I participate in a private group on Facebook with other YTB Travel Agents. It’s one of the few places on the Internet we can discuss business openly without the fear of some jerk taking what’s said out of context or flat out rearranging our words to promote another agenda.

Instead, the group has been able to stay private (and therefore amazingly on topic) to discuss all things related to travel and servicing our clients. One of our Agents gave a review last week after sailing Carnival Splendor’s special one-night-only event which celebrated Splendor’s return to Long Beach for her regularly-scheduled series of 7-day Mexican Riviera sailings. (You may recall Splendor made International news last fall when it was disabled by an engine-room fire.) They were impressed with the ship and with Gerry Cahill, CEO of Carnival who thanked everyone for selling Carnival.

When Kim Sorensen announced the Home Office would be going virtual instead of live to save money for this year’s Funshine event, Agent’s in the group got together to create our own live event in Las Vegas the weekend before. We’ve shared ideas about which vendors we’d like to see there, and most of the Agents have had a grand time planning the event. Of course, the cost of doing something like this lies upon the Agents themselves. Because we’re successful business owners, we not only understand the concept, but appreciate what goes into organizing and planning an event like this.

The group also supports one another. If someone needs help with a particular niche – all they have to do is ask the group. One of the other members of the group will chime in to offer their assistance. We are free and open to discuss all ideas which has been invaluable in opening up new marketing ideas and offers for clients looking for new adventures.

To qualify as a member of this group, you must be a YTB Travel business owner that has taken the First Class Training and/or e-Campus Training. We don’t discuss ZamZuu (although there is another private group for that side of the business) and this isn’t about “recruiting”.

This group is about travel – and I absolutely love it.

It’s also a place where we can celebrate our success in this business as Travel Agents. Someone books a large group cruise – we’re all there to congratulate them. Last week I saw a link from one of our own who was featured on the morning news in Las Vegas as an expert guest to offer Travel Agent advice. (Segment below.)

This isn’t the first time one of our own has been featured on television or in print with YTB Travel Network. (Before the 2009 Convention, Travel Agent Central contacted yours truly for an interview – so it does happen.) But what I really like about this interview – is it’s all about travel.

Some will tell you that travel is dead within our company. Others will tell you that it’s all about recruiting. For them, I’m quite certain that assertion makes them feel better. For the rest of us however that don’t get all worked up about misguided issues and fabricated events, we see things in a more accurate light. YTB Travel Agents are not only alive, but doing very well these days thank you very much.

Clearly, for our clients, suppliers, and this news organization it makes no difference which host agency you align yourself with. It’s up to you to create your own value as a “Travel Agent” to the general public regardless of how industry insiders perceive how we conduct our business. Travel Agent isn’t a credential you carry, or a host you align yourself with. It’s how you present yourself and service your clients that really counts. (Who knew?)

Nice job Doris! It’s an honor to be associated with you as a Travel Agent with YTB Travel Network.

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For those who were at Funshine a couple of weeks ago, you were introduced to Kenny and Karen Knox. Both have been RTA’s for quite some time, and each have their own claim to fame.

Kenny Knox played on the PGA Tour for several years and has 3 PGA Tour victories on his resume. (The 1986 Honda Classic, 1987 Hardees Classic, and 1990 Buick Southern Open.) He’s probably best remembered however for being paired with John Daly in the final round of the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana. (Daly won that tournament which made him a household name.) After a back injury sidelined him from competitive golf, Kenny created a synthetic turf business called TourGreens, installing greens and developing short game facilities across the United States.

Karen Knox is a published author who wrote Forget the Die-its ~ Learn to LIVE-it! and coaches clients in their quest to get healthy. (Including Kim Sorensen who has lost 25 pounds after reading her book.) Karen travels to speaking engagements all over the country. Both Karen and Kenny host Wellness & Golf Weekends at their home in north Florida where couples or individuals spend the weekend and experience Karen’s health seminar and receive personalized golf instruction with Kenny.

One of the things I love most about YTB it’s the ability to focus on niche markets. I wish I had a YTB Golf site when I worked in the golf industry in the mid to late 1990′s. A site like this would have been a huge hit with customers who had a real passion for playing some of the best tracks in the world. It would have been a great service to my clients and a killer revenue source when I got paid to book these trips. (Or even better – go for free AND get paid!)

Not only did YTB Golf get an upgrade and face lift during Funshine, it also got an upgrade with content provided by Kenny and Karen Knox – YTB’s new Head Pros.

Both Kenny and Karen will write a bi-weekly articles for YTB Golf that will not only enrich your golf game with tips and tricks from Kenny, but proper health and nutrition that will keep you physically fit from Karen.

Kenny will begin his series of articles with The Basic Fundamentals of Golf.  His first article highlights the importance of the golf grip. The proper grip is the first step in establishing the basic fundamentals in anyone’s golf game.

Karen’s first article is on proper hydration. Too many overlook or don’t pay attention to proper hydration while out on the golf course. I always drank water instead of soda or alcohol while playing. Typically, my game was still going strong at the end on of an 18 hole (or even 36 hole) round of golf.

