Just Picture It Now: September 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Travel Weekly Summit Announced

I’ve got to thank my upline Director, Tim Dominey for sending me this little gem on Travel Weekly. Most of the time, I send him stuff but today, he’s outdone himself.

Travel Weekly has set up its very own Virtual Leisure Summit slated for October 20th and 21st. Among the presenters of this summit, Travel Weekly has acquired Peter Yesawich, the nations leading seer on leisure travel trends, and Marc Mancini, Ph.D, the industry’s most prominent educator to conduct presentations during this two day event.

Those who register for the webinar sessions can ask question, interact with the presenters, and even contribute their own insights on this online conference.

In addition to the educational sessions from these two industry leaders, Travel Weekly’s Editor and Chief Arnie Weismann has also invited a few others to participate in this highly focused tradeshow, which has been limited to 25 relevant exhibitors and industry leading suppliers. Among those invited to participate as industry figures include Americas Vacation Center co-President Van Anderson, NACTA President Scott Koepf, Vacation.com CEO Steven Tracas, and Ensemble CEO Jack Mannix.

And for those that can’t seem to find the time to get themselves to Wood River, Illinois, you can thank Arnie Weissmann of Travel Weekly for giving you a stage with YTB Travel Network President, Kim Sorensen from the comfort of your own home.

Notable names missing from this list are Frenaye, Ainsworth, and Holmes. It could have been just a simple oversight, but my guess it’s more like a snub. Not to worry however, I’m sure these individuals can find the time in their busy schedule to at least participate in such a highly focused and relevant summit like this.

Spending time online is all they do.

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

Labels: Critics, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM, Travel Weekly

Posted by TravelPro at 12:36 PM | Permalink

Heads Up!

I know many of you subscribe to my Newsletter. My Monthly issue will be out tomorrow and I wanted to give you a heads up.

You DO NOT want to miss this issue.

I have acquired some very valuable insight as to what has been going on up at the home office, and in California that I will share with you tomorrow via my Newsletter.

I’m not at liberty to post here what kind of enhancements are being rolled out, and will let the company release this information to the public.

What I can tell you is this…

It’s going to put our critics into a frenzy, because what they thought was going to happen is actually making our company much more attractive and stronger to a wider audience who may be looking into a Home Based Business.

This would include even more Traditional Travel Agents.

Contact your team, send them to my Newsletter opt-in page and please make sure they know that I will be verifying both that they are an existing RTA and the e-mail matches what they have registered with YTB.

Until 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

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Card Mill, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 7:03 AM | Permalink

Monday, September 29, 2008

Stop Worrying and Get to Work

I get a kick out of negative people. How they can ALWAYS find something negative in ANYTHING they look at is a real gift. What they don’t get is that while they focus on the negative, what do you think shows up?

More negative stuff.

There has been plenty of news lately for people to focus on the negative, especially in this economy. Washington Mutual was big news late last week, and I read that many are very nervous about 3rd quarter results that will be out soon. (As if their looking for more reasons to be negative?)

This weekend I ran into a man with a very nice smile. I also read what he wrote, and I couldn’t agree more with what he has to say. I’ve also taken some of his advice and started working on a number of niche trips for people that I know which include romance, the great outdoors, and some golf trips.

Makes you wonder what we can do when Ultimate 5 Adventures goes live!

With the new CLIA requirements for 2009 set and in place, it’s put a renewed interest on my travel business, and it’s turning out to be just the ticket to turn this lemon concerning the "economy" into lemonade.

John Peters is one of the good guys in the Travel Industry in my book. Why? Because he’s come up with a solution, and like me, doesn’t want to participate in all the doom and gloom going on in the industry and the country.

Thank you John for not only being positive, but offering all of us a solution.

Stop Worrying and Get to Work

Okay, sure, the economic outlook is bleak. What is an agent to do? Are people going to take vacations this year? Will they stop traveling all together? Is travel doomed?

Stop. Breathe. Relax.

My father, a Greek immigrant who came to the US in 1948 and started one of the largest travel agencies in the country, always says to me: "I've been through a lot of horrible things in my life... and most of it never happened."

What does that mean? We humans tend to focus on the negative and in our minds we always imagine the worst. Well, cut it out! This industry is full of nay-sayers and frankly, it's what brings us all down. The glass is half full, you know.

As I see it, you have a couple of choices: you can sit around and wallow in the unknown or you can get cracking and drum up some business. How? For starters, stop doing the things you've always done and try something new. This is the time to "think outside the box." Take calculated risks. If the government can come up with a gazillion-dollar Band-Aid, you surely can come up with some unique ways to find new customers.

Here are some facts.

September is shaping up to be one of the best months ever at Tripology and this is a good indicator of what's going on in the market. Why? Well, consumers are looking for travel specialists, not generalists or "run of the mill" travel agents. They want real expertise, first-hand knowledge of the destination they're going to visit. They want passion. Start selling yourself for the professional that you are. Stop saying, "I can book anything," and start focusing on your specialty. I actually met an agent at a trade show who said she didn't have a specialty! What? Well, what are you most passionate about? Consumers can find agent generalists on every corner and about a million places online.

