I enjoy Trade Publications. I subscribe to a variety of publications in both electronic form and in traditional print. I’ve always enjoyed reading and learning about the industry, and have promoted learning as much as you can about any subject that interests you. There has never been a time in our history when so many mediums are available for someone to learn and develop a skill or a trade.

I’ve enjoyed the way suppliers and trade associations have embraced training, enabling me to learn about the industry. From seminars and webinars; from a training call or port of call via ship inspections, the variety of ways to learn and develop in this industry is abundant.

I’ve seen many changes within the industry over the last several years when it comes to doling out credentials in the industry. I’ve also supported the upgrading of requirements for FAM eligibility from both suppliers and associations.

One thing that hasn’t changed much are the Travel Agents who think they “own” the industry.

I was walking home with the kids and my neighbor on Thursday and we stopped in the culdesac to chat a bit longer. While talking, I opened up my mailbox to get the mail with my monthly issue of Travel Agent Magazine in the mix. I typically look forward to each and every publication and wanted to see this months “cover”. When I saw the cover, I smirked, shook my head and commented “Good grief”.

My neighbor who was standing in front of her mailbox ask me what the comment was for, and I held up the front of the publication to show her. She asked “What’s that all about?” and I simply commented that the man in the mask…is supposed to depict someone like me.

She laughed and asked “That’s suppose to be YOU?!” and I responded, “No, not me specifically, but someone like me because of the company I work with.”

I told her of the issues Travel Agents have had for years concerning “card mills” and downright phobias regarding MLM’s and what we have presumably done to disgrace, embarrass, and ruin their reputations as “Professionals”. You wanna know her reaction?

“And that’s their answer?”

Yep, afraid so. I went on to tell her about forums and blogs these “Professionals” hang out on to discuss all the wrongs, all the injustice, all the problems they can think of on a daily basis. How at one time I had befriended some of them, and because I’m not willing to change host agencies or simply get out all together, I’m now an outcast and seen as the man in the mask. (And then some.)

“How does that make you feel?” she asked. I thought about it, for say… a nanosecond, and replied with “How’s it suppose to make me feel?” I went on to ask a couple of more questions, like how someone I don’t even know, or more importantly doesn’t know me, should own any feelings one way or the other? I asked if she see’s any connection to me and the man in the mask. Do I look and act like that to her?

She thought that was a strange question based on the look on her face, because we happen not only to be neighbors, but friends. To think an article or even this cover will cancel out years of friendship does sound a bit over the top. I’ve heard that if you join and MLM that you can kiss your family and friends goodbye, because you have to hound them about joining the MLM you’re involved in, (any MLM) and they eventually get fed up with the constant badgering and eventually disown you.

It’s been over 4 years now, and I’m still waiting for THAT shoe to drop.

It’s not that I haven’t heard story after story about MLM’s destroying friendships and families. There are those who can’t fathom being unemotional or unattached to an attack like what’s depicted in the picture. Family especially, would want to protect those they are closest too from being “stained” in this way. I might be the same way when I was far less secure about my own abilities and worth.

But I have to wonder, why after all this time, all this energy, all the “talk” about how bad things are, just why a professional publication would even think that an article like this is a good idea. What some in our industry have categorized as “card mills” have been around for over a decade now, and the industry is only a small fraction closer to resolving this so called problem and embarrassment than they were back then.

There have been suppliers, (who by the way are the ones who grant these FAM’s and perks not the Agents or Associations) who have taken a stand in some form or fashion. Sandals for example, was one of the first I can think of who would provide a complimentary night or nights based on production. Doesn’t really matter which host you’re associated with; if you produce, you’re rewarded. The concept isn’t much different from a frequent flier program, which provides anyone who supports a particular airline is granted perks like free airfare. It’s also why I like the Carnival requirements that came out a year ago January. A minimum of 5 full paying cabins (double occupancy) are required, BEFORE you’ll be considered to partake in a FAM with them.

But for some reason, that’s not good enough for some, as you can clearly see in the comments section of the digital format of this cover story. There are those who simply can’t get over their own hang ups about “their” industry to see that someone is there on a FAM because they earned it. We’re participating in an industry seminar with them because we have a desire to learn. We join in on a summit because we want to expand our knowledge.

Instead, they snub their nose at the supplier because they welcome anyone who produces, regardless of what Host Agency, or so called “card mill” they may be associated with, as if the supplier would even care who they consider “worthy”.

