One of the BEST features about Convention is the opportunity to learn and grow. Sure the recognition and the upgrades are a nice benefit, but the opportunity to LEARN makes our industry special. Always the student, I relish the opportunity to learn something new – enhance what I’m already doing – or get turned onto a brand new product or feature.

It’s what keeps this company fresh and interesting. I mean, YTB has never been boring, (especially the last couple of years) but all the new features, vendors and income opportunities not only make a company like this fun but worth your while with this kind of assortment to choose from.

Oh – you’ll also notice even more of our Travel Vendors offering up their expertise. While they’ve always shown up as a vendor in the past – this is the first year their getting in on the classes being offered. Nice to see their continued support.

Check out the great courses that are offered by ZamZuu University today. A chance to learn from the best in business – Business Builders, Featured Stores and Travel Vendors all in one place. It’s all here!

HOW TO USE SOCIAL NETWORKING TO BUILD YOUR TEAM AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Nakia Muhammad, Coach’s Corner member
This course will provide attendees with the basic knowledge and understanding of how to prospect, qualify, identify and sign up new Business Owners via Facebook. Learn and apply these techniques and explore your business!

TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH PLEASANT HOLIDAYS
Barbara DeSanto, Pleasant Holidays
Presenting the world of Pleasant Holidays – offering vacation and cruise packages to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Tahiti/Fiji, Costa Rica and USA Learn about all the great specials Pleasant Holidays has to offer!

BECOME A DIRECTOR IN 90 DAYS
Dave and Marlis Funk, ZamZuu Directors
Learn how to become a Director in 90 days including the three phases you must go through to be successful in ZamZuu. They will teach you how your “Wheel of Fortune” can help you build if you JUST APPLY IT!

HIGH QUALITY, CUTTING-EDGE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Brett Cherry, Nutraceutics
Nutraceutics is dedicated to formulating and bringing to market the highest quality nutritional supplements based on the latest in scientific research and manufactured to the most exacting pharmaceutical-grade specifications.

PROTECTING OUR KIDS WITH ZAMZUU CHILD PROTECTION MOBILE APPLICATION
Tim Woda
Protecting our kids from the dangers of sexting, cyberbullying, and sex predators.

BIGGER PROFITS WITH GINA ALEXANDER HANDBAGS
Gina Alexander, Gina Alexander Handbags
The story from the woman herself! Class includes social media strategies, how to make money with Facebook, how to recognize the PERFECT photo and placing orders with/without a photo.

THE MIND OF THE TEST DRIVE
Demond Crump, ZamZuu Director
Learn the reason for every move made during the “test drive.” Demond will demonstrate how the value of ZamZuu should be showcased!

JUMP START YOUR CRUISE BUSINESS
Ann Sedgwick, Carnival Cruise Lines
This fast paced seminar will include what you need to know to be successful in selling cruises, the tools to make you more successful, the most popular destinations to sell right now, the easiest way to sell and book travel, tricks of successful groups and selling up for greater commissions! Whether you are just getting started in the business or a seasoned pro, this seminar is for you!

EMPOWERING YOU TO PROSPER
James and Marcia Prewitt, ZamZuu Directors
Learn how to grow closer to the source of all true wealth and power. Leverage your time and effort by using a systematic approach to explore your business. Find a divine balance of being successful mentally, spiritually and financially!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL DIAMOND ICE PRINTS
Julie Milford, Diamond Ice Prints
Come hear an introduction/history of the company and product, a detailed description of the process, photographic resolution training, sales strategies, and support.

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL HOME PARTY WITH JOLIECOU JEWELRY
Lee Bayes and YoLanda McClease, JolieCou Jewelry
Imagine having fun selling JolieCou Jewelry and Accessories and making money while you do it! This presentation will teach you how to have a “Successful Home Party” and boost your sales. Who doesn’t love high quality, unique jewelry at affordable prices!

GIVING YOUR BUSINESS A FACE LIFT
Linda Chaé, Chaé Organics
Learn how to build your business with new, exciting products. Even men will have a secret weapon to enroll women and other men. Website Discount Code given to attendees only.

