Just Picture It Now

Trick - or - Treat

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:14:00 +0000

Here's the trick.

This will be my last post on Blogger.

Oh, don't get your hair all up in a bun just yet. I'm moving, not going away completely.

Now for some this may be either a trick or a treat depending on which side of the fence you sit on. I’ve been wanting to make a change for some time, with either a different look, more flexibility, more customization, and feature rich controls.

On Monday, I will be making the switch to my own domain and server at my new home www.justpictureitnow.com. You’ll still be able to find all your favorite posts over there, (given time, there are 226 posts that need to be reformatted) and we will still be giving you the hard hitting documentation and links you’ve only been able to find here concerning the industry we’re all so fired up about, travel.

Truth is; I’ve outgrown this blog long ago. I started this blog back in December of 2005, and in computer years, that’s ancient. (I don’t know if there is any equivalent for web sites and computer technology like there is for dog years.) This particular template I’m using here, while very comfortable and familiar is a 1.0 template. If I wanted to make the switch to 2.0 which does have some of the controls I wanted I’d have to change the entire look and end up reformating everything anyway.

At the beginning of the year, I did consider and actually wanted to upgrade the look and feel of this blog. The problem was, I just couldn’t find anything I wanted or that looked right, and I’d still have to reformat every post to make it readable for those that found me via organic searches. So I just dropped it and continued on with the old template.

A good friend of mine, who happens to be my very first team member in YTB finally convinced me to take a look at a format I almost went to back in 2005 and after looking at what it had to offer, I've decided to make the switch on an entirely different platform.

WordPress.

After doing some research and taking a good hard look at the WordPress platform, everything seemed to fall into place and I now have living, breathing blog that can grow and expand like I want it to.

Although I’m kicking myself for not making this switch at the beginning of the year, (I have close to 100 more posts to switch over) the customization, plugins, and widgets along with constant upgrades to keep current with the latest technology was key. It’s a computer geek’s playground, and for someone like me who should be wearing inch thick glasses and a pocket protector, I’m in heaven.

Yes, there will be some down time as I make this switch as the spiders that crawl the world wide web figure out what has transpired. By doing this now however, by the first of the year, the new blog should be even more powerful than ever. (I learned a few new SEO tricks along the way.)

In closing, I wanted to thank both Blogger and Google for making this format available to the average person. Without it, I never would have figured out that I have a real gift for writing. For that I am grateful, and Blogger has served me well over the years.

For me however, I want to take my blogging to new levels and help even more people. Think big. That’s what every mentor and teacher I’ve read or heard over the past three years has taught me. I’ve never been one to hide out and it’s time to step out even further to make an even bigger impact.

I hope to see you Monday over in my new digs.

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

What The "Bleep" Is Going On?

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:22:00 +0000

I’m kind of scratching my head these days wondering what in the world is going on with YTB.

I’ve been told that the California Attorney General will be shutting YTB down, and I would assume that means my days with the company are numbered.

If you look at this logically or from a legal standpoint, California can only prohibit YTB from operating in their particular state. This notion that Jerry Brown and his office has the power to shut the entire company down is nothing more than wishful thinking. Illinois, on the other hand, does have to authority, and while they are cooperating with California, we are coming up on a 3 months without any further word or action from the Illinois Attorney Generals Office.

Some are still holding on to hopes that they will. Of course these are the same people who are looking for the FTC to come around, even after the ASTA was told to go pound sand back in 2005.

Meanwhile, “back at the ranch” YTB has been rolling out marketing materials and upgrades like there’s no tomorrow. (Like that play on words don’t you…”no tomorrow”.) We’ve seen new presentations both on line and off line within the past week. We’ve also seen a brand new Travel Training Course, which enables those of us who care to, to earn 70% of the agent commission paid to YTB.

Now late last night, I see that the company has upgraded its marketing site with a brand new look.

