One of the best aspects about being part of YTB are the friendships I’ve been able to form over the years. I’ve never been with a company with more quality leadership than with YTB.

One of those at the very top of my list is Andy Cauthen.

In my humble opinion, Andy missed his true calling. He should have been a comedian. He’s one of the funniest, most witty men I’ve ever met. I once asked him why he never pursued comedy as a carrier. He responded that he has a severe phobia about being in front of people, and his parents demanded that he get a “real job”. I can promise you, if he did pursue comedy, he’d be one of the highest paid comedians to date. Through our years of phone conversations and e-mail correspondence there have been far too many rolling on the floor laughing moments to mention.

Our witty exchanges over the years made our correspondence not only memorable but incredibly entertaining and I can’t think of another person I enjoyed communicated with more than Andy.

Andy’s other key attribute is his attention to detail. I’ve never seen anyone who’s more organized. He’s constantly taking notes and if he doesn’t have the information himself, he knows exactly where to access it. Up until this past year, YTB’s conventions were directed and organized exclusively by Andy. Coordinating something like YTB’s conventions requires a very special dedication and skill. He was perfectly suited with those traits and it wasn’t until last year’s Convention that Andy found someone “worthy” of being charged with its undertaking.

Most importantly for me however, Andy is a trusted friend. Because of our friendship, I’ve been privileged to gain insight on our company that not many people have. You see, like so many of you, Andy (as well as others at the Home Office) is a fan of this blog and our newsletter. Hundreds of new subscribers came into our database due to Andy’s recommendation, and because of his blessing, I’ve been able to gain insight from key people to ensure both timeliness and accuracy when writing about our company.

That’s why this article is bitter sweet for me. For reasons I’m not going to go into completely, I knew yesterday was inevitable. Andy is very much like our Directors in the sense that he had been flooded with offers and courted by other companies. Someone like Andy (or our Directors) is a HUGE feather in the cap of another company. They’re proven Leaders who get incredible offers from all sorts of companies. A longtime friend finally had an offer that he couldn’t pass up. It not only returns him to his home State, but it moves him closer to his family and his mother and father who are getting up there. I admire and respect that his family was a big part of his decision.

While our company has lost a great Leader, I couldn’t be happier for Andy personally. It’s a quality move for both him and his wonderful wife who’ve I’ve also come to know through the years. During both a private conversation with Andy, and during a company call yesterday afternoon there’s an inner peace I can feel in Andy that this is the right move for him and Kathy.

But don’t take my word for it. You’ll be able to see and judge for yourself on this week’s Saturday Morning Leadership Show.

One of Andy’s other attributes is honesty. I can’t think of a better way to get the truth than being able to see and hear Andy speak about his decision and this move from him personally.  From what I hear, Andy taped a very powerful and emotional show done yesterday afternoon with Scott Tomer. Andy is extremely concerned about how this move will be misconstrued and manipulated by those who get their panties bunched up over anything YTB does. Andy asked, and to Scott’s credit, he was granted an opportunity to speak with those he cares most about (the YTB field) so we have a true understanding about his choice and decision – not some emotional bantering that creates questions and uncertainty that I’m certain you’ll find elsewhere on the internet.

Andy’s well aware of the drama created by those who can’t seem to find anything better to do with their time. He also knows how skilled critics are at manipulating, misleading and twisting anything YTB does way out of proportion. Because both Andy and I have come to enjoy how easily distracted these critics can get, consuming their own valuable time, the decision was made to make this video a private communication between our Executives and the field. The only ones who matter or are worthy of getting any type of real answer.

So to the critics, yes, we know it’s probably going to annoy and upset you that your “demands” for answers won’t be heard or answered. All you’ll get is some Press Release to gnaw on that really won’t say much other than we’re sad to see Andy go, but wish him well in his future endeavors. Frankly – that’s about all you arrogant bunch of babies deserve. (Although, most have gained unethical and unauthorized access to just about every aspect of YTB to feed their uncontrolled obsession.)

