Sorry I haven’t been around the last week. We’ve been working on a kitchen and bath makeover here at the house that was behind schedule and over budget. The project is now complete and turned out better than either of us had envisioned.

Just before the project got started, I received an unexpected call from Jeff Scott of First Alliance Travel and a request to hook up while he was here in Atlanta.

Our hour long meeting was very informal, and quite candid. I can’t get into everything, and I don’t want to overstep my boundaries or speak for Mr. Scott in regard to the company’s direction and plans – but there were two main topics I came away from this meeting that I wanted to share.

First and foremost – “he gets us”.

I would venture to guess that we all at one point or another fall victim to the bizarre myths and perceptions associated with MLM. (Jeff was no exception.) We’ve seen time and time again that those who take the time to truly study our model and get to know our Founders and our people don’t just change their perception- they’re blown away.

Instead of cult like – he found genuine.

Instead of greedy – he found caring and compassionate.

Instead of lazy – he found driven.

Instead of dumb – he found business and marketing savvy.

Second – this was absolutely the best move for our company and those of us who are passionate about travel. We both laughed at how the travel bug never leaves you. It’s by far the most romantic, sexiest product on the planet. First travel Alliance has the ways and the means to offer more product and the best possible prices.

We couldn’t go over all of the upgrades and changes in a single hour – and there’s no telling when this transformation as a true powerhouse Host Agency will be complete. When it’s all said and done however, not only will YTB Travel Network have the best product offering, but we’ll have most competitive pricing the industry (and your clients) have ever seen.

This can and will be a reality.

Furthermore, there were real issues with really dumb people who could never grasp the concept that YTB Marketing and YTB Travel Network are two separate companies. That myth or idea is going to be a lot harder to pitch now that we have a veteran core consisting of true Travel Professionals running the Travel Department. (Under a completely separate roof I might add.)

New training – the likes the industry has never seen will also compliment our opportunity to attract a new breed of Travel Agent. The Travel Agent industry is not only aging – how travel is sold changing at a rapid pace. Gone are the glory days of “order taking” and making money despite any lack of business smarts or sales ability. (A big reason why so many Agencies went belly up over the last decade and why those who are left don’t want us around.) Not only is YTB a new bread of Travel Agent – we’ve proven we can change and adapt to the current economic and technological times. We don’t fight it – we embrace it.

And that’s what this industry truly needs.

Not everyone currently involved in our company will take advantage of the new features and benefits associated with travel. However, if you’re like us, and have a real passion for travel and a sincere desire to excel – this is it. I firmly believe Jeff Scott and this new partnership with First Alliance Travel has all the makings of lighting striking twice for another history making run.

In closing – I can’t tell you how impressed I am after meeting Jeff face to face. His willingness and desire to find out more about who we are and what makes us tick is stimulating. He also strikes me a one of us – and someone we can trust.

Hold on to your hats folks – while these upgrades and benefits will take some time to launch and implement, it’s going to be one fun (and extremely rewarding) ride!

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