We’ve run into the same problem most recently with Debbie Maier and Mailpound. Ms. Maier took the time to come to a Red Carpet Event to roll out a new private labeled e-marketing site for YTB to help our company promote and sell more travel to our clients. While the site does have a listing of FAM’s associated with it, the main purpose of this site is to enable Travel Agents to send out promotional e-mails and marketing materials to clients to actually sell travel. When she came to the Home Office she was, and I quote, “completely – blown – away” over the passion YTB has for this industry.

And because she now provides this service to YTB, and has seen first hand that YTB is a real travel company, she and her company have now been black listed. There are “Professionals” who are not only promoting that other agents send her an e-mail that “they know” who she’s working with, but if any of the e-mails or comments are like the ones I’ve seen…she’ll need to shower after being vomited on by this outspoken and obnoxious group of “legitimate agents”.

That’s the game plan, to make life as uncomfortable as possible in the hope that they just throw in the towel because the backlash isn’t worth it.

Based on a webinar that I know happened last week, there may be more of this kind of tactic coming from this group. The same day YTB was promoting Princess Cruises, (a Sail-A-Thon to sell full fair cabins, not FAMS) another group was planning how to get more of these types of “cover stories” out there to media outlets to warn the public about the masked men and women who are involved in what they’ve deemed to be undesirable Host Agencies. I know that these Associations are the be all and end all for some, and there have been Agencies associated with many of them to add credibility. (We saw how well that worked out, didn’t we?)

While I was invited to this little gathering with these very prominent and important people and associations in the industry, I declined the offer. I asked the question of how this type of behavior would make me a better person, a better Travel Agent, and a better Leader, but like most of the questions I ask, they were left unanswered. (Ignored was more like it.)

They are welcome to do what they do, and I’ll do what I do. That’s promoting a rebroadcast of the Princess Sail-A-Thon this afternoon at 4:00 pm Eastern to sell more cruises. It’s far more productive, supports the hand that feeds me, (and them) and helps bring the truth to light.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Looks as if we have another company in our industry who has had enough of the games being played in the Travel Industry. Paul Henderson, CEO of Pro Travel Network, wrote an open letter to the industry on Friday which Travel Weekly picked up.

I have to hand it to Mr. Henderson, he’s got spunk!

Now I don’t agree with everything, but unlike the Traditionalists in our industry, I’m not going to split hairs or point out “what’s wrong” simply to belittle a message that I do agree with. (A nice trick that I’m sure Paul understands all too well.) The minor points shouldn’t overshadow a strong message that I, and I think most Travel MLM’s can stand behind, although I’ll allow everyone concerned to form their own opinions.

What I like best about this message is that it’s clear that like YTB, Pro Travel Network has no intention of going anywhere and there are a few in the industry would be better off finding a way to co-exist so they can get back to working their own business rather than spending the time they do pointing out what needs to be changed in ours.

Here’s the problem as Mr. Henderson see’s it; there are no guidelines to follow, or legal precedence to go by that gives anyone a stamp of approval to call themselves a “Travel Agent”. Now I know that there are those who have voiced their own set of rules or guidelines, but when you look at what they say and compare it with IATA, CLIA, ARTA, PATH, and OSSN, you end up with WTF.  Or better stated, a melting pot of ideas without one clear leader that defines the role of “Travel Agent”.

In an industry that has “self service” companies like Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline that enables anyone to book just about any type of travel they want without the aid or service of a “Travel Agent”, (to the tune of $45 BILLION annually no less) you might be asking yourself why some feel that they need to protect this title the way they do. Likewise, the airline industry started this whole mess when American Airlines cut commissions and offered up self service to the masses back in the late 1990’s. So what “qualifies” John or Jane Doe to book an airline ticket themselves? What kind of qualifications are required by John or Jane to order cruise documents, a hotel room, a car? None. Zip. Ziltch. Nadda.

In defense of the “professionals” who are beside themselves, many were brought up in the industry much differently than it is today, and many have been members of the industry much longer than many of us “newbies” who only have a couple of years under our belts. However, it’s ludicrous to try to compare this profession to say…a Doctor. You can’t order and do heart surgery yourself like you can a cruise and I seriously doubt you ever will. But that’s the way it is in this industry. People simply make up their own set of rules and stories in an attempt to rid the industry of a model they clearly love to hate, but at the same time clearly can’t grasp.

