Just Picture It Now

Thursday, October 09, 2008

The "Happy File"...

Having such a popular newsletter and blog, I get a ton of e-mails these days. There’s not a day that goes by it seems when I don’t get some type of positive comment concerning either my blog or my newsletter. During the National Convention back in August, I was overwhelmed with how many people took the time to find me and tell me how much they appreciate what I do.

One of my team members who hung with me for most of the week was shocked at the amount of people who chased me down in hallways, conference rooms, and at the hotel. (To be honest, so was I.) I hadn’t had this much notoriety since my radio days back in the 80’s. The difference with radio however was that nobody knew what I looked like until they saw me out on remotes.

I was conversing via e-mail with one of our subscribers on how much I appreciate the warm comments and enjoyment others receive when they read this blog or the newsletter. Realizing that I have such a positive effect on so many people is humbling, yet a real kick. Many of you take the time to write and express your appreciation which in turn makes me want to work even harder to bring you the best that I have.

Here’s what she wrote back to me and I thought it would be good to share with you as well.

“Do you keep a “happy file”? It’s a computer file or hard copy file of all the accolades and appreciation or special words that you receive from others.

Explanation: When I first started doing mortgage loans 10 years ago, my underwriter went way beyond any normal expectations to get me out of a predicament, and I wrote her an expressive thank you from my heart. She was so touched that she called me into her room with tears in her eyes and told me how much it meant to her, and that it was going into her “happy file.” She said that when she had bad days, she would go back and read some of the contents of that file. That it would uplift her day, and get her back on track.

When I hear of a good idea, I copy it.

I have 2 children, and have since that day, made “happy files” for both them and for me. When they (both in college now) get absorbed in a pity party, I will send an email from a tennis coach, long ago, that praised them for their perseverance, etc. Get the picture?

Good luck on your “happy file” for both you and yours.”

I thought this was an exceptional idea and wanted to share publically some of the “happy files” I have set aside in my Outlook.

Since I have been receiving your newsletter I am kept up to date with YTB news. You are a great asset to our business. Again I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your management style and for allowing us to receive your newsletter.

Enjoy your Day,
~ Mary

I know I've told you this before...but it bears repeating... This is by far the best newsletter I've seen in YTB and we subscribe to several. So very informative. I read every word and forward it on to our team. Hopefully they are all subscribing as well. We've encouraged it

Thanks for doing this. I know it takes a lot of time.
~ Marti

Thank you again, Doug, for all you do! I so appreciate your newsletter and your blog. You epitomize the YTB standard of sharing and abundance as one YTB family, and you are greatly appreciated.

Were you a copywriter in an earlier life?........... kudos for all the photos and art work you always include with your news.

Smiles and Sunshine,
~ Susan

My wife Terri and I are in YTB and we love it. Where we live we do not receive a whole lot about the business. So I have learned as much as I could on my own. I research a lot on the Internet and I just wanted to let you know that I like reading your blog, I have a training blog that I put together for our team, but I didn't put it out to the public, because I was trying to ensure our people were informed. SO GREAT BLOG thanks for keeping the YTB Name going strong.

~ Mike

My husband, Emil & I recently started receiving your Training & Newsletters, which have been very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing with us. We are continuing to build our business, and have utilized some of your info. We first heard about you from Bob & Karin, YTB Directors. They are not our Directors, but were willing to share information. We see them often at meetings.

We appreciate all you do to help others.

Blessings,
~ Joy

I was quite impressed with the professionalism of the newsletter and several of my team members forwarded the information to me and I enjoyed the information.

God Bless,
~ Arlyne

I can’t thank you enough for all you do. I’ve always been a big fan of your blog for years and have thoroughly enjoyed your writing style from the start. Your themes are positive, meaningful, and uplifting and when I need a pick me up I can always count on you! You have a very special gift and wanted to share with you how much my husband and I appreciate all you do.

See you at the top!
~ Cindy

This is just a sampling of e-mails I’ve received since the Newsletter was launched at the beginning of the year. I’ve been overwhelmed at how it’s taken off and become viral, which in computer speak is a good a good thing. It’s not uncommon to have two or three times as many people actually read my newsletter that I send out, which also tells me that the information is not only useful but relevant to what’s going on with our company today.

One of my favorite authors is T. Harv Ecker. Harv told me in his book “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” to think BIG. My intent should be to help thousands of people. The more I can help and influence others the more that comes back to me.

It’s nice to know that theory actually works.

And Susan, thanks for letting me share this idea here for others. I think it’s an exceptional idea and your right, it works like a charm!