SETTING THE RIGHT (DNA) EXPECTATIONS!
Nick Nicholson, ZamZuu Director
This class will teach you how to set realistic expectations in your new ZamZuu Business. It will show you how to build a large and committed team of successful leaders.

YTB TRAVEL NETWORK
J. Kim Sorensen, President and CEO of YTB Travel Network, and Guest Speakers
Come hear about a few of the many opportunities YTB Travel Network provides. You can expect to learn about niche and group travel opportunities and hear from the experts!

TEAM BUILDING
Jerome Hughes, ZamZuu Director
Jerome Hughes and several team leaders will discuss skills for building a successful team.

ZAMTEK – WIRELESS PRODUCTS AND THE ZAMZUU DIGITAL VIDEO PHONE
Marc Tolkov, Simplexity and Barry MacCheyne, WorldGate
Simplexity will teach you everything you need to know about wireless products and services. WorldGate lets you experience an exciting demonstration of the ZamZuu Digital Video Phone and the opportunities it presents!

ZAMZUU INSURANCE 2.0 AND EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL SERVICES – “THE NEXT GENERATION
Mark G. Pollock and Dustin Lopez, ZamZuu Insurance
ZamZuu Insurance will cover the Website with a new Avatar look, how to quote and when you get paid. We will also cover the basics of the Financial Services site and what you get paid for. Both are kicked off with a “Did You Know” video!

LEARN HOW TO PUT THE “ZAM” IN YOUR ZAMZUU BUSINESS
Arlyne Thompson, ZamZuu Director
Utilizing themed home parties, inspiring events, educational webinars, exciting conference calls and tools to keep your team connected!

GETTING STARTED (ZAMZUUED) FAST!
Malcolm Alexander, ZamZuu Director
Ever wonder what the difference between you and the major networkers? How do you land a big fish? You will be let in on some industry secrets the big boys don’t want you to know!

THE WORLD OF PRINCESS CRUISES
Amy Alford, Princess Cruises
Join Amy Alford, District Sales Manager with Princess Cruises for an informative presentation and discover the World of Princess! Learn why Princess is the consummate host and the value of selling Princess to your clients. New itineraries for 2011 and 2012 will be featured.

FACING YOUR GIANTS
Jil Greene, ZamZuu Director
Everyone has the ability to be a Director! If you are not…something is stopping you. What is it? It’s your Giant. Attend a real live ceremony (presentation? Ceremony doesn’t fit here) that will show you how to slay your Giant, put it to rest and become a Director in the ZamZuu Business!

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Nick Pagano, ZamZuu Director
The economy has changed and so have the ways to create and maintain wealth. Given that, why is it that some people can build this business easily and others have more difficulty? We will answer that question in this presentation!

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE, ELEGANT COMFORT
Robin Pelland, Holland America Line
For more than 136 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking their guests to exotic destinations around the world. Through excellence, they create once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Holland America Line provides elegant comfort, award-winning service, five star dining and extensive activities.

THE POWER OF RESIDUAL INCOME
Rick Ricketts, ZamZuu Director
Come hear Rick Ricketts talk about leadership and building relationships that will help you produce and maintain your residual income.

DISCOVER HOW PH PERFECT CAN BE YOUR ULTIMATE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Kriss Hansen and George Hou, pH perfect, Inc .
Learn the dirty little secret multi-billion dollar companies don’t want you to know. Also, find out how pH perfect can eliminate toxic stress and pollution from your life.

As you can see – there’s something for everyone and most mix and match as they like. With so much to choose from, the hardest part is narrowing it down to just a few classes. Spend the whole day on travel if you’d like – or building your business – doesn’t matter to us. It’s all about what matters to YOU.

Nice – huh?!

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Yes, prices went up today with Carnival, and I suspect we’ll see more increases with other travel packages during the year. There are some very real indications that the travel industry as a whole is experiencing growth once again.

That doesn’t mean that very real and substantial deals can’t be had however.