While I’m not 100% positive about this, and I could be mistaken, I believe this is yet another “reactionary move” as our critics like to call it. It wasn’t enough for California and other critics that YTB had a marketing site that looked like all the other REP sites out there. It didn’t matter that there was never any possibility for someone to join the YTB as a REP from the main YTB Corporate domain (ytb.com) the company needed to make a clear distinction between what belonged to Corporate and what belongs to the REP’s and RTA’s out in the field.

I also have to wonder if the home office flipped the switch yesterday in honor of one of YTB’s favorite critics. While there was a post yesterday on the blog that finally came up with something to spin about the new killer presentation, (although he did say it was “great”) he did lead the rest of the flock right to the YTB main domain that this new site is hosted on.

Leave it to him to break this kind of upgrade.

For the record, the home office isn’t done. I’m really not at liberty to discuss here what’s in the works, but we’ll all find out soon enough from the proper channels.

One last note; and it’s on a more personal level, but has to do with all these upgrades going on. I’ll be upgrading myself within the next few days. Exactly what that is, I aint gonna tell you just yet. I’m at liberty to do so, but just want to keep you in suspense. ;-P

You’ll just have to check back in the next few days to find out.

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

Another Myth Resolved

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:36:00 +0000

I keep on hearing how other hosts have better commission splits. Its one of the mantras for our critic’s in an attempt to disqualify Travel MLM’s as legitimate Host Agencies. I imagine it helps them support this idea they have about it all being about recruiting, since recruiting happens to be their main focus.

It’s amazing to me how YTB Travel Network President Kim Sorensen participated in Travel Weekly’s Leisure Summit last week, which I assumed was designed for leisure travel related topics. As soon as the switch was flipped to Kim however, the entire mood and focus turned. One of the very first questions asked was related to recruiting numbers. The conversations going on around the internet focus on recruiting numbers as well. Yet not one of our critics has acknowledged that YTB has doubled their production with Carnival over last year. (And we still have almost an entire quarter to go.)

Ignoring travel sales is nothing new. We endured all kinds of excuses concerning our #35 ranking and still have a few who attempt to disqualify our jump to #26 this past year. Ignoring this documentation however will not make it go away, only delay the inevitable that YTB is a real producer of travel in this industry.

For critics, can’t be about travel or commission splits, and the perception being painted splatters this myth that we in YTB don’t really care enough about the travel side of the business to figure out or become productive sellers of travel with an MLM as a Host Agency. Even if we do have the desire, the splits from other hosts are far better than what YTB or any other MLM out there will give you.

Imagine the grin on my face when I found out the truth via a Travel Weekly Article early Tuesday Morning. I constantly hear numbers around 80/20, 90/10 and even 100% commissions being made via other Agents but according to a survey done by NATCA the average split is 74/26, just a mere 4 clicks north of what I currently make with YTB. (70/30)

I also find it interesting that 65% of the Agents surveyed stated they didn't need a GDS with their business model although I and others have been told otherwise. Somehow, without the proper education and knowledge of the various GDS systems out there, I can’t do business in the same fashion they do. While true, a GDS is a different animal in this industry, to state that it’s a requirement to be considered “real” is a complete fabrication.

Here’s the rundown from the report:

The NACTA report tracks sales, revenue, demographics and other data from 2007, and its findings are based on 449 responses to an email survey distributed in June to NACTA members by ASTA Research.

The report went on to state that 37.9%, were "fully independent," (meaning they were not affiliated with a host agency and that they dealt directly with suppliers) and hosted agents followed at 29%, while 20% stated they were a "combination independent and hosted agent."

Of the Host Agencies or Franchise model most use, 20% are with Nexion. Travel Planners had the second-highest percentage with 7.8%. Other Host Agencies included Joystar who claimed 3.4%, America's Vacation Center who claimed 3.7% and YTB with 1.5% of the Agents surveyed.

Funny how both Travel Weekly and NACTA included YTB as a Host Agency isn’t it?

Yeah yeah…I know all about the current management not being “qualified” and YTB will never be considered a “legitimate” Host by the few stragglers who can’t keep up with the times. You need to realize however, that’s their problem, not ours.