Case in point is Joystar. Mr. Henderson like myself clearly understands that Joystar was never a “Card Mill” or an “MLM”. (I told you that back in October of 2007) But I don’t know if Mr. Henderson understands Bill Alversons connection to TravelMax which was an MLM and simply followed him over to Joystar because many believe once and MLM’er ALWAYS and MLM’er. (Part of the ignorance we deal with.) Nor does it explain companies why Cruise Value Center closed abruptly a few month ago who was also not an MLM. In addition, the small number of RTA’s that I can count on one hand who cut YTB out of the mix and booked directly with a supplier only to walk off with the money (out of more than 300K who have been involved) there are hundreds more in the traditional arena who are caught and prosecuted doing the same thing. But like the issues surrounding what makes anyone a legitimate “Travel Agent”, those stories are simply ignored and fingers are promptly pointed back the direction of MLM.

The problem in this industry IS MLM according to some, and they spend an incredible amount of time and effort in their own personal missions to save everyone from the evil MLM’ers who never have and never will be successful. (By the way, that would include yours truly. ;-P) It appears that Mr. Henderson also sees right through the smoke and mirrors of this illusion…

Neither are all MLMs bad.  What a ridiculous notion.  Who says they are?  Those who have never had success in it or see it as a threat to their models?  Or those who use these bashing techniques as promo for their previously unrecognized companies?  Travel is a 7 Trillion industry, so I hardly think competition is the issue.  MLM has just become another “buzz word” created to label those we don’t like.  Is there anyone today that sees Mary Kay as a bad business model?  Warren Buffet owns Pampered Chef.  Is there anyone out there who hasn’t eaten from Tupperware?  Avon is a household name.  So why can so many traditional companies such as American Express, etc., sell a home-based agent product, with training and accounting tools, support, etc., but if an MLM does it, it is no longer a valid product?  Come on!!!

So how can we judge any travel-related MLM, as good or bad. If they book lots of travel…they must have cheated.  Or we take their number of agents and divide into travel revenue to show that each agent only booked or earned this or that, as if that means anything.  I was taught as a child that less than 20% do over 80% of the work.  If an MLM agent takes an unwarranted FAM….oh my God, the end is near.  So we spend hours picking apart one another’s business, instead of addressing the real issues of concern…that perhaps a bad company has exploited.  Fix the issues, the exploitation goes away.

There in lies the both the problem and frustration that so many of us have concerning these critics who have entirely too much time on their hands to dream up and concoct the blogs, forums, and posts that they do. If you actually look at the real issue, you have to look inward and admit that YOUR model is flawed, and some just can’t come to grips with that idea.

Once again, we have another solution to sit down and talk about the issues face to face.

I would love to sit in on the panels or boards to help defend, not MLM nor card mills, but fairness.  To look at what is fair.  Let’s face it, most travel agents don’t book $1,000,000 per year.  Since only a few even hold the IATAN card, that means most book far less than $50,000/yr.  Many thousands are part-time.  Does that make them less qualified to make a booking?  So this must be researched and carefully thought out, debated and discussed.  But, I do believe all bad agencies and hosts should be terminated, but we must first, as an industry come together to create what guidelines allow for that.  Otherwise, we must stop pushing rules that do not exist!!!

I have no idea if Mr. Henderson’s response to our critics has anything to do with this or not, or if he even knows about the “witch hunt” that’s brewing for yet another look at MLM’s at the end of the month, and I’m afraid that no one from the MLM industry has been invited to participate. Instead, we can look forward to even more spam that gets promptly deleted when it arrives in our “in box” with the nonsense both of us have apparently been bombarded from some very irate and frustrated people.

I couldn’t agree more that until the industry starts looking at a clear definition of “Travel Agent” the intense energy spent by these critics to warn everyone do more harm, and cause more confusion for everyone involved. But like my alcoholism, these traditionalists need to take a hard look at themselves in order to do that, and I see no signs of it I’m sorry to say. Meanwhile, I’ve seen plenty of MLM’s change, adapt, and respond to the issues going on in the industry, and that shows strength, not the weakness as some like to spin.

Overall Paul, what the MLM’s need to do is walk the walk and given time, the traditionalists in the industry will exhaust themselves, especially at the pace their going. Like the Mary Kay’s, the Tupperware, the Avon’s, and the Primerica’s of the MLM industry, time will prove that our model DOES work with the proper management behind it. (As proper management is key for any business model.) I’m afraid that you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone at this point who is willing to listen to your ideas on the other side of the river, which they call “da Nile”. I agree it’s frustrating, it’s sad, and it’s extremely unproductive, but there’s really not much anyone can do to help until they’re willing to admit that we can help.

From where I sit, they’re just not ready and I can’t see any clues that they ever will.

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Do You ZamZuu?