YTB Travel Network has partnered with Pleasant Holidays once again to offer substantial savings (up to $500 per booking) to some very exotic and attractive destinations. The live webcast will air right here on your computer tomorrow night, March 23rd, simply by clicking on the link found on BandBVacations.com. It all starts at 8:00 Eastern, with a rebroadcast again at 9:00PM and 10:00PM Eastern Standard Time. Phone lines will be open from 8:00 to 11:00PM Eastern toll free at 866-400-9382.

This is the perfect opportunity to invite friends, and family over to see if something might fit for their next vacation. What could be better than a tropical getaway to Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji, Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora? You really need to see these exotic properties during this Sale-a-Thon to see how incredible these sale prices really are.

To give you a heads up on what kind of specials we’re talking about here Pleasant Holidays has produced a number of fliers for you to take a look at.

And here they are:

Special savings to Fiji – $500 savings per booking.

• Your vacation Includes: Air from Los Angeles on Air Pacific, meet & greet with shell lei, round trip Airport transfers, 7 nights’ accommodations at Sonaisali Island Resort Fiji, Beachfront room, two FREE nights, breakfast daily, complimentary welcome cocktail, free jungle cruise per person, special invitation to the General Manager’s Monday cocktail party, one scuba pool splash per person, FREE kids club & Travel Protection Plan.

Special savings to Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora – $500 savings per booking.

• Vacation Includes: Air from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui, round trip inter-island air on Air Tahiti, Round trip airport transfers, 7 nights’ accommodations at Le Meridien Tahiti, Garden View room, two FREE nights & Travel Protection Plan.

Special savings to Hawaii – Free Hertz Rental Car.

• Free Hertz rental car with a minimum 5 night stay on the island of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, or Hawaii’s Big Island for travel through 3/31/10; 5/1 – 5/31/10; 9/1 – 12/15/10. Save $100 on a Hertz car rental with a minimum 5 night stay for travel from 4/1 – 4/30/10 & 6/1 – 8/31/10.

Special savings to Mexico – $100 savings per booking.

• Vacations Includes: round trip air from Chicago and 3 night accommodations to Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cobos starting from just $262 for new bookings made through May 1, 2010.

One of the nice features about these webinars is that it’s designed to educate you with the best, most knowledgeable Managers Pleasant Holidays has to offer. They know their business better than anyone and can offer tips and insight on just how and why you need to take advantage of these special deals with them compared to someone else.

So check out Pleasant Holidays for your next vacation – they’re one of the largest tour operators in the business with destinations to Mexico, Costa Rica, Las Vegas, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.

Hope to see you then!

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My how times have changed. If you would have told me that I’d be able to invite my Facebook friends to a live Sail-a-thon with “The Most Popular Cruise Line In The World” a year ago, I’m not sure I would have bought into that idea. Don’t get me wrong – I would have loved the idea! (I love anything that’s technology related and easy to use like Facebook.) A year ago however, it would have been hard to imagine corporations like YTB and Carnival buying into Facebook as a means of promoting business.

Today, not only does a promotion like this make perfect sense – but it becomes a reality tonight as YTB hosts it’s first Sail-a-thon using Facebook with Carnival Cruise Lines.

I’ve got to hand it to YTB, they’ve come up with another idea that’s new and innovative that captures a very large paradigm shift in social networking. It’s hard to pin down exactly how many people actually use Facebook these days, but the most reliable source I’ve been able to find is Facebook itself with over 250 million users as of July of this year. I’ve seen numbers of 100 million more by this time, but regardless if the numbers are right or accurate – it’s a HUGE number of users that interconnect via one massive network.

Think about how easy it is to post something to your Facebook page, inviting friends back to a place they enjoy hanging out anyway to interact and talk with others on the worlds largest social network. It’s a perfect marriage of the right companies and the right social network.

