Just Picture It Now

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

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Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: CLIA, Critics, First Class Training, Kim Sorensen, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 5:10 AM | Permalink

Kim Sorensen’s “Meet the Press” type interview with Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann turned out to be very civil, even if it was loaded with some pretty pointed questions. The 20 minute segments consisted of three heads of home agent groups in back-to-back-to-back conversations which filled the hour. Participants could also ask questions as Scott Koepf, president of NACTA; Kim Sorensen, president of YTB; and Van Anderson, co-president of Americas Vacation Center talked about each of their prospective companies.

Arnie opened Kim’s segment stating that whenever he writes about YTB in any of his columns he is bombarded with e-mails and much of it is “highly emotionally charged”. I can’t argue with that point of view and have experienced the emotions surrounding our company for some time.

I do believe Arnie did articulate very well just why emotions get so charged concerning the Traditional base. The problem as Arnie see’s it, and I would agree, is that I was once a consumer of travel and now represent myself as a “Travel Agent”. The perception of course is that I don’t take travel as seriously nor have I invested the time and energy into qualifying myself to the same standards the Traditional Base did in order to be considered an equal in their eyes.

Right or wrong, and I’m not going to get into my personal views concerning this perception, that’s seems to be a very accurate description based on what I’ve seen from the most outspoken Agents but I do have to give Arnie credit for defining what the core issue is regarding our Traditionalists.

Kim did address the issue that we are not competing with the traditionalists and those of us who are “greenies” who join YTB simply point people to their web site and let friends, family, neighbors decide for themselves. If someone like myself wants to take our YTB business to another level, YTB and the industry as a whole has the proper training and tools in place to accommodate us that regard.

I think back to my first days of being a “greenie” with YTB and where I am today, and thanks to the training provided both by the company and the industry, I have a very nice niche in the travel business and do consider myself a “Travel Agent” today. I have every intention to learn and grow both my knowledge of the industry and my business. I think I’ve mentioned before some time ago, that I looked at becoming a Travel Agent at one time, but didn’t “qualify” back then either. YTB both opened the door for me and enabled me to create my own path into the industry.

Part two of the question concerned the California complaint of labeling YTB one of those “pyramid schemes” and of course questions surrounding the classic misconception of how our business model is mathematically impossible.

Kim answered this question admirably in stating the MLM model has been in existence for a number of years and pointed out that A.L. Williams started out in 1977 and is now part of Citi Company, known as Primerica. To this day they still recruit new Reps into their business. While some can’t get past how MLM is mathematically impossible I’m still waiting for someone to PLEASE provide just ONE company that has run out of people? When you look at Tupperware, Avon, Mary Kay, Amway, Pre-Paid, Fuller Brush and all the other companies out there that have not only been around for decades, but still thriving with new recruits day in and day out, you have to wonder how much longer this myth is going to continue to be an issue for some.

Kim was also asked just how many RTA’s there are. Based on our business model and the shear numbers we have at any given moment, Kim quoted 120,000. Again, I believe this stems from the fears and misconceptions of the words “pyramid scheme” and the mathematical impossibility. Those of us involved in it need to be just as focused as they are about just how many we have actually in the business.

Questions of if we would ever drop the MLM business model and become more traditional (legitimate was also used) came up several times during the conversation. Arnie even came right out and asked if YTB will simply ignore the concerns (phobias) about our marketing methods. Based on what I’ve seen over the last year, I wonder if they think we’re getting tired of being pummeled as the pariah of their industry. Unfortunately, one cruise line, a $25 Million complaint or very pointed public questions are not going to cave us or force us to change our model. The summit panel and the attendees didn't seem to comprehend that Kim, Coach, and Scott built a business with Primerica for 20 years and that same model awarded A.L. Williams / Primerica the number one spot 23 out of 25 years.

Kim did state that YTB intends on building and being competitive in a very large scale using the Network Marketing business model. It was very clear that this change has never been in question.

Next came the questions from the attendees. The first was how the company intends on controlling our Reps and RTA’s with all the YouTube and Craigslist misinformation out there. Kim did agree that there is some pretty lame postings and information out there. (So do I for that matter.) We have systems and checks and balances and dedicated staff in place to control that, and I’ve personally seen instances that when asked, people do take posts down or delete videos.

