I gotta tell ya, for a company that some proclaimed as dead (or at least out of the travel business) it sure looks like YTB can still raise the hair on the back of some necks in the always opinionated – yet very amusing travel industry.

Everything from Attorney Generals who would finally shut YTB down to ZamZuu as a clear sign that YTB was getting out of the travel industry has been fired at this company. Frankly, I quit counting over two years ago how many times I was told that YTB was getting out or that they would be filing for bankruptcy any day. Basically, I chalked it up to the boy who cried wolf and wishful thinking with wild eyed speculation that would justify all the attention this little ol’ MLM has gotten over the years.

There have been a lot of words posted since Wednesday afternoon when YTB let the industry know via a press release that our travel division had been purchased. For me – and I’ll explain how and why here in just a bit – the words over the last week are pretty much meaningless. What I’ve been looking at a lot closer are the actions of the travel industry surrounding this news. Every major travel publication (even minor publications) has announced this transaction of YTB Travel Network.

Let’s face it – YTB still makes top billing for travel news.

Speaking of news and travel publications, I need to give a shout out to George Dooley and Travel Agent Central. I was checking my stats and traffic last night and found a number of hits and links from George who posted an article yesterday in Travel Agent Central. George was nice enough not only to link to this blog, but also quoted our YTB newsletter that we’ve been publishing for RTA’s and Reps for the last four years. George and I do know each other. He not only interviewed me but was kind enough to print my side of the story several years ago in this same publication during the 2009 Convention.

If you’re wondering, George isn’t a member of YTB. Nor did I forward him the article for his review. I’m still having issues with pin heads who don’t follow directions or think rules apply to them. Fears and phobias override ethics or boundaries where YTB is concerned. You delete or kick them out the ones who don’t belong or break the rules, and they find a way to show back up under another assumed name and e-mail address in order to get their fix on YTB.

Speaking of the hideous – and always opinionated anti-MLM zealots – they took to the blogs and message boards in a hurry. That cult was on this press release like white on rice – which tells me they’re still sleeping with one eye open at night knowing that YTB is still around. Most, as usual, react with the same old rhetoric and anti-MLM pile of horse dung. All the basic myths and legends surrounding MLM I’ve heard about since before I ever got involved in the business. Very little original thinking or logic is ever associated with this overly emotional group.

There was one however that reacted in his usual sloppy way last week – but then made an abrupt about face over the weekend to respond to the same message. For me, this illustrates perfectly what I’ve been saying for years about the anti-MLM crowd. Most of what you read is pure emotion and fear right out of the gate. You have to look deeper than just the words – but look at the activity or actions of the individual. They just blurt out whatever they’re feeling at the time without taking the time to think about what they’re saying or doing. Emotional charges appear to cancel out logic and rational thinking.

Ironically it points right back to last week’s newsletter we sent out and the very same communication from an unknown Director in YTB.

I’d link to the articles directly, but unlike George Dooley who believes this blog is “influential” – I beg to differ and have come to the conclusion this guy is a complete basket case. For the sake of documentation however, we’ve created two PDF’s for your review to point out how someone “reacts” and how they “respond”.

Last Thursday, when news broke surrounding the sale, here is the emotional reaction. Please pay particular attention to the bottom half of the copy and paste, which was forwarded from a Director to their team. The actual communication was sent from the YTB Home Office, and the unnamed Director simply passed the information along.

What’s so amusing to me (and trust me, it was a good hardy laugh) is that because this came from a Director, the overwhelming emotional reaction from the author of the blog was “OMG! They’re selling IATAN cards again!!”

Now, take a look at the response posted on Monday on the same blog, by the same author with another copy and paste of our weekly newsletter. This time however, the response is HUGE and welcomed sight that could possibly gain an opportunity that YTB could become a legitimate seller of travel.

The problem I have with these two posts is that the author is reacting and then responding to the same communication on two separate days. The only difference is that one came from a Director, and one came from our Newsletter. It’s the same message forwarded by the YTB Home Office.

Thing is – guys like John Frenaye are so emotionally charged and sloppy in their research and documentation that I don’t think he realizes that he’s provided two different perspectives to the same communication. (That is until he reads this.) Directors in YTB equate to “recruiting” – and that’s points to the core of all the issues YTB has had over the years in the travel industry. That single word makes their head swim and their stomach turn.

They just can’t handle that word for some unknown reason.

All I did was put the emphasis where I thought it should be – on travel. All this news is about YTB Travel after all, not the marketing side of our business. Yet there will always be those who can’t separate the two. Maybe they’ve never seen the two 1099′s we’ve always received. Some however, like John have signed up for the opportunity to recruit others and make money without spending a dime. Nobody that I know of however on that side of the fence has taken a real good look at the travel side of the business.