The 6 hour event (which runs from 6:00 pm to Midnight Central Standard Time) isn’t just about sales – it’s designed to be educational and fun. If you join us tonight – you’ll learn the following tips and tricks directly from YTB and Carnival:

- Learn why you should book with YTB
– Learn how to find the best fare
– Understanding what type of fares are available
– Learn when you should you make a reservation
– Learn how to select the best cabin/location
– Learn what constitutes a group
– Learn what types of groups are there
– Holiday Gift Certificates
– Cruise Sale offer — 2 category upgrade

If you want to learn and interact with others, simply pull up YTB Travel Network President, Kim Sorensen’s Facebook page. You can get involved by asking questions, answering the polls, sending in pictures of your party or a previous Carnival Cruise you’ve been on. YTB will have members of the creative team on the page during the entire broadcast to keep things lively and entertaining throughout the evening.

Carnival appears to be pumped about this event too. Ann Sedgewick has been sending her subscribers updates all week – offering up ideas and promotional materials to use to get the word out. Carnival was the one who started this whole Sail-a-thon concept two years ago with YTB. Because they keep coming back for more (this is our 4th event with the Cruise Line) I can only assume that the events are working for them. Why else would they keep doing it? In addition, other vendors like Princess and Pleasant Holidays have seen how easy and inexpensive these webinars are and have joined YTB to host thier own events.

Also, just to clarify – this Carnival event is exclusively with YTB. I encourage you to join me and thousands of others for the webcast, at your leisure from the comfort of their own home. It’s going to be a great event, a lot of fun, great offers and GREAT information for all; whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or first timer! Pick a cruise tonight or purchase a gift certificate to choose later if you’d like. You’ll see certificates ranging from 3-8 days with prices from $358 for a cruise for two. (Yes, TWO, not per person which makes this one very attractive offer!)

Also in honor of Veterans Day, there’s a month long promotion going on with special pricing and category upgrades to say “Thanks for your service”. So if you or anyone you know has sacrificed with service for this great Country, be sure to be part of tonight’s events.

It’s a winning combination any way you look at it – and it’s fitting that YTB is part of it.

Remember, the event starts at 6:00 pm Central and you can go to BandBVacations.com to find the video link and YTB Travel Network President, Kim Sorensen’s Facebook page to ask questions, interact with others and win prizes just for participating. It should be a really good time and since you’re probably going to be on Facebook anyway tonight, might as well get yourself an exceptional deal on your next cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines!

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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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Last week, I had the pleasure of being interview by George Dooley in Travel Agent Central. What made this even more of an honor was finding out that George is an admitted fan of my blog and my perspective of YTB. I found him honest, fair, and genuinely interested in my side of the story.

George is also a reporter.

Part of the job of any good reporter is to provide both sides of a story. Think Fox News here…”Fare and Balanced”, right? I can’t knock George for providing an alternative view about YTB, but I have to ask why in the world did he have to pick one of the most narrow minded, self absorbed, and damaged critics in the industry to speak for the other side?

John Frenaye and I go back for almost two years now, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to correct, clean up, or otherwise call John out for not getting things right. Like most self professed “experts” John continues to take a singular quote or comment and attempt to dazzle the reader with what he feels are important facts and figures in order to distract everyone from what is really going on.

His current response to my article is no different.

John, among other critics, took exception to the fact that YTB grew from $414 million in travel sales, to $425 million in this years Travel Weekly Power list despite all the criticism, mud slinging, and various other issues totally unrelated to the travel industry. (Mind you, both interviews can be found in a “travel publication”.) But as we’ve seen so many times before, we have “travel agents” who can don the cap of Legal Counsel, Financial Auditor, Stock Broker, Travel Supplier, Business Consultant, and Better Business Bureau at a moments notice; all in an attempt to make you look away from the real story and guide you in a direction more in line with their own limiting beliefs.

You need to remember that this is the same guy that said Coach and Scott would call it quits – one who speculated that California could achieve it’s goal of shutting YTB down – that called the amended class action “powerful” – and an individual who forgot to check with Peter Jensen if he was in fact leaving YTB!

If you have this much egg on your face in one month’s time, wouldn’t “tough minded” begin to look more like “simple minded”? I mean good grief, what is it going to take to finally wise up and start living in the real world instead this fantasy land? If it weren’t for the constant reactions to what YTB is doing, he’d be a just some average John Doe without much else to do.