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: Best Travel Blog, Free Newsletter, Harv Eker, Home Based Business

Posted by TravelPro at 5:00 AM | Permalink

Monday, July 07, 2008

Home Office of the 21st Century Family

Hope Ya’ll had a great weekend. (For you Pittsburgher’s like me, replace “Yunz Guys” with “Ya’ll”) We had family in town since the middle of last week, and while I did do some “work”, some things, like internet activity, took a back seat. (Which would include this blog.)

I started to think about what to post today and honestly didn’t have anything prepared. There are a couple of key people I like to read for inspiration, and many of them you can find to the right as part of my “favorite authors”, but there is one who isn’t on my list who I’ve known via the Internet and message boards who I’ve admired for years. As a success, I have attempted to model in my journey in my own home based business.

I stumbled into one of his articles late last night and can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see someone like Tony with the same belief I have concerning working at home with kids.

To some, this may seem odd, and some who’ve never experienced this may think that people would find this “unprofessional”. Like Tony, I’ve never seen or heard a single person in all the years I’ve been home with my kids that anyone has ever been “put off” by my kids who may interrupt, make extra noise, or need something during a call.

As a matter of fact, I get more compliments and most everyone with children desire what I have more than anything else.

So I’m going to step aside for today and let Tony take it from here with a copy and paste from Articlebase.

How to Succeed in a Home Business Even if you Have Kids

Author: Tony Rush

You've seen the ad in the magazines and online. I call her the Perfect Work-At-Home Person. She's a beautiful lady with perfect makeup and hairstyle. She's sitting at her computer in her home office and her two-year old is quietly playing with her toys on the floor.

Or perhaps it's a picture of a man who's lounged by the pool laughing and talking on his cordless phone while his children are floating around in the pool.

Let's pause for a reality check.

As I type this, I'm holding an 18-month old who has barged into my office and demanded his favorite past-time: to sit on my lap while listening to iTunes. (Right now, we're listening to "How Long" by The Eagles and he's desperately trying to climb onto the keyboard to get my iPhone.)

In fact, less than an hour ago, I had a phone call from a potential business partner who had to hold for a moment as I made sure that my oldest son had his phone charged and knew to be careful crossing the street to go to his friend's house.

Of course, I could close the door. I could ask my wife to watch him for a bit while I take care of some business.

And sometimes I do that. But, usually, I'm doing business or taking calls throughout the day while I'm enjoying being with my family.

Welcome to the Home Office of the 21st Century Family: Where family is the top priority and we don't feel the need to pretend that our home office is a picture from a magazine.

It wasn't always this way, though. I remember not too long ago, if the phone rang, I was shrieking at everyone to be quiet because I was "working". Or I spent huge swaths of time with the door to my office closed because I was "working".

What a drag. What's the point in working at home if you have to pretend you're in a corporate environment? Or where everyone around you is stressed out because they feel like they're walking on eggshells.

I suspect that most home-business entrepreneurs are living the same way and doing it for the same reason: fear.

They're afraid that if someone hears a child in the background, it means they're not "professional". But the truth is that most of the people you talk to would love to be able to work from home and be with their loved ones every day. And this is especially true if you're in a business where showing people how to get out of the corporate environment is what you do.

The truth is that working at home and being connected with your family is cool today. Today's best "power lunch" is when you're making money while slicing a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich for your kids. And the best suits to wear when doing business is a swimsuit.

Just this week, I was on the phone with a potential business partner and my son, Pate, came in to get a hug and a kiss before going to bed. I asked my prospect to hang on, laid the phone on the desk and spent the next 45 seconds tickling my son, telling him how much I love him and that I'd see him in the morning.

When I picked up the phone, I said, "There was a time I would have apologized for that but that's actually the whole reason why I do what I do."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone and my prospect said, "That's the kind of life I want. How do I get started?"

And of course, when the situation requires, you can always close your door. There's nothing wrong with that, either. It's all about choice.

So, the message is simple: don't be too quick to assume that working at home requires you to be "slick" or "professional".

I earn a multiple six-figure income from home and I've been able to do that while enjoying my family; not hiding them. Don't expect that I'll always answer the phone if you call my office.

And if I do, you might just hear the sounds of The Eagles or a Nintendo Wii in the background.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/how-to-succeed-in-a-home-business-even-if-you-have-kids-297523.html

About the Author:
Here is Easton's contribution to the article: aaaaaaazzzzzzzzzz3g9]

For more information on Tony Rush, visit http://www.tonyrush.com

Couldn't have said it better myself Tony.

Thank you.

