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”.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Whatever happened to personal responsibility? When did we start blaming everything and everyone else but ourselves for problems? I found a gem the other day, and come to find out that it’s not the lack of service, it’s not all the time we spend on the internet posting our opinions, it’s not because we forgot just who our clients are and what our customers actually want. And it certainly can’t be because our clients are capable of doing what we do for a living on their own through the likes of web sites called Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia.

No, it’s none of that. What it all boils down to is none other than Travel Weekly. Who knew?

Interesting that after a years worth of hammering suppliers to choke out the pariah of untrained and uneducated Yahoo’s to little or no avail, (Royal Caribbean, Perilo, and Celtic Tours were the only three that headed the pleas.) we now move to the media outlets and industry publications to what looks like a new desperate attempt, begging if you will, to stop promoting these blasted MLM’ers who are ruining their business.

It’s not the first time suppliers have turned their back on the traditional travel agents, suppliers need the business, especially in this economy. Speculation that it was the suppliers fault stemmed from the ASTA who took a stand against MLM back in 2005 going all the way to the FTC. The blame fell squarely on the backs of suppliers after their attempt fell flat. Today, the largest cruise line in the world has teamed up with the largest Travel MLM in the world to promote gift certificates to increase sales for both the cruise line and the agency in the 4th Quarter.

A battle that I can only guess critics have resigned themselves to finally let go of.

Now that some have moved past the fact that suppliers just aren’t going to listen, the focus now turns to trade publications as they blast away at one of the most prominent and respected industry publications in the industry, Travel Weekly.

What was thought to be a fluke back in 2007 when YTB suddenly appeared on the pages of Travel Weekly’s Power List at #35 was dismissed as being nothing more than recruiting fees by those who needed to forgive Travel Weekly for their grave error. When news broke later in the year concerning Royal Caribbean’s termination of YTB, the company and its founders were suddenly catapulted to the front pages of just about every travel publication on the market. Most by the way praised the RCL move, as it was believed that this would be the first step in the avalanched of suppliers who would now agree that Travel and MLM’s are in fact a bad mix.

Instead of an avalanche of suppliers, what was found was more media coverage for Kim Sorensen who was named one of the 33 most influential in the travel industry and when you compare that to just 3 suppliers who sided with PATH, most everyone can see how lopsided that slap in the face was.

To add insult to injury the media coverage by Travel Weekly didn’t stop in 2007. While many critics speculated that Travel Weekly had “seen the light” and the nightmare of all this free publicity was now over, not only did Travel Weekly yet again document sales of $414.5 million in travel sales for YTB, but informed the masses that this speculation of “fees” were unfounded. No, the editors took the time to inform and educate critics when they stated that they check “numerous times” and $414.5 million are in fact “travel sales” not the “fees” that were being pitched.

Dag gummit!

I guess the final straw for these agents was Kim Sorensen being named to Travel Weekly’s Virtual Leisure Summit this fall. I could also speculate that this one name brought in a good number of participants who would have never given this new virtual summit a second thought if it weren’t for a name like Kim Sorensen being attached to it. Now I don’t know this for a fact, but I have to wonder just how big the smile were on editors faces over the frenzy this one name created all over the internet. If you know anything about marketing and media, they LOVE people and circumstances that go against the norm. That’s what makes it newsworthy. (I just listened to an audio from Joe Vitale, AKA: “Mr. Fire” yesterday that eluded to this very subject.)

If you find something that works, you keep doing it. A big reason why Kim will be participating in the upcoming “Preview 2009” December 18th and 19th. It’s got people talking all over the internet once again, as the article above pitches the show, and the buzz has also prompted Mark Murphy, President and CEO of Performance Media Group a competing publication to mention both YTB and Travel Weekly in its own publication.

What’s unfortunate is that Mark, like most who’ve never been involved in Network Marketing simply perpetuates more myths about the industry. He’s obviously unaware that A.L. Williams is no longer A.L. Williams, but now Primerica. Nor did he realize that this form of sitting across the kitchen table helped A.L. Williams gain the number one spot in Whole Life Insurance for 7 straight years.