But John has provided some good comic relief through the years and this article is no exception. I don’t know if he’s aware of this, but one of the first points John attempts to make in the article actually links to the “ungainly monster of 39 pages containing 133 paragraphs” that didn’t pass muster under federal standards. We all know by this time how the Honorable Judge Murphy reprimanded Counsel concerning this case for being nothing more than redundant, immaterial, impertinent, and scandalous. But John, the BBB, and various other critics have decided to ignore the reprimand, and still use this failed class action in an attempt to provide a “powerful” message?

If it works for you John, be my guest. But the rest of us will more likely side with the Judge who actually knows the letter of the law in this case and called a spade a spade here.

Furthermore, the other link reports that Jerry Brown brought an end to an “elaborate pyramid scheme”, yet YTB just finished up one of the most meaningful conventions I’ve ever been a part of. We now have valuable tools that in years past have proven substantial and something the entire field has been asking for. While John wrote yesterday on his bog that the $6000 guarantee didn’t work, YTB’s RTA numbers soared from 20K to 122K during that program release. If it were me, I’d be more concerned about YTB regaining it dominance, rather than focusing on thinking that it’s over for YTB.

As we’ve heard so many times before the real phobia surrounding YTB is the “Recruiting”. John and others continue to pound this dead horse mixing the recruiting revenue with travel revenue.

“It does not take a rocket scientist to figure it out,” Frenaye said. “Their entire income is based on the sign up fees and the continuing monthly access fees to the cloned privately labeled Travelocity booking engine. For a stark look at the numbers, the TSOs have paid (sign-ups and monthly fees) a total of $283,513,046, or over a quarter billion dollars since 2006 and during that time have earned a total in travel commissions of $39,999,552. Not the greatest return on investment if you ask me.”

Rocket science?

After all this study – all this time, energy and focus on YTB he still can’t grasp that Hotels.com, Trav-Tech, Apple, Pleasant, Travel Impressions, Collette, TicketsNow, and RCI among a host of other suppliers isn’t offered through Travelocity. But he wants you to think that what YTB offers is nothing more than Travelocity to make him and his pals feel better. In addition it’s not YTB’s responsibility for the pour commission percentages producing only $40 million ($55 million to YTB) from over $1 billion in gross travel sales in a three year period. (Based on verified gross sales found in Travel Weekly in 2006, 2007, and 2008) More to the point, John’s upset the he missed out on his free Rep position with YTB, and cashing in on selling “replicated Travelocity booking engines” for a piece of a $200 million pie paid to other Reps just like him.

If you’re going to look at numbers, it’s wise to look at ALL the numbers. By placing $1 billion in gross travel sales in the “travel category”, and $200 million paid in the “Rep Category” those that have figure this out know that evens things out a bit. Or at least know that John’s concerns certainly don’t mix when it comes to pitching the sad, sad story of MLM’s and Travel.

For folks like John, it’s all about the model being flawed. “Very few” as he states make it in this industry, simply because it’s MLM.

One of the fist articles I ever wrote was about Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile. Like Roger’s story, John is telling you it can’t be done. I’m here to tell you that it can. Because people like me, Candi May, Von Nickleberry, Nick Pagano, Rick Ricketts, Jeanie Sharpless, Tim Dominey, and hundreds of others have done it, what gives anyone the right (or the gall) to tell you that YOU can’t? If they’ve proven to be successful, wouldn’t it be wise to followed the same path we have, in order to obtain some level of the same success in this industry?

If you want John to protect you…that’s your choice. But I have to warn you, from experience, he’ll turn on you at a moments notice to slap you upside the head for not doing it exactly the way he wants you to.

John doesn’t see YTB competing favorably as a franchise because Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Perilo have decided not to utilize YTB’s massive sales force. John ignores that YTB is already is competing as a lowly MLM with year over year growth from #35 to #25 in just three years. The question isn’t if YTB’s going to compete, it’s when Royal and NCL decide they need to compete.