Consumers come to our site and enter detailed trips requests (over 45,000 in the past 12 months). That's right: 45,000-plus people looking for a travel specialist. We then connect them with up to three specialists. Of the three, guess which agents invariably get the business? The agents who can best sell themselves and prove they're a real professional with personal experience and a passion for what they sell.

Here's an idea. Put together five sample trips - each with a twist. They don't have to be too crazy, but they should be unique. Forget the commodity, price-driven stuff, too. You'll never win selling on price. Then, come up with some neat names for the trips: "Kid-Friendly Saint Lucia" or "Go Topless on Mykonos." As far as products, pick some unique ones. Everyone is selling hotels, so sell vacation rentals. Everyone is selling cruises, so sell small ship cruises. Everyone is selling tours, so sell educational tours. For heaven's sake, do everything you possibly can to stand out from the crowd.

Need help? There are dozens of tour operators and specialty travel companies that would gladly help you. If you belong to a consortium or marketing organization, your preferred supplier list is a great place to start.

Then, when you put your new portfolio of product together, have someone professionally create a teaser flyer. Mail it to every one of your customers with a personal note. Yes, a personal note to each of them. In the note, mention the ONE trip they should focus on. They'll read all of them anyway. You should already be using something like ClientBase or have given your mailing list to your consortium's marketing team, so this shouldn't be difficult. If you're not, you should at least be using some sort of database program.

This is just one idea. There are many others that you can get from your associates. Ask around for ideas. If you're Home Based, have you logged on to www.hbtacommunity.com yet? This is a great place to start.

After you've mined your own list again, it's time to find NEW customers. There are lots of ways to do this. I'm partial to Tripology.com, but hey, that's just me (and 8,500 other travel specialists).

(John Peters, CTIE, is president and CEO of Tripology.com, an online travel referral service that connects travel specialists to consumers seeking their expert knowledge and travel planning experience.)

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

Labels: John Peters, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM, Travel Trade

Posted by TravelPro at 6:07 AM | Permalink

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Butch Cassidy has Died...

To this day, one of my all time favorite movies is the 1969 hit “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid”. I was only 5 years of age at the time, but can still remember the theatre I had seen this movie in with my father. I remember leaving with the question “what happened?” after the closing cut of the movie when Robert Redford, and Paul Newman ran out to escape the entire Bolivian Army. (I was five, give me a break!)

I have just been informed that “Butch Cassidy” has died at the age of 83. I read the press release in it’s entirety and I can’t think of another actor who has made more of an impact, has more credentials, or has affected more generations as this one.

A generation later, my own five year old son has come to know Paul Newman as Doc Hudson, in the Pixar hit movie, “Cars”

While Paul Newman's legend will live on in the movies he's made, the man will certainly be missed.

PS – I wonder how many will show up at HIS funeral?

WESTPORT, Conn. - Paul Newman, the Academy-Award winning superstar who personified cool as the anti-hero of such films as "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Color of Money" — and as an activist, race car driver and popcorn impresario — has died. He was 83.

Newman died Friday after a long battle with cancer at his farmhouse near Westport, publicist Jeff Sanderson said. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.
In May, Newman had dropped plans to direct a fall production of "Of Mice and Men," citing unspecified health issues.

He got his start in theater and on television during the 1950s, and went on to become one of the world's most enduring and popular film stars, a legend held in awe by his peers. He was nominated for Oscars 10 times, winning one regular award and two honorary ones, and had major roles in more than 50 motion pictures, including "Exodus," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Verdict," "The Sting" and "Absence of Malice."

Newman worked with some of the greatest directors of the past half century, from Alfred Hitchcock and John Huston to Robert Altman, Martin Scorsese and the Coen brothers. His co-stars included Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and, most famously, Robert Redford, his sidekick in "Butch Cassidy" and "The Sting."

He sometimes teamed with his wife and fellow Oscar winner, Joanne Woodward, with whom he had one of Hollywood's rare long-term marriages. "I have steak at home, why go out for hamburger?" Newman told Playboy magazine when asked if he was tempted to stray. They wed in 1958, around the same time they both appeared in "The Long Hot Summer," and Newman directed her in several films, including "Rachel, Rachel" and "The Glass Menagerie."

With his strong, classically handsome face and piercing blue eyes, Newman was a heartthrob just as likely to play against his looks, becoming a favorite with critics for his convincing portrayals of rebels, tough guys and losers. "I was always a character actor," he once said. "I just looked like Little Red Riding Hood."

Newman had a soft spot for underdogs in real life, giving tens of millions to charities through his food company and setting up camps for severely ill children.

Passionately opposed to the Vietnam War, and in favor of civil rights, he was so famously liberal that he ended up on President Nixon's "enemies list," one of the actor's proudest achievements, he liked to say.

A screen legend by his mid-40s, he waited a long time for his first competitive Oscar, winning in 1987 for "The Color of Money," a reprise of the role of pool shark "Fast" Eddie Felson, whom Newman portrayed in the 1961 film "The Hustler."

Newman delivered a magnetic performance in "The Hustler," playing a smooth-talking, whiskey-chugging pool shark who takes on Minnesota Fats — played by Jackie Gleason — and becomes entangled with a gambler played by George C. Scott. In the sequel — directed by Scorsese — "Fast Eddie" is no longer the high-stakes hustler he once was, but rather an aging liquor salesman who takes a young pool player (Cruise) under his wing before making a comeback.

