I received my ASTA SmartBrief this week and was floored at one of the columns highlighted in this week’s mailing.

Before I move forward, I need to put out some sort of warning here that readers should not be drinking any type of liquid at this point in time. (All the sugar in your Kool-Aid will ruin the monitor and cause the keyboard to stick.) When you find out who the author is, you’ll be just as surprised as I was. (As others have asked if this is the same now famous critic of YTB we’ve all come to know – but not actually love.)

Truth is, if there’s anything going on about YTB, you’ve got to know at this point in time that John Frenaye isn’t far behind. He’s pretty famous in our company for trolling the internet on anything YTB. It makes no difference if it’s one of his peers in the industry, a District Judge, an industry Power List, or an articulate member of YTB – John has an uncanny way of coming up with a “Yeah-But” or a “Look over here” piece to take the focus off the main subject and point you down a road that conforms to his own perceptions and beliefs.

Although this article is riddled with some pretty absurd perceptions of how MLM takes things to the extreme, you can judge from you own actions and experience if it has any value. Personally, I’ve never lost a friendship over YTB and nobody’s ever vowed to never speak to me again. Furthermore, I’ve never been approached by anyone about any opportunity while standing in line at that grocery store.

We can simply kick those perceptions to the curb for the time being.

I do however, have to give John some credit for pointing out some very basic and solid business skills that MLM does in fact excel at. Based on my own experience with YTB, my business looks very much like his “traditional business” in every aspect. Based on those of you I personally know in this company, I think you’ll agree that yours does too.

All the snide and exaggerated comments and perceptions aside – there is something for the new recruit here to learn about why MLM works.

Referrals are as simple as John says they are. Do you know anyone who might be interested in selling travel, or picking up some extra income on a part time basis? The beauty of MLM is that you work when you have time. It’s not like a regular part time job that you have set hours, and quotas that you need to meet. Which can also be a problem for some. It’s far too easy to think that you don’t have the time. The vast majority of our company work YTB on a part time basis with regular jobs and families to tend to.

Think about it…doesn’t asking for referrals sound much more attractive than hounding someone in line at the grocery store? (Who’s really tried that anyway?)

When it comes to follow-up, the company has a very cool system in place called the YTB System. I’ve used something similar to this my entire carrier with YTB. Not only does it capture qualified leads for you, but also notifies you when a prospect has looked at the program. Notifications are also sent when they’ve returned and what they’re looking at while on the site. Using a system like this allows you to sort, not chase. For those who work YTB part time, this puppy is a real time saver. You’ll find yourself working with and talking to qualified prospects who are truly interested in what you have.

It’s all about working smarter not harder. However, the entire system is wasted if you don’t follow-up. It doesn’t have to be nearly the nine times John talks about. (I personally only spend half that much time before moving on.) But the money truly is in the follow-up.

Lastly, I’ve never seen a company with more products, or more streams of income than YTB. All I bought 5 years ago was a booking engine to sell travel. I was also given the opportunity (meaning it was a free opportunity) to sell booking engines as an added stream of income. Today, I’ve got something for hunters, golfers, newlyweds, and with the addition of shopYTB, just about any other product under the sun. If it’s available online, I probably have it. Heck, I’ve even got beef jerky if that’s what you’re into. (Or in John’s case – girdles!)

Yes, I know there some ribbing going on about that sort of thing. Honestly, neither the jerky nor the girdles get me all that excited. But I’m certainly not going to knock the women of YTB for going nuts about girdles. (I know better – and if John was still married, he probably would too.)

These skills, principles, and the model really DO work. It’s why Avon is still around after more than 120 years. It’s the same reason Earl Tupper pulled Tupperware off store shelves in 1951 and has been sold via the MLM and the Direct Sales model for almost 60 years. After a decade of selling Nutrilite Products via MLM, two guys founded the American Way Association in 1959, which we know today as Amway. (Amway now owns Nutrilite Products Corporation.) In 1963 Mary Kay Ash started with 9 “beauty consultants” which today has expanded to 32 countries. In 1977 a good ol’ southern boy for Georgia founded A.L. Williams and just two years later, J. Lloyd Tomer joined the group just before the company outsold the entire insurance industry for 7 straight years in a row during the mid to late 1980′s.

And today you have a little company based in Wood River, Illinois who has been able to sell $424 million in travel in its 8th year in business.

There are hundreds of companies who sell via this model because MLM does have it right. (Take a look at the DSA list for more than 200 of them.)

True, it’s sad that John and others can’t seem to get out of their own way at times when it comes to some of the ridiculous and outlandish beliefs. Just remember, don’t take it personally. (Unless you’re the one person who pestered him in the grocery line. ;-P)

Truth is, MLM is more like their traditional business than they’ll ever know.