Even sadder, and I see this all the time from ignorant (not stupid) people who don’t know any better. This use of the 2007 Income Disclosure Statement is almost always documented to show that all YTB does is recruit people into the business. I’ve yet to see any outsider realize that this document actually contradicts the very myth their trying to promote. Those I speak with who’ve heard this myth suddenly realize that this fear about everyone recruiting is inevitably washed away when they see that only 20% of the company actually recruits a single soul.

I don’t know if the ASTA was actually informed by the FTC about these recruiting fees back in 2005, based on how their pitch fell flat. I suspect the facts will come to light for everyone once again via California that it doesn’t cost anyone a dime to recruit new members into YTB. Some of our critics already know this as they may be counted in the 2008 Income Disclosure Statement as making squat. But that’s yet another story for another post for 2009.

In the meantime, well enjoy the press and the talk about YTB as it continues to make headlines and front page news for going against the norm and creating its own entity in the travel industry.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

I’ve known this site was being developed for a couple of weeks now, and have been checking its status on a regular basis.

I’m pleased to inform you that YTB has a new site up entitled “The Facts About YTB”. (www.thefactsaboutytb.com)

This site is designed to document and correct many of the slanderous and misleading claims that have been spread all over the internet by our critics and our competitors. I’m pleased to see the many links to third party sources, (much like I do here) to document who YTB is and what YTB does as fact not the fiction you see in various forums and message boards.

YTB is very proud of and stands by its business model. “The Facts About YTB” not only answers the claims, but does raise additional questions aimed directly at some of our competitors and critics that should bring into question their own business structure and tactics.

This site is also designed to be updated on a regular basis to keep current with issues as they arise.

As YTB continues to move forward as it gains larger and larger market share in the Travel Industry, we will continue to have some sort of opposition that may attempt to mislead you. Much the same way it has in the past. Look to this site as the “official word” on where YTB stands, and how YTB responds to the claims lodged against them.

Enjoy!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

My kids are out of school for the Christmas Break. I had taken them to McDonald’s yesterday afternoon to run off some steam, and took the laptop with me to finish up on very comical Press Release type spoof on Coach showing up at the St. Louis Rams vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game on Thursday night. For those of you who don’t know, Coach grew up just outside of Pittsburgh on a tomato farm and while he does own season tickets to the St. Louis Rams, he is still a die hard Steelers fan at heart.

Thursday night while watching the game myself on NFL Network, the cameras panned the crowd to show all the Steelers faithful who showed up at the game. One of the camera shots was in fact Coach, front row and center with his Steelers garb. Part of my spoof was that he was going to send our Pro Bowl Players to Honolulu, Hawaii, via our Two Fly Free program. While nobody was actually interviewed I did quote Coach as saying “I’m just so proud of these young men, I can hardly stand it.” (For those that know him the way I do, you know that’s exactly what he would say!)

I had other quotes from Coach such as tying his Tomato farming into how hard these Pro Bowl Players worked to get where they are. One stated, “You start the season during Training Camp, and you work hard, and you work hard and you don’t realize what you’re laying the ground work for.” I went on to spoof, “Now these fine young men are enjoying the fruits of their labor with a free trip to Hawaii…WOW!” (Is that not Coach?!)

So where is this gem? It’s still in my laptop and I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get it out. I came home ready to post it, and when I opened the laptop up, it wouldn’t boot up. My right arm has just been amputated and I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get it back. I’m sure it will, but the timing of it going down NOW will extend how long it will take for me to get it back up.

The family is heading up to Pittsburgh today for a week with my side of the family on a new piece of property they just bought. Some 30 acres of farm land by the Airport complete with a Gator, (A John Deer not the animal.) a few chickens, a horse and Lama. Yes, we are driving, as we do every Christmas due to all the presents and luggage that needs to be lugged up there. I might be able to work on it Sunday or take it to the Geek Squad for service while there but you’ve got this holiday right in the middle of the week, that I know they won’t be working on my baby no matter how important this problem is to me.

By the way…my wife seems to feel that I’m over reacting and I need to take a break. For the record, I would be just as upset if she went down.

In closing…I would like to share the topic of THIS post finally.

