to be associated with you as a Travel Agent with YTB Travel Network.

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I mentioned Tuesday that YTB always has a number of blockbuster announcements during Coach’s Birthday Bash. Word has started to get out about some of the upcoming releases and the company isn’t wasting any time in getting out the good word.

Not only is the company gearing up for its annual Birthday Bash next week on January 11th – but a date has been set for another ZamFest party the last half of January – from the 17th to the 31st. (Also found on www.ZamZuuTV.com.) The theme for this party is geared around better health. With the New Year, we’re all thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. For many, that resolution centers on better health. To kick off the New Year, ZamFest is throwing resolutions out the window and focusing on solutions. We don’t just talk about improving our health; we’re actually doing it.

The company will close out the month with Carnival for a Winter Warm Up Sail-A-Thon January, 27 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Central with some great deals to Europe and the Caribbean in 2011 and beyond. More information can be found here, or on BandBVacations.com during the week of the event.

Speaking of Carnival – sales are up. We know that because YTB Travel Network’s commission percentage went back up to previous levels. (You can find the percentages in your Travel Portal.) All the doom and gloom last year from the peanut gallery (minus the “pea”) was nothing more than hype. They never can figure out which way is up or even accurate. We however, told you sales were on the rebound, and based on this commission percentage increase – we were right on mark. Regardless of right or wrong, it never would have happened if our Agents didn’t take responsibility on their own and give a little more love to a great cruise line that has taken very good care of us over the years.

We didn’t whine about it – we actually did something about it to rectify the situation so that everybody wins. That’s the YTB way.

And lastly, you’ll notice a change in our air, car and hotel products.

Back when we first started with YTB, I remember a bidding war between Priceline and Travelocity for the privilege to host these products on our sites. Priceline was a good vendor for us then, but Travelocity wanted it more. A bidding war broke out between the two and what ripped Priceline off our sites and slid Travelocity in was a better deal for the Agents.

After a four year relationship with Travelocity, Orbitz has now taken over the huge influx of air, car and hotel bookings made through YTB Travel Network.

Orbitz Worldwide has replaced Travelocity Partner Network as the provider of air, car and hotel products and is now the exclusive provider for these commodity products on the YTB Travel Network booking engine. YTB Travel Network has also negotiated a contract with Orbitz Worldwide that, effective February 1, 2011, will include a commission on airline bookings while continuing the elimination of a service fee. Please see the updated commission rates in the Commission section of the My Account tab in the Travel Portal.

Commissions earned on air, car and hotel products will now be paid based on the date of consumption, not the booking date. The date of consumption is defined as the date of completed travel. Nothing new there – as it’s in line with how the rest of the industry pays.

Customer Profiles was a huge factor for years for the field and it looks like Orbitz came through for us here as well. The initial launch of the Orbitz Worldwide Customer Profile is coming in February 2011. The new profile feature will provide the ability to use a basic customer profile that will store the customer name and credit card. Later this year this feature will be greatly enhanced. The new functionality will allow:

• Storage and use of TSA-relevant information (including birth date) for booking
• Storage and use in booking of multiple credit cards
• Storage and use in booking of loyalty program information for Air, Hotel and Car

Other new features supplied by Orbitz are marketing and promotion which will also be rolled out during the year.

The Orbitz deal utilizes the NeatAgent application tailored specifically for traditional bricks and mortar travel agencies. According to their website “These traditional agencies provide comprehensive travel services for their clients in person or over the telephone and represent more than 60% of today’s travel distribution”.

In other words – when you read the hype from traditionalists – just know they use it too. Just tell them “Thanks for sharing” and get back to work. (An idea they may want to consider to rectify their own dismal existence.)

Speaking of traditionalists – they never dreamed YTB Travel Network would even see 2011. We were supposed to be long gone according to them. (Wishful thinking at this point.) YTB Travel Network is alive and well and as long as they let us – we’ll continue play the role of thorn in side. (It’s their choice after all – not ours.)

The way I see it – looks like YTB Travel Network is packing more powder to shoot more cannon balls across their bow to let them know we have absolutely no plans of going away.

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Scott Tomer was in town a couple weeks ago and I had a chance to sit down with him in a small group setting the night before the Saturday training. One of the other members of the group asked the question “Why don’t we [YTB] hand out more travel awards at Convention?”

What Scott told us, was the idea of Travel Awards did come up for Friday’s afternoon General Session at this years Convention. If you recall, Friday afternoon unleashed the industries best commission contracts and benefits in the industry, the upgrades for “Steals and Deals” and the enhanced Great Escapes packages for both Travel Store owners, and clients. With Friday afternoon dedicated to Travel it just made sense to offer Travel Awards. However, when they called the travel leaders in our company to ask if they would be at Convention, every one of them said “Yes, I’ll be at Funshine.”