To the YTB and ZamZuu field. You’ll have a chance to hear from Andy directly, and you have earned the respect of our former President and COO who admires and respects you. Log into you back office for a link to Andy’s message in the next day or two. You’ll hear directly from him concerning his decision. You can’t ask for much better than that.

In closing, I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite pieces Andy has ever done. He absolutely hates this video and claims it’s his goofy twin “Randy”. For me, it highlights a spirit that I think most of us forget all too often. One, enjoy what you do. There is nothing like turning your passion into a profession to make you happy. And two, don’t take yourself too seriously. If you can’t poke fun at yourself every once in a while, you’re not all the confident about who you are and what you do.

And Andy, like it or not, this is how I’ll always remember your tenure with us at YTB. ;-P

Love ya Buddy!

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?

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.

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?

In case your wondering…no you didn’t miss some secret National Convention – Funshine – or some special Birthday Bash this week with YTB. With all the news in the past week, you’d think that there should have been something to get everyone together to celebrate what’s been going on.

Think about it…last Friday we release the new Group Cruise Page with Convergentware and posted a 10Q profit. Tuesday, the company hosted another Carnival Sail-a-thon and tied the Facebook phenomenon into the mix for a very cool and creative way to promote the best vacation money could buy.

Then yesterday, the company rolled out a wish list if you will. A small group of enhancements and improvements that those of us out in the field wanted to see to streamline prospecting and provide information in various departments and topics.

To end the week long list of promotions, enhancements and upgrades we come back to a topic that has been on the mind of many for quite some time.

It’s been over a year now since we first heard about YTB contemplating a franchise model. Soon after, California slapped a $25 million lawsuit with claims of some “gigantic pyramid scheme” in with it the day before the 2008 National Convention. I’ve heard rumor that the franchise announcement was nothing more than a “ploy” to stop the impending litigation which also produced a stance from the same clowns that it would never happen. By the time a settlement was reached (something else clowns never said would happen.) the court documentation that came out verified that a franchise model was required in California because in their eyes YTB was operating an on-line travel agency franchise without registering as one.

“Defendants have operated an on-line travel agency franchise without having registered as a franchise with the California Department of Corporations, in violation of California Corporations Code Section 31005 et seq.;”

By the way, I have no knowledge of any other company ever being accused of being both a pyramid scheme AND franchise at the same time – but leave it to California to be the first to do something like this. ;-P

So, we’ve been hearing about YTB implementing a franchise model for quite some time, and for months the home office has been preparing documents, manuals, and registrations for this new development.

Today, it’s time to take one more step towards making franchise a reality.

Starting today, November 13, 2009, there will be a link to a franchise seller disclosure form in your Rep Back Office. All Reps have to do is log in, answer a few questions, and submit the form. Once YTB officially implements franchise next year, (a little more that a month and a half away) we will be ahead of the game. (And yes, I intend on registering.)

The link will only be active for a limited time. And, you won’t want to miss out on your opportunity to be one of the first to officially register as a franchise seller with YTB.

PLEASE NOTE: All Canadian Reps who might sell a franchise in the United States should fill out this form in their Back Office. Once YTB implements the franchise model in the United States, only registered franchise sellers will be able to market the YTB Affiliate opportunity.

One last clarification – you’ll only be able to register for this document from the YTB Marketing side of the business. You will not find it from the Travel Portal. Remember Reps sell Internet Business Centers – and Travel Agents sell travel. They are two separate opportunities and models.

Wait – you already knew that didn’t you? Sorry – as you were.

Actually – log into you back office and get yourself registered…

Nice job, once again YTB! Thanks for all the info and opportunity to show folks that you’re not only still around, but have plans to be around for a long – long time. It’s been an awesome week.

Got to run…there’s a newsletter to produce with a ton of new content.

C-ya!

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?

