The rumble you heard or felt at 10:05 am Eastern yesterday morning wasn’t an earthquake.

Rather what you might have heard or felt were thousands of faithful Convention goers who were told that the product and name they know and love is now back, front and center.

YTB Travel Network.

Seriously, the place went absolutely nuts! As if a long lost member of the family had just returned from the war.

The announcement was made very first thing Friday morning by YTB Travel Network President, Kim Sorensen. A man who just weeks prior had a double lung transplant. (Seriously!) He first told his story about the process and how grateful he was that a donor was not only found for his rare blood type, but he could have the surgery so quickly. It was important for Kim that he be the one to tell the Convention floor first hand that the ZamZuu Convention everyone thought they were attending – would actually be a YTB Convention because YTB and Travel is back.

It’s not that ZamZuu and online shopping will be ditched altogether. There are some great products and stores associated with that side of the company. Nor do I dislike the idea of ZamZuu and online shopping. I’ve been hooked up with stores and been doing affiliate marketing and direct sales like this long before ZamZuu ever came along.

That being said, I signed up with YTB Travel Network to get paid for doing what I was already doing. Telling anyone I could that “a cruise was the best vacation money could buy”. I tried to get paid for doing just that before I joined, but YTB was the first Host Agency that didn’t snub their nose at me because I didn’t have the education or the experience they told me was required.

So I went via the route of “on the job training”. Learning as I went along, accessing the vast amount of opportunities and training available through the company and the industry as a whole to create my own work experience and my own client base.

Funny thing is – YTB became such a dominant force in the industry by attracting folks just like me that before everyone knew it the company was growing at such a rapid pace it scared the snot out of same noses that once snubbed at me. What they said couldn’t be done was in fact being done by a bunch of so called MLM Yahoo’s.

As a result the company, it’s people and the model was viciously attacked by these same snobs. A few resorted to daily rants on blogs and message boards in an attempt to shame the company into submission. Others tried to turn vendors against the company as a pariah that cost them money and hurt their bottom line and reputation. While others who have no idea what a pyramid scheme actually is convinced a couple gullible Attorney Generals that they could actually shut the company down with this illusion that we were paying for the opportunity to recruit others.

I can’t say that none of that worked – at least to some degree. But for those of us who are capable of making up our own mind, following our own values, morals and ethics, and can actually comprehend how and why MLM works, we find we’ve come full circle as a company that’s now 10 years old. YTB is no longer just a bunch of “greenies” who you can kick around and mock to have us cower in some corner.

Ignorance, intolerance, and injustice has never been something I’ve tolerated very well. Fact is, nobody in YTB’s 10 year existence ever “paid for the opportunity to recruit others”. What everyone paid for was a Host Agency, a vehicle to sell travel services with. With the exception of my first year in business back in 2005, I’ve never lost money from travel commissions earned. (Although I did have enough bookings in the hopper my first year to cover those costs.)

Today, I have the best compensation package in the industry, and have had it for years. It’s the only company that will pay anyone who actually produces bookings what they are worth. I’m proud to be a member of YTB Travel Network because we’ve succeeded where no one else has. And while that may rub some in the industry the wrong way, and we may see a resurgence of the shaming, the spin and the lies – at this point it speaks more about their own intolerance and insecurity than it ever will about anyone in YTB.

We’ve seen it all the last couple of years. Claims of bankruptcy, or the entire industry pulling out, outrageous lawsuits, speculation that our Founders would run off with our money, and this fantasy that the company would be ditching travel altogether. None of it came true or at least worked out the way these snobs and critics claimed it would. And this “TravelPro” couldn’t be happier to inform them of that fact.

With the Hall of Fame inductions coming up next weekend – I’m reminded of a 2007 speech given by Michael Irvin. He talked about his trails, his failures, his adversity in being a man and a player worthy of being a member of the Hall of Fame. I can still see the tears in his eyes as he recited the words he heard at one of his lowest points of his life.

It said “Look up. Get up. And don’t ever give up.”

If you want to be a part of history – If you want to be truly successful in life – If you want to matter in this world and leave a legacy – that’s exactly what you need to do.

My thanks to Coach, Scott, and especially Kim Sorensen for “Looking up. Getting up. And never giving up” on this company, this model, and our people.

YTB is back!