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 Business, Kids, Limiting Beliefs, Success From Home, Work From Home

Posted by TravelPro at 5:24 AM | Permalink

Friday, June 27, 2008

Bonus! IRS Increases Mileage Rate...

Most of you who keep track of mileage like I do knew about the increase January 1 to 50.5 cents per business mile. In a rare move on Monday, the IRS approved an eight (8) cent increase in the rate mid way through the year starting July 1 to 58.5 cents per mile through December 31. This increase is in direct response to the higher fuel costs everyone is incurring. This new rate by the way is only valid for the last half of the year. (Previous mileage from January 1 through June 30 must be deducted at 50.5 cents per business mile.)

The IRS normally increases its mileage rates once per year, and did so this past year from 48.5 to 50.5 cents starting January 1st. The last time the IRS approved a rate increase such as this mid way through the year was back in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina led to a nationwide spike in gasoline prices.

The new six-month rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses will also increase by eight (8) cents to 27 cents a mile, up from 19 cents for the first six months of 2008. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by Congress, not the IRS, and remains at 14 cents per mile.

"Rising gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "We want the reimbursement rate to be fair to taxpayers."

Imagine that…the IRS wanting to be “fair” to taxpayers. I’ve heard it said that there are two tax laws here in the US.

One code for the informed; and one for the uninformed.

I constantly read comments from extremely fearful and uniformed individuals who think the IRS is out to get people. Any idea of legally and legitimately deducting anything on your tax returns concerning a home based business is a highly risky move. While I have never personally been audited, those I know of who have been audited, (including those in YTB) have told me that it’s highly overrated. Of course, they like me keep impeccable documentation and also have a Professional prepare their returns, as should you.

Those of us in YTB know of Andy Magnus and his site Your Tax Buddy, (Another term for Y-T-B.) and the discount we have with H&R Block with our RTA Advantage. I also know of several CPA’s who are cross line to me who understand the tax laws and what a home based business can do for anyone who owns one.

Back in February and March many people bought Ron Mueller’s book “It’s How Much You Keep That Counts” and I’ve also participated in some of his seminars and conference calls with tips on exactly how to document for your CPA and the IRS to keep things on the up and up. (Ron is the one who send me the special update via e-mail concerning this rate increase complete with a direct link to the IRS site.) Ron and Andy also cover how to ask the right questions when looking for a CPA that knows and understand what the tax laws mean for anyone who owns a home based business.

I can’t tell you how important it is to educate yourself on the in’s and out’s of tax savings in a home based business. Not doing so can cost you THOUSANDS a year paying Uncle Sam instead of keeping your own hard earned money. This country was founded on those that owned their own business, and the vast majority of tax laws still cater to business owners.

It’s the right thing to do for both you and your family.

Author’s note: If you’d like to see a perfect example of what I’m talking about concerning those who are uneducated about the tax laws and what it can do for you in a home based business, feel free to visit this post, which I found just before posting. Please understand that this blog poster and those who comment on it have absolutely no experience or education in tax codes or the IRS.

It’s your basic fear mongering, mud slinging and spin in an attempt to create doubt and fear in those who don’t take the time to educate themselves from qualified sources. (That’s why I post viable sources and documentation to find the real story here.)

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Home Based Business, Home Office, Ronald Mueller, Tax Code, Tax Deductions

Posted by TravelPro at 7:29 AM | Permalink

Monday, April 07, 2008

A Special Tax Return?

I’ve done a post about taxes about this time each of the last two years, and this year will be no different. There seems to be a bit of a buzz this year concerning the 2008 Economic Stimulus Package that is due out next month. I’ve said for many years that there are two tax codes; one for the informed, and one for the uninformed.

The principle involved here is time-honored and true: and that is -- it's your money.
~ Robert Dole

We often just take what we hear from others as fact without actually checking to verify for ourselves if what people are telling us has any merit. The media in the case of this Economic Stimulus Package is no different from what I’ve seen and has been feeding us information in bits and pieces, but here's the part the media has overlooked.

No matter how Washington tries to spin this, it is NOT a tax "rebate." If it was a rebate, how could people who paid-in no taxes, get a rebate? But most of them will.

Lately, they've begin calling it an "advance on our 2008 taxes." If that were true, why would they also be telling us that if we don't owe any taxes in 2008, they won't take any of this "Stimulus" money back?

This 152-BILLION-DOLLAR bail-out program is an "unfunded government expense" -- which is a term in "government-ese" meaning: "We don't know how we're going to pay for it."