If you’re not part of our newsletter, you need to stick close this week. I know it’s been kind of slow – but things are starting to heat up a bit up in the Home Office and you need to be aware of the upgrades, advancements, and promotions that are going on – particularly this week. Those that plug in will be able to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. (Take a look at Friday’s post and the new Group Cruise Page to get a taste of what I’m talking about.)

Also released late Friday was YTB’s 10Q for the 3rd Quarter. What most investors want to see is how a company responds to it’s current conditions. I’m happy to report that YTB has responded with a small but important profit for the 3rd Quarter and an increase in net income by 26%. I want to advise you that what we saw from Friday’s upgrade and the Group Cruise page, and the the announcements coming up later this week are a direct result of available cash on hand that YTB invested back into the company in previous quarters. While critics were predicting bankruptcy, the Founders and Executives of YTB have been laying the foundation of what we will be seeing in the weeks and months to come.

What most people don’t realize (or refuse to acknowledge) is that YTB operates off of working capital. With the one exception of the Home Office building, YTB is completely debt free. What I’m also seeing more and more of in the Quarterly reports is more self reliance – meaning that what the company use to sub-contract out for is now being brought in house. This self reliance in turn controls expenses.

As a result the pieces are starting to come together. The years of making hard choices and investing millions back into the company is paying off. YTB posted a 3rd Quarter profit of $362K which is coming out of a very turbulent point in it’s history and very difficult economic times.

If you recall the previous quarter, YTB reported a $1.2 Million profit before they bit off $2.6 million in contract termination costs for the disposal of REZconnect, which resulted in one time loss for “discontinued operations”. Also gone is $1 million in legal expenses for California’s attempt to shut the company down with claims of being a gigantic pyramid scheme. $250K still remain of the $1 million settlement made in May which squashed the Attorney General’s attempt to end YTB’s existence.

While some have speculated that items such as these were insurmountable, the company continues to show that it’s able to answer the speculation in the black.

I can’t knock those that have left. It appeared that everyone and their mother was telling us that YTB’s days were numbered. It’s human nature to buy into the doom and gloom – especially when you’re bombarded with bias media and overly obsessed and obnoxious critics. Even “experts” like our auditors, didn’t have confidence that YTB could pull this out.

Yet, here we are three quarters through 2009. Yes there’s been a decrease in Travel and Travel Stores out there due to the harsh external conditions over the last two years. What has also decreased general and administrative expenses of $9.5 million to answer that and keep the the company solvent. That’s called corporate responsibility and when you show profits of any kind, it provides a very resounding answer to all the negative speculation.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after all this time it’s this. You can’t talk your way in or out of anything – you have to do it. Talk is cheap, and while walking the walk may take longer to show results, it produces a much better result.

What we saw on Friday and will continue to see throughout this week are some very solid tools and answers on what the company intends to do to keep the company solvent and viable. YTB didn’t react – it responded. (And there’s a huge difference in that.) There have been some very significant and important changes at the top of the company that puts key people in roles in which they excel. Scott and Coach are recruiters – and are now out in the field doing more with the field. Bob Van Patten has taken over the day to day operations, and manages the income and expenses. (He also appears to be in complete control of that aspect based on YTB’s bottom line.)

Like last weeks Group Cruise page – now comes the value these changes produce for those of us in the field. We’ve seen plenty of it with RPM Trainings, the Sail-a-Thons, shopYTB, and site upgrades like YTB Golf.

Like I told you at the top of this post – stick close this week – there is more to come!

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?

I always knew this day would come. I had no idea when or how it would evolve, but I knew it was coming. J. Lloyd Tomer, or “Coach” has handed over his Chairman of the Board title to his son, Scott Tomer so he can take some time to enjoy his “4th Quarter”. Coach will do what is true to his heart and what he does best: Mentoring the sales force through Coach’s Corner while increasing his efforts to the Company’s philanthropic division, Passport to Giving.