Just a matter of reference to our critics who read this by the way; when you see something taken down, or corrected, acknowledge it as a good thing and don’t ridicule the person for not having the guts to stand up to the company with this free speech garbage. Damming us if we do and damming us if we don’t isn’t how this works kids. If you want it taken down, don’t egg them on and try to be the example for once concerning professionalism and ethics.

Next came a question of how YTB could be “growing like gangbusters” if the number of RTA’s is actually declining. Again, this stems to the phobia about the MLM side of our business, and while the focus is purely on recruiting for them, I loved Kim’s answer to this. YTB has spent $30 Million in the last 30 months investing in our 120,000 square foot Home Office, purchases of surrounding land and property in the area, new technologies, new accounting software, booking and marketing platforms, booking engine upgrades and enhancements, and expansion into International markets. Furthermore, even with a decline in the number of RTA’s YTB has doubled our production with Carnival over last year and we still have almost a full quarter to go in 2008.

I realize growth only means one thing to some, and that’s how many get involved in the pyramid. Smart business people and trade magazines like Travel Weekly recognize what real growth is.

A question that was pretty cut and dry consisted of the Rep overrides of the RTA’s. That was part of the clear separation between Rep and RTA that both legal analysts and our critics have such a problem with. It was quite clear and direct, that this however is not our practice.

One comical note towards the end was one attendee question that asked why Royal Caribbean and Disney terminated their relationship with YTB. No, that’s not a typo, and yes this attendee actually asked if Disney has made the same mistake that Royal Caribbean did. Kim did note that this was news to him as well and wondered if Nadine Goodwin would be calling with some type of exclusive scoop. I think mentioning Disney was more wishful thinking much like wanting us to change our business model than a blatant attempt to misinform the audience.

And finally a question was asked, why so negative? We never got an answer to that, mostly because it was directed toward the traditionalists and not Kim. The point of this “Meet the Press” type interview was an attempt to help them relieve some of their constipation surrounding the MLM side of our business model. Kim was willing to put himself and our company on the line to help them. Not many people or companies would subject themselves to what was building up to be and certainly turned out to be a fairly uncomfortable environment.

What I am grateful for was the opportunity to get our side of the story out there without the blatant hostility. As I type this, I’m sure there are others crafting plenty of hostile remarks concerning the interview and our Travel Company President. You can count on that, which provides more assurances that some have no desire to have their phobias or personal misgivings about our model resolved.

Not everyone is going to like our model, nor does everyone have to. Direct Sales is a big industry and it’s getting bigger every single year. There’s no question that YTB is not only the biggest Travel MLM out there, but it’s also the most talked about. With our continued growth in travel, and just a little more of this kind of publicity and press from Travel Weekly, we’ll remain a clear target for critics and advocates alike. Like the Travel Weekly Power List and our #26 spot, YTB appears to be right in the middle of it for now.

For those of us in YTB out in the field, it’s up to us if we want to forge ahead or fall back. From what I’m gathering from Kim in this interview, Kim has no intent in hiding out or falling back.

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, Kim Sorensen, MLM Myths, Travel MLM, Travel Weekly, Virtual Summit, YTB Travel Network

Posted by TravelPro at 5:43 AM | Permalink

Late last week I wrote about creating a “Happy File” which is simply a collection of testimonials which can do wonders in keeping you positive, upbeat, and moving in the right direction. Since that post, I’ve received several more e-mails about how much people appreciate what I do on this blog and the newsletter.

Harv Ecker taught me years ago that if you’re going to do anything, do it in a big way. My intent has always been to help thousands of people, and over the last year, I’ve seen that idea come to life. I remember agonizing over the perceived risk I was taking about posting what was going on with Royal Caribbean a year ago. To be honest, I had my doubts (as I’m sure we all did) about just how many suppliers would follow in Royal Caribbean’s footsteps. I find it amusing today that when anyone writes about “all the vendors” that cut YTB off, that’s exactly how it’s worded. Why? Because it doesn’t sound very good if they actually told the truth and let it be known that there were only two other small suppliers, (Perillo and Celtic) who reacted hastily in the days following.

Since November, not one other vendor has made the same error in judgment.

That’s not to say that there hasn’t been plenty to write about over the last year, or my three plus years I’ve been posting here. But it’s really been the last year that this blog has taken on a life of its own. I’ve had plenty of help, from both sides of the fence. One side appreciates me, and another side seems to have this fascination about my waste size. All things considered, waste size is a good thing because it shows they can’t argue facts.