A few weeks ago, John Frenaye and I were exchanging e-mails on a topic I can’t recall. (Nor can bring up since it’s saved on my broken computer.) During the exchange, John had mentioned that the next time he’s in Atlanta we should hook up for some drinks. I responded with the fact that I would love too however, alcohol has not been part of my life for some 18 years now. I’ve been clean and sober since October 15, 1989. That however, would not prevent me from having a drink with him, just as long as he didn’t mind my new drink of choice.

I knew this refreshment made quite an impression on him, and I’m surprised actually that he hasn’t written a piece on it for syndication on MSNBC yet. (No LA Times or Chicago Tribune for me?) However, yesterday, after returning home with the kids, I found a small box at the front door via the postal service. It was from none other than John Frenaye?! After discussing our options, we decided not to call the boom squad, but did remove the children from the room before opening this box.

Much to my delight and amusement, it was a Christmas card from the Frenaye’s with a small gift inside.

My drink of choice, Kool-Aid!

I wish to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire Frenaye family for this kind and thoughtful gift during this season of giving.

Way too funny! Yet very appropriate!

Merry Christmas!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

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.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

You can’t tell me that YTB hasn’t been at the center of attention for most everyone in the Travel Industry for the past few months. When news broke back in early October about Royal Caribbean, one of the first companies both suspect and named was YTB. Since then there have been countless news stories, message postings, e-mails, and phone calls concerning the one company in the spotlight; YTB. I woke this morning to find Company President of YTB Travel Network, Kim Sorensen named by Travel Weekly as one of the most influential people in the Travel Industry. (Page 2) There is little doubt that YTB is making one heck of an impact in the industry.

Sorensen went, in a matter of weeks, from a virtual unknown in the industry to its favorite target for vitriol (from traditional agents and some suppliers) or admiration (from his tens of thousands of referring agents and, behind closed doors, some suppliers.) He has demonstrated some grace under fire, admitting his organization is still maturing, and we suspect that he and YTB will be around for many years, forcing all parties to examine what constitutes a legitimate seller of travel and challenging suppliers to assess how, and with whom the wish to do business

During the year, Travel Weekly has been most gracious in allowing YTB to voice just who we are and what we do. Yet there are those who simply will not recognize just how we as a company have changed this industry this year. Rumors still swirl concerning our #35 Ranking this summer and the $226 Million we booked in Travel. Even when given the chance to defend the numbers reported, some choose to simply ignore the fact that our booking numbers came from our suppliers, not YTB, and these numbers represent travel sales, not marketing sales.

In the Travel Weekly report dated October 24th there are a number of statements that are either ignored or simply misrepresented when it comes to how much Travel YTB actually booked in 2006. I hate treating people like a bunch of grade school children, but it’s become increasingly evident that some either don’t know how to read, or don’t have a basic understanding of the English language. How some of this information eludes them is unknown at this time, but we will attempt once again to educate those that want to discredit our company and our numbers.

The ranking was based on YTB’s response to the Power List survey, where the company reported about $226 million a year in “verified sales”. There’s that word again, “verified” which actually means confirmed as to accuracy or truth by acceptable evidence. There is a lot of contention and controversy right now if these numbers were actually “verified” by Travel Weekly. If these numbers were not verified, I don’t know why this publication would quote Mr. Sorensen as stating they are “verified sales”.

Sorenson said that figure reflected the total value of bookings that resulted from referrals by its agents, not YTB’s actual net revenue. The “spin” is that this statement does not reflect actual travel “bookings” but rather recruiting sales. I honestly don’t know how someone can misunderstand this, but somehow the word “bookings” magically turns into “recruiting” and “Agents” somehow magically turn into “Reps” who are selling web sites not travel.

Sorensen said that the $226 million sales figure it offered to Travel Weekly describes the volume of revenue it generates for cruise, vacation and other travel suppliers, rather than YTB’s own net revenue.

This paragraph is deleted in all posts found on forums and message boards. It simply isn’t discussed or pointed out for those who wish to discredit our ranking or our “verified sales”. It just magically goes away or is ignored.