That’s who Coach is. Those of use who know him, know how much he’s given back to the community. He’s been a teacher and mentor most of his life and it’s fitting that he moves into this phase of his life during his 4th Quarter. News of Coach handing over the reigns to his son Scott Tomer as Chairman of the Board and Robert Van Patten being names as CEO of YTB International came out today in an 8K filing.

After looking over some of the articles and news documented here, this move has been in the works for some time. We’ll review the changes and moves the last six months for you below to help you understand how well planned and thought out the new changes are. However, this has been something that was understood by Coach, Scott and Kim from the very beginning when YTB was founded back in February of 2001.

With Coach at the age of 75 and new book finally out, a Co-CEO who’s had 6 months to evaluate the company and it’s assets, the new Board not only in place, but with time under their belt so everyone could become acclimated, the timing was right to pull the trigger on this. The new changes also move key personnel into positions and talents they are best suited for.

From what I know of all the executives involved in the new changes announced today, virtually nothing about YTB as we know as TSO’s or Reps here in the field will change. Scott, Coach and Kim will still be around doing what they do best as Reps. (In fact, Coach will still be here in Atlanta in early November.) However, with YTB being publicly traded, YTB International now has a Chief Executive Officer and President in Robert Van Patten, who not only understands Wall Street, but from what I know, thrives in this atmosphere.

Back in April I wrote about Robert Van Patten, and actually had a chance to briefly thank him for all he’s done for the company while at this years Convention. Mr. Van Patten brings over 25 years of senior management experience to YTBI and was previously President of IMC Agribusiness, an $800 million dollar division of IMC Global. IMC was also listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company now has someone with the experience and temperament to deal the day to day issues of running a publicly traded company. While few have laid claims to the demise of YTB, with predictions of bankruptcy, we owe a tremendous amount of thanks and gratitude to Scott and Coach for stepping aside to allow Mr. Van Patten to make the hard choices and decisions he has over the last 6 months, but also owe the same to Mr. Van Patten for insight to make these difficult choices.

New Board Members Thomas Baker, Jack Humes, and Patricia Williams who were appointed the YTB’s Board of Directors in June also have vast experience in finance, accounting, entrepreneurial business development, and legal services to corporations and governmental bodies. Their new insight and experience brought to our Board also played a key role in the changes made to YTB.

To Coach, Scott and Kim’s credit – They not only understood that Mr. Van Patten was best suited for this new role – they allowed him to execute the changes necessary.

Make no mistake however. The move announced today by YTB and it’s Board we’re carefully thought out and planned by Coach, Scott, and Kim. If they didn’t believe this was the right move for the field and the company as whole, none of this would have happened. They’re Reps at heart. After a fight and successful settlement in place in California which not enabled YTB to continue doing business in the state, but kept our compensation plan in tact, there’s sufficient prove the Founders have held true to their heart.

By handing over the reigns to Mr. Van Patten to deal with the day to day operations of the company as CEO and President of YTB International, Scott moves over as CEO of YTB Marketing, and Coach is completely freed up to do what he loves – and that’s being with the field.

Key people in key positions – doing what they do best. What a concept!

It will be nice to have both Coach and Scott back here in the field. Coach will not only be doing a book tour with his new book “The Fourth Quarter”, but also has plans for 12 Day Tour to Israel and Jordan in April of 2010. (Check your Travel Portal for more details.)

All in all, it’s a great move for YTB, especially with the way this all this developed. This isn’t some band aid or hasty move that didn’t have input or thought from everyone involved. Not with the Board of Directors YTB now has. Gone are the “good ol’ boys” and “buddy system” and in with some very promising and talented executives. 

Congratulations to Scott, Kim and especially Coach for making this choice, and thank you for your ability to let go. It shows this Rep and TSO you really do care and have my best interest at heart.

And Coach – enjoy your 4th Quarter. ;-P

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?