Like the supplier I described earlier this week, we find critic concerns and questions have less and less value as we move far beyond critic fears and misconceptions and move on with our lives, and business.

As a side note: I did see that the “employee” of the supplier was so angered over exposing what his employer really thinks, that he put his fist through his monitor. You may recall my argument that they do an outstanding job of ruining their own reputations. A fist through a monitor (although used simply as an expression) should be noted as a very good example.

Any-who…

While a small group of critics will gather this weekend to discuss YTB, both privately, or on a public forum, tens of thousands of YTB RTA’s will be upgrading and watching video clips from Marc Mancini, CLIA, Carnival and others who have taken the time to help us produce an online travel training program specifically designed for us. Gone are the days of the “recruiters” who some claim don’t know squat about travel.

Part of what I enjoy so much about YTB, aside from the great relationships I’ve been able to form, is the journey. To see how far this company has come and the uncharted territory is exhilarating. It’s not always easy, and there have been a number of surprises along the way. Since the days of Bill Alverson’s TravelMax back in 1996 when it all started, there hasn’t been a Travel MLM who has even sniffed at the levels of success and stature of YTB.

As we’ve moved into these uncharted territories and bumped into the obstacles and land mines put in place to trip us up, I’ve been impressed with how we’ve managed to navigate our way through. I booked a few clients on Carnival’s refurbished Destiny that set sail out of Miami for Key West and Cozumel yesterday. Little do they realize that when a cruise ship exits the port for its intended port of call, it constantly needs to make adjustments during the entire cruise. Very natural conditions such as winds, current, and storms can and will take a ship off course if it’s not monitored on a regular basis.

YTB as a business model is no different. Market conditions, suppliers, and even critics have to be monitored and adjustments need to be made along the way to insure that we reach our intended destination.

Last year this blog took a change of course and while the risk was high and the waters have been very turbulent at times, the feedback I’m getting has been overwhelming. Imagine my surprise when I had another item to add to the “Happy File” on our GEM Team conference call Wednesday night with the CEO of YourTravelBiz.com, Scott Tomer.

I’ll have the complete call for all the RTA’s in the Newsletter this weekend, but wanted to file this clip in the “Happy File” to remind me that I’m right on course.

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RTA #24635

Labels: Carnival, CLIA, Critics, Dr. Marc Mancini, Travel MLM, Travel Training

Posted by TravelPro at 6:16 AM | Permalink

With the elections coming up in the next few weeks, and the last minute flurry of activity from political candidates is it any surprise to you that YTB has made it into the political landscape? If you ask me, I’d say it’s about damn time! With all the focus on our company from the other camp wrought with worry and reporting on the internet every time Coach sneezes and making it sound like he’s coming down with some little known disease the connection certainly fits.

Where’s Bill O’Reilly when you need him? (Actually, I’m more of a Boortz and Hannity fan, but neither one have coined the term “No Spin Zone”.)

If you’ve had your head under a rock the last week you may not know that one of those mysterious “anonymous packages” showed up at a news station late last week that somehow broke the news that Burt Saunders is on YTB’s Board of Directors. This may not be news to most of you, since we were introduced to the Senator during the 2007 National Convention, but when you throw in Connie Mack’s home state of California who happens to be running against Burt Saunders for Congress all of the sudden the term “pyramid scheme” is thrown up on the wall in attempts to smear the name Saunders.

Based on the number of reports out there via Google News and YTB as the topic of conversation, critics of YTB have several new venues to spend their time posting. (The Caped Crusader is everywhere isn’t he?)

Now I realize critics are laying claim that their own personal fears and misgivings about our fine company are hurting Burt Saunders chances of being elected, and I’m sure there are some who will be their own Judge and jury convicting Burt of wrong doing simply based on the complaint that’s been filed in California, instead of letting our legal system do its job.

Saunders doesn’t seem to be worried about it however and took the words right out of my mouth when he stated that this development is “really silly”. Besides, the man has decades of experience, and during his political career I’m sure he’s had his share of critics and political mud slinging. Face it; it’s the nature of the beast.

I guess we’ll have to wait a couple of weeks to see if the emotional charge of the left has any impact. My bet is that that the average American isn’t as emotionally charged about this issue as our critics would like to lead you to believe. Most I would imagine have already formed opinions either way about the Direct Sales Industry, and their candidate of choice to make very little difference either way.