The reality is this separation takes all their justification and bizarre behavior away. It also puts them face to face with the reality that YTB isn’t dead – but a model that smart business minds see value in and are willing to pay top dollar for. (To the tune of $7.5 million.)

In the meantime – they’ll continue to dig, poke and pry into this deal. Spending an enormous amount of energy and time to figure out how they can spin this into something they can either justify or handle. We are after all talking about a bunch of MLM recruiters here. ;-P

Fun to watch and a pleasure to see that YTB isn’t dead after all.

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YTB Travel Network welcomes Sandals to its growing list of vendors to host yet another Sale-A-Thon Tuesday night June, 7 2011. I’m particularly pumped about this Sale-A-Thon for two reasons. One – it consists of white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters in the Caribbean. And two, Sandals happens to be a true leader in “Eco-Friendly” vacations in our industry.

If you’ve participated in one of the many other Sale-A-Thon events we’ve hosted with other partners in the industry, you know how easy this is to participate. The live broadcast starts at 7:00 PM Eastern and 6:00 PM Central time. Just hit our booking engine, and you’ll find a link to the webcast to view on your computer.

Once there, you’ll find exclusive Sandals deals and specials, and you’ll be able to learn a little about Sandals with a pretty cool trivia game that we play on Facebook. (You could even win a prize if you participate and answer correctly!) Past Guests and YTB Travel Agents alike have been sending in pictures and testimonials of their Sandals experience that will be showcased during the webcast.

Very cool for firsthand accounts of what a Sandals All-Inclusive is all about.

I mentioned at the top of this article that Sandals has implemented environmentally-friendly practices throughout its properties. They started with Negril Beach Resort & Spa back in 1998 and it was so successful, they’ve expanded the practice to all their properties in the Caribbean. Negril was the very first all-inclusive resort to earn the Green Globe Certification at the time, and in 2008, Sandals Negril achieved the highest possible level of certification (Platinum), becoming the first and only hotel in the world to do so.

Currently all Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been Green Globe Certified and the effort has reduced their average resources dramatically. According to SRI (Sandals Resorts International) they’ve seen savings achieved by a 40 percent reduction in water, 55 to 60 percent reduction in waste, and a 40 percent reduction in energy.

That’s good for Sandals and good for the Caribbean.

Suppliers and business partners have also adopted environmentally friendly practices in order to continue to do business with the resorts. Those who change and adapt remain on Sandals preferred vendor list. Those who don’t conform are replaced with someone else who understands the importance of preserving the Caribbean which Sandals calls home. The concept and desire for a more sustainable future has spread. Nestle, a preferred supplier of Sandals for example, no longer books events with conference venues who don’t meet sustainability policies or assist in reducing their carbon footprint. All because the folks at Sandals showed them there was a better way.

If you’re looking for a “green vacation” with all the pampering and luxury you want, you can’t go wrong with Sandals.

To find out more about their properties and why they call them ultra-inclusive vacations where luxury is included tune in tomorrow night to find out. You just might find a perfect vacation for the family at one of their Beaches resorts, or a romantic getaway for two at Sandals.

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Before we had kids – Ronda and I went on a number of Valentine’s Week cruises. Our last cruise during this week was in 2003, when Ronda was pregnant with Brian. An eight day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Legend.

If you think cruising is romantic – you really should try it during Valentines. There’s nothing like it. We would do it again in a snap, but with the kids in school now it’s just not an option – for now. Oddly enough, leaving a bowl of food and water in the corner while we whisk off on another cruise getaway doesn’t cut it according to Ronda.

Let’s face it. It’s cold outside and we’re thinking of some place warm. With the way this winter has hit everyone with snow, it’s probably more prevalent than in years past.

BandBVacations.com, YTB Travel Network, and Carnival Cruise Lines can help you out with those winter blues with a Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon right from the comfort of your own home.

Carnival and YTB was the first to offer this type of free webinar several years ago – and they’ve been a huge hit with clients, agents, and Carnival. I’ve lost count on how many we’ve done with them – but it’s super easy to do for them, and super easy for you to participate. Just hit our booking engine tomorrow night.

It all starts at 7:oo pm – 6:00 pm Central. YTB Travel Network President Kim Sorensen will also be interacting on Facebook with trivia questions and posting cruise pictures on his fan page. The broadcast will re-air each hour during the evening, so if you miss it at 7:00 pm, you can catch it again at 8:00 – 9:00 – 10:00 and 11:00.

This is a great time of year to be booking a cruise for the summer. Carnival has an Early Saver program that can save hundreds on the cost of a cruise.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic will operate a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing Oct. 28, 2011.

These European cruises will be going fast on this brand new ship – so if you’re looking for Europe, you’ll need to do it now.