Direct Sales date back thousands of years with roots in Egypt, Syria, Babylonia and India. Traders, merchants and caravans are examples of the early direct seller who formed this ancient tradition and basic need to exchange goods. Fast forward to a century ago here in the U.S. and you’ll find the birth of The Direct Selling Association (DSA) who will celebrate it 100th birthday next year. As a fan of Direct Sales, I wrote an article about one of the oldest Direct Sales Companies still in existence today. Founded in 1886, they’re a real powerhouse today – producing $10.7 BILLION in annual sales. Never heard of The California Perfume Company? They changed their name to Avon in 1939.

With all the economic news that this country has had to endure over the last year, it’s refreshing to see one business model that’s not only surviving, but thriving in these tough economic times.

Direct Selling News just released a comprehensive list of the the worlds top direct selling companies with wholesale revenue of $100 million or more. On the list we find some very old and prominent companies such as Avon, Mary Kay, Primerica Financial Services, Herbalife, Tupperware, Nu Skin, Shaklee, ACN, Pre-Paid Legal, Market America, Keller Williams, Pampered Chef, Southern Living At Home, and oh…lookie here…YTB International.

If you’ve never heard of this list before – well, it’s never been out before. Think Travel Weekly Power List here, but for the Direct Sales Industry. For the first time, Direct Selling News decided to come up with a list of it’s own for the Direct Sales Industry. I realize that for some, Direct Sales doesn’t amount to much, (in fact, it’s despised by some who just plaster the word “pyramid” on what ever they like) but when you look at these sales by the numbers, and compare them with some of the dates these companies were founded, you have to admit it’s pretty impressive list of “Networkers” who some claim will eventually run out of people.

The purpose of the list in Direct Selling News was to “journal the might of the direct selling industry”. In the report, YTB International ranked #46 overall with $162.5 million in sales. Not too shabby for a company that’s been a very heated topic in the travel industry, had it’s share of legal battles and has been a daily rant for a select few with a false and limiting belief that Direct Sales is a sham. While YTB’s numbers are fairly straight forward, reporting it’s numbers to the SEC as a publicly traded company, like the travel industry, very few Direct Sales companies do the same.

Like Travel Weekly, Direct Selling News made every effort to verify sales in this industry with checks and balances via sources like Hoover’s Company Records and Dun & Bradstreet, SGA Executive Tracker Companies, Standard & Poor’s Descriptions Plus News, Company Briefs–Gale Group, Global Duns Market Identifiers, Market Guide Company Profiles, America’s Corporate Finance Directory and Directory of Corporate Affiliations.

According to Direct Selling News, one thing became clear during their research: A number of Direct Sales companies are still growing despite the economy and despite all the misrepresentations and myths surrounding the industry.

“Almost miraculously, our organization has continued to grow,” says Joe Urso, Aerus Chairman and CEO. “Selling high-end products is not easy, especially in a down economy. Our team has continued to grow by inspiring others to pursue the opportunity for a better life that we offer.”

The report also states that USANA recorded its sixth consecutive year of record sales, Pampered Chef had a 5 percent increase in recruiting and Tastefully Simple product sales bumped up 5 percent. And like YTB’s Founders are telling their field or TSO’s and Website Sellers right now, Executives from other companies are telling people that despite the economy, their companies are not only larger in regard to revenue, but are coming out of this recession better than ever.

From the report.

And many direct selling executives tell us they believe the industry will emerge from the recession bigger, faster and stronger. “Over the course of the next few years,” says USANA President Fred Cooper, “we anticipate USANA—and the network marketing industry in general—to continue to show patterns of growth.”

Emerging bigger, faster and stronger has special meaning for those of us in YTB. The company wasn’t fighting just the recession and the poor economy. Just over a year ago YTB was in another club, sued for $100 million by a bunch of ambulance chasers who wanted a quick buck. A year later, the class action thrown out for being redundant, immaterial, impertinent, and scandalous, YTB is prominently placed in a $100 million club for actual sales with another prestigious group of peers.

My how things have changed for YTB as the debate over pyramid crumbles and legitimate rises from the ashes.

Congratulations to all 65 members of this list. You’re the cream of the crop in the Direct Sales Industry who have collectively produced billions of dollars in revenue – one person – one sale – one day at a time.