I have to wonder how many more years YTB will have to wait until some consider them “qualified”. For goodness sake, we’re going on 8 years now, and I wouldn’t consider an 8 year old company who’s smack dab in the middle of all the other Agencies in America unqualified.

And apparently neither does this trade publication or the NACTA.

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

Lucky 7...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:57:00 +0000

7 years ago today, I was hired for one of the most important, most rewarding, and most demanding jobs I’ve ever had.

I became a father.

I’ve written about my little girl, AKA: Schmoopsie Pooh, along with her younger brother of 20 months AKA: Googley Bear here before. I don’t know how in the world I did it, but I happened to produce two of the most beautiful children on the fact of this earth. Being a father of these two souls, and watching them grow and learn has got to be the absolutely best experience I’ve ever had.

While Brittany turns 7, and acts like she’s 17 at times, there is such a beautiful innocents and wonder about this age and stage in her life. Over the last year I’ve begun to see “my little girl” grow up and mature right before my eyes. Gone are the kids shows that her brother still enjoys. Gone are the little toys that are replaced with things like books and writing tablet. Gone is the dependence on either myself or my wife to do things for her. And she now shares in some form of responsibility in maintaining a couple of chores around the house.

I always knew I wanted to be a father and I’ve always had a very special bond with children my entire life. I get a lot of this from my mother as she has a very special touch that I don’t hold a candle too. I worked my way through high school and college working in day care centers, and also acting in children’s theatres in the Northeast. I have the distinct honor of being an original cast member in a not so wildly successful play called “Patchwork”. Though it was never ready for any prime time players, my name is in the book as being the first cast member of this children’s play.

I remember people, more specifically other “parents” telling me how being a father would “change my life”. While I thought I had some concept of what they were talking about, I’ve come to find out that honestly, I didn’t have a clue. To this day I remember the very first time I set eyes on her in the hospital just seconds after she came into this world. The second thing I remember thinking, (right after “my God, she looks just like me”.) was “Oh, this is what they were talking about.”

Being a parent isn’t something you can explain, it’s something you have to experience in order to get the full meaning of. Even for someone like myself who is well versed in putting things down on paper, or in my case this blog. The “Parent” experience just can’t be put into words to help those who haven’t or are about to experience what it’s like. Sure we can give you story after story, lesson after lesson, but until you actually do it yourself, it just doesn’t have the same effect.
It’s that special. It’s that meaningful.

I’ll be heading to school at lunch today to deliver a special “birthday cookie” for her and her friends and probably embarrass the hell out her as I’ll be singing “Happy Birthday” the loudest of the entire bunch. (Remember, I have “theatre” experience.) We’ll sit and enjoy some time together mid day with her class mates some of whom spent their first sleep over at our house this weekend. (Another long post in itself, trust me!) I’m just thankful I missed the high pitched screams of all the girls as they wooed all over Zac Efron in High School Musical 3 in theatres all across the country.

I remember being in the hospital with her just days after she was born. Pittsburgh was playing Tennessee on Monday Night Football. I of course had gotten a very cute sleeper with Steelers logo’s as I wore my Kordell Stewart jersey to watch the game together in the hospital room. She was an angel right from the start, and didn’t say a word. (The staff on the floor however, did have a few choice words over the noise I was making.)

We brought her home just a few days later on Halloween. While I was ready and willing to start my fatherly duties that night and take her trick or treating, Ronda had other ideas. Fortunately being only a few days old, I don’t think Brittany has any memories of missing her first Halloween and I can assure you that missing the experience did not scar her for life.

Another year has passed, and she’s another year older. Hard to believe and yes it’s blown by in the blink of an eye. Next thing you know I’m going to writing about walking her down the isle. I realize that’s another 30 years away, but if the last 7 have gone by this fast, she’ll be dating in just 29 years.
There is something she’ll never outgrow with me. When she does turn 36 and I let her start dating, I’ll still be saying “Happy Birthday little girl”.

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

The Cookie Jar...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:56:00 +0000

Looks like I have to give credit where credit is due.