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Temperatures are expected to hit 100 degrees in St. Louis as a long list of vendors showcase their products to YTB and ZamZuu Convention goers in the America’s Center today. A small handful will be conducting seminars this morning for both shopping and travel. Most of the seminars on the shopping side will be new products. Others on the travel side will be old favorites who have been with YTB Travel Network for years.

I really like how the company gets the newer guys up in front of our people with these vendor workshops. Obviously, not all the vendors present could do a workshop, but some key vendors with a definite niche market will be introducing themselves this morning in St. Louis.

This year’s theme is Calling all Heroes.

See, truth be told – Network Marketing is about helping people. The more people you help mentor and achieve success, the more successful you become as a result. These people who lay claim to MLM’ers who pick people’s pockets and bottom feeders for the top echelon of the organization don’t have a clue about the true value or purpose of this industry.

That’s not to say that I haven’t seen an example of these so called “sponsors” leaving people high and dry after they sign up for one MLM or another. It does happen. But what I really like about this company, this year’s theme and the direction Coach appears to be taking with his mentoring program is how to do it right. How to become successful by helping others be successful. That’s how he made his millions in this industry.

The real work started after they signed up. Do it the other way – and you’ll be doomed to struggle and most likely leave the industry frustrated.

It’s a real life lesson. Think about it – have you ever met a selfish hero? Those that are selfish and only looking out for their own best interests are looked upon as arrogant jerks.

On the contrary, the most successful people in the world give of their time, their talent, and their knowledge. And we’re not just talking about MLM here. Look at the Bill Gates of the world, who donates billions. The Oprah Winfrey’s who do the same. It’s a universal trait for the most successful, financially independent people on earth.

Think about that as the awards are passed out Friday and Saturday during the general sessions. Ask yourself what they’ve given of their time, their talent, their knowledge. You’ll see plenty of it in a Juliet St. John on the recruiting side, and a Jeanie Sharpless on the travel side. It’s a major contributor to why I personally give of my time each week in the Newsletter.

That my friend is how you become a true hero not just to one or two – but to thousands of people who not only know you, but respect and admire what you do.

If there’s one thing I could impress upon you this week in St. Louis it’s that. It’s a great theme, and one I wish more people would not only understand but catch this great theme.

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I appreciate quality customer service. I’ve run into what syndicated radio and television host Clark Howard calls “Customer NO Service” far too many times – and simply won’t do business with companies who don’t offer the support I feel I deserve or require.

In my opinion, one of the companies that tops the list of great customer service companies is YTB. In the 6 years I’ve been with the company, I’ve always had superior service and support from the team at the Home Office.

What really gets me jazzed is the opportunity to meet the people I communicate with via phone and support tickets. The ability to visit with this dynamic team in person during Red Carpet Days, National Conventions, and other corporate events is a real treat for me because it gives me an opportunity to thank them personally for all they do for me during the year.

Customer Service can be very rewarding – or it can be a real drag. Much of what determines that outcome begins from the very top of the organization. If the Corporate Heads are upbeat and positive, that’s going to trickle down to the rest of the organization. Everyone I speak with in the Home Office always have a smile on their face, (and you CAN tell even when speaking on the phone) they’re always willing to help, and always gratefully, thanking me for contacting them.

This week, the Home Office is taking the time to celebrate and honor the Customer Service representatives at YTB/ZamZuu. Customer Service Week is a national event devoted to recognizing the importance of customer service and to honoring the people who serve and support customers with the highest degree of care and professionalism. In 1992 the U.S. Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week a nationally recognized event, celebrated annually during the first full week in October. The Home Office TEAM will participate in activities throughout the week designed to boost morale, motivation and teamwork and to reaffirm their commitment to a valued YTB/ZamZuu field force.

Coach posted something on his Facebook wall, giving us an opportunity to thank the awesome Customer Service staff we have and show our appreciation. Problem for me was there are so many there that have helped me over the years, I’m afraid that I might leave out someone who deserves it. So, I decided to do the next best thing, thank them all openly and publicly for my gratitude and appreciation for what they’ve done to help, support and teach me over the years.

It’s an honor every time I come in contact with any of them – be it support tickets, e-mail, phone, or in person. A true pleasure.

As a side note: The YTB Home Office will close from 11:15 am – 2:30 pm Central Time Friday, October 8, 2010 so that the Home Office team members can participate in the closing activities of Customer Service Week. They certainly deserve this time and recognition.