Besides, it’s my understanding that YTB has a clear understanding of what the “issues” are in California. Once those are ironed out, and they will be ironed out, Burt can at least continue to serve on YTB’s Board of Directors as an Independent.

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RTA #24635

Labels: Burt L. Saunders, Critics, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 7:22 AM | Permalink

Have you noticed how everyone appears to be an expert concerning what’s going on with YTB these days? The fear mongering out on the internet and the doom and gloom paints a picture that nobody is giving YTB a shot. Not only does this include vendors and suppliers, but Trade Associations have turned their back and threatening to kick YTB to the curb.

We find that…well…interesting…

On Wednesday’s Monthly Newsletter, we reported that these same Suppliers and Trade Associations are actually working with and helping YTB and as we wipe away all the spaghetti and sauce being thrown at YTB, we begin to see the real story. (Critics like to call this “the truth”)

When one of our Newsletter Subscribers saw that we pointed to the DSA (Direct Selling Association) as someone who is supporting YTB in the perceived adversity from the other side, they sent the following link.

Amy Robinson is VP of Communications at the Direct Selling Association and has done an exceptional job in helping everyone understand what DSA membership really means. She goes into detail what went into becoming a member of the DSA, which YTB became a member of more than a year ago. Based on the DSA’s review of applicable laws at the time of application, company policies were consistent with the law and YTB was approved. Further clarification states that the DSA DOES make inquiries to law enforcement, the Attorney General in the state where the company is located, the Better Business Bureau, and on a case-by-case basis any other entity that may have relevant information to share.

Bottom line is that according to the DSA’s findings, YTB met the standards of both the Code of Ethics and laws applicable to direct selling.

It is also important to note that the mere existence of a complaint with any of these bodies does not preclude membership, but instead what is considered is the way any issues were resolved.

Until information is presented that runs contrary to the information the DSA evaluated as part of the application process, there are no grounds to revoke YTB’s membership.

We realize that our critics have tried and convicted YTB already. Fortunately, it’s not up to them; that’s what the legal process is for. If you do a Google search on “lawsuit” you will find 89,600 links for Amway, 147,000 links for Mary Kay, and 59,600 links for Nu Skin, all still in business, and in good standing with the DSA.

Would you stop using your computer because there are 432,000 links for Microsoft? Stop shopping because there are 3,640,000 links for WalMart? Stop eating because there are 1,160,000 links for McDonalds?

Maybe we should stop cruising because you found 185,000 links for Royal Caribbean? Stop using online booking engines because there are 216,000 links for Expedia? Or stop using traditional agencies with 286,000 links for American Express Travel?

Want to take a stab at how many links there are for YTB? Try 23,700 links which are all lower than any of the above mentioned companies.

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, DSA, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 5:41 AM | Permalink

Do you have kids?

I do, and I absolutely love them. Being a Dad is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

As a parent, you learn things. Like, have you noticed how you tell them not to do something, there are times they do it anyway? Like “Don’t touch the stove!” and the next thing you know you’re putting ice on the burn and Neosporin with a SpongeBob SquarePants band aide on their finger, sealed with a kiss for good measure as you wipe away the tears.

Telling them not to do something can also work to your advantage. My son for instance hates vegetables. (Wonder where he got that from?) A fun way to get him to eat his vegetables however is to tell him not to eat them; and before you know it, the plate doesn’t have a single vegetable left.

It’s interesting how some people never grow out of this childish mentality. You can tell a grown adult the rules of engagement, what type of boundaries there are, what’s appropriate and what isn’t, or just flat out tell them no, and they will do everything in their power to break the rules.

As if to say ”Oh yeah? You’re not the boss of me! I’ll show you!”

The problem with this type of behavior is that like the vegetables, you can very easily bait these children to react exactly the way you want them to.

I caught wind of some new enhancements concerning our company who has been the center of attention for the last year. I happen to be quite proud of how our company and these new enhancements have come about. What I came to realize is our founders and the company have no intention of buying into the hype out there in cyberspace. They just keep finding ways to enhance and make our company a much stronger business model.

My dilemma was while I wanted to let our critics know about the new enhancements, I couldn’t just post it on the internet. (You know…those crazy rules we have.) But I could bait the other side with a post to conveniently have this information fall right in their lap.