The only difference is some get that, and some don’t.

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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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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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The week before the Convention Scott Tomer joined our team on a conference call. I remember Scott telling the group that he couldn’t put his finger on the exact moment or particular event that shifted the momentum back to YTB. He (like me) could sense a change, a shift in direction after all the baseless attacks and bantering going on concerning our company. Back in April, YTB announced Robert Van Patten as their new Co-CEO. Mr. Van Patten brought 25 years of senior management experience to the company and had been charged to oversee many of the administrative, accounting and corporate governance issues of the company.

Few people realize that YTB and Mr. Van Patten agreed to terms the very day word came of the tentative settlement of the civil lawsuit filed in California. As I thought about today’s topic I remembered both the e-mail that came in about the tentative settlement, and the conference call that followed with news of both the pending settlement and Mr. Van Patten’s appointment as Co-CEO.

One of Van Pattens first orders of business was an internal audit and review of YTB International. We’ve seen many changes in the company since Van Pattens arrival. If you looked at the Q2 financials that were released a week ago, you’ll see Roberts fingerprints all through that document with cutbacks, cost cutting, even the disposal of nonperforming subsidiaries. (A traditional Brick and Mortar model.)

I can also assure you that Van Patten had a hand in the newly appointed Board Members who add a tremendous amount of business savvy to our Board of Directors. Our new Board was introduced to everyone at the Convention and I had an opportunity to catch up with Robert and our CFO John Clagg after Friday afternoons general session to thank him for all the hard work and difficult choices he’s made to ensure that YTB comes out the other side of the economic slump. When you combine the economy with the bizarre accusations and constant obsession of our critics on the internet, that’s not an easy task.

Day before yesterday, I got word from Mr. Van Patten regarding the company appointment of Damian Jones as Director of Corporate Affairs. Damian starts his new roll today at the home office, however, he’s no stranger to the company. I met Damian back in February and learned that he was instrumental in the development of YTB Golf and the creation of this viable niche site for our Travel Store Owners who love the game. Damian spent several years with Perry Golf, a premier golf destination travel company we offer on the site. Damian was also instrumental in the introduction of Proam Golf for golf equipment, and Worldwide Golf Vacations for golf resorts and spas now offered on our site. His background also includes management of construction projects as well as business development and legal affairs. (He’s a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in architecture and he received his law degree from Tulane University.)

According to Robert Van Patten:

In the role of Director of Corporate Affairs, Damian will first develop a new Company Business Plan, incorporating the franchise concept the Company is moving towards.  Also, he will work with staff to develop a communication protocol so that all home office personnel are aware of new and changing programs that take place in the field.

Both of these issues were the top two concerns of key management personnel during the internal audit review that took place earlier this year. After these assignments are well underway and/or completed, Damian will assist me in managing the legal issues of the Company, including the registration of the franchise model that will be rolled out in all states at the start of 2010.

I wrote back in April about the Master Mind Group that was highlighted in the classic book “Think and Grow Rich”. The idea of the Master Mind is to tap into the expertise of others in order to help the overall good of the group. (Or in this case company.)

Since the implementation of the 2020 Vision Group that was formed from the idea in the book, the Master Mind concept been one of the most significant changes in the history of YTB. Damian’s appointment as Director of Corporate Affairs is yet another example of YTB’s commitment to put the ball in the hands of play makers who can effect change and make things happen. He not only brings experience and knowledge to the role, but a passion I’ve witnessed personally. In my opinion, (among others I’ve talked to over the last few days) this is a perfect fit.

Please welcome Damian to our staff and wish him much success in this new opportunity with YTB International.

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I’ve been thinking about all those people who told me that YTB would never work, that it’s a scam, it would never last, it would never amount to anything. Travel Weekly as the 35th largest Travel Agency in the Country, and ranked number 11 for leisure travel sales. A 6 year old company with no advertising, requires no experience to get started, and relies on our Agents to simply point people to their web site? Who knew? Not only has our company stock been climbing since December of last year, we benefited from a 1-3 stock split this summer tripling the amount of shares that we now own, and just before the Convention, YTB posted a $1.7 profit for the second quarter of 2007. My, how things have changed.

Well – Well – Well, take a look at us now!

Coach Tomer was quoted in an interview back in January how we should respond to all the critics. “You beat that by proving yourself. We just keep doing the right thing.” Because we did the right thing, it’s been a really good summer for our family and YTB Travel Network with recognition and announcements that not only adds credibility, but nails the door shut that YTB International would never amount to anything. I’m still gloating over our listing in

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