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Now that we’re inside 30 days until the Convention, most of the “news” and “upgrades” are saved for those who actually show up in St. Louis. I went back to July, 2008 to review all the excitement of our largest Convention to date – the buzz about Lady Liberty – and clear signs that YTB was doing everything they could to appease California’s claims about YTB being a “gigantic pyramid scheme”.

The month before Convention, YTB announced they were contemplating a franchise model, and also removed the booking engine link from the marketing sites although nobody really knew why these changes were being made so close to Convention.

Hindsight is always 20/20 – and it’s clear looking back that YTB and California were communicating at the time. YTB was making the appropriate changes during their discussions to conform and ease the concerns California had.

Discussions had been going on since January 2007 when YTB came out with booking requirements for credentials in California. New legislation passed in the state required that any agent had to actually book travel before they were qualified to carry any card offered in the industry.

Typical of critics and zealots who have no clue – they thought this legislation would stop the massive growth of YTB and end the reign of MLM’s in their industry. What it did was put YTB on the map in California. At the beginning of 2007 there was somewhere around 3000 RTA’s in the state. By the end of 2007 – there were more than 20,000.

Oooops.

So zealots and critics do what they always do – they come up with more obstacles. Another group of “professionals” convinced Royal Caribbean to pull the plug on bookings with them to make it look like suppliers were now against MLM.

Problem was – business isn’t that stupid – bookings are bookings and only one other company YTB did a small number of bookings with pulled the plug besides RCL. (There was one other, but I can’t remember who it was. We never did business with them to begin with but any critic could tell you because it matters to them.)

After only securing 3 vendors with no more in sight, critics then came up with more complaints and more hoops that YTB had to jump through in order to remain “compliant”. The heat was cranked up after the company showed a profit to the SEC and was labeled a “Darling” instead of a “scam”. The company got their stock symbol off the Pink Sheets and back onto the OTC.BB. We also can’t forget YTB’s 9 point jump in Travel Weekly’s Power List from #35 to #26.

It scared the living daylights out of the dolts who can’t accept MLM and Network Marketing as a legitimate and viable business model. Remember THEY have to be right – otherwise they’re entire world collapses. MLM’s just can’t do things like this – it’s not right and there has to be something wrong here. (Small thinking I know – but look at whose pointing fingers at us.)

Since nothing critics said or did appeared to be working – they did what they always do when MLM grows to big too fast for their comfort zone. You file a $25 million lawsuit and for added impact they did it the day before everyone got together for the largest Convention to date.

That ‘ill show ‘em! Right?

Wrong…

Fast forward to 2009, and we find Jerry Brown announcing that he “brought an end to an elaborate pyramid scheme” in a very amusing press release. Legal documents however confirmed that all the time and money spent on the litigation pointed directly to the hoops YTB jumped through before the suit was filed to appease concerns about being an illegal pyramid scheme.

If you’re thinking the pyramid schemes are illegal – you’re spot on. Programs and companies that fall into that category are shut down – abruptly.

Since little had changed and Jerry’s claims about shutting the company down fell woefully short – we showed up a year later for another Convention.

California’s suit did work to some degree however. The suit did bleed the company of money with litigation and we never achieved the franchise model announced in 2008 as a legitimate or respectable “franchise”. We still don’t have a franchise to sell. After California took $875,000 from YTB’s pockets, (leaving only $125,000 for the “victims” they claimed they filed it for.) they handed their false claims over to Illinois to squeeze more money out of the company. The company continues to tolerate this myth that someone actually pays for the opportunity to recruit others into a pyramid. (Something that YTB has never done since it’s inception in 2001.)

The Illinois litigation has been stalled since it was filed – ironically filed  just 4 hours after the settlement with California was announced more than a year ago. After passing the baton, millions continue to be spent by both sides over ignorance, bitterness, and sheer stupidity instead of actually spending time and money on franchising.

Now that we’re two years removed from California’s stunt and we’re gearing up for our second Convention since the California A.G. announced his goal of ending our “pyramid scheme” I have to wonder if critics of YTB still think they won and we lost. Sure YTB has been bloodied and battered over California’s claims. The perception over the mere appearance of the word pyramid scheme would put some companies out of business.

Unfortunately, perceptions and accusations can’t overcome or extinguish truth or fact. The false claims from States like California and Illinois and the incessant shaming of our founders and members of YTB by overzealous critics has – in its own way – done some good.