Sort of…

This morning I brought attention to a blatant accusation by one of the better known critics of YTB that they were paying off CLIA. Apparently “The Spin Master” has obtained the following confirmation from Jim Smith, CTIE via an e-mail correspondence from CLIA. I will quote from “The Spin Masters” blog and do believe this correspondence to be accurate.

“Contrary to what was posted on your blog and for the record – when it comes to CLIA certification, membership and all related programs – the rules are the rules for everyone. There are no exceptions.”

Interesting that Mr. Smith references the blog itself and not YTB or the Travel Compass. You would think that if he agreed with “The Spin Master” he would have made reference to YTB misleading or misinforming the general public as the “The Spin Master” appears to state.

Instead, we see another absolute refusal to take any responsibility in what was posted or insinuated. No, that appears to bounce off him and land squarely in MY lap.

I have to wonder if Mr. Smith himself was the one who corresponded with YTB directly when YTB posted a PDF of the new CLIA Requirements in both the 9/18 and 9/25 issues of the Travel Compass. A PDF of the new requirements can also be found in the Travel Portal under “Breaking News” as of the last several weeks for those that might have missed either of those issues.

And apparently, someone has. ;-P

Both the publication and secured access to the Travel Portal are intended for those of us who are members of YTB. Why this company correspondence is now blasted all over the internet with its own little twist in an effort to warn the general public or to promote and/or slander CLIA is rather arrogant. CLIA does have strict rules in promoting its membership, and I would have to agree, the rules are the rules for everyone.

There are no exceptions.

Its quite clear what was posted on “the blog” was an insinuation that YTB acted like “politicians sliding in a little pork for their constituents” and/or YTB “slipped and showed a little pork”.

But alas, as we so often see from these overly obsessed and arrogant mud slingers, the message sent by Mr. Smith and CLIA just doesn’t seem to register.

You can picture it now, a 5 year old with his hands over his ears yelling “Blah Blah Blah” just after he was caught red handed with both hands in the cookie jar.

Ohhhh...Coleman...where are you when we need you buddy?

"Too Funny"

Fun To Watch...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:10:00 +0000

Holy cow, it’s been a busy week! Things got kicked off with First Class Training and I’m still noticing how bombarded the servers are at certain times while tens of thousands get upgraded to 70% commission. Our Directors got their first glimpse of new on line and off line tools on Monday which are up to date both in content and style. The very next day, YTB’s very own Kim Sorensen informed the industry in a “Meet The Press” style interview that the company has no intent on changing it’s business model to appease critics. I guess when you’ve double your sales with the number one cruise line in the world year over year; obviously something is working when it comes to YTB’s business model.

For all the positive moves YTB made this week in the right direction, it’s been fun to see how worked up and desperate our critics are getting. I guess they think if they yell a little louder the focus will come back to them and their side of the story.

I found it interesting that a post was made yesterday afternoon that YTB is now paying off CLIA. There hasn’t been a single comment concerning this as of the time of this writing. We’re just going to let Terry educate this “industry veteran” about how this Association works, or spank him for having the reading comprehension and mentality of a 5 year old. Personally, if he doesn’t understand how CLIA’s two year ACC Accreditation actually works when your “application” is submitted he should be kicked out of the industry, or simply put out of his misery.

I also read that Vicki Freed was “fired” from Carnival during the week I suspect in an attempt to show their disgust in how Carnival supports YTB’s model. And we’re still pitching this myth that Royal Caribbean, Perilo, “and others” (plural meaning more than Celtic.) have done away with YTB.

Of course that last comment was made by the same person who told everyone that their united movement is working. When you see these types of comments and false claims, it makes me wonder why or how they think they can claim their cleaning up the industry using the same unprofessional tactics they appear to be above and obviously upset about.

How frustrated they must be at this point to see that YTB is still making news, and it’s moved past the doom and gloom of California. I realize they’re still hanging on to this idea that California actually has the power to shut YTB down completely. However the changes we’ve seen this week in answering the concerns of this one state are making YTB bullet proof for any other state to make the same lame accusations.