“What we reported for the Power List was gleaned from numbers that we got from suppliers: how many passengers were booked through us, or the figure for dollar sales at the end of the year. We didn’t reconcile that with reports from our representatives. We just pulled in information on our sales from many reports and many sources for that”.

And because we did this, not only is YTB misleading everyone, but now our suppliers are also misleading everyone. Nobody can be trusted when it comes to Network Marketing I guess. The number given to Travel Weekly came directly from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Apple Vacations, World Choice, and the rest of our “shady” suppliers. Gleaned means “to collect bit by bit” and you would think that collecting numbers directly from suppliers would add even more credibility, but apparently that’s not the case when it reports Network Marketing numbers.

Helping our Travel Professionals understand that these are in fact travel sales, and not recruiting sales is even more difficult when they try to fit a square peg into a round hole. There seems to be this notion that the travel booked in 2006 ($226 Million in sales) has to be reflected somehow in our SEC filings for the same year. ($7.4 Million in commissions.) The two simply don’t match up and somehow our Professionals use this insight to try to discredit our ranking.

Based on this information and if we match the $226 Million in “Travel Sales” with $7.4 Million in commissions, that would reflect that YTB earned on average 3.2% in commissions across the board. Yet it was noted back in January that 30 to 35% of our bookings are cruises. Based on 30% of the $226 Million Travel Weekly “verified” this one category alone would produce $10.8 million in sales. This does not include air, hotel, tours, cars, tickets, or all-inclusive packages.

Confused?

Here is what our Travel Professionals are missing. Travel commissions are not paid until the travel has been consumed. I’ve used this example before, and I guess our Professional STILL don’t understand how this works so let me cut and paste from a previous post.

I booked an 11 day riverboat cruise for clients from Cologne to Nuremberg directly with UniWorld in November of 2006. While only a deposit was made at the time of booking, a gross sales number was generated and this cruise booking is part of the “verified” travel sales that went on the Travel Weekly report. While a commission percentage and number was known at that time, the actual commission numbers did not show up for YTB (or me) until the cruise was paid on September 3rd. (Typically made 60-90 days before sailing)

On December 1st, my clients with several other couples will be flying to Cologne to enjoy this holiday cruise and when they return, UniWorld will then issue a check to YTB in commission and I in turn receive my 60% cut from YTB. While it’s possible that this commission will be paid in December of 2007, it’s more likely UniWorld will pay YTB 30 days after, January of 2008.

While “verifiable travel sales” show up in 2006, the SEC filings will not see earnings until Q1 of 2008.

Square peg…round hole.

I honestly don’t have a clue as to what it’s going to take to help them understand. I’ve been trying to help Anti-MLM Zealots understand for years how and why our model works. Maybe our SAP NetWeaver® technology platform coming in March will help in this issue. Don’t count of it however, like most everything else that adds credibility to our company or industry, there will always be those few feel it’s simply better to ignore than accept.

I’m heading over the river and through the woods with my kids to Grandmothers house we go for an extended weekend in the morning. Peace be with all of you and may you find something to be truly thankful for this Thanksgiving Holiday!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Apparently, I’ve upset some people for not allowing them to have a voice on my Blog. They feel they have a right to have their views an opinions expressed anywhere they choose. Yet, it’s perfectly acceptable for these same individuals to prohibit my views and opinions in areas they choose. Our Petitioning Agents have banded together, and have not only blocked individuals like myself from even viewing what’s being said, but have also taken over forums designed specifically for those who work with various Travel MLM’s in the industry.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

The calls and e-mails have been coming in droves over the last several days. News of our Carnival Sale was originally stated to be announced yesterday. A minor glitch has come to our attention which to my understanding has no bearing on our ability to sell or get paid on travel. (Nor does it lack the ability to be corrected.) This in turn has detoured our efforts with Carnival in announcing these numbers.

For those of you who truly understand the forces out there who have been slinging mud lately, certainly you understand. The rumors and accusations that I’ve seen been thrown around the internet are amazing, especially in light of the fact that there has been no definitive announcement made by anyone concerning anything. People “think” they know what’s going on and while some are calling for a concert from the Fat Lady, others who know what has happened realize, it’s a little naive to make assumptions without having all the facts. That has little bearing however, when you have an opportunity to point fingers and create your own story to advance the cause.