So, if it's not a "tax rebate," why is the IRS involved? They're the only federal agency with accurate names and addresses of most legal citizens, so they have the best "system" for distributing the checks.

But the IRS doesn't have a current address for every legal adult citizen, because some people are not required to file tax returns -- retirees living on Social Insecurity, for example. But Congress has decided that the only way a person can get an Economic Stimulus check, is to file a 2007 Tax Return.

So those folks who don't normally have to file, will be required to file a "special" tax return this year (called a Form 1040A). If they don't file it, they won't get a check.

Result? The feds will soon have a database of current addresses for nearly 100% of all adults in the U.S.

Can you say "Big Brother?"

Here's another neat little feature of this program that most people haven't been told. When they have your Social “Insecurity” Number (from your tax return) their computer will take a look to see if you happen to owe any back-taxes. If you do - they will automatically do you the "favor" of applying your "rebate" towards the back taxes you owe, instead of sending you a check.

Is there no end to how far our taxpayer-elected members of Congress will go, just to help us stay caught up in paying our taxes? Like I said, two tax codes; one for the informed, and one for the uniformed.

One final point.

How big a deal is this one time economic recovery bribe of $600? The average taxpayer running a home-based business and who understands the home-business tax breaks, is collecting additional tax refunds of up to $600 every month - not just one time.

The same Americans who are so excited about getting a one-time payment of $600, should understand that they can get a check about the same size every single month for the rest of their working lives - simply by having a legitimate part-time home-based business. That's what Congress should be telling taxpayers, not "Here's an unearned check; go spend us out of a recession."

Are you about to lose out on some 2007 tax deductions because you didn’t keep accurate records? Do you even know what kind of records you need in order to make them legitimate?

I have a few ways for you to find out if you do or don’t.

One, find yourself a good tax professional. One that is qualified in helping you in your Home Based Business and the tax laws surrounding what is right and what is wrong.

Two, to help you figure out if your Tax Professional knows anything about Home Based Business tax laws, get this book from Ron Mueller, “It’s How Much You Keep That Counts”. If you want to find out some of the information found in this book, you can find a basic outline from last years post after I bought the book for our own business.

Three, On Tuesday, April 8 at 9:00 pm Eastern time (6 pm Pacific), Ron Mueller will conduct a special, Tele-Coaching Session devoted to the topic of How to "Reconstruct" Missing Documentation that will Audit-Proof Your Tax Returns.

There is no charge for this call. The call-in number will be 419-400-0203, and the access code will be 8683900#.

When all call-in lines are filled up (and they will be) you can join via the Internet by going to this special web link.

If you’re in YTB I would also recommend signing up for our FREE Newsletter for news and updates concerning the steps you need to take in order to keep your business on the up and up concerning the tax laws. (I posted several tax specific webinars from various professionals as early as January of this year.) In addition, we share other tips and tricks for you on how to make your experience with YTB a success.

Well, that's it for today. The kids and I are going to be enjoying Spring Break this week together. They’ve been working really hard in school all year, and they’re looking forward to spending some time with Dad!

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 Business, Ronald Mueller, Tax Code, Tax Deductions, YTB

Posted by TravelPro at 5:18 AM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, March 10, 2008

The World As I See It

At this point in time, I’ve pretty much been told to give up on actually helping our Traditionalists learn anything about YTB. It’s become evident that they already know all they need to know about our founders, our model, and our people. I have been informed by those that they have completely missed any points I’ve made concerning these questions because for the last two months "I have been regurgitating the same old crap and towing the same old YTB line". When stumped, I simply toss in some inane story or references some motivational guru. It’s called “Deflection 102”. Pre-requisite “Smoke and Mirrors 101”.

Whatever.

What John doesn't like is that I've acctually held him accountable for his comments. Arrogance never likes to be corrected, and instead of admiting that he and others have missed many marks, they choose to ignore it. As the old saying goes, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." Ignoring what YTB is doing to the Travel Industry won't make it go away. And I beleive they know that based on the daily posts and spin.

So it appears that I’m no longer doing this for them. I’m doing this for YTB. Nice to know they did get that as most of my comments are directed to those in YTB and Network Marketing not our Traditionalist. Those of us who love this company the way I do need to have the proper documentation in place to know that the accusations being thrown at us right now are nothing more than spit balls and mud.

Every move YTB makes at this point is evaluated and commented on, often within minutes of its initial release by the company from those that oppose us. I found out for example that YTB purchased Sunrise Travel Services in Canada via our Traditionalists, of course with their own spin attached to it, and they also seem to be more than a little miffed at the fact that YTB now has their own Learjet 35A “Executive Jet” to fly all over the country in.