He won an honorary Oscar in 1986 "in recognition of his many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft." In 1994, he won a third Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, for his charitable work.

His most recent academy nod was a supporting actor nomination for the 2002 film "Road to Perdition." One of Newman's nominations was as a producer; the other nine were in acting categories. (Jack Nicholson holds the record among actors for Oscar nominations, with 12; actress Meryl Streep has had 14.)

As he passed his 80th birthday, he remained in demand, winning an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the 2005 HBO drama "Empire Falls" and providing the voice of a crusty 1951 car in the 2006 Disney-Pixar hit, "Cars."

But in May 2007, he told ABC's "Good Morning America" he had given up acting, though he intended to remain active in charity projects. "I'm not able to work anymore as an actor at the level I would want to," he said. "You start to lose your memory, your confidence, your invention. So that's pretty much a closed book for me."

He received his first Oscar nomination for playing a bitter, alcoholic former star athlete in the 1958 film "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Elizabeth Taylor played his unhappy wife and Burl Ives his wealthy, domineering father in Tennessee Williams' harrowing drama, which was given an upbeat ending for the screen.

In "Cool Hand Luke," he was nominated for his gritty role as a rebellious inmate in a brutal Southern prison. The movie was one of the biggest hits of 1967 and included a tagline, delivered one time by Newman and one time by prison warden Strother Martin, that helped define the generation gap, "What we've got here is (a) failure to communicate."

Newman's hair was graying, but he was as gourgeous as ever and on the verge of his greatest popular success. In 1969, Newman teamed with Redford for "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," a comic Western about two outlaws running out of time. Newman paired with Redford again in 1973 in "The Sting," a comedy about two Depression-era con men. Both were multiple Oscar winners and huge hits, irreverent, unforgettable pairings of two of the best-looking actors of their time.

Newman also turned to producing and directing. In 1968, he directed "Rachel, Rachel," a film about a lonely spinster's rebirth. The movie received four Oscar nominations, including Newman, for producer of a best motion picture, and Woodward, for best actress. The film earned Newman the best director award from the New York Film Critics.

In the 1970s, Newman, admittedly bored with acting, became fascinated with auto racing, a sport he studied when he starred in the 1972 film, "Winning." After turning professional in 1977, Newman and his driving team made strong showings in several major races, including fifth place in Daytona in 1977 and second place in the Le Mans in 1979.

"Racing is the best way I know to get away from all the rubbish of Hollywood," he told People magazine in 1979.

Despite his love of race cars, Newman continued to make movies and continued to pile up Oscar nominations, his looks remarkably intact, his acting becoming more subtle, nothing like the mannered method performances of his early years, when he was sometimes dismissed as a Brando imitator. "It takes a long time for an actor to develop the assurance that the trim, silver-haired Paul Newman has acquired," Pauline Kael wrote of him in the early 1980s.

In 1982, he got his Oscar fifth nomination for his portrayal of an honest businessman persecuted by an irresponsible reporter in "Absence of Malice." The following year, he got his sixth for playing a down-and-out alcoholic attorney in "The Verdict."
In 1995, he was nominated for his slyest, most understated work yet, the town curmudgeon and deadbeat in "Nobody's Fool." New York Times critic Caryn James found his acting "without cheap sentiment and self-pity," and observed, "It says everything about Mr. Newman's performance, the single best of this year and among the finest he has ever given, that you never stop to wonder how a guy as good-looking as Paul Newman ended up this way."

Newman, who shunned Hollywood life, was reluctant to give interviews and usually refused to sign autographs because he found the majesty of the act offensive, according to one friend.

He also claimed that he never read reviews of his movies.

"If they're good you get a fat head and if they're bad you're depressed for three weeks," he said.

Off the screen, Newman had a taste for beer and was known for his practical jokes. He once had a Porsche installed in Redford's hallway — crushed and covered with ribbons.

"I think that my sense of humor is the only thing that keeps me sane," he told Newsweek magazine in a 1994 interview.

In 1982, Newman and his Westport neighbor, writer A.E. Hotchner, started a company to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. Newman's Own, which began as a joke, grew into a multimillion-dollar business selling popcorn, salad dressing, spaghetti sauce and other foods. All of the company's profits are donated to charities. By 2007, the company had donated more than $175 million, according to its Web site.

"We will miss our friend Paul Newman, but are lucky ourselves to have known such a remarkable person," Robert Forrester, vice chairman of Newman's Own Foundation, said in a statement.

Hotchner said Newman should have "everybody's admiration."

"For me it's the loss of an adventurous freindship over the past 50 years and it's the loss of a great American citizen," Hotchner told The Associated Press.

In 1988, Newman founded a camp in northeastern Connecticut for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. He went on to establish similar camps in several other states and in Europe.

He and Woodward bought an 18th century farmhouse in Westport, where they raised their three daughters, Elinor "Nell," Melissa and Clea.

Newman had two daughters, Susan and Stephanie, and a son, Scott, from a previous marriage to Jacqueline Witte.

Scott died in 1978 of an accidental overdose of alcohol and Valium. After his only son's death, Newman established the Scott Newman Foundation to finance the production of anti-drug films for children.

