During my second full year with YTB, the company launched what was known as a Regional Travel Training. The tour hit several of the major markets around the country where vendors and suppliers came to us, instead of requiring us to come to them. At the time, YTB had grown to a size that enabled suppliers to hit strategic cities in conjunction with YTB to offer information, support, and additional training for the field.

I remember sitting in the large audience at the time, taking notes, and thinking that YTB was well on its way to being a major player in the travel industry. It’s not that vendors don’t do this kind of training for other large Host Agencies, they do. But they don’t do it for just any Agency. (Maybe a BDM would, but not the President of the Company.)

The trainings inspired me to research more about the companies that spoke during the day and what they had to offer. I left with new tools and ideas on how to promote my travel business. Because of the training put together, I knew YTB was serious and I needed to get serious. It tools were always there, I just needed to take the time to go do it.

What also impressed me during that day was how excited the suppliers were about being with us. I’ve seen it for years. YTB happens to be a real breath of fresh air for most suppliers because of our passion and excitement. I remember seeing a vendor just last year up at Red Carpet who just raved about our Company. I believe the exact words were “Completely blown away”. It was such a shame to see that sour because Travel Professionals couldn’t accept the partnership. Anyone who actually catches our enthusiasm and passion are soon trashed by this group who’ve never seen or experienced the passion or enthusiasm they see when it comes to travel.

Remember Robert Dickinson? If you don’t, I sure do. (Wrote about it here.) That was another example of someone who saw the vision of YTB and was excited about being on YTB’s Board of Directors only to suddenly “decline” less than 24 hours later.

Regardless of the number of times I’ve seen individuals or companies pressured or harassed to drop YTB there are companies who see the fears and phobias that traditionalists have about MLM’s and support us anyway. (They’re just a little quieter about it publicly to keep from being spit at.)

If you want to know more about how vendors really feel about our company, go watch some of the videos in the Media Center in your back office. (Sorry, you’ll need to log in to see it.)

Or, you can show up at one of this year’s Travel Training Roadshows that kicks off this weekend in Costa Mesa, California.

President and Founder Kim Sorensen will be hitting cities, including here in Atlanta later in March, to offer travel training from some of the industries most respected suppliers in the travel industry. It’s your opportunity to see for yourself why suppliers and vendors appreciate YTB Travel Network, and why we as a company should support them. They’ve all got some great product and the proper tools to help you succeed in the travel industry.

The biggest advantage I’ve found in Regional meetings like this is more face time with the vendors. Funshine is great, but it’s also very crowded. With the country split up into regions there are fewer people, giving you a better opportunity to ask questions, get additional information and develop relationships. Heck, I ran into one of the supplier from the first Regional Training a year or more later and she remembered who I was.

Check your travel portal for cities, dates, vendors and times and make one of these roadshows this spring with YTB. I can tell you from personal experience, it inspires me to this day when I get around other passionate travel agents with a hunger to learn and grow their business.

It’s there for those who want it – and I know plenty who want to build this side of their business.

So go out and get it – starting this weekend.

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Do You ZamZuu?

I have an old friend who always says…”If it’s free…it’s for me!”

Today is YTB’s last Red Carpet Day of 2009. Just like all the other Red Carpet Days that came before it, YTB offers a free lunch. It wasn’t a big deal back in the beginning when the company was located on the top floor of an old bank building in downtown Alton, IL with a handful of people showing up to meat Coach, Scott, and Kim. The handful grew into a dozen, and then a hundred, to today – when well over one thousand people show up to tour the YTB Home Office to kick the tires and see if this company is for real.

There’s something about Red Carpet Day that cements the company as “the real deal” when you have a chance to actually see the facility and the people who work there. I remember being blown away at the various departments and the organization of the layout. It was also a real treat to personally meet some of the Home Office Team that I had been communicating with either via support tickets, e-mail, or phone conversations. Many in the home office staff have been there for years and over time you develop relationships with them. To have a chance to put a face to a name enhances that relationship.