While YTB keeps growing and expanding, the mud is quickly thrown up on the wall to try to distract everyone.

I find it interesting that when a question comes from the other side, it’s also ignored. Apparently, we don’t have a right to ask questions. Of course that puts us in control of the conversation, and “control” is what this game is all about. This company is spreading and growing at a very rapid pace right now, and is just now starting to hit its momentum phase of its existence. What they thought was going to crush the company, such as IATA and Royal Caribbean has in fact had very little effect in slowing the company down.

The initial plan of attack concerning suppliers, associations, and even attempting to get Federal and State Agencies involved (see below) isn’t working so they’ve resorted to more and more spin, and all they are left with is trashing yours truly with some garbage that I’m not only struggling but have also commented that I need to converse with my wife 11 years why I’m impotent.

Pure "Class" from those Traditionalists don’t you think?

If they don't think I've been able to rise to the occasion, I'm okay with that. I don’t need the aggravation from mindless chatter from bitter, angry, negative bickering and spin. It's unproductive and since I've been less focused on them and more focused on YTB, things actually look a whole lot better from where I sit.

While our Traditionalist would like you to believe they are in control, they have in fact lost complete control of an industry they once held very close and dear. I can’t blame many of them for being bitter and angry. They’ve invested years of training, education, time, blood, sweat and tears into a profession they love and respect. I actually believe that the services and time spent in this industry is not only admirable but to be commended.

Albert Einstein wrote in his book “The World As I See It”, “The most important decision we ever make is whether we believe we live in a friendly universe or a hostile universe.”

It's become clear who lives in a hostile world, and who lives in a friendly world. While the “good old days” are long gone and some have done very well for themselves in adapting and changing with this industry, we have others who simply want to hang on to a long lost art form that has obviously changed without their permission or desires.

Which brings us to the next two questions in our LOOOOOOOOONG list of control questions from the Traditionalists.

Here is what we’ve gone over so far and if you’ve been following along with this laborious chore.

Question #1 - Why a compensation plan takes 12 pages to define?

Question #2 - How YTB arrived at $226 Million in travel sold for 2006. (Still waiting.)

Question #3 - Why so little of the "training" at the annual convention was for travel. (OK, YTB only believes in training at other meetings. We can let this one go.)

Question #4 - How nearly 150,000 RTAs can pay in the course of 9 months $79 million dollars in website sales, fees, and training; and receive $9.3 million in return. (This is huge...anyone?)

Question #5 - And for those that say I don't get the math, I did not learn how nearly 150,000 people paid in $79 million dollars and only got $64 million in return. (Hello? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?)

Question #6 - Why it is a good thing to have your top executives selling off stock. (There were no takers on this one, so I am gonna assume that it probably is NOT a good thing as everyone initially thought.)

Question #7 - Why a 3:1 split was a good deal when two of the three shares are worthless. (Thanks to Doug for the most reasonable explanation of this. The split may have been a good deal but with the current value of the stock, it is anyone's guess.)

Question #8 - Why employees at YTB could not sell me a cruise on November 9th. (Still no answer on this one yet other than they don’t do anything till an RTA sells it. Well, the YTB site said to call them. Coach in an interview was touting how the res center is all staffed with professional agents. So, why is it that they cannot sell me a cruise, and how is it that they do not know that cruises do not depart from Phoenix?)

Question #9 - Why when presented with facts and figures, the argument mysteriously turns to "you don't understand". (This is another one that we will just have to say...because that is the way it is.)

Question #10 - How many RTAs drop out in a month...a year..... (This number I fear will NEVER be known.)

Question #11 - How long does an RTA continue to pay the fee before canceling? (Answered. They continue to pay as long as YTB continues to charge them and they jump through the hoops to get them to stop.)

Question #12 - How it is a misunderstanding with IATAN and Royal Caribbean. (Answered. It apparently was NOT a misunderstanding and RCCL called a spade a spade and it is what it is. YTB has moved on and said they would never do business with RCCL again.)

Question #13 - How the air gets booked -- through a YTB ARC number or a Travelocity number. (This is the biggie. No answer other than the errant dribble from a director about it being a cruise misunderstanding. When a RTA sells an airline ticket, who's ARC number does the sale get attributed to when processing via IAR...is it a YTB number or a Travelocity number?)

Question #14 - The number of RTAs and Reps that actually comply with local business licensing regulations. (We will let this one go. They cannot control what they say, or their press releases, so why would I be so naive as to think they could control that they abide buy any local laws and statutes? I am going to assume that most attempt to fly under the radar here. In all honesty, I probably would as well. Why invest more money being bonded and registered and in compliance when you are seeing so little in return? It can always be written off as a hobby rather than a business I suppose...hmmmm imagine that...a hobby??)