I happen to be out of town, (without internet access!) but enjoying the Holiday with family none the less. I decided to schedule something for today before news became old news next week. First and foremost however, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and although at the time of this writing, presents are still wrapped under the tree, by the time this is posted and you are reading, I’ll be enjoying gifts my kids had made for me, and of course finding what Santa brought.

That being said, don’t think for a second that there isn’t something to talk about over this extended Holiday weekend.

Are you kidding me? This Industry?

While the jury may be out if some made Santa’s “Naughty” or “Nice” list, after what I’ve been reading the last several months, it’s time to bring this “Naughty” Agency to the forefront after a year long hiatus.

Back in October 2007 this blog gained considerable notoriety after tackling the issue head on concerning Royal Caribbean who terminated its relationship with no more than four Agencies. Two of those agencies came to light very quickly and the industry outrage on the internet concerning “Card Mills” came to a head.

Although it’s been documented that Royal Caribbean did in fact terminate four Agencies, Lisa Bauer, VP of Sales with Royal Caribbean at the time, skirted the direct questions asked by Travel Weekly concerning just who these Agencies were. To this day, there has been nothing to verify, although there has been plenty of speculation, any more than two Agencies. That being of course YTB and the other being Joystar.

Other than YTB, I can’t think of another Agency that has been the target of more controversy than Joystar. If you look at the founders history, you’ll get a better understanding to just why, and I did document his exploits with the first Travel MLM (TravelMax) back in the mid 1990’s. It looks as if both Bill Alverson’s and Joystar’s issues have not subsided, but in fact increased a year later.

While you found nothing concerning any new issues on this blog, there has been plenty to write about concerning Joystar a year after being terminated by Royal Caribbean. In addition, no less than three headline news stories broke back in October of 2008 concerning the Host Agency. One, October 9^th, reported that Joystar failed to pay commissions owed to its independent contractors along with laying off 14% of its staff. Later in the month, on October 23^rd, it was reported the CLIA revoked Joystar’s Membership for not renewing its Seller Of Travel License with California. (Although it appears that SOT’s have been made current as well as its association with CLIA.) The very next day, October 24^th, it was reported that InterContinental Hotels Group filed a federal lawsuit against Joystar for claiming more than $163,000 in improper commissions.

And some think YTB has problems?

Actually, that’s what a small group would like you to believe as they obsess over anything they can drum up to cast fear and doubt because they’re convinced the YTB “model” is flawed…doomed to collapse. (Yet the “model” started to take shape over a century ago, and still standing tall.) Part of drumming up anything these poor folks can think of is this notion that after more than a year of inactivity, suppliers will again take up the cause of these Agents and Associations and start terminating relationships with Agencies critics simply don’t agree with moving into 2009.

One of the favorite ploys of critics is not implicating YTB directly, but word posts and threads in a way that gives them an out if egg is then thrown back in their face. Naughty for sure after reading comments, as there appears to be no question just who they hope the Agency is. Just one of the dozens of posts I sent to Santa this year for the “Naughty List”. As they wait to see if the rumor is true with gleeful anticipation, Santa more than likely coaled the entire lot of them for lack of good cheer.

I never like this type of speculation and rumor. It’s far too easy for hearsay like this to come back and bite you when documentation squashes the rumor you’re attempting to spread. Especially when you find out that the rumor started in an attempt to point the finger at one host, was initially about an entirely different host.

It appears the glass slipper that some are attempting to slip on YTB belongs to Joystar.

Agents are using the Joystar community board to voice their complaints. One posting dated Dec. 17 claimed Carnival Cruise Lines was prepared to cease doing business with Joystar if the agency did not make good to agents. When queried about the posting, Carnival declined to comment.

To be fair, there is nothing to substantiate ANY rumor that Carnival or any other supplier for that matter will be terminating anyone. Instead, I would look at the last year and ask just how many suppliers terminated its relationship with any Agency in 2008.

Of course that answer is Zip…Zilch…Nada…not one.

Yet there are some who still want to hang onto this small glimmer of hope that suppliers might come around. If the rumor is true about Carnival terminating its relationship with Joystar, can you blame them? (That would be “No”.) It’s been documented that Carnival believes these Agents, no matter what host they’re associated with are the life blood of their sales force.

But how much would you want to wager, that if Carnival does terminate Joystar because its failed to pay the commissions owed its Agents, the speculation will be that YTB is next in line? It’s what some will do I’m sure in order to restore this whole fiasco about suppliers “getting it” to surface yet one more time. I know that sounds irrational, but you have to understand the anger and resentment that creates such illogical thinking. Just accept that this is another small thread critics reach for in their attempt to pin someone else’s misfortune to YTB.