Anyone who takes what they’ve read verbatim or doesn’t conduct their own due diligence about YTB (or Network Marketing in general) certainly won’t take the steps necessary to build a business. I learned very early on in my carrier with YTB that changing habits and perceptions over the ridiculous myths about money just rolling in without doing any work is an unnecessary step in the process. For the vast majority, it stacks the odds against them. While it’s not impossible – it’s a long shot at best that you can extract the weeds that choke logical thinking or change lazy habits if someone is unwilling or uncooperative.

To use an already overused verse – “You can lead a horse to water – but you can’t make them drink.”

I’ve seen and heard about the fears about brain washing. I’ll freely admit that I’ve been brain washed and take the term literally.

Thanks to my journey with YTB and the study I’ve done over the years, my mind has been cleansed. Dirt, stains, limiting beliefs, or any matter that doesn’t serve me has been washed away. One definition is “to free from spiritual defilement” which is appropriate when it comes to the brain. You are what you think about most of the time. What you focus on expands.

Some will continue to focus on perceptions, claims, fears and phobias. (Daily no less.) While the smart ones will see right through the hype and limiting beliefs. I find it fascinating that it’s the folks at YTB who are the ones who mislead and hype everything up. We’re the ones labeled as uncooperative and unwilling to see the light.

Looking back and reading memory lane documented here – and the fact the another Convention is less than 30 days away – me thinks it’s the other way around. ;-P

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While we know this years Convention theme was “Taking Care of Business” the theme quickly turned into “Happy New Year!”

Let’s not kid ourselves; this last year YTB went through was rough. Internet attacks, legal attacks, media attacks, and attacks on our downline made this a very difficult year. Some said we wouldn’t make it – others were concerned we wouldn’t make it. The warning signs were everywhere for a good three quarters of the year.

Then things started to change. California was settled, (and Scott became close personal friends of Jerry Brown pictured here.) Bob Van Patten came on board as Co-CEO, new Board Members came into the picture, Travel Weekly pumped us up one notch in the Power List, Carnival gave us another Pinnacle Award, and we can’t forget how Judge Murphy put the smack down on the ambulance chasers calling their amended class action redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous.

FINALLY, others were beginning to see the light.

While this years convention didn’t have the glitz of years past, the company made up for it in substance. After all, that’s what most of us are here to see, the big blockbuster announcements. And from our experience over the years, this year was by far the most meaningful in the form of tools for the average Rep and TSO. We credit this to the company and our 2020 Vision Group that was formed and we have to give the company a huge hand here for listening to what we wanted and needed.

Before we head into the details of today’s highlights, we wanted to let you know about the new $10K Challenge that thousands made a commitment to here in St. Louis. You remember the Success From Home Magazine of the last two years. For most of us it was a huge success and most who worked this, and followed up with prospects made far more than the $6000 that company promised to pay.

YTB has upped the same program with the NEW DVD called “Welcome to your new Office”. This will come customized with your own name and URL to hand out to prospects. While enrolled in the program it will also include the NEW YTBSucessSystems.com training and marketing tool launched yesterday in your back office. Now we have a fully functional system to hand out DVD’s, tracking, scheduling, and follow up tools via the new YTB Success System that anyone can duplicate.

The $10K Challenge just went live a few minutes ago, so check it out in your back office NOW!

YTB is back folks! We made it through thanks to the leadership in the field and the leadership of the company. Those that have stuck it out, weathered the storm will ride the next wave of YTB. We think it’s going to be better and stronger than ever.

And when we do, it will leave all the critics stunned and some angry. But when you think about it, success is always the best revenge.

Now on to the announcements…

YTB is currently engaged in talks with Penske Corporation about an addition to the current YTB family of products. YTB is thrilled at the possibility to offer and promote new and used automobile sales, truck rental and leasing, and potentially other Penske offerings through their Internet Business Center.

YTB’s Site Owners will have the unique opportunity to promote these new products possibly as early as this fall.

Take your business to the next level low tech or high tech!

Never be without the ability to sell the YTB Internet Business Center again! Now, you can turn the online buying process into an easy, face-to-face meeting–No Internet needed! For those on the go, YTB will have an application available for iPhone available August 31st.

No more excuses about not having a laptop available to get someone started in our business with these new low tech and high tech options!

The effectiveness of the CRTA is coming back in a more powerful and exciting format called RPM!

“Regional Product Marketing”

Show the incredible potential of this business to your prospects and teach them how to work this business to its full capacity!

The home office will be hand picking top trainers from each region of the Country to host these events for training, motivation, and leadership skills. YTB was built this way once, and YTB will rebuild again using these powerful local events.