The “Convention” our travel leaders were talking about begins today at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Funshine provides two days of seminars and a trade show floor with some 60 or 70 suppliers who are soliciting their products and services for your clients next vacation.

Funshine will also hold a General Session tonight to hand out awards for our travel leaders who have produced significant travel sales. There will be other upgrades and announcements; one of which is a new “skin” with additional features which you can get a feel for from with our Golf site. (Sorry, couldn’t hold back on this one, but since it’s already live…what the heck.)

The trade show floor of course is free, and those of us who have completed the Marc Mancini’s E-Campus series of courses also receive a complimentary upgrade to all the seminars offered by our preferred suppliers. (We also get to call ourselves “Travel Agents” and are upgraded to a 75% commission contract without quotas after completing the E-Campus courses.)

Here is a list I was able to obtain from the Home Office of the seminars and descriptions.

American Destinations
“Significantly grow your YTB Business with Educational Student Travel” Content for beginners and experienced agents alike.
ADI specializes in all-inclusive, multi-day group tour packages with an emphasis on Educational Student Travel.  YOU can have a hand in shaping our Nation’s youth and work toward your YTB $5,000 Matching Travel Commission Bonus!

Carnival Cruise Lines
(Friday) “Getting Started Selling Cruises – What you really need to know” – Beginner
(Saturday) “Super Sales with Carnival Cruise Lines” – This all-inclusive seminar will touch on the keys to great success selling cruises.  It’s a must attend event! – All levels are encouraged and welcome!

CCRA
“What’s new with CCRA”   This seminar speaks to those mostly already familiar with their product but they would love to include anyone wanting to learn more about who they are.
We will show you how to book hotels and other services – make more money and save time!

CLIA
“Cruise Vacations: an Introduction” This seminar is 3 hours and worth 15 CLIA credits once you have passed the test.

Collette Vacations
“How to make the most money in Travel Today!” For all levels of experience.
Deluxe escorted tours to all 7 continents, door to door transportation from the passenger’s home to the airport.  Our unmatched cancellation waiver protects your passenger.

Costa Cruise Lines
“Have you seen Costa lately?”  For both beginner and experienced agents.
Costa, Europe’s number one cruise line, offers an experience that is delightfully different in service and cruise.  In an atmosphere filled with love, laughter and La Dolce Vita.

Globus Family of Brands
“Globus Family of Brands; Product, Groups and Marketing” Balanced for beginners and experienced agents.
With more than 400 vacations to over 60 countries worldwide, the Globus Family of Brands offers a variety of travel styles to fit anyone’s budget or desire.

Holland America Line
“How to understand & sell Holland America Line, including in depth training on our Alaska vacations”  Balanced for beginners and experienced agents.
We invite you to sail with us and discover a world of elegant, mid-sized ships, award-winning service, intriguing onboard enrichment programs and sophisticated five-star dining.

Honeymoon Wishes
“The Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Market is still growing – Learn how to be a part of it.” For both beginner and experienced agents.
Clients can have any part of their honeymoon as a wedding present!  Earn commissions form their gift registry and market your business.

Pleasant Holidays
“The World of Pleasant” For both beginner and experienced agents.
Since 1959, Pleasant Holidays has sent over 9 million travelers on dream vacations.  Pleasant Holidays features hundreds of specials and value-packed vacations.

Princess Cruises / Cunard Lines
“The World of Princess Cruises” “The Legendary Voyages of Cunard Lines”
Escape completely with Princess Cruises to over 350 destinations and 105 unique itineraries.  Show your clients the world!

Silversea Cruises
“Selling the World of Silversea” Learn the value of selling an all inclusive luxury product and earn higher commissions. For both beginner and experienced agents Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard five intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.

Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises
A unique cruise line navigating through the lands of the Bible, the Steps of the Apostle Paul and the Holy Lands.  Fundraising plans for your church groups.

Travelocity Partner Network
“Travel, Travel, Travel – Trends, Industry Knowledge and more” For both beginner and experienced agents.
A division of Travelocity, the industry leader in offering scalable and private label online travel solutions.  It builds your brand, not ours.

Travel Guard
Travel Insurance… How it benefits you and your customers
Travel Guard Insurance Regional Account Manager Nancy Mallek from Stevens Point WI, is curious if you know how easily you can increase your revenue by recommending travel insurance.  Join us for an informative session that will help you sell more.  Learn various tips on how to sell, why your customers should purchase, and ways to overcome objections.  Plus, everything you want to know about what is covered in a travel insurance policy.

