Tuesday, April 22, 2008

That Didn't Take Long...

Looks like the move over to the OTC-BB didn’t take very long. As of Monday, YTBLA.OB became the new ticker symbol for our Class A Common Stock.

I told you that some critics would be yammering that this was no big deal, or something is STILL fishy and like a book, I found many of the watering holes attempting to discredit what just happened. I even paid a visit to an old board that I grew tired of just to see how some of the old favorite Anti-YTB Zealots would try to spin all this.

True to form, I found one of the most obnoxious and outspoken critics of YTB steeling bandwidth over on Scam.com. I’ve mention this Zealot before. Or should I make that plural? I’m not sure, because this same cat went by the name of MJ363 before he was officially shown the error of his ways last summer and sent packing, only to come back as ChrisN to start his whole “YTB looks like a pyramid” theory all over again.

My guess is that because he could never find anyone who would agree with him as MJ363, he decided to create an alias of ChrisN to make it look like somebody actually agreed with what he was yammering about.

Apparently, YTB managed to slide under the radar of the SEC once again, and the argument is that if the Government would actually look at our Financials we’d be found to be an illegal pyramid scheme.

We’ve been doing this for years and the frustration is that even with all the attention and mud they try to throw up on the internet, the Government is just being slow to catch on. To be honest, I can appreciate that particular theory, but there are instances when it just gets a little too obvious that someone had to have looked at our financial picture and put two and two together the way these Anti-MLM Zealots have.

One of the favorite pieces, that got thrown up all the time, but don’t see much of any more is a Los Angeles BBB report from July 2005 which stated that they believe YTB to be an illegal pyramid. Many confused the BBB as an actual Government entity, and claims that YTB’s days were numbered were running all over the internet. One of the most popular threads that remain on the front page of Scam.com was started on July 14th, 2005. While pyramid theories are still going strong after more than 89 pages of banter and 3500 posts, YTB is still here.

Two years ago, they also came close in July of 2006, when the Attorney General in Florida opened up an “investigation” concerning one of our top producers. It was truly the first sign for them that the Government was finally catching on and our days were numbered. By November, YTB was told that the corporate entity had been cleared, and the investigation was closed concerning our Top Producer without any Civil or Criminal case ever being filed.

If we fast forward to Monday, April 21st, we find that someone of authority gave the all clear to upgrade our company listing from YTBLA.PK to YTBLA.OB. Last I checked the SEC is a Government entity, but apparently we’re back to having YTB slip through the cracks of obvious illegal activity once again, and questions are still swirling concerning inaccurate accounting practices, and questionable “Pump and Dump” by Directors in our company.

And yes, I have been told both here and on various forums that my post on Friday is nothing more than an “opinion” and I have no proof that the FIRNA Member YTB filed with even looked at the forms and paperwork in order to grant this move from Pink Sheets over to the OTC. For some, there are still questions and concerns that have been unanswered, and the frustration for them seems to be mounting, especially after yesterday’s development.

It’s my belief that part of that frustration may stem from the fact that many of the Critics used Yahoo link too, and while there have been years and years of messages, press releases, and financials tied to YTBLA.PK on Yahoo, none of them are working as of Monday morning. Now, when anyone finds a link or thread attempting to provide documentation to what they are talking about, they’ll find a dead link. All those years of posts and links just gone.

I was with my Second Level Director last night, and during the Opportunity Presentation he mentioned something that just made me laugh. With all the attention YTB has been getting these days, all the moves that are analyzed and scrutinized to death, when do you think the Critics might begin to simply tire of all the meaningless activity and just accept the fact that YTB is here to stay?

I guess you’ll have to ask them, but I got to warn you, don’t hold your breath for any answer. YTB is already in it’s 8th year of existence, and while we have only just started to expand Internationally to Canada, Bahamas, and Bermuda, and the OTC-BB listing is only the first step to moving to a National Exchange, some still want to hang on to unanswered questions in a feeble attempts to slow this company down.