I realize that nobody reads this blog, but by Tuesday afternoon, I had 25 new subscribers to my newsletter, 10 of which were bogus. (Well, 13 actually if you count the chump in Arizona who signed up under 3 different e-mail address.) The children, as predictable as ever, just HAD to get this news I told them they couldn’t have.

Of course I weeded out a few, but let some pass for yesterdays monthly newsletter announcing the commission enhancements and agent levels the company is rolling out this month.

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

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RTA #24635

Labels: Critics, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 5:01 AM | Permalink

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.

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

Being the Internet Marketer I am, I can always tell when people are talking about either what I write, or about me specifically. Such was the case yesterday, when I found a few hits from one of the old watering holes.

I’m not quite sure what I should take from this post. I’ve heard this type of talk of “common ground” before from the author, and it’s been commented several times about getting together to hammer out how mutually getting along could go a long way in easing the animosity and anger we’ve all come to know.

Problem as I see it however is no matter what YTB does, it’s never going to be good enough. I’ve learned an awful lot about this small group of Traditionalists in the past year, and no matter what YTB does, no matter what YTB comes up with, no matter what advances YTB makes in the Travel Industry, it’s always met with this “Yeah But” Syndrome. (YBS for short.)

Take the Davidoff’s training at the National Convention for example. A good article from someone who obviously knows something about the Travel Industry also who sees something positive in the MLM model and recommends the model deserves close study, not condemnation.

What do we get?

“Yeah, but they were paid!”

What’s so frustrating for me specifically about this author, and the mindset of these few Traditionalists was summed up on one comment in the original post.

“But if indeed they are seeing a future for YTB, maybe it is time for them to inform the rest of the world, and not via a sound bite for an article.”

One, THEY seem to be the only one’s who can’t accept one of their own who was able to get past their own limiting beliefs. And two, if it really was that important, why don’t they just pick up the phone and ask? Is it really that hard to do?

Apparently yes, because that would mean they would actually have to do something in order to be informed, and that’s exactly why these few Traditionalists are no farther along than they are concerning acceptance or even tolerance and why we’ve been round and round in circles for almost a year now.

I once heard the definition of insanity explained like this.

Doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.

If the answer is finding some common ground here, maybe it’s time to change the way we are doing things?

YTB has made many changes since I’ve been associated with the company. It’s constantly growing and evolving. While I understand some view the company as being “reactionary” that’s not always the case, and it’s not always a bad trait to have when it comes to building a business.

Case in point; Marc Mancini was hired to do our E-Campus Training before all the attention YTB was getting about not being focused on Travel. The announcement of Royal Caribbean as well came just after our second Funshine Travel Show of the year. YTB has always had Travel Training for those that want to focus on that aspect of our business.

“Yeah, but it’s not your only focus!”

I’ve also mentioned here before that the California Legislation passed in January of 2007 and the outcome of minimum booking requirements. These requirements for RTA’s concerning credentials not only put California on the map in terms of number of RTA’s, but were so successful; YTB rolled it out company wide. It added legitimacy for the average person that our Traditionalist’s react with this “Yeah, but $2,500 isn’t very much.”

As a side note: did anyone pick up that the California complaint does make the old claim that YTB is nothing more than a “Card Mill”? As if the minimum requirements they were responsible for didn’t exist?

Suppliers and Associations alike have also made solid changes to help curb the illusions that all YTB is after are perks. Carnival for example installed new minimum requirements for FAMs back in January, and now CLIA has installed requirements for Accreditation for those of us who want to gain added respectability.

“Yeah, but how many of you are really going to achieve that?”

I really didn’t want to go into the “reaction” of these Traditionalists when YTB hit Travel Weekly’s Power List in 2007.

“Yeah, but those are fees not Travel Sales!”

That’s still ringing in my ears. Even Travel Weekly got tired of backlash when the 2008 Power List came out.

“YTB has to be singled out because it faced another year of controversy because of the structure of its business – losing IATA and Royal Caribbean accreditation. Editors checked with the company multiple times to ensure that its reported total represented only direct travel sales, not referrals or any other nonqualified revenues.”