With the news out Tuesday about Joystar being down to just 5 employees and the thousands of dollars in commissions owed its Agents, I have to wonder if Peter Stilphen, (a pompous and overzealous Joystar critic who’s been plastering both Bill Alverson and Joystar for years) will be having a Merry Christmas this year?

I don’t know if there will be anyone really posting about this over the Holiday’s or into next week for that matter. I guess I’ll have to check and update you when I get back first of next week.

In the meantime, I’d like to enjoy my time with family and finalize some goals I have moving into 2009 while I have some time away from the internet and all it’s trappings.

It will be interesting to see what 2009 will bring, and while there are some who claim to know what’s going to happen, take some time to do what a couple of my favorite mentors have taught me over the years.

“Don’t believe a word you hear, unless you can verify it on your own to be true.”

Which I suppose is one of the reasons why people like this blog so much. Instead of spreading rumors and hearsay about what they’ve heard about or read about somewhere else, without a single shred of documentation to back it up, they come here for documentation and truth.

That’s why I’m on Santa’s “Nice List”.

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Do You ZamZuu?

There are times when I read or hear about something, and it just doesn’t sound right. I’ve been attempting to get my head around this California complaint off and on since the Convention. Something just didn’t fit. It’s a single state, with the help of Illinois who is still on the sidelines, and we’re still doing business in California. (More business by the way than any other state in the country I might add. ;-P)

If you’ve been involved in the Travel Industry for any length of time, you know who the major players are, who gets along with whom, who hates who, and who just doesn’t amount to squat in the Travel Industry. It’s no secret that the ASTA has put together quite a propaganda campaign against these so called “Card Mills”. Doesn’t matter that YTB now has minimum booking requirements before “cards” are issued, YTB is used because we happen to be the most visible in on the internet and in the trade publications. (Legislation YTB was able to overcome and win in California I might add.)

I had an opportunity to read the complaint that was filed some time ago and one term stood out for me that made me think of one particular organization right off the bat. Since I didn’t have anything substantial at the time, I passed it off as nothing more than a logical guess. However based on this organizations educational piece (choke) the complaint read very similar to the 2005 propaganda that is now being regurgitated oddly enough based on similarities to the California complaint.

Like many now who “think” they have the upper hand now that they have a complaint, it’s not surprising that this group feels safe in promoting their position on the issue, along with a few on the internet appear to be rather boisterous.

I do have to add that I also believe that this “announcement” from this group was also predicated by a need to “out” a former President of their organization for coming over and supporting the very company and model they feel is damaging their industry. (Please note: YTB didn’t make the connection or initial statement, a seasoned Travel Journalist did.)

Oh…did you hear the Davidoff’s are now going to conduct three classes on the company Seminar @ Sea? (Check the latest Travel Compass or my Newsletter this weekend.) Like Marc Mancini and his Geography Bowl down at Funshine in a few weeks, looks like this excuse about lack of training from the other side is just that, an excuse.

Unlike the above industry leaders who offer solutions instead of a steady stream of complaints, the ASTA has a rather long history in attempting to derail the MLM business model. The majority of damage however has been nothing more than propaganda that I suppose some people have taken heed in. With such a powerful force, and I use the term loosely, you would think they would have had more of an impact on ridding the travel industry of the “Card Mills” they report to have damaged them so.

Now we have documentation direct from the horses a… err mouth that they’ve already filed one suit some time ago in California, and while not directly implied, sure looks like they feel mighty proud of the weight they are pushing around once again in California.

I caught wind earlier in the week of the ASTA making claims to have filed a complaint with the FTC back in 2006 about this ever so popular “pyramid scheme” excuse everyone likes to throw out. (The e-mail was copied and pasted in the blue response at the bottom of this post.) It wasn’t until yesterday however that I finally got something a little more substantial.

And a whole lot more.

I want to address this complaint with the FTC as to why nobody every heard a word about this from the FTC, and highlight the excuse. (It’s pretty funny actually.) Here’s the gem as it’s worded from the ASTA.

“We also complained to the Federal Trade Commission, but our request for a trade regulation rule was denied in large part due to lack of support from the supplier community.”

I find it hysterical that they blame the suppliers, the very life blood of their business for letting YTB slip through the cracks. Had nothing to do with the fact that they couldn’t come up with valid complaint the FTC would listen too now would it? Nor could it be that are mistaken or more accurately don’t have a clue what a “pyramid scheme” actually is.

