The View..
Back in November I had the pleasure of speaking with George Dooley in an interview concerning Travel MLM’s. I was impressed with George’s open mind and his willingness to not only listen, but his sincere desire to understand the MLM business model as it applies to Travel. He like me understands and recognizes both the Pro’s and Con’s concerning what YTB has done in the industry.
I’m pleased to see that George is still learning and reporting, and apparently objective, although via a different Trade Publication and attempting to provide both sides of the YTB story in a fair and unbiased manor. Of course, I can’t blame him for the focus and subject matter, YTB has been a very hot topic for months now, and there’s always something interesting to write about concerning this particular Travel MLM. (I should know. ;-P)
Personally, I have no problem with both sides of the story, as long as it’s intelligent, and it appears that most of YTB doesn’t have a problem with it either. Last Thursday, George interviewed the current President of PATH, Andi Mysza concerning his opinions of YTB and the litigation going on. I happen to agree with Andi concerning his quote:
"Today's travel professional should be focusing on knowledge, education and building a relationship with the customer while selling the experience. If your host is not encouraging this, you need to step back and reevaluate your choice in hosts."
Based on the lack of comments concerning the article, I don’t see much opposition to this particular statement. Sure there were a few from both sides, but the few comments posted had praise for both PATH and the California AG for the attempt to rid the “pariah” known as YTB.
George’s next piece regarding YTB, published the very next day, which not only favored YTB, but highlighted a couple of industry veterans appeared to have peaked a little controversy. The piece highlighted Davidoff Associates, who are working with YTB to enhance its travel agent program along with another respected educator, Marc Mancini, who is also assisting YTB in creating a comprehensive professional education and training program.
Comments include:
“I guess the Davidoffs and Mancini have drank the kool-aid.”
“The Davidoff's and Mancini's last check probably just cleared the bank so they felt safe in making those remarks. They are paid stooges.”
“Welcome to the cult Mr and Mrs Davidoff.”
And my favorite from the same “author”…
“All this really doesn't matter as YTB will be gone in the next couple of years as is the history of MLMs.”
I have to ask…why is it that seemingly intelligent individuals can’t work towards a solution but instead always focus on the problem? I’ll be the first to admit that YTB isn’t perfect, (do you know any business model that is?) but why the negativity and hostility towards anyone who apparently wants to make a contribution to help?
The excuses some people come up with, and the unwillingness to resolve and correct issues, right or wrong, is sad to see. What’s even worse is how I see time and time again this label of “shame” that’s thrown around for anyone who supports the MLM model. I’ve seen it for years, and for the record, this “shaming” of people, is more telling about the author who doesn’t have a legitimate reason or complaint towards the opposition.
It’s a last resort based in anger or ignorance.
The history of MLM is rich (pun not intended) with companies like Avon (1890), Mary Kay (1963), Nutralite (1934), Amway (1972), Shaklee (1956), Herbalife (1982), Fuller Brush Company (1905), and Tupperware (1945). All companies still going strong and thriving in the MLM business model.
So what gives?
Here’s the real problem as I see it as taken from the Davidoff’s.
“YTB may well be the future of retail travel sales and deserves close study by the industry— not condemnation.”
That’s what scares most of the Traditionalist to death and they see it, make no mistake about it. When Travel Weekly came out with the Power List this summer and they saw that YTB not only made it AGAIN, but the jumped 9 spots it was time to hit the panic button. To make matters even worse and add insult to injury, Travel Weekly even stated that they singled out YTB to make sure that the numbers that were reported were actually “travel sales”.
In addition, they see 300% growth in the ranks year over year, and as the California AG’s office said, “They got too big, too fast” so something has to be done.
I don’t know if you know this or not, but when I stated that this complaint was a planned attack on YTB to coincide with the National Convention, some laughed at me. (Imagine that...) The excuse given was that the small minded group who stated this, thought I was talking about them. Truth be told, it’s not THAT groups M.O., and honestly, none of them have it in them. They’re perfectly content wallowing in their own Poor Me Stuff (PMS) and shaming anyone who tries to make some type of intelligent dialog.
As it turns out, it looks as if there is some discussion going on now in Legal circles for a growing call for AG reform.
No kidding. I have a Readers Digest Condensed version of the write up for anyone caring to read, and you know me, I had to check it out from a reliable source to make sure it wasn’t all smoke and mirrors.
So now we have documentation that California, among other states have been on the take from “Special Interest” groups, or hand over Legal Suits to their “pals” in order to make additional income for the AG’s.
Say it isn’t so!
Well, I will say this. There’s nothing to prove at this point if this happens to be the case between the California AG and YTB. The two go quite nicely together however based how the suit is riddled with MLM myths and legends to bring down the “pariah” that some just can’t seem to get rid of.
I don’t know if we’ll ever find out the truth about it from the Attorney General however. Like always, it’s up to us [YTB] to prove things. ;-P
We may however see, as the plot thickens and as YTB turns the industry on it’s ear.