I don’t really know the proper word or phrase to describe the announcements made concerning YTB, both last Thursday, November 8th, and then again yesterday November 13th concerning YTB. Ironic, maybe. Coincidental, possibly. I think our good friend John Frenaye and our Petitioning Agents may consider the news “exquisite timing” however.

Therefore, the company has decided to keep a very tight lip as speculation and rumors continue to mount while YTB prepares to answer all the questions circling around the industry. While some of us wait confidently, unfortunately, at this time, I must take a back seat and allow my company to issue statements concerning the future growth and dominance in this industry. As an Independent Representative of the company, it’s not my place to speculate to anyone what our future plans are.

I will tell you this. Based on what I know, I personally feel not only very good about what will transpire, but confident that the company will answer in a way that is both accurate and meaningful in regards to just who YTB is, and how we will continue to play a major part in the Travel Industry for the coming months and years.

The first part of our answer has come this evening just after the market close, with news of our second profitable quarterly report in a row, with record revenues of $39.9 Million and our best profit to date of $2.1 Million. ($1.6 Million year to date.) All this, while we continue to grow and expand our infrastructure to support our valued Reps and RTA’s.

More importantly, Travel Commissions are starting to support the $226 in sales from 2006 on our SEC filings. I’m sure we will have those who botch these numbers throwing out figures from this filing that support their cause, while ignoring the growth of Travel Sales by those that that have been with this company for more than 9 months. I’ve seen these numbers and filings ransacked many many times over the years.

We may have to provide a special course on what these numbers actually mean for some of our guests here to enlighten them, but that’s another post at another time.

More news to come, I’m sure, and I believe based on the release of our quarterly numbers, it will be sooner than later.

Till then.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

I found this EXCELLENT post in one of the forums this weekend and have asked the author for permission to re-post it here. She has graciously agreed, but also mentioned that she did not wish to be bombarded with people contacting her. Therefore, this author will remain Anonymous and only the reference to her web site was removed from the copy and paste.

Enjoy!

Seasons Greetings everyone,

I seriously debated whether, or not, I even wanted to take my time with this, but I figured my opinion counts as much as anyone else’s. Having said that, I hope my opinion will not personally offend anyone, because it seems there are a few select people already doing a very good job of that, and that is NOT my intention. My purpose, with this, is to hopefully present an alternative perspective. I am also an RTA with YTB, and while learning the ropes, I must admit that am truly enjoying myself. I am very fortunate to have found this business - a totally unique concept for people like me who need the flexibility this business affords me (and there are many people out there like me).

My current responsibilities do not leave me with not enough time for school during normal hours, so YTB provided the perfect forum for me to learn the business, and slowly develop a career with their incredibly well structured learning format, the support, and the limitless tools, and resources they provide - 24/7, and at a fraction of the cost to get trained, and operate a legitimate multi-faceted business – which can be operated from home – or anywhere. Apparently it seems that those who paid, and paved their way, the old school way, find this rather insulting.

However, these are important features to the stay at home mom (or dad) looking to supplement their income, who may be struggling to make ends meet, living week to week, whose circumstances do not allow them enough time, nor the proper resources to go to school. And, what about those people simply less fortunate, who may be forced to work from home, through no choice of their own, but want a shot at the possibility of cultivating a successful career? These are but a few of many other examples, not listed here.

The point being, shouldn’t they be afforded a chance at building a better life? I’m sure many of you will find arguments against this, and we may never agree, so let’s just agree to disagree, at this point. The main point here is that this business model gives these folks, along with many others, a chance to change their lives, and that’s just what this business has done – at least, for those people taking the opportunity seriously, and using it to it’s full advantage. And, that’s powerful, whether you agree, or not. Again, I realize many of you will be less than supportive, and even more intolerant of what {some of} you may deem as pure hogwash. But, do you think the people being afforded the chance to use this opportunity to it’s full advantage, and who, as a result of this, are improving upon their lives, feel that way!?!