Newman was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the second of two boys of Arthur S. Newman, a partner in a sporting goods store, and Theresa Fetzer Newman.

He was raised in the affluent suburb of Shaker Heights, where he was encouraged him to pursue his interest in the arts by his mother and his uncle Joseph Newman, a well-known Ohio poet and journalist.

Following World War II service in the Navy, he enrolled at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he got a degree in English and was active in student productions.

He later studied at Yale University's School of Drama, then headed to New York to work in theater and television, his classmates at the famed Actor's Studio including Brando, James Dean and Karl Malden. His breakthrough was enabled by tragedy: Dean, scheduled to star as the disfigured boxer in a television adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's "The Battler," died in a car crash in 1955. His role was taken by Newman, then a little-known performer.

Newman started in movies the year before, in "The Silver Chalice," a costume film he so despised that he took out an ad in Variety to apologize. By 1958, he had won the best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for the shiftless Ben Quick in "The Long Hot Summer."

In December 1994, about a month before his 70th birthday, he told Newsweek magazine he had changed little with age.

"I'm not mellower, I'm not less angry, I'm not less self-critical, I'm not less tenacious," he said. "Maybe the best part is that your liver can't handle those beers at noon anymore," he said.

Newman is survived by his wife, five children, two grandsons and his older brother Arthur.

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

Labels: Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Paul Newman

Posted by TravelPro at 10:35 AM | Permalink

Friday, September 26, 2008

The Funeral

I had this forwarded to me via one of my Newsletter Subscribers yesterday morning. Yesterday started very early for me with my son needing to have a couple “sugar bunny’s” (cavities for us adults) filled, and it didn’t stop until late last night. I had planned on another post, but didn’t even have the time to start what I wanted, but when I saw this, I thought it was appropriate with all the trash talking going on over the internet.

I realize this can be easier said than done, even for me, but this puts everything into a great perspective. It’s not surprising that this came from one of YTB’s Top Directors, and a female to boot.

Juliet St. John.

The Funeral Story

Many years ago I was a sales manager for a company in Baltimore, Maryland. I would pull my team together from several states every quarter for a day of relationship and team building exercises as well as general sales training.

The company we all worked for was a business services company, and our model was not a networking company in any way. We were a business calling on other businesses, or "B to B" as it is often referred to today. All the same, the sales people who were paid a large base salary, given a company car and an expense account, still had some of the same challenges that our teammates, or perhaps you do in YTB.

You see, as part of their job description, there was a large amount of "cold calling" involved. This of course refers to making contacts, setting appointments, and making presentations for the purpose of securing a new account with someone that they did not know. Sound familiar?

During one sales meeting in the fall of the year, I closed out the meeting with an article that I had read in a national publication. The article was written on of all things, funerals. You see, the writer of the article had conducted surveys of many funerals across the country and came up with some interesting statistics and facts. "And exactly how am I going to tie this into YTB?" you say.

The first thing that I read said that on the average, at a funeral, approximately ten people cry. That struck me as quite odd. Ten people? No more? Ten? In other words, after I spend my entire life, hopefully into my nineties, working with thousands of people in my business, volunteering for several organizations, donating my time and money, laughing and living life with relatives and friends thru all of the ups and downs, that only ten people would cry?

What's that about?

Now, get ready, because here is where it gets even better. You know that after the funeral, there is of course the burial, right? The article said that the number one thing that would determine how many people would go to the actual burial was determined by one thing and one thing alone: the weather! The article said that if it rains on the day of my burial, that at best case, only fifty percent of the people at the funeral would go for that last ride with me to the actual burial.

The other fifty percent might really, really love me. But they would still prefer not to get wet. So here is my point. I told that sales team and I am telling you today that I had a realization when I read that article. It was quite liberating. I got freed up.

If only ten people are going to cry and less than fifty percent won't see me off if the sky opens up and rains, that what kind of sense does it make for me to care at all about what other people think?

Now I didn't say that I don't care about other people. I do, very much care FOR other people. But you know what? I don't give a hoot what other people think about what it is that I am doing.

Period. End of the story.

Why would I (or you) be afraid of rejection? Why would I be concerned about what so and so thinks? Why would I ever be worried again about someone passing judgment on me because I am doing "one of those things"?

It really is very simple. If you talk to enough people, some will come into YTB, and some won't. If you talk to enough people, some will book travel with you, and some won't. If enough people come into your YTB Business, some will become Power Team Leaders, and some won't. Of the PT Leaders, some will be productive, and guess what? Some won't.

The only variable is whether or not you are going to talk to enough people...And as you are trying to muster up the courage to approach your relative, your friend, or a complete stranger about YTB remember this: chances are, they won't cry at your funeral and they won't get rained on to say goodbye. And most people live a lot of their lives all cooped up caring about what the other person thinks.

On a final note. There are a handful of people who have many, many people cry at their funerals and have long funeral processions no matter the weather. JFK Martin Luther King, Jr. Gandhi John Lennon The list goes on.

These people, the "Difference Makers", and others like them, they have thousands that show because they spent their lives not worrying or caring about what other people thought.

What are YOU thinking?