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?

Like last year, there has been a flurry of media attention surrounding our Convention. The week got kicked off by an exclusive report in Travel Agent Central and how despite the legal attacks and negative media coverage, YTB still grew from $414 million to $425 million in travel sales. While the coverage was released in a Travel Publication, critics have only been able to focus on the recruiting side. Recruiting after all is the core of their fears and phobias. Some still can’t comprehend, even with all the attention and exposure concerning this very subject.

Based on the positive exposure in the Trade Publication, and the additional realization the this years Convention is indeed being held a year after accusations of a gigantic pyramid scheme was launched, both local media and the BBB felt is necessary to report the old, outdated news along with speculation that we’re down to 34,000 active RTA’s. We have no idea where the number came from, but since it’s been reported via the media, we’ll wait until our Q2 filing comes out to correct that overly exaggerated claim. In addition, while YTB did release an 8K this morning and announced that we expect a profit this quarter, we’ve seen very little in the way of comments concerning this “good news”. (Wonder why?)

Furthermore, we’re not sure how the local BBB here could have missed the news surrounding the California settlement or the malicious class action that was eventually thrown out for being redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous. Apparently neither the media nor the BBB have been able to uncover the truth about YTB in several areas. Not to worry however, our Legal Team is aware of the false claims, and YTB will be working on setting the record straight with the local BBB and the media on Monday. But for now, YTB needs to focus on the Convention that is currently under way.

This years theme as you know is Taking Care of Business, and the convention got off to a ROCKIN’ start with none other than the fabulous Tina Turner, who still has legs any man, (or woman for that matter) would die for. Later, during the afternoon session, Elvis came back from the dead, (how Coach pulled this off we’ll never know) to shake, rattle, and roll the entire Convention floor. I’m sure some realized this would be a Rock-n-Roll atmosphere but to have two top named performers get everyone pumped and ready to rock was certainly a sight to see.

The convention got down to business pretty quickly with a very moving speech from Co-CEO Scott Tomer. It’s no secret that Scott has gone above and beyond what anyone could or should have expected of him. The legal allegations and surprise attack that rose up just one day before last years convention has now come full circle. What Scott has guided this company through in the last year, and to come out the other side alive is a credit to this mans dedication and leadership. Critics never expected YTB to be around this time last year. Some even said he would put on a gallant front, but eventually run off leaving everyone high and dry. But because of Scott’s vision, determination, and willingness to go to the mat for Reps out in the field, (a position he Coach, and Kim once held for 20 years with A.L. Williams) we celebrated a new beginning with him. We were also able to thank Scott this morning for guiding us through.

We started this morning’s General Session as one type of company, and have come out this afternoon stronger and more valuable. In February of this year, the company created what is now known as the 2020 Vision Group. Napoleon Hill called it a “master mind” group in his now classic book “Think and Grow Rich”. Because of the efforts of the 2020 Vision Group created from the field, and the willingness of YTB to sit down and listen to what the field wanted and needed, we had some BLOCKBUSTER releases and announcements today.

Below is a list of all the Blockbuster Announcements made during today’s General Sessions.

The first of which was a new payment plan for new Website Owners who may not have the initial $500 to get a business started. For as little as $99.95 anyone with a desire to start an Internet Business can now get started with YTB. YTB has devised a payment plan to spread the payments over a 7 month period while new Internet Business Owners learn and potentially earn. (Results of course are based on their own efforts and can not be guaranteed by YTB.)

Last year, YTB release the Enhanced Marketing Site and have a brand new and vastly expanded upgrade in the form of the YTB Success System. The YTB Success System manages the entire sales and team building process in one powerful package. YTB Success System comes to us from Pinnacle, and the founder is the former President of the DSA. Pinnacle has provided platforms for DHL, EcoQuest, Homemade Gourmet, and the leadership of Avon. This is a killer system and I can’t wait to get my hands on this. (Something, I’ve wanted for years! Thanks YTB!)

