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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