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

Labels: Home Based Travel Agent, Juliet St. John, MLM Myths, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 4:13 AM | Permalink

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

MythBusters To The Rescue!

Have you ever seen or heard something and went…"Shut – UP"!? I don’t mean shut up like close your mouth shut up; although what PhoCusWright has now clarified for us will do that as well. No, I’m talking about “Shut – Up” meaning, “No Way!” or “I don’t believe it!”

You know...“Shut – UP!”

That’s exactly what came out of my mouth when I found this gem in Travel Trade last night. The reaction stems from the bonehead Traditionalist who's been trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes for the last year and that guys like me wear these "rose colored glasses". We couldn't possibly have a better understanding than he does. Nor could online sales even remotely come close the kind of dominance he and the others spout off because of the "service" or the "knowledge" they provide.

It appears that PhoCusWright has dispelled their misinformation-and debunked the online travel myths we see all too often from our Traditionalists during the first-ever Analyst Forum, held September 10 in New York City.

Oh how our Traditionalists have been reaching for something…anything…that would substantiate their claim that market share is moving back to them. Well, sorry folks…just not happening and the jig is up.

I’d like to introduce to you our MythBusters…AKA: PhoCusWright.

Enjoy, and see if you don't say the same thing. ;-P

6 Online Travel Myths Unmasked at PhoCusWright Analyst Forum

Myth #1: The number of online travel buyers in the U.S. is declining. In fact, that number is on the rise, as documented in The Consumer Travel Trends Tenth Edition recently published by PhoCusWright Inc. In 2007, approximately 70% of online travelers (that is, adults who have taken a commercial air trip and stayed at a hotel for leisure in the past year, and used the Internet in the past 30 days) bought travel online, compared to 63% in 2006.

PhoCusWright dispelled this piece of misinformation-and debunked five additional online travel myths-at it’s first-ever Analyst Forum, held September 10 in New York City.

In addition to the misconception that online travel buyers are declining, The PhoCusWright Analyst Forum corrected these five other online travel myths:

Myth 1. The number of online travel buyers in the U.S. is declining. In fact, that number is on the rise, as documented in The Consumer Travel Trends Tenth Edition recently published by PhoCusWright Inc. In 2007, approximately 70% of online travelers (that is, adults who have taken a commercial air trip and stayed at a hotel for leisure in the past year, and used the Internet in the past 30 days) bought travel online, compared to 63% in 2006.

Myth 2. More and more online travel shoppers use supplier sites than online travel agencies. While this belief is widespread in the travel industry, it is simply untrue, according to PhoCusWright, the travel industry research firm. In terms of popularity, online travel agencies are making a comeback (source: The PhoCusWright Consumer Travel Trends Survey Tenth Edition or "CTTS10").

Myth 3. Travel agencies are experiencing a resurgence as travelers return to traditional purchasing channels. Not so. In reality, even many formerly exclusive offline buyers are migrating online for travel shopping and buying, according to CTTS10.

Myth 4. The next generation of travelers prefers to do everything online. The truth is, less than half of what 18-28 year olds spend on travel is spent online, according to The NEXTgen Traveler(TM) report, jointly published by PhoCusWright and Ypartnership.

Myth 5. Social networks and travel reviews have the greatest influence on travel decision-making. The NEXTgen Traveler(TM) report reveals that while social media is widespread, destination Web sites and online travel agencies are favored by nearly half of next generation travelers during the travel shopping process.

Myth 6. Online travel markets need high credit card and Internet penetration to succeed. The structure and ambitions of the travel marketplace are even more important drivers than infrastructure. Case in point is India, one of the most dynamic online travel marketplaces today, where roughly 98% of the population does not use credit cards or have access to the Internet.

The sold-out Analyst Forum provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the realities of the online travel marketplace, offering facts, figures and insights for strategic planning and decision-making, especially as attendees find themselves engaged in 2009 budget planning.

"Nobody wants to make strategic errors based on bad information," said Lorraine Sileo, vice president, research for PhoCusWright. "Through this Analyst Forum, we were able to educate attendees about online travel myths and the realities in consumer behavior and to paint a picture of the new distribution landscape so that they can better assess their channel partners, such as travel agencies.

"PhoCusWright's Analyst Forum will continue to take place on a quarterly basis in New York City featuring research and analysis on a variety of travel, tourism and hospitality topics.

Aint THAT somethin’?

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

Labels: MLM Myths, PhoCusWright, Travel MLM, Travel Trade

Posted by TravelPro at 5:11 AM | Permalink

Monday, September 22, 2008

Fear Factor LIVE!

It appears that someone is still frustrated with me because I won’t let him spout off here on my blog. So in order to make this person feel better about himself, I’m going to highlight his entry for everyone to see.

Please note, that he’s sworn off writing about me on his own blog so that’s why you find it on this forum. (Not really, but I really wish they would for their own sanity.)

The spin, ignorance, and flat out lies are getting old and rather worn. However, the man obviously wants an audience, so I’ll oblige at this point. And I'd like to ask my own question not only to the poster, but all posters who like to hide behind thier computer keyboards. (Later)

I have to wonder why everything I post needs to be commented on these days. It was my understanding that nobody reads this blog any longer, but every time I post, somebody’s commenting on what I’ve said. They just HAVE to respond with some sort of rebuttal to correct what they believe to be gross errors and lies that I post here in my own little corner of cyberspace.