While the office buildings may have changed, the home office staff has expanded, and the number of people who experience Red Carpet each event has certainly grown over the years – one thing has remains the same.

They still offer a free lunch.

While I know there are those who follow the old quote “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” there is one small catch. After lunch, it’s time to put your business hat on and listen to the CEO of YTB Marketing (and newly appointed Chairman of the Board) Scott Tomer as he explains the YTB business model to new prospects.

One of the things I love about Scott is that he lays it out from the very beginning – that if the YTB model doesn’t make sense, do him and everyone else a favor and don’t join. There’s no “rah rah” or “motivational talk” from Scott. The model is laid out in black and white, without any sugar coating – and many of the worn out myths and misconceptions about MLM and Network Marketing are brought up and challenged for those who care to listen to someone who not only has practical experience but has had a considerable amount of success in the model.

I remember the first time I heard Scott tell people not to join. I woke me up – because I had never heard anyone say something like that before. Today, I understand not only why he leads with this, but find it extremely effective. I see to many newcomers in the Direct Sales industry either beg, or tell someone that they need this in order to save them from financial ruin. YTB just like any other job, opportunity, or investment is a choice. If you want to come along for the ride – great – let’s get to work. For those who are unsure or don’t like Direct Sales, that’s fine too. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea and not everyone is comfortable with being paid based on results. For Scott and myself, we’re going to continue down this path regardless of your perceptions. Just like you, that’s our choice. I don’t need any convincing because I’ve already taken great vacations, I’ve already made both travel commissions and marketing commissions, and I’ve already seen that this model works when you work it the right way.

What Red Carpet is designed to do is help both the newcomer and the existing IBC or Rep understand that real people run this company. There is also a real home office with real customer service people who are there to answer questions and offer training and support. It certainly helps to see it live and in living color.

While it’s a little late to make the free lunch today. Red Carpet will be back in full force in 2010. When the schedule comes out for the spring, I’d highly recommend that you find a date and go. It’s one thing to be part of YTB, but when YTB becomes part of you at Red Carpet, it’s a whole new ballgame. Not only is it enlightening, it’s interactive and fun, and if nothing else, there’s a free lunch in the deal.

Take a look for yourself.

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Do You ZamZuu?

If there’s one thing I absolutely love about YTB – it’s thier willingness to not only listen to the field, but make significant changes and upgrades based on field input and ideas. I spent many years in the corporate world with both large and small businesses and have never been able to communicate with an Owner or Executive Team the way I have with YTB. It’s one thing to have an “open door” policy in place (which is complete BS for most companies) and another to not only open your doors, but make policy and corporate changes based on ideas and wishes you’ve talked about with your peers.

Over the last year and a half, YTB has created a very thorough and streamlined system of taking field input and ideas – categorizing them by department – then listing them in order of importance – and implementing the thoughts and ideas to make them a reality.

I’ve never seen anything like it. And after seeing it in action – have no idea why nobody else does it like this. It’s by far the most effective and democratic way of getting things done. The following enhancements – some large and some small – all came from the people and have been implemented for the people of YTB.

1.)   Sales System Sign-Up Process – YTB has simplified the sign up process for Reps and Associates and sale of IBCs (Internet Business Centers). One of the most significant changes: instead of going to one site to register affiliates (Reps and/or Associates) and then a different site to process IBC sales, both of these functions will now be found on one, user-friendly site.

Training videos are already loaded in the back office for both the Reps and/or Associates and the sales process for IBC sales. Even if you’re not in California, you should take a look at the California videos the company produced. (One for each Reps and IBC’s) The process is not only very simple, but very cool in the way it counts down and educates new prospects into the business over the 14 day grace period.

While I (and you should too) understand why the company designed and implemented the two separate sites – one for our free referral program, and another site for the sale of the Internet Business Centers – it confused both the prospects who were looking at the opportunity and the field. (Not to mention extremely cumbersome and time consuming for everyone involved.) When questions would arise concerning why these sites are separate and California’s claim of a “gigantic pyramid scheme” came up – the two words most used by prospects in reaction to the reason was “That’s stupid”.