I’ve seen a lot of golf sites in my day, and while there are some good ones out there – I’ve yet to find one that’s as comprehensive and thorough as YTB Golf. It’s truly a one stop shop for the best courses, the best equipment, and a plethora of advice to help you improve your game. Take a look at YTB’s new e-magazine and you’ll see what I mean.

For those who love this game and want to play more – at some of the best courses around the world – it’s a perfect part time (or full time) business that will enable you to do just that. (Although, it does take dedication and work to market and promote properly.) I know a number of golf fanatics who use this site exclusively as their main site. (Just like hunting and fishing fanatics use YTB Outdoors, and a Wedding Coordinators add YTB Romance to increase profits.)

Kim Sorensen is so impressed with both Kenny and Karen, he introduced them during Friday night’s General Session at Funshine. He produced a short video on his Facebook page that explains YTB’s partnership with YTB Golf and Kenny and Karen Knox that explains the concept if starting a business like this interests you.

And by the way…all these sites (YTB Golf, YTB Outdoors, YTB Romance, YTB Flowers, shopYTB and YTB Cars) come with your YTB Travel Store for one low price. That’s a ton of revenue for under $500 and and $49.95 a month – all you have to do is go out promote a PGA Golf Pro, who’s not only helping clients with their golf game, but also a site owner in YTB.

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Scott Tomer was in town a couple weeks ago and I had a chance to sit down with him in a small group setting the night before the Saturday training. One of the other members of the group asked the question “Why don’t we [YTB] hand out more travel awards at Convention?”

What Scott told us, was the idea of Travel Awards did come up for Friday’s afternoon General Session at this years Convention. If you recall, Friday afternoon unleashed the industries best commission contracts and benefits in the industry, the upgrades for “Steals and Deals” and the enhanced Great Escapes packages for both Travel Store owners, and clients. With Friday afternoon dedicated to Travel it just made sense to offer Travel Awards. However, when they called the travel leaders in our company to ask if they would be at Convention, every one of them said “Yes, I’ll be at Funshine.”

The “Convention” our travel leaders were talking about begins today at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Funshine provides two days of seminars and a trade show floor with some 60 or 70 suppliers who are soliciting their products and services for your clients next vacation.

Funshine will also hold a General Session tonight to hand out awards for our travel leaders who have produced significant travel sales. There will be other upgrades and announcements; one of which is a new “skin” with additional features which you can get a feel for from with our Golf site. (Sorry, couldn’t hold back on this one, but since it’s already live…what the heck.)

The trade show floor of course is free, and those of us who have completed the Marc Mancini’s E-Campus series of courses also receive a complimentary upgrade to all the seminars offered by our preferred suppliers. (We also get to call ourselves “Travel Agents” and are upgraded to a 75% commission contract without quotas after completing the E-Campus courses.)

Here is a list I was able to obtain from the Home Office of the seminars and descriptions.

American Destinations
“Significantly grow your YTB Business with Educational Student Travel” Content for beginners and experienced agents alike.
ADI specializes in all-inclusive, multi-day group tour packages with an emphasis on Educational Student Travel.  YOU can have a hand in shaping our Nation’s youth and work toward your YTB $5,000 Matching Travel Commission Bonus!

Carnival Cruise Lines
(Friday) “Getting Started Selling Cruises – What you really need to know” – Beginner
(Saturday) “Super Sales with Carnival Cruise Lines” – This all-inclusive seminar will touch on the keys to great success selling cruises.  It’s a must attend event! – All levels are encouraged and welcome!

CCRA
“What’s new with CCRA”   This seminar speaks to those mostly already familiar with their product but they would love to include anyone wanting to learn more about who they are.
We will show you how to book hotels and other services – make more money and save time!

CLIA
“Cruise Vacations: an Introduction” This seminar is 3 hours and worth 15 CLIA credits once you have passed the test.

Collette Vacations
“How to make the most money in Travel Today!” For all levels of experience.
Deluxe escorted tours to all 7 continents, door to door transportation from the passenger’s home to the airport.  Our unmatched cancellation waiver protects your passenger.

Costa Cruise Lines
“Have you seen Costa lately?”  For both beginner and experienced agents.
Costa, Europe’s number one cruise line, offers an experience that is delightfully different in service and cruise.  In an atmosphere filled with love, laughter and La Dolce Vita.

Globus Family of Brands
“Globus Family of Brands; Product, Groups and Marketing” Balanced for beginners and experienced agents.
With more than 400 vacations to over 60 countries worldwide, the Globus Family of Brands offers a variety of travel styles to fit anyone’s budget or desire.

Holland America Line
“How to understand & sell Holland America Line, including in depth training on our Alaska vacations”  Balanced for beginners and experienced agents.
We invite you to sail with us and discover a world of elegant, mid-sized ships, award-winning service, intriguing onboard enrichment programs and sophisticated five-star dining.

Honeymoon Wishes
“The Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Market is still growing – Learn how to be a part of it.” For both beginner and experienced agents.
Clients can have any part of their honeymoon as a wedding present!  Earn commissions form their gift registry and market your business.