Question #15 - The number of RTAs that comply with the Seller of Travel laws in the states that have them. (See answer to question above.)

I wanted to combine these two questions for two reasons. One they are related, and two, this is a perfect example of how mud is simply throw up without regard to validity or truth. Take a small sampling of YTB and throw a huge brush over the entire company.

John has no clue, nor do I for that matter how many states have local statues and laws that require licensing. My county for example simply requires a “Special Use Permit” for my home based business. Most States and Counties from the research I’ve done simply want to collect a fee and make sure that you, as a home based business, will not be doing any manufacturing, have employees, or produce heavy stream of customers moving in and out of your premises. As long as the business is run out of your home, and generally fall within the guidelines of the “Special Use Permit”, you should be good to go. You should however, check with your local municipality to see what, if any regulations apply to you.

In regards to the Seller of Travel Laws that John is so concerned about, I did find a nice link which gives a very good general overview of why Seller of Travel Laws exist and what states require them. You will note that all States that require SOT’s are listed at the bottom of all YTB Booking Engines. As long as the travel is booked by the customer from these sites, it is my understanding that YTB and the RTA involved conforms with all SOT’s. If however an RTA does booking direct without the use of the booking engine, the RTA must register their own SOT.

Speaking of SOT’s and Licensing, I’ve been asking John about an update on Rhode Island.

Back in November, John caught wind that Rhode Island is the only state in the country that actually requires a “Travel Agent License”. Being the good “Traditionalist” and “Investigative Journalist” that he is, decided to “blow the whistle” on YTB for not complying with what he believed to be an obvious oversight concerning licensing regulations. You may also “note” that John’s source was not all that reliable, and he had to do some back peddling concerning his initial post. Big surprise there huh?

In a follow up post, John also commented that he wasn’t quite sure what the issue was, but he was certain that there is in fact an issue. He then blamed typical Government run around for not answering his intended question and accusation. (Blaming others...another big surprise.)

I’ve also been following this issue and actually spoke with Kim Sorensen directly about this very subject the very day that this mud was thrown up on the wall. I’ve asked both John and other Traditionalists repeatedly about this issue in recent weeks concerning Rhode Island. I’ve gotten very little response if any concerning answers. Remember, my views and comments don’t count, and I’m either ignored, or cast off as “The Spin Doctor” from the other side. All they claim to know is that the issue is still being worked on.

What our Traditionalist don’t want you to know is that there has been a response from Rhode Island concerning “Travel Agent Licensing” and I think the response is typical of what they have been running up against for the last several months.

And that response is…“Pfft, so what?”

The issue of Bonding and Licensing in Rhode Island is so important to both the State and the industry that the law which requires it should be repealed by years end. All that work, all that fuss, all the spin and mud thrown up that YTB is breaking the law comes down to the State looking at the issue and finding a way to save not only themselves money, but also save what’s left of the Traditionalist in the State a ton of money.

Thanks to John’s efforts both Richard Berstein, executive counsel for the department, and Michael Marques, the department's director, concluded it was time to eliminate agency licensing and bonding "for a myriad of reasons," including the dwindling number of agencies in the state. While Traditionalists would like you to believe that business is booming Rhode Island looked at the stats they have and found a dramatic decline in the number of travel agencies, by about 40% in the last five years, leaving only 80 Agencies left in the entire state.

But what about John’s spin that YTB operates in Rhode Island? YTB does have literally hundreds of YTB RTA’s doing business as Referring Travel Agents in the state. Wouldn’t that add additional revenue to the States $1 Billion deficit?

Apparently, according to Richard Berstein, most states don’t require such licensing and bonding and they are huge competitors for the Agencies that reside in Rhode Island. This would include web sites. (A YTB web site?)

The internet changes things folks. Nancy McAdams, owner of Anchor Travel in Pawtucket, said getting rid of the law would be "good news. ... It is a big chunk of money" to buy the bond and pay licensing fees for employees as well as the agency. She said, "a lot of people from other states are selling in Rhode Island and are probably not licensed." and she’s probably right. I could do a Google search and find Seashore Travel in Florida or Farnesi Travel in New Jersey just as easily with the same product price and service. (All Powered by Online Agency) But Nancy has to pay $10,000 in bonding and Licensing per Agent because her office resides in Rhode Island.