More and more of our society have a very clear understanding of what a referral or affiliate program is. (YTB Marketing) Most also know what an Internet Business is. (YTB Travel, shopYTB, YTB Golf, YTB Romance, YTB Outdoors, YTB Flowers…etc.) From what I’ve seen (or rather heard) is the idea of “pyramid” in this new era of business is becoming more and more outdated and old fashioned.

YTB has not only modified and updated the process for today’s business minds so they can see both opportunities from one site (but still required to register separately for each) but also updated the phrasing and terminology for the type of internet marketing environment they’ve become accustomed to. Business has changed drastically over the last decade and YTB is simply keeping up with the way people think and view business opportunities.

For the dinosaurs who desire to keep the old fashioned “pyramid” ideas alive – they’re more than welcome to do so. It’s becoming less and less relevant in these modern times. If you run into a outdated or uninformed business mind – I’d suggest that you either ignore it – or simply respond with my favorite line. It simply and clearly states that these outdated concepts in today’s business environment is no longer relevant…”Thanks for sharing”. 

2.) shopYTB – YTB is adding reports to both the Back Office and Travel Portal so that commissions generated by customers will now appear. Specifically, IBC’s will be able to see into thier customer chain. For example, when looking at the report in the Back Office or Travel Portal, IBC’s will see the name of the person who purchased, what city they are from, and the commission that was generated from that sale.

3.) Site Owner Commission Structure – YTB will be adding a brief message to the Travel Portal banner that indicates the Site Owner’s current commission level. With commission contracts ranging from 50% to 100% based on both training and performance levels, Site Owner’s will not only see what commission contract they’re currently under but have easy access to the training and tools available to increase thier current commission contract.

4.) Travel Portal Update - YTB will be adding payment history reporting to the Travel Portal that will be found under your “My Account” tab. This can be very useful and important for your CPA come tax time.

5.) Paycards - IBC’s will now have the ability to purchase a YTB Paycard from the Travel Portal and have your travel commissions loaded on it. I’ve been using the Paycard for years and it’s not only very convenient but use online statements for my CPA and tax purposes. Previously, the YTB Paycard was only found in the YTB Marketing back office.

I’m going to save the best news for tomorrow. (Also because it’s not available until tomorrow.) It’s one more advancement or rather “step” towards the total transformation YTB is going through right now. All because of input brought to them by the field.

That my friends is a REAL open door policy.

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Do You ZamZuu?

For those who were at Funshine a couple of weeks ago, you were introduced to Kenny and Karen Knox. Both have been RTA’s for quite some time, and each have their own claim to fame.

Kenny Knox played on the PGA Tour for several years and has 3 PGA Tour victories on his resume. (The 1986 Honda Classic, 1987 Hardees Classic, and 1990 Buick Southern Open.) He’s probably best remembered however for being paired with John Daly in the final round of the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana. (Daly won that tournament which made him a household name.) After a back injury sidelined him from competitive golf, Kenny created a synthetic turf business called TourGreens, installing greens and developing short game facilities across the United States.

Karen Knox is a published author who wrote Forget the Die-its ~ Learn to LIVE-it! and coaches clients in their quest to get healthy. (Including Kim Sorensen who has lost 25 pounds after reading her book.) Karen travels to speaking engagements all over the country. Both Karen and Kenny host Wellness & Golf Weekends at their home in north Florida where couples or individuals spend the weekend and experience Karen’s health seminar and receive personalized golf instruction with Kenny.

One of the things I love most about YTB it’s the ability to focus on niche markets. I wish I had a YTB Golf site when I worked in the golf industry in the mid to late 1990’s. A site like this would have been a huge hit with customers who had a real passion for playing some of the best tracks in the world. It would have been a great service to my clients and a killer revenue source when I got paid to book these trips. (Or even better – go for free AND get paid!)