You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole. I do have to wonder however why they just didn’t announce a “do over” like they did in their past election.

Did the FTC not realize that this was the ASTA? Look, it doesn’t matter how big and bad you try to make yourself, you still have to prove your case in this country, (THANK GOD) before the Government will find you guilty and actually enforce action.

Why do you think we’re still doing business in California even with such a large amount of money up for grabs?

I often find a blurb from the SEC posted on the Internet concerning the FTC’s stance on pyramid schemes. Why do they use the SEC you might ask? Don’t really know, but my guess is that it “sounds better” than what the FTC has up concerning illegal pyramids.

Again…I need to add that the graphic the SEC has up concerning more participants than the world population has yet to happen in a single solitary MLM. Many of whom have been around for decades. (But don’t let that stop you from listening to a Zealot when they post something like this for you.)

So, the ASTA fails in getting the FTC involved, (as I’m sure many other Zealots have attempted to do) and they spend the next couple of years hitting up any State that would listen and finally found one desperate enough to file a suit. Call it whatever you want. Stupidity – greed – political advancement – I don’t care, but since the FTC, Florida and now Illinois have never stepped up to the plate, what do you think ol’ Gerry has in regard to this complaint?

Nothing more than a very dry bone of contention.

While I know some laugh at this notion that a group or organization in the Travel Industry would have the kind of pull or clout to lobby Politicians. I find it interesting that we have a second article within the last week of more lobbyist throwing money at Politicians, although from the supplier end, but a cool $297K Q2 adds up to organizations getting exactly what they want through what ever Government agency (State or Federal) they think they can purchase.

Those who subscribe to my Newsletter know my stance concerning these suits being nothing more than a personal attack. A complaint filed in an attempt to slow or even destroy a company that is “growing to big too fast”. (The AG’s statement, not mine.) I realize that like terrorists, some flat out deny any involvement, and I’ve stated that I would agree some were not involved. (Not that smart, and not their mode of operandi.)

That doesn’t mean however that there is an organization that does have just enough clout (or money) to push something like this out into the public eye. Unfortunately for them, that’s about as far as their going to get based on the failures they’ve faced concerning past efforts. Which include the FTC, other states who never moved past the investigation mode and California Legislation that was merely a blip on the radar screen and clearly separated YTB from this notion of being nothing more than a “Card Mill”.

Oh, before I go. I did happen to send this “gem” up to the home office with an idea of getting everyone together on the Seminar @ Sea with the Davidoff’s and sending the ASTA a postcard from the Seminar entitled “Greetings from Cozumel”.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Every once in a while I do “The Dance”. My kids think its funny (just wait til they get older) and yesterday we had a lot of fun. I had a couple of reasons for doing the “The Dance”, and the kids pulled out “Evan Almighty” yesterday afternoon while I was busy on the phone and outlining the post for today.

Do you remember back in January when Carnival made the announcement concerning minimum booking requirements? It was speculated back in October that suppliers would follow Royal Caribbean’s lead and pull the plug on Travel MLM’s. Now almost a year later, it looks as if throwing “the problem” overboard proved to be costly. While another Cruise line solved “the problem” on January 9th when new CEO Gerry Cahill eliminated the abuse yet saved the account for future growth and profits.

Now it’s important to keep the supplier problem verses solution in mind as we move on to today’s topic. (Success leaves clues.)

Yesterday afternoon, CLIA stepped up to the plate and offered a very solid solution which I believe will have long lasting and very beneficial effects for everyone in the industry. (Well, almost everyone, but more on that in a minute.)

I first caught the story in Travel Weekly, and after doing a little research I found the new policy directly off CLIA’s web site. I’ll let you read both stories on your own, but I want to get to the meat of what this is all about.

“2009 ID Card applicants are required to be enrolled in, or to have achieved a designation (ACC, MCC, ECC, ECCS) in CLIA’s Cruise Counsellor Certification Program. Attainment of an ACC designation requires a program of mandatory and elective training options as well personal cruise experience, shipboard inspections and 25 cabin sales within the two year enrollment period.”

How do you like them apples? Just think. Nobody has to double dog dare anyone any longer about whether or not they actually know what their doing, if they are taking unfair advantage of the industry without giving back, or pretend that we’re only referring people to a simple web site to book a cruise without any support.

This solution clearly separates the pretenders from the players in the Travel Industry, and with the new Certification requirements that everyone will be able to follow and understand, suppliers will be able to tell exactly who is serious and who is not.