Now I know that our Traditionalists on the other side are going to point out the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes repeal, which is probably why I haven’t seen a post on “Rhode Island – Resolved” as yet. If the governor's budget is accepted in the statehouse with the article that eliminates agency regulation, the licensing law will be effectively repealed anyway. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce can ask the Traditionalists for a little help in boosting the budget?

The issue certainly isn’t over as yet, but it sure doesn’t look good for those Traditionalist who want to hang on to way things “use to be”.

The airlines didn’t care, Internet Web sites don’t care, most of YTB doesn’t care, and now it looks like Rhode Island doesn’t care either.

Is it any wonder why they are so bitter, angry and upset?

Subscribe to Just Picture It Now for additional announcements and details!

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 Business, MLM Myths, Travel Agent, Travel MLM, YTB Travel Network

Posted by TravelPro at 5:46 AM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Another "Royal" Blunder...

Imagine my surprise today when one of our RTA's sent me this e-mail:

Subject: Job Listing: Franchise Development Manager at Royal Caribbean Cruises, LTD.

I saw this cool job today and thought you might want to check it out:

Franchise Development Manager at Royal Caribbean Cruises, LTD.

I found it on http://www.simplyhired.com/, the world's largest search engine for jobs.

Am I to gather from this correspondence that while Royal Caribbean is terminating relationships with a select few Agencies they've labeled "Card Mills" they have a vested interest in other home based business networks?

"Royal Caribbean MAGICJohnson Travel Group L.P. Magic Johnson Travel Group is the first home-based travel agent franchise network specifically targeting multicultural franchisees and customers. We strive to cultivate organic growth in the minority travel segment and empower entrepreneurs and new travelers across America."

I guess that includes us in YTB and Joystar? (Although they are focused on reaching out to the African American, Hispanic American and Asian American communities as new sellers and buyers of home-based travel, everyone is more than welcome to become a part of this unique business opportunity.) You will also have an opportunity to "speak to individuals and groups on behalf of customers to stimulate interest in franchise ownership."

Since it's focus is minorities, that makes it okay?

I've known about the Magic Johnson Travel Group since May of 2006, when it was launched. I was until this morning, unaware that Royal Caribbean still has a vested interest in this opportunity.

At the time, President of Royal Caribbean International Adam Goldstein stated, "Royal Caribbean International believes this venture will cultivate new sellers and buyers of travel in Urban America and fill a large void in the agency community. We share Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's vision and enjoy a strong partnership with the multicultural communities we serve."

With this "Job Listing" being posted on October 20th, well after the Terminations letters have been sent out, I would have to assume this statement is still true.

Isn't THAT "special"?

Subscribe to Just Picture It Now for additional announcements and details!

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", Agents at Home, Home Based Business, Magic Johnson, Network Marketing, Royal Caribbean, YTB Travel Network

Posted by TravelPro at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Free Webinar: Tax Tips - "It's How Much You Keep That Counts!"

Back around tax time this past year, I did a post on t ax tip's for owning a home based business, based on Ron Mueller's book "It's How Much You Keep That Counts!". I just got word about a FREE webinar from the Tax Guru himself for this Sunday night, September 16th, @ 9:00 PM Eastern Time Zone.

While the Travel Industry and YTB certainly has tax benefits all it's own, you may find this information useful if you are currently working from home, or considering starting a home based business. Ron's book certainly opened my eyes to what I can claim legally with the IRS by converting what I considered personal expenses into a business expense. It's saved us THOUSANDS each and every year we've been using the information and tips Ron has supplied.

Some of the topics will include:

~ Increase Your income Without Asking For A Raise!
~ Save $500 For Every 1000 Miles You Drive!
~ Create A Bullet Proof Record Keeping System!
~ Hire Your Children, The Right Way!

System Requirements:

PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer

If you'd like to participate in the webinar, feel free to contact me and I'll forward the information to you. But hurry, space is limited and filling up fast!

Hope you can join me on the call!

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 Business, Ronald Mueller, Tax Deductions, Webinar, YTB

Posted by TravelPro at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Top Tips For Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent

Of all the home-based business possibilities, it’s hard to imagine one that’s more fun or potentially profitable than operating a home-based travel agency.

Not only do you get the enjoyment of sending people off on their dream vacation, but you earn a good commission for selling services that you do not have to actually provide yourself. What could be better than that?

If you’d like to become a home-based travel agent, and enjoy discounted or even free trips for yourself as well, then the following “Top Tips For Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent” will get you started in the right direction.