Not only did YTB Golf get an upgrade and face lift during Funshine, it also got an upgrade with content provided by Kenny and Karen Knox – YTB’s new Head Pros.

Both Kenny and Karen will write a bi-weekly articles for YTB Golf that will not only enrich your golf game with tips and tricks from Kenny, but proper health and nutrition that will keep you physically fit from Karen.

Kenny will begin his series of articles with The Basic Fundamentals of Golf.  His first article highlights the importance of the golf grip. The proper grip is the first step in establishing the basic fundamentals in anyone’s golf game.

Karen’s first article is on proper hydration. Too many overlook or don’t pay attention to proper hydration while out on the golf course. I always drank water instead of soda or alcohol while playing. Typically, my game was still going strong at the end on of an 18 hole (or even 36 hole) round of golf.

I’ve seen a lot of golf sites in my day, and while there are some good ones out there – I’ve yet to find one that’s as comprehensive and thorough as YTB Golf. It’s truly a one stop shop for the best courses, the best equipment, and a plethora of advice to help you improve your game. Take a look at YTB’s new e-magazine and you’ll see what I mean.

For those who love this game and want to play more – at some of the best courses around the world – it’s a perfect part time (or full time) business that will enable you to do just that. (Although, it does take dedication and work to market and promote properly.) I know a number of golf fanatics who use this site exclusively as their main site. (Just like hunting and fishing fanatics use YTB Outdoors, and a Wedding Coordinators add YTB Romance to increase profits.)

Kim Sorensen is so impressed with both Kenny and Karen, he introduced them during Friday night’s General Session at Funshine. He produced a short video on his Facebook page that explains YTB’s partnership with YTB Golf and Kenny and Karen Knox that explains the concept if starting a business like this interests you.

And by the way…all these sites (YTB Golf, YTB Outdoors, YTB Romance, YTB Flowers, shopYTB and YTB Cars) come with your YTB Travel Store for one low price. That’s a ton of revenue for under $500 and and $49.95 a month – all you have to do is go out promote a PGA Golf Pro, who’s not only helping clients with their golf game, but also a site owner in YTB.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Since day one with YTB, I’ve considered myself a “Travel Agent”. Not because I had any special training, achieved any special credentials, or aligned myself with any specific host. It was an attitude that I had when I joined. I was about as green as they came when I joined YTB, but I did have a passion for travel and a desire to learn that got me to the point that I am today. I’ve heard over and over that unless I align myself with one of those legitimate hosts out there, that I’d never be considered a “Travel Agent”.

Yet, the folks with all the arrogance and attitude – haven’t actually experienced the service and value I bring to my clients.

Fact is, anyone can become a “Travel Agent” with the proper mindset and willingness to learn and it doesn’t matter what company you align yourself with. Other than my family, 99.9% of our clients have no idea who or what YTB is. All they know is Doug and Ronda with BandBVacations.com. If a client has a change in schedule, a problem with a booking, or happen to need assistance with arrangements, the “Agent” they call is us, not the Home Office.

That being said, having the mindset of “Travel Agent” isn’t going to cut the mustard when it comes to servicing our clients. We could have all the love and passion in the world – but without the proper knowledge to actually assist our clients, mindset alone is moot.

It also takes knowledge and training to drive this business and make it a success.

When YTB launched the E-Campus training two years ago with theAcademy.com and Dr. Marc Mancini, I was ecstatic. At the time, it was a major advancement and move towards training our sales force. The move was also “pro-active”, being launched before all the attention and fuss in the news and media publications came out about YTB being some sort of “card mill”. (A term and definition we still don’t answers for two years later.)

Like Carnival Corporation, Apple Vacations, Pleasant Holidays, Collette, World Choice, Globus, and other preferred suppliers who do business with YTB, Dr. Mancini saw something in YTB that lead to this training to help the company achieve its long term goal of being a dominant force in the travel industry.