Coach’s Corner Members were given special recognition this year, and were also given some nice performance bonuses for their continued efforts and leadership. In order to become a Director with YTB, you must first get to Coach’s Corner where you then receive special recognition and leadership training from the Founders of YTB. This group is YTB’s next generation of Directors with the company and they were thrilled to recognized and rewarded for their dedication and leadership abilities.

You heard about our efforts to reactivate former Travel Site Owners. We will flip the switch back to the “on” position for anyone who used to have a travel site with YTB, but stopped paying the monthly hosting fee. This new initiative will not apply to those individuals who actually called in to cancel their account, but will affect all those individuals who simply stopped paying their monthly $49.95 fee.

In Addition, Scott described a commission roll-up plan — if products are purchased downline and the TSO due the commission has not reactivated, those commissions will roll up to the next qualified TSO.

YTB will also send out a campaign to these former site owners that we have not only survived the storm of negativity and speculation, but are very much alive and well with new products and services. (Some announced just this weekend!)

The new Deals and Steals newsletter will be smarter than ever! Site Owner’s customers will receive a weekly email featuring travel destinations that leave from their departure city, the hottest deals in retail, and featured destinations!

YTB will also be focusing efforts on helping the Site Owner grow their client base and make more sales with a new marketing campaign via E-Marketing and Mailpound!

Great Escapes were once exclusives offered to Site Owners only, but customers will now be offered the same trips at an incredible price as well! (Just not as incredible as ours!) This new catalog is available on the YTB E-Marketing site for Site Owners to send to customers.

Starting August 31, 2009, all new Site Owners will start by earning 50% of the commission paid to YTB for products sold through their Internet Business Center. (Current TSO’s are grandfathered in at their current contract of 60% or 70%)

Now valued Travel Store Owners who are serious about selling travel have an opportunity to qualify and earn up to 100% commission on all Travel Sales. (This excludes shopYTB.com commissions with qualifying sales are for Travel Sales ONLY) Upon reaching the 80, 90 or 100% commission level, Site Owners will receive company paid group health insurance as well as one-time bonuses of $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 respectively.

These one-time bonuses are only paid when a Site Owner reaches the 80, 90 or 100% commission level for the first time. There will also be a 10% Management Bonus paid to qualified Coach’s Corner members on each of these bonuses. Site Owners must re-qualify every 12-month period to maintain their current commission level and continue receiving group health insurance.

In order for YTB to be the finest shopping experience anywhere on the Web, YTB has launched a brand new technology platform that will open new doors in our ability to search, select, sell and earn! Our friends at Aisle 19 have been a great partner and will still play a role with their current and future featured products and services. All YTB Aisle 19 accounts are being transitioned to the new shopYTB.

This incredible new site can be reached by going to shopYTB.com and entering your current Aisle 19 user name and password.

New Site Owners earn a $50 Quick Start Bonus when they have 25 customers register for shopYTB in their first 30 days! The 30 days starts on the day a prospect purchases their Internet Business Center.

You could win $5,000! Qualify for a new drawing August 1- 31, 2009! Any Site Owner who registers at least 25 new prospects into shopYTB between August 1-31, 2009, will be entered to win $5,000 in cash! Plus, we will also be drawing five more $1,000 cash prizes. Only one entry per Site Owner with a minimum of 25 new registrants in shopYTB.

Site Owners earn $50 when a customer requests a quote for insurance on your shopYTB.com web site. Health, life, auto, home – A completed Quote Request equals a $50 referral fee.

Remember those 25 customers you’re going to register between now and August 31st? When they submit information for insurance you get $50 when they do because you sent them to shopYTB.com. There’s no selling, no convincing, no questions to answer. Just show them the companies offered and have them request a quote!

Looks like YTB is back with some killer programs and announcements that has this years convention a buzz.

We’ll be back for day 2 at the close of convention with more updates, LIVE from St. Louis!

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?