We’ve gotten to know CLIA or rather The Academy quite well since October of last year when YTB launched E-Campus with Dr. Marc Mancini, one of the most respected and admired trainers in the Travel Industry. I’d also like to point out that the minimum booking requirements in California in 2007 worked so well, that YTB Travel Network rolled these same requirements out for the entire company earlier this year.

The emphasis on actually training the RTA field is apparently working, and to see an association such as CLIA roll out a solution like the one yesterday should put an end to this illusion that someone like me or you embarrass and anger those that admittedly earned their rights and privileges in this industry.

These new requirements do raise a couple of rhetorical questions for me however. (Remember, comments here are now cut off to those who couldn’t communicate in a civil and respectable manor concerning their views and opinions.)

What will the few Traditional Travel Agents do when these requirements have been met? They can no longer claim that we are untrained and uneducated. They can no longer claim that we don’t support the industry. With all the time and energy now wasted in posting day after day, to have the major beef pulled right out from under them, what will they do with all the extra time on their hands?

Second, now that there will be whole new crop of trained agents in the field, how will that affect their bottom line? MLM’ers will have the same knowledge and Certifications most of them boast about. There will be far more of these new, hungry, and educated Certified Agents in the field who can now compete at the same level. Will this take away even more market share for them?

Third, how will this be viewed by suppliers? Can you think of any suppliers who are in a bind right now that need some extra revenue coming their way? If just 20% of YTB’s RTA’s go after this Certification requirement it will produce close to $100 Million in revenue and that’s just to qualify for the Certification. What happens when a company the size of YTB is moving that type of revenue to only 21 of the 24 Cruise Line Members?

This is a HUGE step forward in eliminating the illusions and myths out there concerning “Card Mills” and “MLM’s”, and I’m thrilled the CLIA came up with a solution to clean up it’s good name, much like Carnival did. From what I could tell, the Carnival move back in January certainly curbed the accusations against them for supporting a company like YTB.

From what I can read at this early stage, it looks as if the few boisterous Traditionalists who are bitter, angry and shamed right now also think this is a good move. (They are however having a difficult time in expressing their view without belittling those who will be helped most in this move.) It may not keep both sides happy, since one side never appears happy, but it does take away at least one of the excuses they use to attack an industry and people they clearly know nothing about.

I’m quite certain more about these new requirements will be discussed during some of the YTBU courses, (my first course is with Ann Sedgwick first thing next Wednesday morning) and also during Friday and Saturdays National Convention when new features and announcements will be made.

Which reminds me; my second reason for doing “The Dance” yesterday afternoon happened when UPS came to the door with my documents for the National Convention. It’s almost like
doing “The Doc Dance” when boarding docs arrive for a cruise!

Care to join me?

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Finally!

I have been waiting for someone to make this move, and it finally happened. It’s not surprising that our star is Carnival Corporation, AGAIN. I feel it’s important to review just a bit, and set this up for all those concerned. If you recall, Royal Caribbean in a “bold move” (?) terminated its relationship with YTB back on November 9th. No notice, no warning, not even a phone call. Just a simple letter from then Sr. Vice President of Sales, Lisa Bauer, who effectively played the roll of airline stewardess as she said “Bah-Bye” to 4 Agencies sinking more than $23 Million in revenue for the company in 2007.

I’ve never really understood this move, and for the life of me still can’t grasp why any company would toss any business overboard. However, I also agree that it’s their company and they are free to do business with whomever they choose too. More importantly, for me at least, this move in no way effectively addressed the real issue at hand.

So what was it about Carnival that was so different? How did they respond to the issues and controversy swirling around concerning “card mills” and Travel MLM’s who abuse the FAM privileges that ARE designed for those that actually support the industry?

They now require a minimum of 5 bookings with them in a 12 month period in order to be eligible for a FAM. Imagine that? Everyone involved in this industry needs to support and sell their product BEFORE being able to take advantage of a reduced rate with them.

How do you like them apples?

What this so effectively does is eliminate the abuse yet save the account for future growth and obvious profits. Is it any wonder why they are called “The Most Popular Cruise Line in the World”? Because they’ve so effectively and succinctly addressed the real issue, they are able to keep all business avenues open.

Now comes the real question…

Will other suppliers and vendors see this in the same light as I do? Will they see this as an effective alternative to closing the door on impressive numbers from a bunch of part time Referring Travel Agents? Can they have their cake and eat it too?