Actions always speak louder than words, and if you think some are just a tad concerned that things aren’t going the way they’d like them to, the actions of our critics have them SCREAMING right now from the roof tops.

Fun to watch!

This Guy ROCKS!

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:48:00 +0000

I read somewhere that someone was a little frustrated over the hiring of James Tackett as YTB’s Chief Marketing Officer. The premise as it’s always been with the analyst who always has an opinion on just about…sorry, make that every move YTB makes is none other than “lack of experience”.

There’s a new twist huh?

Being highly visual and auditory in my kinesthetic learning I’ve always enjoyed quality production work. Being introduced to James work during the 2007 National Convention, I knew instantly that our company would have been wise to cultivate its relationship with what was then Video Plus. All the big dogs in the industry use them and they certainly add a level of professionalism in the Direct Sales Industry you don’t find anywhere else. To attract talent from the Video Plus pool to work full time with our company speaks volumes about what he thinks about the direction of our company.

After seeing what James has just rolled out, maybe the self proclaimed analyst should have held off just a bit to see what our Marketing Officer could produce for our company before he lodged yet another foot the increasingly overweening mouth of his. (It never ceases to amaze me how he does this, poor guy!)

YTB has two new PowerPoint presentations to market; one for our Travel Company selling travel, and a second for those who would like to market the Travel Company. DVD’s of this presentation can be acquired by the end of the week. The look and feel of these two presentations are dead on mark both visually and in content. When I saw them, I had to e-mail James that I wanted to kiss him.

Although he declined the kiss, he was very appreciative of my gratitude.

What’s most impressive about all this is how he actually took the time to listen to those of us out in the field, industry leaders, and key studies to implemented stats and experiences that were “must haves” due to the current conditions of YTB and the industry as a whole. You may notice a key phrase “If you had more time and more money”, and you may also notice key industry stats from a group called PhoCusWright during the presentation.

And yes, the current state of our critics.

While the PowerPoint and DVD doesn’t really drive this home the way our flash presentation does, I find it fitting that we are telling it like it is on the very medium they are, over the internet.

Ours message however, happens to have a lot more class.

You can now enjoy a brand new flash presentation on your own Marketing site. (Found under the blue “View the Company Presentation” button.) Pay particular attention at around the 1:30 mark and again around the 5:00 mark and enjoy.

Meet The Press

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:43:00 +0000

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.

Virtually Cool...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:07:00 +0000

I absolutely LOVE technology. I honestly don’t know what I would do in another era or century. Part of the reason why I love YTB so much is because they have always been on the cutting edge of technology. If you’re actually in YTB, you know exactly what I’m talking about with the First Class Training that was launched this past weekend. During the training, Dr. Marc Mancini pointed out that technology has made it very feasible to both learn and work from home quite well as a home based agent.

Travel Weekly’s Leisure Summit is an absolutely perfect example of how we as home based agents can both learn and work from home. I spent a good portion of my afternoon yesterday (along with many other RTA’s) exploring and participating in this on-line forum. I had a chance to visit a number of suppliers who were able to provide e-brochures, resources for additional training, exclusive offers, chat with the staff and other attendees, and participate in three very informative presentations in the “auditorium” with relevant industry news from leaders in the industry.

All from the comfort of my own home.

What’s even more impressive to me is how I can use this same technology to entice clients with tools designed specifically for this reason. I have a neighbor who’s been looking into something for her 10 year wedding anniversary and I was able to send a cool brochure over to her via a quick e-mail. Is it any surprise that she gave me a call about an hour later to inquire about pricing options?

The plethora of product information in the form of brochures, fact sheets, and videos from 23 different suppliers is impressive from this virtual world. Information provided by industry leaders on the state of our industry is also informative and helpful. We can’t overlook how valuable their insight is.