More details on these trainings will dates and times will be posted in your Back Office soon!

And the first one was announced here in St. Louis for Funshine down in Orlando September 25-26th. That’s the TRAVEL trade show, that will produce thousands more who want to get trained in the wonderful industry we call travel.

Time to take my wife out  to dinner with some friends who feel like family by now.

It’s been a real pleasure reporting to you this week from St. Louis. I’ll be back Monday for more updates and news about the industry and this awesome company I call YTB!

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.

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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!

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As the day progressed yesterday the hotel here at the Renaissance began to fill up. We’ll most likely see another huge wave as people come in for the General Sessions Friday and Saturday. This years Convention is certain starting to hit it’s stride.

So far, I’ve been extremely impressed with the quality of the classes we’ve participated in for YTBU. I think part of what we’re seeing here is a result of having some of our Directors polish their presentations the last few months for YTBU at Red Carpet. I’m a real stickler for quality presentations with my background both in theater and radio. I look for quality information as well as a polished presentation. While YTBU has been good in years past, it’s been elevated to a new level this year in both cases.

While mixing with everyone else here, Ronda and I have been stopped countless times for our work both here and for our newsletter. The appreciation and gratitude has been both rewarding and humbling. When news broke about my interview with George Dooley in Travel Agent Central late yesterday afternoon the entire convention was a buzz. When you combine that with “PJ” sightings here, it turned from buzz to laughter over the attempts to mud up the tone and posture of this convention. Once again, our critics who have always been on the outside looking in continue their malicious attacks against something (and someone) they can’t control.

The further we dive into this years convention with thousands showing up here in St. Louis, quality information being dispersed, and quality articles being written in trade publications about YTB and it’s members; the nastier the tone on the outside gets.

You need to remember that this years convention wasn’t suppose to happen. California took care of that with last years stunt about YTB being nothing more that a “gigantic pyramid scheme”. Combine that with what some claim is a model that’s designed to fail you’ve got yourself a sure bet that the house of cards will tumble.

Or so they think.

Instead, what they have found is a model, Founders, and members who are far more seasoned and resilient to malicious and slanderous attacks. I know it’s cliche but what our company has been through in the last year has built an incredible amount of character. As I meet everyone here this year, I see a resolve that I didn’t see last year. Because of the persistence to hold on to our beliefs, our dreams, and our goals we’re all here to celebrate and congratulate each other this year. Has it always been easy? Have we handle everything flawlessly? Of course not. But because we focus on the solution not the problem we’ve been able to overcome the obstacles that have been thrown in our way. That’s what separates the winners from the losers.

This years convention has an attitude and swagger that I haven’t seen in years past. That’s not to say that we’ve never had that, but it’s different this year. In years past, it was more talk. This year, you can see it in the walk. It’s a posture and firm resolve that I’ve not seen before with a very certain and distinctive change in attitude.

The last YTBU class Ronda and I went to yesterday talked about how the perception has changed over the course of the year from that of an “opportunity” to a “business” presentation. The class struck a cord with us, because both Ronda and I have talked about it between ourselves and I’ve written about it here. Because of what we’ve been through, we’ve all raised the bar when it comes to seeking out team members to that of business partners. In years past, having a travel website was more of a novelty, everyone wanted one.

Because of the changes (thanks to California) what we now have is a Internet e-Commerce Business that caters to the professional. Combine that with millions of people who through no fault of their own, have been laid off or downsized, and are now looking for another alternative. George and I talked about how the rules and regulations change because of the franchise model we are implementing in California and eventually make company wide.

I’ve always said that if you work YTB like a hobby, it will pay you like a hobby. However, if you work YTB like a business, it will pay you like a business. Those that have fallen off in the past year were the hobbyist, and that’s by no means meant to be a slam on them. Not everyone is looking for or has the desire to run a business. They may have other opportunities, a family, or other interests that they may want to pursue and focus on. Those that are here in St. Louis however see the same thing that Ronda and I saw 4 years ago, an Internet e-Commerce business.

We saw a very compelling video during this class that I wanted to share with you here. Take some time to review it and see if it makes sense to you. Also take some time to think about how YTB currently answers the many changes this video points out when it comes to technology and e-Commerce. If you can’t find the answer now, not to worry. With some of the blockbuster announcements coming both Friday and Saturday during the General Sessions, you will.

Off to class!

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