1. Affiliate with a legitimate host agency that has all of the required certifications.

The most successful home-based travel agents are independent contractors who work with a host agency. You use the host agency’s resources and established relationships to tap into their network of travel vendors and suppliers. It’s important that your host agency has the proper industry credentials and that they have a program in place that allows you to use those credentials in order to establish yourself as a legitimate travel agency.

As a home based travel agent you need certain credentials like the CLIA card. CLIA stands for the International Airlines Travel Agent Network endorses travel agents and provides the IATAN ID card, which identifies you as a U.S.- based travel sales professional.

If you are considering working with a host agency that doesn’t provide you with their IATAN/ARC number, and other required credentials, move on and select one that does.

2. Choose a host travel agency that provides comprehensive training

Even though you are an independent home-based travel agent, you still need professional quality training so you know how to operate in the travel industry as well as what you are and are not allowed to do.

Getting up-to-date on the best places to travel, tourism trends, and how to fulfill the needs of your customer is vital to your travel business. You want to choose a host travel agency that offers comprehensive training and courses on various travel services, products, marketing, etc.

For some host agencies, taking a course or training is necessary in order to be eligible for certain travel credentials. And, although it is not required to book travel, your job will go much easier and you’ll develop more repeat business, if you are well-trained and well-informed.

3. Choose a host travel agency that will help you promote your business.

Don’t choose a travel company that does not offer some assistance with marketing your travel business. The best ones will offer a turn-key website or online booking engine for your clients to use when booking their travel.

Even better are the travel companies that also provide you with automated marketing tools such as auto responders to handle email campaigns and promotions.

You’ll save money, and gain more customers, if you partner up with a host travel agency that provides ready-made templates to print business cards, postcards, flyers, etc. These are all the tools in your marketing arsenal that will help you get the word out about your home-based travel business.

4. Choose a host travel agency that handles ALL of the travel details for you.

Most host agencies handle all the booking and routine travel details for your clients, but what happens if a name is misspelled on a plane ticket or your customer wants a refund? Find out what type of customer support is available and read their policies carefully before you sign on as a home-based travel agent.

At a minimum, look for:

· How long your host agency has been in business and if they are reputable.
· 24/7 telephone support, not just e-mail or web-based.
· Clear and easy-to-understand refund and cancellation policies.
· A track record of speedy resolution to customer service issues.

5. Choose a host travel agency with a fair commission policy.

Notice that money is not mentioned as the #1 thing to look for when you’re choosing a host travel agency. Sure, the commission is important; it’s how you get paid. But the best commission policy in the world does you no good if the host travel company that you choose to partner with is not aboveboard and honest.

Once you have found a travel company that meet the requirements of items 1-4, it’s time to check their commission policy. Here’s what to look for:

· Make sure that you know exactly how much commission you earn on every travel product you offer through your host agency. Be sure to find out if you earn commissions for add-on sales like trip cancellation insurance or lost luggage insurance. The best host travel agency partners pay you a piece of everything you sell.

· Be sure you know what their commission chargeback policy is when a client cancels a trip or seeks a refund.

· Find out at which point your commission actually gets locked in. Is it when the sale is made; when the client debarks on their trip, or when they return?

· Find out how long it takes to get paid. Some agencies pay Net 30, some pay longer. Whatever the payment period is, make sure you can live with it.

6. Choose a host travel agency with the best perks for you

The opportunity to go on a FAM trip is the most appealing benefit to travel agents. FAM trips are short for ‘familiarization trips’. These are special trips specifically for the travel agent. These trips are offered by hotels, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, and tour companies.

The intent of the trip is to familiarize the agent with the product or service so that they can then sell the service or product to their clients. By experiencing the product, agents can sell it more effectively.

These trips are either totally free or have a small cost involved to cover the expense of the trip. These FAM trips are offered at a huge discount compared to what it would cost to the average consumer. If your host agency doesn’t offer FAM trips, you should think about finding one that does.

Also, since you will be working out of home and on your own, medical insurance plans or group coverage plans are sometimes offered. Check to see if the agency you are considering has a group plan that you can buy into. Group plans are usually less expensive than buying
medical insurance on your own.

Some final thoughts

Owning your own travel business means you can take advantage of many tax breaks. Deductions are allowed for you initial investment, home office expenses, cell phone and land lines, automobile, computer, fax machine, insurance, and other equipment. In addition, when you travel anywhere in the world, it's a business expense!

Overall, becoming a home-based travel agent has some major perks and benefits. The important thing is to find a good host agency and become familiar with your product so that you can offer the best travel experience for your customers. Doing this will keeps a consistent flow of repeat and new business coming your way.

Good luck and Bon Voyage!

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