Speaking of industry leaders, I have set aside some additional time this afternoon to head on over to the auditorium at 2:30PM (Eastern) to listen in and enjoy Dr. Marc Mancini, the industry's top educator. Dr. Mancini will be turning his attention to packaged vacations sales. I understand Dr. Mancini got his start in the industry by leading tours, has written books on the subject, and is frequently called upon as a consultant by major tour operators. He is also a columnist in the Agent Life section of Travel Weekly.

Oh, and have I ever mentioned that he’s headed up YTB’s very own E-Campus training, designed exclusively for YTB?

Afterward, I’ll hang around for Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann who will be asking questions to the heads of three home agent groups in back-to-back-to-back conversations at 4:00PM (Eastern). You, too, can ask questions as Scott Koepf, president of NACTA; Kim Sorensen, president of YTB; and Van Anderson, co-president of Americas Vacation Center “meet the press,” Travel Weekly-style.

It’s my hope that some of our critics take some time off the various boards and blogs during this time as well to find out first hand exactly what YTB has to offer. The good news is even if they can’t find the time, those of us who are serious about the industry will have a chance to get a more accurate overview.

That being said, I did see yesterday how someone can look at YTB but the translation due to lack of focus and comprehension tends to distort events. I was extremely disappointed that a self proclaimed industry leader doesn’t understand the difference between a “client profile” and an “RTA profile”. Actually, I think he does understand the difference, but he also thinks “denial” is a river in Egypt. Client benefits and YTB are a bad mix according to this blogger, and to have any offering for clients who book with YTB just won't fit inside his framework.

Speaking of “denial”, I still don’t get how this individual can’t grasp that a program that’s been available for over a year now, (YTB E-Campus) and more recently CLIA’s ACC Accreditation can aide in helping those of us in YTB drop the “R” from our title to become Travel Agents. It’s not a matter of being to dumb or stupid at this point, it's being stubborn. (Who knew?)

I was stunned that this blogger who conducts his own poles and studies couldn’t grasp that a simple computer script (code) could not only monitor if a test was taken, or if the answers were actually correct. Maybe he could take some time off and join the rest of us over at the Travel Weekly Virtual Summit and check how many credits he collects from participating in the various areas and trainings. If he enters one of the prize giveaways, he might want to take the time to contact the supplier directly to see if they monitor how many entries they have or if his was accepted.

How I would love to have this individual actually take the required testing in order to upgrade from Affiliate to RTA. Much like the subjects above, he can claim all he wants about how YTB didn’t address the few issues we’ve had concerning groups, he’s not going to upgrade until he correctly answers whether or not it’s proper for us as an RTA to accept cash payments on behalf of YTB.

My guess by the way, based on most of his misconceptions about our company, he’ll never be able to upgrade to an RTA. Believe me, that’s a good thing when it comes to the few bad apples ruining it for the rest of us.

Hopefully however, he’ll get a little lonely over on that blog like he did yesterday and actually want to join the rest of us over at the Travel Weekly Virtual Summit for this afternoons activities, forums, and trainings.

Who knows…we might FINNALY be able to get him to inquire about the $414.5 Million in travel sales he's so up in arms about that Travel Weekly reported back in June.

Good grief...I hope so.

First Class

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:56:00 +0000

I can still remember the first time I saw the YTB booking engine. My wife called me at work and told me to take a look at the site. It took me all of about a millisecond to know that I wanted to find out more about who this company was, and what it had to offer. Back then, you really couldn’t find anything about YTB. It was difficult to do any type of research over the internet about the company. I do recall finding a couple posts about how some considered the company nothing more that one of those “pyramid deals”. Even then, I was able to see through the ignorance and hype, and wanted to verify on my own what the company was all about.

Many who are currently with YTB have no idea what the booking engine looked like “back in the day”. A couple weeks ago while browsing some old photos, I found a screen capture from April of 2005 and to look at the booking engine today, you certainly wouldn’t see what I saw in the company back then.

I wrote a little bit on Friday about how you need to constantly monitor and check your course, then make adjustments accordingly based on the current conditions you find. Those of you who subscribe to my newsletter were able to listen to a conference call with Scott Tomer who told us that for the first time we have a clear understanding of what California really wants. More importantly, we know how to address California based on the discussions we’ve had and this weekend we’ve seen our first glimpse of the result of those discussions.