All part of the FEAR tactics of the Anti-MLM crowd. Problem is that some are starting to figure out that FEAR is nothing more than False Evidence Appearing Real. Much like Royal Caribbean didn’t produce the onslaught of suppliers pulling the plug, and IATA didn’t stop us from selling, booking, or obtaining commissions on those bookings, now we find that the Pink Sheets didn’t destroy the company either.

One last note before I move on with my day.

I’m pleased to see that either nobody is reading, or that it simply doesn’t seem to matter one iota to any of us in YTB that John Frenaye totally missed the fact that YTB Cars now has an Authorized Dealer in Florida for YTB Cars program on Monday. (It’s archived in the Biz Report in your back office for 4/18/08)

I remember the days when this oversight would have produced quite a stir because John missed the mark, once again. Now it appears that like me, nobody really cares what this "Critic" pumps. Like RCCL, IATA, and the OTC listing, the truth eventually comes to light, and there's really very little anyone can do to help educate those that already know all they need to know.

Those of you who are subscribed to my free Newsletter are free to find an archived call on March 13th, and listen in on how this program is moving forward and expanding. (Just click the archived calls on my weekly newsletter.) If you’re not part of this Newsletter and are part of YTB, you’re more than welcome to sign up, it’s free and full of information about all that’s new with YTB. I have all the Newsletters archived through RSS.

I can promise you, it’s going to be a lot more worthwhile than reading any Anti-MLM or Anti-YTB dribble that quickly proving to be nothing more than a bunch of hot air.


Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker

Phone: 678.458.5812


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Sunday, August 26, 2007

Latest news from YTB National Convention!

I've been thinking about all those people who told me that YTB would never work, that it's a scam, it would never last, it would never amount to anything.

Well – Well – Well, take a look at us now!

Coach Tomer was quoted in an interview back in January how we should respond to all the critics. “You beat that by proving yourself. We just keep doing the right thing.” Because we did the right thing, it’s been a really good summer for our family and YTB Travel Network with recognition and announcements that not only adds credibility, but nails the door shut that YTB International would never amount to anything. I’m still gloating over our listing in
Travel Weekly as the 35th largest Travel Agency in the Country, and ranked number 11 for leisure travel sales. A 6 year old company with no advertising, requires no experience to get started, and relies on our Agents to simply point people to their web site? Who knew? Not only has our company stock been climbing since December of last year, we benefited from a 1-3 stock split this summer tripling the amount of shares that we now own, and just before the Convention, YTB posted a $1.7 profit for the second quarter of 2007. My, how things have changed.

Nearly 11,000 Referring Travel Agents attended the YTB annual National Convention in St. Louis, MO. I was very proud to have a number of team members who attended a weekend of recognition of the past year's high sales achievers, providing team building ideas, inspirational and motivational seminars, future plans, and several major announcements. The first two days of the Convention, we had the opportunity to select from 132 business classes at YTB University. These classes were taught by field leaders, corporate staff, and outside professionals. The information was invaluable enabling all of us to learn from the best of the best.

When the General Sessions started Friday morning I was blown away by the amount of people who were in attendance, but even more so by the dynamic stage complete with a cruise ship and what appeared to be a life size commercial airliner which hung above a runway. The atmosphere was certainly electric right from the start.

Did I say several major announcements? Right from the start, the company released major bombshells at every General Session all weekend long, starting with our new personalized booking engine to include more features that myself and our clients have requested. We have a new, state-of-the-art cruise engine, and also added several niche sites that will appeal to travel customers. Fell free to check out our new Golf Site, Flowers Site, and YTB Weddings page which can be accessed through the Extras tab on the home page along with YTB Cars which was also launched in July. Additional specialty sites are being developed and will be available soon to include skiing, adventure, and extreme travel custom pages.