Arnie Weissmann knows all too well just why this quote was inserted into the Power List. In October, Arnie made the mistake of writing about YTB right after YTB was front page news in all of the travel publications. At the time I don’t think he understood just why suppliers tend to shy away from defending the YTB business model. Over the last year, Travel Weekly has had to endure what Arnie has described as “colorful” comments. A sampling of words used in these comments would include “lazyass,” “parasites,” “pushy,” “jealous,” “stupid,” “cowards,” “misleading and malicious,” “idiots,” and “wannabes.”

By the way Arnie, thank you for teaching me a new word. ;-P

I happen to agree with Arnie that the animosity and anger towards YTB really doesn’t solve much of anything. I also agree that YTB has brought some of this on themselves with some of what I’ve seen by a very small group of people. While I know it’s perpetuated as the majority of YTB, but in reality we’ve been labeled with examples of far less that 1% of the company.

Look, we know our model works, there’s no doubt about that for us. I understand the frustration about not getting the respect we want, but we can’t do that by talking about respect, we have to DO it.

In no way am I condoning the tactics of the Traditionalists here. I find what they do not only unprofessional, but frankly childish and extremely unproductive. What I’ve learned in the past year is that there are some people who need to bully and “out” the faults of others in order to make themselves feel better about who they are.

It’s a fault and a trait that isn’t our responsibility to change. Some have been at this for over a year now, and they are no closer to accepting YTB as a legitimate model than they were when this whole ordeal erupted.

With this small group, we’re always going to hear the “Yeah, but’s” because that’s what they’ve been trained to do. Remember, we’re the ones who are brainwashed and have had this type of thinking cleaned from out thought processes.

It’s a big reason why YTB continues to move forward.

By the way, for those who want to promote all this doom and gloom about the stock price and the suits, take a look at what another so called “pyramid scheme” not only endured, but overcame back in 2002 with no less than 31 suits filed against them and $20 million for construction of a new corporate headquarters, heralded as the "first skyscraper" in Ada, the rural Oklahoma town where the company is based.

Any guessed were some of the investors who sold that stock are kicking themselves right now based on all the hype they bought into?

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 Agent Training, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 5:45 AM | Permalink

Now that I’ve returned home from the National Convention and got a game plan together, I had an opportunity yesterday to surf a little on the internet. The drama going on in cyberspace concerning the doom and gloom surrounding everyone’s favorite subject has escalated once again. I must say that our critics are a very accomplished bunch. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that along with being Travel Experts, they also happen to be the be all and end all concerning the IRS, Franchising, and now of course both Civil and Class Action Law.

I continue to be amazed and dazzled in just “What Our Critics Really Know”.

With so much time being focused on our company right now, surfing and posting day after day, checking every news outlet, and posting on any number of blogs and message boards, I have to seriously question how financially feasible this activity really is. The obsession has escalated to a point that I find it hard to believe some are even sleeping at night.

And we’re the ones who have the problem. ;-P

It appears the new hero for our critics is the California Attorney General, and while the Civil complaint has only been filed, the mere news of the event has many cackling like little school girls. (Or is that “old hens”?) The drama going on right now is certainly at an all time high, and the speculation is running wild once again, just like it did when the entire supplier industry was going to terminate Travel MLM’s. Which today has been reduced to “IATA, Royal Caribbean and others” since the hope of any other supplier actually making the same mistake has long been gone. (Note the word “others” leaves room for just about any number of suppliers one can imagine.)

Now we find a Class Action suit filed in Illinois from two individuals I like to refer to as “ambulance chasers”. The hope is to collect group of individuals who only wish to capitalize in the perceived turmoil surrounding a company. It’s nothing new or unique as I’ve personally participated in a Class Action suit, although it revolved around the more commonly accepted scheme.

It’s a perfect opportunity to play the role of victim to make money.

I was forwarded a YouTube video on Monday to help educate me on why I need to get out of YTB. I have to admit, I did get a good laugh from this quote from the Attorney Generals Office in California when a representative commented and stated that YTB is, and I quote “Is growing out of control. It’s getting too big, too fast.” I’m guessing it’s better to be small and slow?? If so, you might want to check into one of our counterparts in the industry.

The growth of YTB the last two years scares the daylights out of some people and they believe it needs to be stopped. It’s not unlike the growth of Travelocity, Orbitz, Priceline, and Expedia, however the difference is that YTB involves Network Marketing, and many make the mistake that because it’s MLM, it can be toppled. There’s the perception of this house of cards and due to attrition, the general public needs to be warned it won’t last.