Other suppliers who I don’t have course descriptions for but will be at Funshine to educate TSO’s who want to learn include Epic Tours, The Mark Travel Corporation, Worldwide Golf Vacations, MSC Cruises, Cunard Lines, Worldwide Tours, Inc., and Carey International.

When you take a look at the list of seminars above and then compare it to the Home Based Agent Show and Conference in Atlantic City in a little more than a week, it’s shocking to see how a single company like YTB can attract a similar segment and number of suppliers for its conference. I’d also be willing to bet that YTB will provide a larger crowd for Funshine compared to the Home Based Agent Show designed for an entire segment of the industry.

It should be a fun weekend with our peers who have a legitimate desire to learn and grow in the travel industry from suppliers who see YTB for what it truly is – the 25th largest Seller of Travel in the industry. 

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If finally happened. I woke up this morning and checked my blog stats only to see “Steve Mencik linked here saying, “Provide me documentation of just one Host, one Age …”

It appears that someone finally had the guts to stand up and discuss an issue that I’ve been asking the industry to respond to for a month now. Congratulations. However, since Steve (the author of the post) doesn’t know how to link properly, we’re bringing the challenge I offered up to the industry, called “Open Mic” night” back up. If you came here from No Travel MLM’s, you would have found an article on Brian Tracy, not the challenge. I know how easy it is for our critics to get sidetracked with irrelevant and scandalous matters.

In addition, I find it interesting that we already have one of the infamous excuses from the other side and change to my challenge. Personally, I take issue with that because I didn’t ask, nor am I looking for excuses. I asked about solutions from other Hosts.

Steve has thrown one of the major benefits for him and other Travel Agents out the window for one of two reasons. One, because he, like everyone else can’t grasp YTB’s two distinct business models. Or two, because he knows that the insurance offered to TSO’s is an offer no other Host has. Therefore, the insurance issue is thrown out the window because he wants to mix the two opportunities.

Tisk – tisk – tisk.

Rules are rules guys, and YTB’s Medical and Life Insurance is a very distinct advantage of the TSO (YTB Travel Network) compensation program that I can promise no one else is able to offer. YTB has offered this benefit for two solid years now, exclusive of the Director program from YTB Marketing. Because no other Host has been able to figure out just how to do this with independent contractors we’re told it can’t be done?

Don’t think so.

The Medical and Life Insurance offered by YTB Travel Network does not require the recruitment a single solitary soul in order to obtain the Insurance. Period. The process of mixing both our Director Program and our Travel Agent Program not only a lame excuse but a cop-out so they can appear to have somewhat of a level playing field.

Sorry gang, but no can do on throwing it out the window. Since a “Travel Agent” would not be required to become a Director, (i.e. recruit a single person) and the insurance benefits are granted strictly via annual travel commissions of $25,000 or more, and not recruiting, the insurance stays right were it is.

To clarify further for everyone here are the commission contracts and the levels that anyone, including Steve, can achieve as a TSO with YTB Travel Network.

*Excludes shopYTB commissions. (Remember we only need “Travel Agents” here.)

*Upon reaching the 80, 90 or 100% commission level, Site Owners will receive company paid group health insurance as well as one-time bonuses of $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 respectively.

*These one-time bonuses are only paid when a Site Owner reaches the 80, 90 or 100% commission level for the first time.

So bring it on kids. Provide me documentation of just one Host, one Agency, one single Brick and Mortar that:

• Offers 80%-100% commission contracts.
• Pays cash bonuses of up to $10K when you hit performance levels for travel commissions earned.
• AND completely covers the cost of your Medical Insurance and provides a $150,000 Life Insurance policy.
• AND do it for less than $500 start up and $49.95 per monthly overhead.

And I’m not looking for excuses why it can’t be done. Fact is, it HAS been done and it’s not my problem or issue that YTB came up with it first leaving the rest of the Hosts in the dust.

Gang, if you were smart, and I know you are, instead of fighting this, you’d join. $25K a year for a traditional travel agent or anyone else with the experience and knowledge that Steve has would be a walk in the park. I would imagine $100K would also be attainable for Steve and his colleagues.

Unless you can come up with another host who can do all this…you’re leaving all kinds of money and opportunities on the table.

So stop beating around the bush, stop coming up with excuses and provide the documentation I asked for.

Otherwise you’ll get nothing more than – “Thanks for sharing”.

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