I’m pleased to see that George is still learning and reporting, and apparently objective, although via a different Trade Publication and attempting to provide both sides of the YTB story in a fair and unbiased manor. Of course, I can’t blame him for the focus and subject matter, YTB has been a very hot topic for months now, and there’s always something interesting to write about concerning this particular Travel MLM. (I should know. ;-P)
Personally, I have no problem with both sides of the story, as long as it’s intelligent, and it appears that most of YTB doesn’t have a problem with it either. Last Thursday, George interviewed the current President of PATH, Andi Mysza concerning his opinions of YTB and the litigation going on. I happen to agree with Andi concerning his quote:
"Today's travel professional should be focusing on knowledge, education and building a relationship with the customer while selling the experience. If your host is not encouraging this, you need to step back and reevaluate your choice in hosts."
Based on the lack of comments concerning the article, I don’t see much opposition to this particular statement. Sure there were a few from both sides, but the few comments posted had praise for both PATH and the California AG for the attempt to rid the “pariah” known as YTB.
George’s next piece regarding YTB, published the very next day, which not only favored YTB, but highlighted a couple of industry veterans appeared to have peaked a little controversy. The piece highlighted Davidoff Associates, who are working with YTB to enhance its travel agent program along with another respected educator, Marc Mancini, who is also assisting YTB in creating a comprehensive professional education and training program.Comments include:
“I guess the Davidoffs and Mancini have drank the kool-aid.”
“The Davidoff's and Mancini's last check probably just cleared the bank so they felt safe in making those remarks. They are paid stooges.”
“Welcome to the cult Mr and Mrs Davidoff.”
And my favorite from the same “author”…
“All this really doesn't matter as YTB will be gone in the next couple of years as is the history of MLMs.”
I have to ask…why is it that seemingly intelligent individuals can’t work towards a solution but instead always focus on the problem? I’ll be the first to admit that YTB isn’t perfect, (do you know any business model that is?) but why the negativity and hostility towards anyone who apparently wants to make a contribution to help?
The excuses some people come up with, and the unwillingness to resolve and correct issues, right or wrong, is sad to see. What’s even worse is how I see time and time again this label of “shame” that’s thrown around for anyone who supports the MLM model. I’ve seen it for years, and for the record, this “shaming” of people, is more telling about the author who doesn’t have a legitimate reason or complaint towards the opposition.
It’s a last resort based in anger or ignorance.
The history of MLM is rich (pun not intended) with companies like Avon (1890), Mary Kay (1963), Nutralite (1934), Amway (1972), Shaklee (1956), Herbalife (1982), Fuller Brush Company (1905), and Tupperware (1945). All companies still going strong and thriving in the MLM business model.
So what gives?
Here’s the real problem as I see it as taken from the Davidoff’s.
“YTB may well be the future of retail travel sales and deserves close study by the industry— not condemnation.”
That’s what scares most of the Traditionalist to death and they see it, make no mistake about it. When Travel Weekly came out with the Power List this summer and they saw that YTB not only made it AGAIN, but the jumped 9 spots it was time to hit the panic button. To make matters even worse and add insult to injury, Travel Weekly even stated that they singled out YTB to make sure that the numbers that were reported were actually “travel sales”.
In addition, they see 300% growth in the ranks year over year, and as the California AG’s office said, “They got too big, too fast” so something has to be done.
I don’t know if you know this or not, but when I stated that this complaint was a planned attack on YTB to coincide with the National Convention, some laughed at me. (Imagine that...) The excuse given was that the small minded group who stated this, thought I was talking about them. Truth be told, it’s not THAT groups M.O., and honestly, none of them have it in them. They’re perfectly content wallowing in their own Poor Me Stuff (PMS) and shaming anyone who tries to make some type of intelligent dialog.
As it turns out, it looks as if there is some discussion going on now in Legal circles for a growing call for AG reform.
No kidding. I have a Readers Digest Condensed version of the write up for anyone caring to read, and you know me, I had to check it out from a reliable source to make sure it wasn’t all smoke and mirrors.
So now we have documentation that California, among other states have been on the take from “Special Interest” groups, or hand over Legal Suits to their “pals” in order to make additional income for the AG’s.
Say it isn’t so!
Well, I will say this. There’s nothing to prove at this point if this happens to be the case between the California AG and YTB. The two go quite nicely together however based how the suit is riddled with MLM myths and legends to bring down the “pariah” that some just can’t seem to get rid of.
I don’t know if we’ll ever find out the truth about it from the Attorney General however. Like always, it’s up to us [YTB] to prove things. ;-P
We may however see, as the plot thickens and as YTB turns the industry on it’s ear.
PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
Book Your Travel & Vacations With
Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
Book Your Travel & Vacations With
Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635
Labels: ASTA, MLM Myths, PATH, Travel Agent Issues