The same myths and misconceptions were said about A.L. Williams back in the late 70’s and early 80’s and although the company was folded into what is now known as Primerica, the foundation appears to be rock solid. We also can’t forget companies like Avon, Mary Kay, Pre-Paid Legal, Tupperware, and Amway who to this day still hasn’t run out of victims in their own house of cards.

While the sharks are swimming around the waters right now smelling blood and speculating the end of YTB, just because a complaint has been filed, or there is what appears to be bad news for the sharks to feed on, I have to wonder where YTB will wind up a year from now.

The Office of the Attorney General in Texas sought to shut down Mannatech an “elaborate scheme to defraud innocent consumers across the nation” (Here is the actual suit) In a similar case in Texas, the same Attorney General filed suit against BioPerformance that it’s merely a smokescreen to trigger the recruitment of more and more paying members into what appears to be an illegal pyramid scheme.

I mentioned USANA here before, and while “critics” attempted to shut them down via the SEC, the Securities and Exchange Commission closed its investigation without any further action. Like YTB, there were a couple of “ambulance chasers” who also attempted to capitalize on the negative news and spin out there concerning their investigation. Playing the role of victim appears to be a popular move weather you’re inside or outside Network Marketing.

We also can’t forget the mess Herbalife went through with allegations that their product contained lead!

The battle in California started over 18 months ago when legislation was passed concerning credentials. The legislation which went into effect in January of 2007 was meant to deter companies who simply hand out credentials to anyone who forks over money. Of course YTB was caught up in this mix, and it took several months of work for the company to hammer out an agreement which has now been taken Nation wide with minimum booking requirements.

I’m sure the theory based by Legislators in allowing YTB to provide credentials to those who book anywhere between $1500 and $2500 in sales would finally put an end to the heavy recruiting in the state. The perception was that even these minimal requirements would slow YTB’s rapid growth. We now know that their plan backfired as California exploded in 2007, largely due to separating ourselves from other “card mills”.

Oooops.

Now it appears to some that YTB has come to an impasse in the road. Cornered with no escape…yet again. I can’t say that I’ve lost count how many times I’ve heard this before, because I have been counting, and you should too.

YTB has always prevailed in the past, and this blip on the radar is no different. I think we might get our first taste of just how mislead our critics are come Friday when YTB files its Quarterly report. Rumor has it that there will be an even larger loss than Q1 by the self proclaimed “Head Critic”.

Should be a enlighting for sure!

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, MLM Myths, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM

Posted by TravelPro at 6:14 AM | Permalink

Did you notice a change to our YTB Marketing Sites yesterday? It’s actually pretty small, but I think it will prove to be a very important development in the months and years to come. If you subscribe to my Free Newsletter you already knew about this change, but I wanted to let others who may not be aware know not only what has just transpired, but why.

"As YourTravelBiz.com and YTB Travel Network continue to grow we are working diligently to define the differences between the travel and marketing businesses. Beginning Monday, July 14, 2008, the "Book Travel" link and the "Deals and Steals" link will be removed from the marketing website. You will no longer be able to access the travel website from the Marketing home page. In order to access your YTB Travel Network booking engine, you must go directly to www.ytbtravel.com/userID."

It is important to understand that we must differentiate between the marketing and travel businesses.YTB Travel Network ranked 26th in the nation by Travel Weekly with over $414 million in travel sales in 2007. (That’s an 83% growth in TRAVEL SALES over last year by the way and a 9 spot jump from #35 in last year’s list.) As our travel sales continue to increase, our vendors and our critics need to see a clear separation between the travel business and marketing business. Having the "Book Travel" link and the "Deals and Steals" link on the marketing site fuels their confusion. Not our fault, but the critics especially are just a little slower than others and it is our hope that this step will help our critics see this separation on our Marketing Sites and curb some of the criticism and outlandish claims about a business model they are having so much trouble grasping and understanding.

The National Convention is just 19 days away. Could this move before the National Convention be for a specific reason? We don't quite know just yet, but we believe there are very good and legitimate reasons in making this move at this time and we know that Coach, Scott, and Kim are ALWAYS thinking of us first when it comes to YOUR BUSINESS.

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, YTB International, YTB National Convention, YTB Travel Network

Posted by TravelPro at 9:03 AM | Permalink