Our new Marketing website has been completely revamped and launched with a spectacular new look and tons of new features to better assist us in our YTB business! You can read recent BizReports and hear the latest Conference Training Calls without have to have access to our Back Office. Check out the new high resolution "Take a Look at YTB" video located in the center of the page! This has been a surefire way to interest prospects in hearing more about this great company.

RTAs just starting out now have the capability to purchase health care insurance with no questions asked! In addition to our Directors who build teams, now any RTA who earns $25,000 in travel commissions in a 12-month period will qualify for fully paid health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Commission level must be maintained to continue to receive this benefit. Now the company will provide both team builders AND Travel Commission builders equal benefits in both Health and Life Insurance. By the way, the Life Insurance Policy was also increased from $100,000 to $150,000 for our Directors.

Effective January 1, 2008, new requirements will be in place in order to qualify for a YTB Referring Travel Agent credential card. RTAs joining as of January 1, 2008 must sell a minimum of $1,500 in travel before applying for the RTA credential card. RTA's who wish to qualify for CLIA credentials must sell a minimum of $2,500 in travel in order to carry this prestigious credential. Renewal credentials will not be required to meet this qualification. (Annual testing and fees with CLIA still apply for all RTA's)

YTB's famous Bill of Rights has now been amended to add even more protection. In addition to our residual commission, YTB now protects all Rep commissions and bonuses.

YTB is in the process of getting "Cleared for Takeoff" in Canada! The company will announce during Coach's Birthday Bash a firm CANADA GO LIVE date, which will be sometime between January 5th and January 20th, 2008. YTB will schedule a Kickoff Canada meetings within 30 days after the GO LIVE date. I'll keep an eye on upcoming BizReports for the latest news for our neighbor to the north! (Beauty eh?")

YTB is also introducing a twice annual publication all about TRAVEL! "Fun and Travel" magazine discusses travel trends, features preferred vendors, and reviews the hottest travel destinations. It will be available at the Funshine Travel Trade Show in Orlando, Florida to be held Friday and Saturday, October 5-6, 2007. More information on pricing and availability will be published in upcoming BizReports and I'll be sure to let you know.

YTB is also looking to help the "Traditional Travel Agents" fight back. I know for example most Travel Agents still in business today focus on the Luxury market. Cruises, All-Inclusive packages, Tours and such. I also know loyal clients often call for airline, hotels, and car rentals that are not productive use of time. Because they are loyal clients Agents can now send clients to the internet to book their day to day travel themselves through a private label YTB Booking engine tied to the Agency. Agents can now take back some of the commission lost to airlines and those big on line booking engines. You may have heard of them, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia? For a set period, RTAs credentialed by another travel agency can qualify to become a YTB Referring Travel Agent for only $49.95. We will waive the initial $449.95 start up costs! This offer good August 17 through midnight CT December 2, 2007.

RTAs will also have an opportunity to sell a one-year subscription in a Two Fly Free program for a $300 fee. This will allow for free airfare from select cities when purchased in conjunction with a 7-10 night hotel stay (international destinations are also available). In a recent comparison on a trip to Hawaii for a group of six, savings of over $10,000 could have been realized using this program. Two Fly Free program details are being finalized and this program will be available through the RTA booking engine. I'll watch upcoming BizReports for more details.

Two new DVD tools and books where introduced as well, "Coach's Playbook" and "Circle of Champions". "Coach's Playbook" is a 55-minute DVD and booklet showing you how to effectively build your business, created by the founders, Coach, Scott, and Kim. This includes YTB business fundamentals, the key to understanding the YTB compensation plan, and an inside look at how YTB began and the passion behind it. "Coach's Playbook" will be included in the Toolbox welcome kit for all new RTAs. The "Circle of Champions" DVD and booklet features the stories of the Top 12 Million Dollar Diamond Ring earners. They share you with what this business means to them as they invite you into their homes and families. "Circle of Champions" booklet also included in the Toolbox welcome kit for all new RTAs.