If Europe isn’t your thing; Carnival has 19 ports they sail out of and 23 ships that are currently sailing this year. (The most in the industry.)

If you want to warm up and get yourself out of the winter blues – this is just the ticket.

Join us tomorrow night for this Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon and book what we consider is the best vacation money can buy!

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We have a tradition in our house that Christmas comes out the weekend before Thanksgiving. Often, we travel this week spending time with one set of Grandparents for Thanksgiving, and the other set during Christmas.

This year, we have the luxury of hosting both sets of Grandparents at our house for the holiday. Making this the first year in quite a while that we’ll be able to enjoy our own home decorated with Holiday spirit this Thanksgiving.

And not to be forgotten or outdone – since we’re the only house in the family with a wide screen and Hi-Def to watch Football – It’s about time! ;-P

Personally, we have a lot to be thankful for this year. It’s really been a banner year for our family. We owe much of it to the tools provided to us through YTB and ZamZuu and the people who have befriended and mentored us over the years.

For us, this business is so much more than just recruiting, or even travel or retail sales. It’s about helping others to be more independent – be self-thinking – a self-starter. It’s the first company and model that truly gave us the tools and the power to succeed and the only model that empowers us to help others.

This experience has also given us self-confidence and elevated our self-worth sky high. What was once looked upon with doubt and negative self-talk – now brings opportunities that we welcome with open arms and anticipation because we know that anything is possible.

Our eyes have been opened, and our mind is receptive to a whole new world of thinking and doing. It’s always been there, we’ve always held it within us. YTB was the key we were looking for that opened the door and let in the light.

It hasn’t always been easy, and it hasn’t always been pleasant. The challenges that come along have made us stronger and more determined. We stand proud for what we believe in and we don’t let anyone or anything stand in our way.

While Thanksgiving gives us a day to be thankful, we live in a feeling of gratitude moment by moment. No matter how big – or how small – our daily gratitude for all things provides a constant and steady flow of new possibilities and opportunities. Both good and bad experiences teach us and help us grow. We’re well seasoned and groomed – and the only thing that can stop us is ourselves.

Spend some time this Thanksgiving thinking about what you’re grateful for. We’d even suggest that you write it down. (We do every day.) There’s something powerful about putting it down on paper.

It makes no difference how big or small. It’s the attitude of gratitude that will attract more and more of what you can be grateful for.

Then carry that feeling with you throughout the holiday season over the next four or five weeks. Do that – and it becomes habit.

You’ll marvel at how you have a reason for Thanksgiving each and every day.

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I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “it’s better to give, than receive”.

I have to admit – it feels really good to give, especially when it helps someone who really needs it.

The very first training class I ever took with YTB was then a brand spanking new program call “YTB Associations“. (I took the class even before my RTA Certification a few weeks later.) YTB Associations has since changed it’s name to “Passport To Giving”.

The point of the program has always been to offer non-profit organization an opportunity to sell travel and make the commission. Members of the organization would receive something of value (like a vacation) and by booking it with their favorite charity, the non-profit would generate a new stream of revenue.

The new plan was frankly a breath of fresh air for most organizations. Far more attractive than selling popcorn, coupon books or a not so fond memory from my childhood “hoagies” or pancake breakfasts. (And if you don’t know what a hoagie is – it’s Pittsburgheze for “submarine sandwich.”)

It’s nice to see this program still being used and offering a viable solution for non-profits across the country. A “Google Alert” came in over the weekend from Loveland, Colorado with a small blurb about our program and how it’s helped Adoption Dreams Come True.

YTB Travel has donated $3,500 to the agency Adoption Dreams Come True. Proceeds came through a European river cruise organized by Cinda Lopez and Carma Hilliard. More fundraising trips are planned in 2011. On the Web: www.adoptiondreams.org.

Imagine that. Members took a European river cruise – which I know is one of the most spectacular ways to experience Europe, and the commission earned from the trip helps support a cause that’s near and dear to their heart.

I personally sponsor someone in my organization who focuses exclusively on this product. He’s been doing it for years and I commend him for his desire to help and his patience with these non-profits.

It’s a completely different breed of animal – with more hands and votes to overcome and pass than anything else I can think of. It’s nice that everyone has a say in the matter, but it can be a very long and drawn out process without much movement for months at a time. John, (my personally sponsored person) has been extremely patient and never let go of his dreams and desire to help others.

His largest account, which I’ve helped design and host the site for is the American Legion Auxiliary. The amount of money and time he’s spent on his own to get this non-profit off the ground is a testimony of what it takes to help others. Working non-stop, and taking countless hours to create a program that’s tailored to that organization.

Personally, I couldn’t be prouder of anyone in my organization for his dedication and time spent helping others.