In contrast, do I need to correct some of the gross errors I’ve seen out there made by some of the same people who think they have a better vantage point than I do?

Not really…

Keeping up with John and all his posts is a full time job in its own right. How the man makes any money with all the time he spends reading and posting on the internet is a complete mystery. A bigger mystery for me is how this man formulates some of the ideas he has.

Like most people, he takes what he’s heard as actual fact, but never seems to check to see if it’s even remotely accurate.

I had a good laugh over his assumption that R&B Marketing stood for “Rick and Brenda”, and even went as far as stating that he checked the Nevada registration.

Not that it would matter if Phil & Doris Davidoff are REP’s or RTA’s, he’s convinced that they are because of the Freedom Awards we handed out to during the National Convention. Not comprehending that Frank Brummett, Bob Federico, and UHY, LLP are also Freedom Award winners.

And, what does it say about someone when other Zealots need to help him out and start correcting him?

None of these false, misleading or at the very least deceptive claims however appears to stop the man from spouting off all day, every day over his obsession and illusions about YTB.

I could follow behind with a shovel and dump truck cleaning up all the crap this guy posts, but I’ve resigned myself to the fact that it’s never going to stop, and I honestly, it’s not much fun or profitable working the garbage detail.

What is amusing to me however about this rebuttal is how much time he spent trying to justify his position.

Let’s not forget that this poster laid claim that he couldn’t find ANY positive press on Coach. I could care less if I found 1 or 10 positive articles; it’s four more than he even cared to admit.

I LOVED the looooong drawn out explanation about a phone book. Maybe he spent all the time he did on this because he didn’t want anyone to look at why Rhode Island repealed its Travel Agent Bonding law? (That would be a 40% decline in Travel Agencies over the last 5 years.)

Nor do I recall ever posting here this notion about 80% of all travel being booked on line. (I’m not going through three years of posts however to make sure.) I do find it odd that he conveniently missed my post less than a month ago on actual on line booking stats, or the type of client demographic that make these purchases.

I would like to answer one question John asked in his post which was directed specifically at me.

“But what about this Doug...the next time you are in the Corner, why not ask Coach to host a series of meetings to address his critics.”

You don’t have the guts do you John?

Why is it up to me, Firemedic, or any other YTB’er to do that? Dude, you’re the one with the problem with YTB, not us. I find it very odd that you took the time to see Scott Tomer, was in the same room with the man, but didn’t say word one to him. I find it odd that you know the e-mail address of the CEO, but can’t send a simple e-mail to ask yourself? You have the address, and the phone numbers, heck, you claim to get calls from inside the Home Office, but can’t ask them to forward a message to Coach to arrange such a meeting?

I wish I could say I was kidding, but sadly, that’s how lame this guy really is.

John, I’m sorry buddy, but I just can’t condone or help someone who doesn’t have enough of a spine to take advantage of all the opportunities you’ve had to set this up on your own. So I’ll have to decline your request and state that the only reluctance I see is your own.

What has become very clear, is that you, the other Traditionalists, and the Zealots you have following you are scared to death about what you might find when you actually come face to face with a man who has more integrity, more character, and more ethics in his pinky finger, than whole lot of you combined.

If we have a problem, we pick up the phone like Von Nickleberry, or maybe someone like Regina Osei and at least attempt to straighten things out like an adult. But not you John, you’re too good, you’re too busy, you’re too special, you want it handed to you on silver platter because you’re the great and powerful John Frenaye.

Great and Powerful Oz is more like it.

If it meant that much to you, it would have been done. But instead, you hide behind a keyboard and type away with all your little insults and spin about how YTB is destroying your precious industry, and you want us, meaning the field of YTB, to make it better for you.

I’m done with this “get a clue” idea.

I now have to up the ante to “get a spine”.

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

Labels: John Frenaye, MLM Myths, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 4:33 AM | Permalink

Friday, September 19, 2008

Steeler Fans Unite

Want a tip on how to get a new prospect in front of Coach when he comes to town? All you have to do is wear a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. ;-P

Coach was in Atlanta last night for one of those “recruiting meetings” at a packed room in the Sheraton Gateway down by the Atlanta airport. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a Founders Award, and while others were handing out the awards, Coach made sure HE had the opportunity to hand me my award once he saw #7 walking down the isle.

He joked with me to see if my shoulder was okay for this Sunday’s matchup against the Eagles at the time, but we had an opportunity to talk for a few minutes personally after the meeting.

During our talk, I mentioned how I started this nasty rumor about him buying the Steelers, which we both had a good laugh about. It amazes both of us how desperate some people are to taint our company and our model. He mentioned something last night which I wish I could actually do. He said that if you take a phone book from 5 years ago and count the number of Travel Agencies, and then compare it how many are in the phone book today, you’ll see why their so desperate.

Problem is, I got a new phone book yesterday and it’s already in the recycling bin because I can’t remember the last time I actually used a phone book to look up a number. (Maybe that’s why Telecommunication MLM’s are hated too?)

His message was clear however, even without having any phone books in the house. Brick and Mortar Agencies are in decline. Rhode Island is a perfect example of that, with a 60% decline in the last 5 years, and why Rhode Island reversed the Agent Licensing. (No money in it.)