Pleasant Holidays
“The World of Pleasant” For both beginner and experienced agents.
Since 1959, Pleasant Holidays has sent over 9 million travelers on dream vacations.  Pleasant Holidays features hundreds of specials and value-packed vacations.

Princess Cruises / Cunard Lines
“The World of Princess Cruises” “The Legendary Voyages of Cunard Lines”
Escape completely with Princess Cruises to over 350 destinations and 105 unique itineraries.  Show your clients the world!

Silversea Cruises
“Selling the World of Silversea” Learn the value of selling an all inclusive luxury product and earn higher commissions. For both beginner and experienced agents Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard five intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.

Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises
A unique cruise line navigating through the lands of the Bible, the Steps of the Apostle Paul and the Holy Lands.  Fundraising plans for your church groups.

Travelocity Partner Network
“Travel, Travel, Travel – Trends, Industry Knowledge and more” For both beginner and experienced agents.
A division of Travelocity, the industry leader in offering scalable and private label online travel solutions.  It builds your brand, not ours.

Travel Guard
Travel Insurance… How it benefits you and your customers
Travel Guard Insurance Regional Account Manager Nancy Mallek from Stevens Point WI, is curious if you know how easily you can increase your revenue by recommending travel insurance.  Join us for an informative session that will help you sell more.  Learn various tips on how to sell, why your customers should purchase, and ways to overcome objections.  Plus, everything you want to know about what is covered in a travel insurance policy.

Other suppliers who I don’t have course descriptions for but will be at Funshine to educate TSO’s who want to learn include Epic Tours, The Mark Travel Corporation, Worldwide Golf Vacations, MSC Cruises, Cunard Lines, Worldwide Tours, Inc., and Carey International.

When you take a look at the list of seminars above and then compare it to the Home Based Agent Show and Conference in Atlantic City in a little more than a week, it’s shocking to see how a single company like YTB can attract a similar segment and number of suppliers for its conference. I’d also be willing to bet that YTB will provide a larger crowd for Funshine compared to the Home Based Agent Show designed for an entire segment of the industry.

It should be a fun weekend with our peers who have a legitimate desire to learn and grow in the travel industry from suppliers who see YTB for what it truly is – the 25th largest Seller of Travel in the industry. 

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The updates and upgrades keep coming from the YTB Home Office. Fresh off of Funshine East ’07, YTB’s Travel Trade Show held Friday and Saturday, October 5-6, in Orlando, FL, another major update has been made to the back office on the travel side of the business, YTB Travel Network. This new look and feel matches the updates and upgrades made back at the National Convention in August in St. Louis.

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We just got back from a wonderful and relaxing Seminar at Sea with Carnival and YTB, followed by the Funshine Trade Show in Orlando. We hope you will join us next time. It was so inspiring to meet fellow YTB’ers and hear their success stories. We also learned so much from our Vendors at the trade show, we now have an even better idea of how to increase our travel bookings. We are planning to invite each of you to a Team Seminar at Sea sometime in 2007. We will be working on the details and getting the information out to you soon. 

We learned at the trade show, that YTB has a Directors Challenge for anyone who becomes a director by 12/31/06, YTB will DOUBLE the Director bonuses for life. For example if you have 2000 RTA’s in your downline as a Director you receive $100,000 instead of $50,000 and so on. This has inspired Doug and me to work even harder to reach director by the end of the year. If your goal is to be a Director, you can reach it too. We are here to help you build your business, whether you are interested in booking a lot of travel, building a team and becoming a Director, or just enjoying earning money off your personal travel and the tax advantages of a home based business. There is simply no way you can loose money with YTB.

In addition: YTB now GUARANTEES that you will make money with our feature in “Success from Home” magazine. All you have to do is hand out one magazine per day and log a name, phone number and e-mail address into your back office. If you don’t make at least $6000 in commissions, YTB will make up the difference. Can you use an extra $500 per month for handing someone a magazine?

With that said, we have come up with a Team Challenge for the remainder of the year. This contest is effective 10/1/06-12/31/06. Prizes will be awarded for the following:

● Most personal RTA’s recruited

● Most 3 way calls (more info below)

● 30 total 3 way calls (more info below)

● If you are currently signed up as a Rep and sign up as a RTA for the 1^st time

● If you are currently inactive and reactivate your site by 10/31/06 and keep it active.

We have found 3 way calls to be one of the most powerful tools to building this business. Therefore you can qualify to win prizes by using this tool to build your business.

Here’s how it works:

When you have someone who is interested in the business call Doug and give him a warm introduction, then stop talking and let Doug take it from there. Many of you know this works first hand, because you or someone on your team joined after being on a 3 way call. The team member who gets Doug on the most 3 way calls will win a prize. Also, you can win a prize by participating in thirty 3 way calls between now and 12/31. We have 12 weeks left, so that’s just an average of 2.5 calls per week.

We are looking forward to working with each of you in the coming months. In addition to this monthly newsletter, we are planning to have a monthly conference call and a monthly team meeting beginning in 07. We will have training on topics like “Understanding the benefits of being an RTA” and “Everything you wanted to know about booking travel, but were afraid to ask”. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions or need any help.

To your success!

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