In truth, I can only share my personal reason for being with YTB. Like many other people, my husband and I are tired of struggling - as many small businesses do - in the competitive world of Corporate America, and we saw an opportunity that could provide a feasible, alternate way to achieve a decent (and hopefully, early) retirement. Will my newfound P/T travel career take time??? Sure, it will, just as it does with any other business (I ought to know). Eventually, I hope to do this F/T - as circumstances will allow.

In the meantime, my job is to earn people’s business, through trust, and by building their confidence, which is exactly what I am doing. Have I made money, thus far (a point “the others” seem to keep making)??? Well, speaking for myself, the answer is YES… I am making money, and as my knowledge, the time I am able to apply, and my abilities grow, so does my business prosper, and grow. As for the customer service issue, I must agree. If you are going to be in the travel business, you must put your customers, and their needs first. Although, I can admit to not knowing everything (yet), I do aim to help my clients with all aspects of their travel plans, by using the tools and resources provided me, and I do make every attempt to personally handle customer service requests, inquiries, and complaints. If I should come across a problem I can’t solve on my own, and I need help; again, I use my resources. Most of the people that support me in this business know ME personally, and they understand that I am only at the beginning of my journey. Of course, coming from your well-schooled, or seasoned position, you may not see that as viable, and that is okay! I don’t seek your approval. After all, this is a FREE AMERICA, and I don’t see myself as breaking any laws, so… a business I will continue to build!

P.S. I am also happy to report that customer referrals have been outstanding.

As for those clients who book blindly, on any on line site, there realistically lies the potential for an element of risk, but that is entirely their choice to do so. When you get on an amusement park ride, enter the fun house; fly as a passenger on a plane, you do so at your own risk. This analogy is no different than choosing to book your own travel, in a manner of speaking. I do, however, acknowledge and further understand your valid concerns with potential service, and support issues (although I assure you that resources are provided, and available to us, whether you consider these acceptable, or not).

I can only trust that as obstacles befall us (which can be expected in any business) and we are faced with certain challenges, so shall we overcome them, by improving our services, only to make them even better, so thank you for your observations, and constructive criticism.

As far as MLM’s go, in general, YES, they are about building the business model, and some of us focus more on building our down line, but then there are those of us don’t make the down line our main focus, and that is the beauty of THIS business. You do with it what you want, and you can take as long as you need to make it your own personal success story. I know, for myself, I only talk to people about the business ‘opportunity’ if I know it would behoove them to learn about it. Beyond that, it is up to them. Knowledge, after all, is power! Plant a seed and just maybe it’ll grow - if the conditions are right. How wonderful that I am personally afforded the option of both, and that I can utilize these options as I choose, or see fit.

This business is certainly NOT for everyone, but for those who do see the benefit of being part of it, the foundation is in place, and all the tools are provided. What each person does with these is, yet, their own personal story. Based on this, I respect that that is where many of you may have your own personal points of contention.

What I truly find revolting, and personally object to, is that many of you “properly schooled, accredited agents” are so busy slinging slurs, circulating petitions, and citing customer service, on these forums, in the manner in which you do. Isn’t customer service based on character, grace, poise, manners and etiquette? These so called ‘professionals’ have not provided us with ANY shining example of their upstanding character on these forums! What puzzles me, further, is their inference that the only reason people (like me) join on line host agencies (like YTB, amongst many others), is for the travel perks we get. Hmmm… not to say that there aren’t some who do just that, but, seriously now, I’d like to know WHAT it is that motivated these slur slingers to get into the TRAVEL business when they decided to make this their career?!? Are you going to try to tell me, and everyone else, that YOU never entertained the thought of the travel benefits YOU would have being in the business? Not only would you be deceiving me, by insulting my intelligence, and everyone else reading these forums, but you would be deceiving yourself, as well. As for me, the truth is that my personal circumstances, for the time being, do not allow me the time to travel (although I would love to – and certainly plan to, especially as my new business requires me to), but that is not MY reason, in and of itself, for joining YTB.