O
ur new 131,000 square foot Home Office being renovated is going Green! The building will meet the goals of the 2030 Worldwide Challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the building by 50%. It will be built on new construction standards called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) The LEED Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. We are also working to buy a large swath of nearby land, currently a cornfield, along Route 143, and wants to build a hotel and conference center and perhaps more office space, total land owned will be more than 59 acres.

Think it's been a good summer? You bet it has! From the looks of it, it's going to get even better as we continue to execute our business plan and continue to take the industry by storm. There is little doubt YTB is the current leader in the Networking Travel Industry, and from what's been laid out before us, there is little evidence that this will change. We make no bones about the fact that our goal is the be the #1 Travel Agency in the world, and it's good to see signs that we are rapidly moving in that direction.

If you'd like help get us to our goal, we'd love to have you! Feel free to pick up the phone and call us or simply leave your information on our automated lead capture page so we can call you on our dime at http://www.justpictureitnow.com/.

As in Just Picture It Now, you too can be a part of this incredible company and industry.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker

Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
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RTA #24635

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Friday, July 20, 2007

Your Ticket To Paradise

Your Ticket To Paradise” happens to be the largest organization of active RTA's in YTB, or YourTravelBiz as it’s also known. We are very proud to be part of this organization and prouder still to be recognized as leaders within the organization, just in time for the National Convention in St. Louis, August 15 - 19.

Last evening, Tim Dominey, a Second Level Director in YTB awarded both Ronda and I with “Your Ticket To Paradise” team jackets. These jackets not only recognize both Ronda and I as leaders of our own team, but leaders in the company as well.

But we couldn’t have done any of this by ourselves. That’s one of the things we love about this company and this business model, it’s about people helping people. With just a few core people that we have personally found, they have found others that have grown our team to over 200 at this time and we are getting closer every day to becoming Directors ourselves. We see it, we feel it, and it’s so close we can almost touch it.

It’s hard not to be proud right now with all the great news that has come out over the last two months about the company. The summer started out with the announcement of
YTB International bringing on KCSA Worldwide as Investor Relations Counsel, with our Annual Investors meeting the following week. The Annual Meeting of Stockholders that took place on June 11, 2007. All six proposals submitted by YTB's Board of Directors to the Company's stockholders were approved at the meeting, including a 1-3 split of the company stock.

The
beginning of June, we also announced the launch of YTB Cars and sales have already been made. While the pilot program has launched with Chrysler, Dodge, and Nissan at its inception, we recently found out that the largest car rental company worldwide, who also has corporate headquarters in St. Louis, has been in and out of our home office since the launch in order to help us expand our program.

Then came the news we all new was coming, but just didn’t know exactly were we would place.
Travel Weekly’s Top 50 Power List for 2007. As part of the Power List, YTB was ranked 35th among all travel agencies and included in the top 11 leisure travel agencies. The ONLY Network Marketing Company to ever make the Top 50! To be ranked with the likes of Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia, American Express, and AAA is so incredibly HUGE for a small, young company like ours. Travel is our business and we expect to handle 900,000 travel bookings representing 1.4 million individual travelers with a customer cost of approx $1 Billion in 2007. On May 31 of this year 57,000 of our 88,000 travel agents had 157,000 paid for travel bookings pending customer travel and commissioning. 80,000 new bookings for 110,000 individual travel customers were entered into our system in May alone!

All this and the
National Convention is yet to come! MAJOR Announcements are announced every year at the convention. Two years ago it was the Medical and Life Insurance and our Bill of Rights, and last year it was our feature in Success From Home and our $6000 Guarantee. (Both of these announcements by the way have made their way into other compensation packages with other companies just to keep pace.)

It’s been a REALLY good summer and it looks like it’s just going to get better!


Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker

Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
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Book Your Travel & Vacations With


Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450

RTA #24635

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