That’s the kind of people I love to surround myself with. Visionaries and people who get things done – no matter how long it takes and how hard you have to work.

It makes everything I do, my association and promotion of this company and it’s people worth every penny I’ve spent – and every minute I’ve dedicated to writing about it over the years.

It captures the true essence of giving and what it’s truly like to change lives.

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I remember our first trip to Jamaica more than 13 years ago. It was our first cruise and Ocho Rios was one of the ports of call.

Ronda and I climbed Dunn’s River Falls and after the falls a local took a Polaroid of us and handed it to me.

Not knowing the local “landscape” at the time, I took possession of the Polaroid from the man’s hands – and before I knew it – he was asking for $5.00. For a stinkin’ Polaroid picture! When I told him “no” and tried to hand it back, he pushed my hand away only to stick his other hand out for his $5.00 “picture fee”. The more I told him I wasn’t interested – the more he insisted.

I finally ended up dropping his picture on the ground and walking away.

When we got back on board that afternoon I saw a number of souvenir shirts that read what’s pictured here.

I swore at that moment that our next trip to Jamaica would include this shirt.

We’ve been back several times since then, and I can’t remember which cruise I found it on, but it’s one of my favorite shirts I keep in my drawer.

Yesterday afternoon I got a Google Alert that made me think of this shirt. So I pulled it out, ironed it (it was really wrinkled) and took a snapshot of it just for this article.

Why? Because there are really stupid people in this world who can’t take “NO” for an answer.

Remember the the $100 million Class Action filed two years ago that’s been pulverized, beaten, and obliterated by the Courts turning the entire lawsuit into a very amusing joke? Well it just took a turn for the worse from “joke” to total “embarrassment” because they’re at it – AGAIN!

I wasn’t kidding when I said these idiots think Class Action lawsuits are like cats who have nine lives. It’s simply refilled for another shot. There have been six rulings over the last two years which the Court has denied or dismissed on separate occasions – and instead changing their stance – coming at it from another angle, or better yet – just admitting defeat – these pin heads just keep spouting the same tired argument over and over again.

After six ruling against them, I’m sorry, but it’s time to consider a Mental Health evaluation, not a Lawyer.

What’s even more mind blowing is their claims and position hasn’t changed a single bit. The latest filing is almost verbatim of the first suit file two years ago. It’s the same bogus myths and pyramid scheme mantra with the same cast of characters. What happened to words like “failed”, “corrected”, “deficiency”, “amending”, “incorrectly”, and “realized after 100 hours of arguing”?

Apparently, it was nothing more than lip service. Nothing’s changed and they haven’t learned a blessed thing.

True to form – they’re myths and illusions are spot on – and your knowledge and experience is wrong. The Courts have called this ordeal an “ungainly monster” and used specific words like “redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter” in one ruling, and “the very definition of a fishing expedition” in another ruling.

A Zealots response? Damn the torpedoes – we’re going full speed ahead.

I’m sorry guys…but I have zero tolerance for this kind of stupidity and arrogance. Zealots like this, and the “professional” gang like Frenaye and Stilphen who continue to pitch this pyramid scheme mantra are just dumber than dirt. Anyone who wants to hitch their wagon to this dead horse is only hurting themselves and their reputation. There’s no gray area after all this time and all these rulings.

The answer is still going to be “NO”.

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If you’ve been wondering when you’d be able to post some of your Deals and Steals specials on your Facebook wall, the wait is officially over.

Yeah-yeah-yeah, I know…YTB’s no longer in the “Travel Business”. Well, somebody forgot to tell the Home Office. ;-P

Typical of YTB and one of the reasons why they’re still around: YTB see’s opportunities to expand and grow business. Its probably the single biggest reason why I absolutely love this company.

This type of integration is such a piece of cake for the end user. It’s so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. See a deal that someone else might like? Want to share it with others? With one simple click of an icon up pops the link with comment box to share on your wall or via a private message to whom ever you’d like in your network.

If you need to jazz it up a little, or input some of your own information, that can be done as well in four different areas. (If there’s any doubt concerning what I’m talking about here, just click on the link and it will bring up a picture of each area.)

First is the comment box, which we’re all familiar with and use to doing if you’ve linked to any type of file or video in the past. From what I’ve seen, most people stop there, and that’s all well and good – but did you know you can do more?

• You can insert your own heading above the link
• Insert your own description under the link
• And of course – you can change the thumbnail picture to one that suits you best

After that, all that’s needed is a quick click on the “share” button to post it to your Facebook wall.

Sharing with family members, specialty groups, or close friends is now just a few simple clicks away on the most popular social networking site on the internet. Promoting your travel business has never been easier than this.

Just one more feather in YTB’s cap that shows how innovative and cutting edge this company really is.

Thanks YTB!

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