Coach is fully aware of the pot shots people take at him. Honestly, I don’t think it bothers him one bit. If you think about it, why should it? Why should the opinions of a small group, who have never met him, and or even spoken to him matter one iota? Did the few that are so angry at him stay at a Holiday Inn last night or something? None of them have ever met the man or even remotely spoken with him to form any type of recommendation about who Coach is and what he stands for.

In a January 2007 interview with Travel Weekly Coach was asked how he answers the critics, and based on our discussion last night, he hasn’t wavered one bit from what he said almost 2 years ago.

“With network marketing companies, people call them all the same thing, pyramid schemes. You beat that by proving yourself. We just keep doing the right thing. The business is growing, but the travel sales are growing per RTA, too.”

Later that year, YTB ranked #35 in the US with $226 Million in travel, and YTB made one of the largest jumps, 9 spots which ties with another agency, to number #26 this year with $414.5 Million in travel sales.

These critics can spout off all they want, but this kind of documentation speaks volumes about who we are and what we do…and that include one “critic” in California.

We’ve been asking these “critics” to actually meet Coach, even as late as this week. It’s amusing to see how they can be so bold about what they would tell the man in front of his face, but as soon as the opportunity is given, they run with their tails between their legs with all kinds of excuses.

See, instead of resolving the issues they have, their content with being angry and bitter towards a man they honestly know nothing about. It’s much easier to keep the illusion they have, because it’s the only thing they have left to blame in regards to why their business is suffering.

Remember the story about the lost keys in the house, but looking for them outside under the light? Coach is the most visible light they can see, and that’s why so many are focused on him. What they don’t get is that what they’ve lost resides in their own house, not outside were all the attention is right now. Nobody wants to take responsibility for their own actions. I know, it’s a tough pill to swallow. During the course of this year I had to evaluate what I was doing spending so much time on the internet. My business suffered. But that’s not the fault of the TTA’s or YTB it was mine.

I’ve never met anyone more calm and centered as Coach. Well, maybe T. Harv Ecker, but I don’t know Harv the way I know Coach. I’ve spent hours with this man, I listen to his calls on a weekly basis. I’m being mentored by him in Coach’s Corner via e-mail and private conversations. I looked him dead in the eyes last night and I saw a man who’s never waivered, never said a cross word to anyone, and never changed his conviction to take YTB to the top. All he’s looking for is people that are “All In” like he is.

Now I could go the route of some of the “critics” and become bitter, angry, and resentful. Or I could go with a man who sincerely wants to help me. And for the record, no I don’t give him money each month to do that. Just the opposite, he gives me money for following the very simple principles and business advice he’s teaching over 100,000 to do. Some take his advice to heart, some don’t. That’s their choice.

Bottom line for me this week. If you think you know Coach better than I know Coach, have at it. You’re more than welcome to your opinion. We all know what they say about opinions. Everybody has one.

Some are just bigger than others. ;-P

So guys, I’m proud to tell you that YES, I drink the Kool-Aid. I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I know from experience it can be toxic. Kool-Aid however, keeps my mind clear and my head sharp.

I’m also proud to tell you that YES, I’ve been brainwashed. My mind has been cleansed of all the negativity and stinkin thinkin that I was taught about what I can achieve in my life. It’s been replaced with self worth, self respect, and a desire to achieve more for myself and my family.

I enjoy the journey with a man I call "Coach".

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

Labels: Coach's Playbook, J. Lloyd Tomer, Travel MLM, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 7:36 AM | Permalink

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Executive Corner

Would it surprise you that Coach is well respected in the Network Marketing Industry? During his years in A.L. Williams, 21 years in all, Coach became very successful with A.L. Williams (now known as Primerica Financial Services) and became financially independent. I know that upsets some people, based on many of the myths out there about rich people being greedy, scamming others in order to make this money…

Whatever…

Truth of the matter is Coach is an Executive. Just like any other Executive with any other company out there. You might want to head out to your local news stand this week and read his “Executive Corner” article in the Network Marketing Business Journal this month.

What I find especially gratifying at this point in time is that those of us who truly understand the features, advantages, and benefits of Network Marketing know that any successful company that’s making strides in the industry the way YTB is aren’t the least bit fearful about what’s going on right now.

Others would like us to be, but we see this more as an opportunity; or a right of passage if you will as not only a key player, but dominant force in the Network Marketing arena and industry leader in our product. (That would be Travel.)

If you did your due diligence about the industry, you’d recognize that most of the major players out there at one point or another went through what YTB is just now heading into at this point in time. Amway is probably the biggest winner out of all of them, winning a case thrown at them by the FTC in 1979. In 1986 California brought a Permanent Injunction against Herbalife. Nu Skin had Attorney Generals from 9 States hammering away at them in 1991, they even made Newsweek for being one of them pyramid things.

I know the Network Marketing Industry has had “critics” who were so fearful they spend and exorbitant amount of time attempting to shut industry leaders down. What’s funny about each of these cases is that part of the claim is that each of the companies will run out of “suckers”, one of those endless chains that we hear so much about.

Well, each of the above companies are still enrolling new distributors to this day, so when do you think they might run out?