First Class Training.

I couldn’t tell you how many people were actually bombarding the servers of the First Class Training on Saturday, but the training modules being served up were obviously pushing bandwidth to the limits. While Sunday seemed to be somewhat better, personally, I found the only time feasible to enjoy these courses was early Sunday morning. It will be interesting to see if we can get an actually number, and I’m betting it will be in the tens of thousands.

About all I could think of while watching these training modules was how much trouble our critics will be in now that we have this very thorough and leading edge training available to us via a few mouse clicks. Most of the issues that you find our critics complaining and crying about are directly addressed in these modules, and to make matters even worse for them, it’s by far the most thorough training I’ve seen from any single industry supplier or association in all the years I’ve been attending industry events, seminars, and trainings.

The courses included video modules form CLIA, Marc Mancini, along with Carnival, Pleasant Holidays, Oceana, Globus, and other vendors. To see how these industry leaders took the time to be filmed and offer up their experience and expertise in the industry for YTB spoke volumes about what they think of our company. (Although some will lead you to believe they feel differently.)

Other features that impressed me were the quality of videos themselves. Done in wide screen and in high definition with professional film crews and editing scored very high marks for me. The entire course is extremely professional and broadcast quality.

Some may find it odd or out of character that something was noticeably missing in this updated training. The “R” word. You know the one I’m talking about, because of the huge phobia that surrounds it.

“Recruiting”.

Nope. Not one mention of that aspect of our business, nor were Coach and Scott even seen or heard from during the entire training. To have YTB talk for close to 4 hours and not even mention the Rep side of the business could be equated to a fish being out of water.

This was all about travel, from some of the best in the business, and the only company that has this comprehensive overview of the entire industry is YTB. I love what Marc Mancini said in his interview concerning the “E-Campus” courses he’s put together for YTB. “The educational training and learning landscape has changed because of technology.” The Travel Weekly Leisure Summit is a perfect example of this, (both Marc and Kim will be participating) and probably a big reason why Travel Weekly described Kim as one of 'three people who are defining the contemporary landscape for home agents...'

A new day has dawned in YTB, and while our critics will continue their attempt to shame and embarrass anyone involved in YTB, you as an RTA now have First Class Training to arm yourself in everything travel related to become just as knowledgeable, and just as competent as they claim to be.

Please don’t mistake or misconstrue that as First Class being the ONLY course you need to take in order to achieve your goals as a Travel Agent. That however will become evident as you work your way through the modules. It is however, the best foundational tool I’ve ever seen in the industry to enable you to chart a course that will rival any industry veteran out there.

Come to think of it. If our critics who claim to be embarrassed or insulted by YTB RTA’s not knowing anything about the travel industry would simply point those they find to YTB’s First Class Training, many of their problems would be resolved. Me thinks however, they’re far more comfortable simply complaining and pointing out what’s wrong instead of working on a solution.

You in YTB however, know how to pick up the ball. If you’ve already taken the course like I have, you know how valuable this is, so maybe you can offer up the support to your fellow RTA’s our critics find and help them get on course with this foundational tool.

How nice it is to have such an outstanding and powerful program to help take care of our own.

Hats off to the Home Office and YTB.

Thanks guys!

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

"Write" on Course...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:16:00 +0000

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.

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

Hitting The Political Landscape...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:22:00 +0000

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.

Our first taste of how YTB is answering the issues of California will be rolled out this weekend with the First Class Travel Training. Additional answers about all the complaints will be address early next week as our Directors get a first look at the results of our discussions as our Executive and Legal teams have sat down and discuss the concerns like adults with California.

Granted, some critics may not like or approve of what’s going to be rolled out. Once an apple goes rotten, chances are either slim or none that the apple will suddenly turn ripe for the pickin’.

What’s important is the people who really matter, that being the industry suppliers like Carnival, Associations like CLIA, trade publications like Travel Weekly, industry leaders like Marc Mancini, and states like California have given positive feedback concerning our direction and course.