My bet is that the Traditional Agents will not see this as an effective move. Like most, it’s either black or white, it’s either /or. And we can’t forget those that are so closed minded and just want Travel MLM’s gone, shut down for good. I do know of some however, who do believe we may be able to co-exist and may agree that this is a step in the right direction.

While I do not believe this closes all the issues, and there is still more work to be done. This IS a good move for all concerned, and most certainly a step in the right direction to as we like to say “legitimize” the industry.

Way to go Carnival!

Are the other suppliers listening?

PS – While looking for a picture to post with this post, I found this, and came very close to using it. I decided not too, but thought is was hysterical and wanted to share it with all of you anyway. Too funny!

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I got to tell you…it was good to get away with family for a number of days and get out of this mess going on in the Travel Industry for a couple of days. While I did have cell phone service, my in-laws don’t even own a computer at the house let alone internet access on the farm in South Georgia. They do have and need one for the business they own, but home to them is not a place for a computer. I typically go through withdrawal myself when I’m down there, but this year was a little different. With all the negative energy and hate going on concerning Travel MLM’s from some very vocal Traditional Agents, it was a much needed break to kind of recharge and be back in an environment that was not only positive, but supportive.

I spent part of the last few days trying to catch up on any new developments going on concerning our industry. Other than the common rhetoric going on with some of the message boards and various anti-MLM (YTB) Blogs it seems to be rather quite out there right now.

I wanted to share publicly some internal communications to let the rest of the world know that their concerns are not only being heard by me, but also the company.

YTB TRAVEL NETWORK TRADE SHOW GUIDELINES

VERY IMPORTANT: YOU ARE REPRESENTING YTB! TRAVEL TRADE SHOW ATTENDEES ARE YOUR PEERS, NOT PROSPECTS.

Travel Trade Shows are non-solicitation events and selling of advertising, products, or services by agent delegates is prohibited.

Spouses or guests are not permitted unless they are a bona fide home-based travel agent. Event management reserves the right to qualify all registrants and allow or prohibit anyone from attending the show who does not fit the travel agent criteria.

Dress code is business casual. No t-shirts are permitted, logo or otherwise. Please do not wear blue jeans or shorts.

Professionalism and ethical behavior is expected of all RTAs attending Travel Trade Show events. No marketing is permitted by agent delegates. Be sure to be respectful of travel suppliers and other attendees. Exhibit a positive attitude towards suppliers and their products. Remember that your behavior is a direct reflection of YTB and any infraction of the above policies may harm YTB and your teammates. Violations will be addressed by YTB Corporate.

Thank you to everyone for your cooperation as we strive to become the largest travel agency in the world!

Like I told everyone before the break, I’ve never personally witnessed any of the behavior personally being address, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. To me, it’s silly that we even need to address this issue, as it’s simple common courtesy to those who have been in this industry for much longer that any of us have. It’s also extremely unprofessional as a business owner. I know most of the people involved in YTB and have attended many CRTA Trainings, Trade Shows and Supplier Sponsored events in the years I’ve been with the company. Everyone I’ve seen has in fact been “professional”. There will always be a small percentage of irresponsible people in any company or organization that ruin it for the rest of us. YTB currently has 134,000 RTA’s out in the field. While 99% could be working this business the right way, the remaining 1% still consists of over 1000 bad apples who reflect the entire company.

(I by the way have no way of knowing what the exact percentages of how many bad apples there are.)

One of my mentors, Rick Ricketts has been saying this quote for years, and I think it applies here.

“I get up every morning, looking for people who are looking for me.”

Rick happens to be one of the most successful people in YTB, he’s made millions with this company and he has one of the largest organizations in this company. We have a company approved video of Rick, and I want you to watch not only how he presents himself, but how he’s dressed. I don’t know why anyone would think that a vendor, a supplier, another Travel Agent would be “looking for you”, but clearly they are not, so can we just let it go?

Part of the journey my last three years in YTB has been the incredible knowledge I’ve obtained not only about the travel industry, but being a business owner, and a true mentor and leader to the growing team I have assembled. I’m constantly learning and growing in all areas of this business and it’s my sincere desire to be better tomorrow than I am today. While this growth and change can sometimes be uncomfortable, it’s also required in order to achieve both personal and professional levels that most of us have always dreamed about since we’ve been little. It’s my belief that those of us who have joined the ranks of YTB still have that dream and see YTB as the vehicle to achieve the levels we desire. I’m pleased to see how well equipped most of us are to not only welcome the change, but adapt to it.

I’m pleased to see that the company agrees that we need to grow and mature to become the largest Travel Agency in the world.

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