Hello? Anyone?

Today, based on what they went through, you don’t get very many people out there who just dismiss the above mentioned companies as one of those “illegal pyramids”. History has proved the critics wrong by overcoming the objections place before them by Government Agencies.

I’ve heard it said, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”
The few critics that are out there concerning YTB keep throwing up Kim Sorensen’s comment about “legitimizing” our company. I’ve got to ask at this point, what’s going to happen when the claims made by the California AG are proven to be unfounded and YTB is still standing strong? What’s going to happen when the tide turns and we can use this complaint as an asset on the other side?

Amway, Herbalife, and Nu-Skin can now use documentation to combat any knuckle head who wants to throw the words “pyramid scheme” as an excuse.

If someone wants to tell you that YTB isn’t at that point just yet, just politely smile and agree for now. But fully understand that the ASTA attempted to shut down YTB via the FTC with a complaint back in 2005. The Florida AG “investigated” back in 2006 and never found enough to even file a complaint. And we can’t forget what YTB did for all Agents in Rhode Island, who because of the critics who wanted to “blow the whistle” on YTB helped eradicate a law on the books that had been in place since 1972.

History has already given us a glimpse of what we can expect, and that’s probably why Coach is the featured “Executive” in a leading Network Marketing Publication this month.

Welcome to the Big Leagues Coach!

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

Labels: Network Marketing, NMBJ, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 5:58 AM | Permalink

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Community Awards

Yesterday I posted about Coach’s involvement in the church. Today, we’re going to post about his involvement in the community at large. Last October, Coach was honored for his community involvement with YTB at a State of the River Bend Luncheon, an event organized by the Growth Association of Southwestern Illinois.

“YTB International Inc. was honored for its community involvement. The Internet-based travel agency that has its headquarters in Wood River has seen a 300 percent jump in sales and the creation of 134 more jobs between July 1, 2006, and June 30 of this year.

Lloyd Tomer, owner and founder, received the award — and was the only honoree to put on the ship captain’s hat, which is presented to each winner along with a plaque.”

A few days later, an entire article was written up in The Telegraph about YTB and pictured the man honored at the luncheon.

YTB International keeps growing

WOOD RIVER — Rapid growth and achievement have earned YTB International in Wood River a Growth Association Captain of the River Bend award for community enhancement.

YTB, American Water, Riverbender.com and The Telegraph will receive the awards at the Growth Association’s State of the River Bend luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College.

YTB has seen a 300 percent-per-year growth the last four years, said Andy Cauthen, president and CEO of YourTravelBiz, which is part of YTB. The company employs 277 in Wood River and Edwardsville.

“I’m so happy they have come back to their roots in the River Bend,” said Monica Bristow, president of the Growth Association. “They were in Alton for a while. They outgrew the space and (were) in Edwardsville. They blossomed in Edwardsville.”

“Things are going well at YTB,” Cauthen said.

The Internet-based company, founded by area residents Lloyd Tomer, his son, Scott Tomer, and colleague J. Kim Sorensen, began renovating the former Kmart store on Illinois Route 143 in Wood River last year and moved into 20,000-square-foot renovated office space in December. The Wood River building is still in the process of renovation, with even bigger plans to come.

“YTB is currently working with the Wood River City Council in acquiring land for YTB’s corporate campus,” Cauthen said.

The campus will include four office buildings, lakes, a hotel and conference center and an employee recreational park. The project will take three to five years to develop on about 50 acres at an approximate cost of $150 million.

“Our building will be built under LEEDS (Leadership and Energy Environment Design),” Cauthen said, “with more efficiency and environmentally friendly. Even the furnishings are ‘green.’ It’s a growing trend in forward-thinking businesses. It costs more upfront but is more profitable.”

Cauthen credits the company’s leadership for having vision and integrity. He said they have taken the firm to where it is. The company was in the old Meridian Bank building in Alton from January 2001 to July 2005, when it moved to Edwardsville because of the need for space. Success and growth made the move to Wood River desirable.

“We expect to employ 350 at the end of the year,” Cauthen said.

Lloyd Tomer is chairman of the board. Cauthen said the Tomers and Sorensens want to keep the company in area. The company has 125,000 referring travel agents.

“We were just short of $300 million in travel sales last year,” Cauthen said. “In 2007, projected travel sales will be $1 billion.”

YTB assists or trains people to start their own Internet travel businesses.

“We developed the booking engine,” Cauthen said. “The technology is personalized for each. We provide technical and administrative support.”

Cauthen said YTB has agents all across the country, in the U.S. territories and Puerto Rico. He said the company founders have “great heart” and want to help people succeed in individual business. He credits the Tomers and Sorensen for the company’s success.

“We are about to go into Canada, target the Canada market,” Cauthen said.
YTB has an open house almost weekly, inviting national distributors to come to Wood River to visit the corporate offices and attend training.

“We anticipate the number of guests in this area being around 40,000 for the year ending 2007, 90,000 in 2008 and upwards of 150,000 in 2009,” Cauthen said. YTB plans to lease space in East Alton for January occupancy to accommodate up to 225 additional employees. Current and future renovation and new development, including project costs, employee payroll and visitor spending over the next three years could exceed $400 million.

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