If you’re going to partner with someone, they might as well be the best. Here’s a little bio that I picked up on Dr. Mancini two years ago.

What’s even more impressive is that the YTB E-Campus program is designed by Dr. Marc Mancini, one of the travel industry’s most highly respected speakers, educators and consultants and authors of such books as Conducting Tours: A Practical Guide, Cruising: A Guide to the Cruise Line Industry, and Selling Destinations: Geography for the Travel Professional. Dr Mancini and his firm are the creative force behind some of the best-known and most successful training programs in the business including training programs for CLIA, AAA, and NTA.

What YTB did was land the industries leading authority in travel to design and implement a very intensive and thorough training program that covers the following 10 segments.

• Course 101: Overview of the Travel Industry
• Course 102: Lodging
• Course 103: Tours / Groups
  
• Course 104: Cruising
  
• Course 105: Air Travel
  
• Course 106: Rail, Car Rentals and the Rest
  
• Course 107: Travel Sales, Service and Marketing
  
• Course 108: Destinations: North and South America
  
• Course 109: Destinations: Europe
  
• Course 110: Destinations: Africa, Asia and the South Pacific

And for doing what we as “Travel Agents” should do for our business and completing this course, what do you think YTB did to reward those who took their travel business seriously?

• The ability to drop the “R” from RTA and the title of “Travel Agent”
  
• 75% Commission Contract
  
• Monthly YTB Special Promotions
  
• Entry For A Free Cruise
  
• Exclusive YTB FAM Trips
  
• Training Events & Trade Show (Funshine was comped)
  
• The Fun & Travel Magazine to help you grow your business
  

Not too shabby for some rinky-dink MLM that has no interest in Travel huh? Fact is, those who claim YTB doesn’t offer training haven’t been paying attention to the facts. Instead, they choose to ignore any type of training to keep their fantasy over YTB being less than legitimate alive.

We posted a list of those who completed the E-Campus training this past weekend in our newsletter. If you’re a YTB TSO or Rep and you’d like a listing to view, please get signed up on our list. I don’t think it’s appropriate to post this list publicly. With all the attention and animosity from a very small and childish group in the travel industry who have nothing better to do it will simply create more spin and turn this significant accomplishment into something it’s not.

For those who did complete this training, you know who you are. You know the value of knowledge and learning. I commend you for taking responsibility and ownership of your travel business. You can now not only call yourself “Travel Agent”, but earn an above average commission percentage found in the industry. (Industry average being 74%.)

Congratulations!

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Do You ZamZuu?

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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Do You ZamZuu?

After the close of Funshine last weekend, YTB launched a new training program on Sunday for Reps and Associates – Regional Product Marketing (RPM) Training. YTB is very proud of all the training programs they provide, as they should. The trainings I’ve attended and produced by YTB rivals any trainings I’ve ever participated in for content and curriculum in any industry let alone travel. I’ve been with YTB for several years now, and with every new training YTB creates, they take what they’ve been able to learn from the past to enhance the new trainings and curriculum with better features, content, and presentations to ensure what’s being taught is relevant, fresh and current.

The new RPM curriculum takes the best aspects of the live trainings such as the old CRTA that YTB once held across cities all over the country and has enhanced it’s mission and purpose.

The mission of this program is to educate and equip our Reps to effectively sell the YTB suite of products and to build a successful sales organization.

Don’t mistake this for another version of the CRTA however. There are several key aspects of the RPM Training that set RPM apart. With all the changes, enhancements, and upgrades YTB has experienced over the last two years the company has created a training program that provides information and how-to’s for YTB 2.0. What’s even more impressive, RPM is designed to be updated and enhanced on a weekly basis to provide the participants with the most relevant information available at that time. The only common thread between the CRTA and RPM trainings are they’re both live, and they’re both local.

There are four major categories with the new 4 1/2 hour RPM training that will provide a little insight into what this training program is all about.