This of course, will be another point of contention for those of you who will go on to say that you must travel to be able to refer travel, but then I will ask, which side of the fence do YOU actually sit on – or do you know yourself? You can’t imply that travel is the only reason we (the MLM’ers who don’t sell travel but use the perks) get into this business, and make a point of saying that we shouldn’t get into the business to travel, but that is in fact what YOU must do, have done, or will do, in order to responsibly refer travel to YOUR clients.

Read on…Please correct me if I’m mistaken, but as a TA, you’re probably well traveled, and if not, then you will eventually be so (if you are just beginning your career). You claim you paid, and paved, your way through school to earn your credentials, and you may well have your own B&M, or home based business, or work for someone else that does, so I’m sure you’ve partaken in the promotional trips available to you as a TA, to better qualify you for referring travel to your trusting clients. Thus, your insinuations, and accusations, are in direct contradiction to your own words, and actions, and pose a serious misrepresentation on behalf of all your associated accredited agents. This is what I believe is called, “The Pot Calling the Kettle Black.” C’mon you guys… “People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.” I can just imagine the buzz this will stir!

Please don’t sit there all indignant, and lump all of us into one group, or category (ie: hobbyists, opportunists, or whatever else you’d like to refer to us as), and play God by seeking to persecute us, or squash our goals, and efforts, without taking a good look at yourselves, and what is really motivating your hostility, and that which fuels your words, and actions. This is NOT to say that good and valid points have not been made, and that we, as a larger group, need to pay attention to these, because, certainly, there are credible TA’s that have paved the way for us, in this business, much like the forefathers of our country did.

Nevertheless, my fellow YTB’ers (et al), please don’t let these purveyors of hatred, slanderous insults, and negative criticisms, or harsh observations irk, or detract you. Why are they up in arms? Well, after careful thought, given from both perspectives, I can only deduce that; “desperate times call for desperate measures”, and they are seemingly desperate. As we all know, the best offense is a good defense, and they have neither. Let’s face it, “Roger K” coined it best… this is not the only industry in trouble due to the competitive forces of doing business on the Internet… and this is just the beginning. The times they are a changin’!

Many of these hate mongers, and nay sayers will be forced to face the truth before too long, and when that time comes, you will see many of them changing their tune, and course. Dare I say, that when you can’t beat ‘em, you’re left only to join ‘em – at least the smart ones may give it the consideration all Internet business deserves. Hey folks, that’s not to say that we shouldn’t pay attention to “weblets” warnings… these are real threats befalling the industry – and we ALL need to pay close attention to what is REAL, and not simply what may be perceived.

In the meantime, fellow YTB’ers (et al), don’t give credence to their otherwise forked tongues. Simply continue to build your dreams, grow in knowledge, refine your efforts, achieve your goals, and let the nay sayers be. “Misery Loves Company”, so don’t give them any! For those of you who want a good laugh… here’s a LINK to the new (complete?) compilation of several other nay sayers un famous sayings by famous, and un famous people. Go figure! http://www.computerjokes.net/088.htm

By the way, the holidays are almost upon us, and many of you will want to order THANKSGIVING FLOWERS, so please stop by and have a LOOK at YTB Flowers (located by clicking on the EXTRA’s tab)…

The FALL GRANDEUR arrangement is especially nice! Remember your loved ones and their special occasions… any BIRTHDAY’S coming up? Yes, we can take care of most of your FLORAL needs, and while you’re on my site, please take the time to look at all the other wonderful things we have to offer! Many thanks for your support and have a blessed day!

Oh, wait… I don’t have a horticulturist degree, and I’m not a licensed Florist. Any risk takers vs. petitioners out there? Let us, at least, entertain a sense of humor - warped, or otherwise. In closing, I do apologize for the lengthy commentary, but I felt compelled to address crucial points being presented, over several forums, thereby eliminating the need for me to go back & forth with any future retort, or laborious rhetoric. (I’m sure many of you will find that rather comforting to know – LOL).

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, whether based on fact, or fantasy… Isn’t that what makes us all uniquely individual, and part of a free society in what we call the GREAT country of AMERICA!?! But, in so doing, let us try to be civil in our communications, and respectful of others rights and choices.

Peace be with you ALL, over the holidays, and throughout the new year!