But because John and the others have never been able to accept any amount of actual Travel Sales, it perpetuates the myth that YTB is inferior. In order to prove his point he takes the TSO income disclosure statement stored on his own server to lay claim that only one person can make $25k. Maybe he should take the time to pull the PDF again to see that both an Associate at the 60% contract level has earned in excess of $25k, and an RTA at the 70% contract level has earned closed to $27K. Only one has exceed the $25K mark? Fact is, he doesn’t know how many have actually earned over $25K, but it sure sounded good for the purpose of his story. My question is how TSO’s are now encouraged to push from say $20k to $25K to earn the additional 10% contract, bonuses, and fully paid medical and life insurance that I can promise you the “other” hosts would not provide.

If you don’t think a travel professional might be swayed by fully paid medical and life insurance, for the same contract or better, with additional performance bonuses to boot…you’re dreamin.

But as we’ve seen John quoted so many times before “I just don’t get it”?

At least he got that right. But it again begs the question why George had to use this simple mind to react to a the articulate message brought forward during last weeks convention in St. Louis.

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If I asked you who Mark Zuckerberg is would you be able to tell me?

I wouldn’t have been able before this weekend. (So don’t feel too bad if you don’t.)

Rather than keep you in suspense, I’ll just come right out and tell you Mark is a former-Harvard student who created Facebook. When it launched in February 2004 it was used to communicate between other Harvard students. It quickly gained considerable notoriety and was soon being used at Stanford, Columbia and Yale. Zuckerberg ended up dropping out of Harvard to pursue his dreams and began running Facebook full time.

When Mark Zuckerberg showed up in Palo Alto, he had no car, no house, and no job. In August 2005, “thefacebook” (it’s original name) was officially called Facebook and the domain facebook.com was purchased for a reported $200,000. Today, Mark is at the helm of a smokin’-hot social-networking site. Back in 2007 it was projected that Facebook would generate $969 million in revenue, with 48 million users, by 2010. At that time The New York Times and others reported that Yahoo had made a $1 billion offer to buy Facebook.

Zuckerberg and his partners turned it down.

That was 2007 and it’s now 2009 and Facebook has far exceeded expectations. Back in April this phenomenon went over 200 million registered users, with 100 million logging in and using a combined 5 billion minutes every day.

I found a couple other stats that blew me away:

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Pleasant Holidays is celebrating it’s 50th year in business. When the doors first opened in 1959 their specialty was Hawaii and this privately held company has turned into one of the largest tour operators with destinations to Mexico, Costa Rica, Las Vegas, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific offering a comprehensive range of products and destinations. Pleasant Holidays has long-term partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, travel agencies and is also the official travel provider to the NFL Pro Bowl annually in Hawaii. (With the possible exception of 2010 when it’s hosted in Miami, but will once again say Aloha in 2011 and 2012.)

Tonight starting at 8:00PM Eastern (7:00PM Central, 6:00PM Mountain, and 5:00PM Pacific) YTB Travel Network will host it’s fourth Sale-A-Thon with YTB’s third supplier Pleasant Holidays. The webniar which can be viewed from the comfort of your own home is designed to educate viewers from the best, most knowledgeable Manager Pleasant Holidays has to offer. The hour long broadcast will offer insight about the Pleasant Holidays product and exclusive specials for some spectacular deals to destinations they specialize in.

What kind of specials will you find if you click in? As an example you’ll be offered $100 off any 3-star property or $200 off any 4 or 5 star property in Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean for travel dates from April 22 through December 15, 2009. (Vacation package must be a minimum of 5 nights with air and hotel accommodations.)

You can view our webcast at http://travelshow.ytb.com or by clicking on the link from BandBVacations.com tonight starting at 8:00 Eastern, with a rebroadcast again at 9:00PM and 10:00PM Eastern Standard Time. Phone lines will be open from 8:00 to 11:00PM Eastern toll free at 866-400-9382

This is the perfect opportunity to invite friends, and family over to see if something might fit for your summer vacation. What could be better than a great tropical getaways to Hawaii, the Caribbean or Mexico? You really need to see the incredible properties shown during this Sale-a-Thon to see how incredible these sale prices really are.

So take some time and click to see what Pleasant Holidays has to offer, direct from…well…Pleasant Holidays!

Hope to see you there tonight!

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.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?