1. What we sell – travel, shopYTB.
2. How to sell it
3. How to build a team
4. Compensation and how to get to Coach’s Corner.
   

With the advent of First Class Training last year, the completion of E-Campus this summer, supplier seminars provided at Funshine this past weekend, and the plethora of travel related webinars, Seminars @ Sea, and live trainings provided by the industry and various associations, RPM is designed for the new Associate and Rep in our business. While RPM provides an overview of hundreds of suppliers YTB partners with, this new training is not designed for the Travel Store Owner, but for the Associate and Rep.

Nor is RPM designed for anyone outside the company. In the past, the CRTA trainings were a great way to show prospects our product and company culture free of charge. Not so with RPM. For each RPM, participants not only need to register in their back office for the local Trainings, but also pay a $45 registration fee in advance for the 4 1/2 hour trainings. That being said – I can’t think of a better way to get a new Associate off on the right foot with a $45 investment to provide the proper product knowledge and effective marketing techniques.

The goal here is to provide current and relevant content for anyone who wants to learn how to build an organization. YTB will follow this new training program very closely, with pre and post meetings, participant surveys, and continued trainer and field input to ensure accuracy and relevancy. With YTB’s Franchise Model just over the horizon and the opportunity it provides, YTB has been proactive with RPM with this key component in the transition to a Franchise model. The new RPM training not only updates Associates and Reps about YTB 2.0, but is flexible enough to provide both effective communication tool and the proper training program as the Franchise model begins to roll out in 2010.

Case in point. The first RPM training course was held in front of 300 registered participants last Sunday in Orlando. Participants have already enrolled in two more RPM Trainings this upcoming weekend in Irvine and San Fransisco, California. Based on company, field, and trainer input, close to 20 slides have been updated with new information for the trainings this upcoming weekend. As YTB continues to roll out RPM later this month in Kansas City, St. Louis, Atlanta, Detroit, and Newark NJ, and additional RPM trainings scheduled for November in Tampa, Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, and Denver, more changes will be made as YTB updates it’s systems and processes.

The best part about RPM…it’s live and in living color.

Don’t get me wrong, I love technology and how easy it is for us to learn and obtain knowledge remotely. The First Class Training launched in October of last year, The Academy’s E-Campus courses designed by industry veteran Marc Mancini, and the regular Thursday night Training Calls with suppliers were all designed to provide training for our Travel Store Owners. While I find each of these training modules both effective and well done, it can’t compare with “live” events YTB once held via the CRTA’s or currently do with YTB University or the supplier seminars conducted at both the YTB Convention and Funshine.

These live events provide interaction and the ability to ask questions that you just can’t get via the remote trainings. (Although there are ideas to address that shortcoming.) RPM will also provide participants with a class of Certified Company Trainers (48 currently) who have gone through a the proper certification process to ensure that RPM will maintain it’s high standards and mission as it moves forward. With all due respect the the CRTA trainings once held by YTB, some of the trainings provided by a few Directors were not up to company standards. I’ve seen a big movement in trainings across the board on what has become known as “Train the Trainer” and YTB has picked up on this idea for it’s own RPM trainings to ensure relevancy, accuracy, and the proper information designed for the field by the company.

I’m also looking forward to the smaller venues that should provide better retention and interaction between the participants and the trainers. While it’s impressive to see a room filled with 1000 people, the size of RPM has been shaved to possibly 100 registrants after this first wave of trainings roll out across the country. RPM will also look at a few secondary markets like Austin, TX and Montgomery, AL to provide easy access to these emerging markets within YTB.

My hats off the Founders and Executives in the company and especially Derek Avera for this new RPM training. Like most of the new trainings YTB launches, Derek was key in the design and launch of the new RPM training. He first came on the scene with a viable answer to our Travel Training with First Class for new TSO’s last year. With RPM now launched for Associates and Reps in the field with it’s new design and content, it should prove to be a major component in YTB’s dominance in the industry.

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