I’ve probably already said too much about what I already know here. So you’ll just have see for yourself if the answers YTB comes up are on the mark.

Details to follow. ;-P

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

Behind Closed Doors...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:24:00 +0000

We see and hear all too often how Travel MLM’s are hurting the travel industry from the Travel Agents and Host Agencies themselves. Trade Associations have popped up in increasing numbers over the last few years in an attempt to combat the pariah known as YTB. There are other Travel MLM’s, but the focus for all the problems in the industry has landed squarely on the shoulders of YTB. They all have a unified message of ridding the industry of the unprofessional likes of…

Well…me.

Somehow they have this perception that because I associate and work with a Travel MLM that I damage their reputation as a Travel Professional. I’ve seen these folks do and say just about anything to warn you that I’m up to no good, my only interest is picking your pocket by recruiting you, and I couldn’t possibly have any interest in selling and servicing travel.

If you happen to be one of the ones reading this making those claims about me, I would argue that you are doing an outstanding job of damaging your own reputation and you certainly don’t need any help from me in that regard.

We also hear all too often that suppliers are cutting YTB off left and right. They hate us in much the same way they do. The vendors and suppliers appear to side with these overzealous Travel Agents and also want to rid the industry of our like.

I had an interesting post sent to me last week, and while I know very little about this individual, his quote speaks volumes about how the suppliers really feel about YTB but more importantly how they feel about these overzealous Agents and what they REALLY want to tell them.

Responses to this individual’s complaining to his employer were as follows:

"The MLMs don't bring in enough business to worry about them."
"We don't treat them the same way as our traditional agencies."
"We will take their bookings (money) and supply them our product."
"Stop worrying about them."
"You are not to discuss the MLMs with the agents or agencies."

Of course these answers from the overzealous employee aren’t what he wants to hear and this cat can’t seem to get out of his own way to relieve his fears and misconceptions about Network Marketing. Thus you find this employee hanging out on a forum with other zealots that support his views. All while the employer remains unaware the employee refuses to abide by the employers wishes.

I’ve heard for a number of years that suppliers and vendors would cut YTB off. It wasn’t until last year, almost to the day, that one supplier decided to side with PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts) and terminate its relationship with the largest of the Travel MLM’s. Other than Royal Caribbean, I’m only aware of a Perillo Tours and another company called Celtic Tours, both of which never really did any business with YTB to begin with. (Neither were listed in our back office as a supplier.)

I find it difficult to terminate a relationship when there wasn’t a relationship to begin with, but that’s just me.

As I look back at the one public company who did side with the overzealous Agent Associations and this termination, the VP of Sales was moved over to Hotel Services, and shares of RCL stock has fallen from $42.24 this time last year to a 7 year low of $14.00 at the close of business Friday.

Not a very auspicious move for the company.

During this same period of time we have seen another cruise line come up with a very solid solution in minimum booking requirements concerning FAMs while maintaining its relationship with the 26th largest travel company in the country.

If you take a look at Carnival, they just announced they’ll be dropping their fuel surcharges moving forward, and provided a HUGE jump in Net Income for its 3rd Quarter results.

Hmmmmmmm, interesting.

I’m well aware of all the personal views and opinions that are circulating out there on the Internet about YTB and Network Marketing in general. Fortunately for the vast majority of the suppliers and vendors out there it’s not personal.

Its business.

For the overzealous and obsessed agents out there that read this blog on a regular basis, you may want to take note of how obnoxious YOU appear to the suppliers and vendors you’re attempting to recruit to your side. Based on how few have actually pulled the trigger and terminated their relationship with YTB and other travel MLM’s it appears that your concerns and misgivings about YOUR industry are falling of deaf ears.

While I’m sure they take the time to listen to you, and provide the lip service you’re looking for, behind closed doors they only care about their bottom line.

Don’t they?

The "Happy File"...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:00:00 +0000

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!

MNF Not What It Use To Be...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:16:00 +0000

I was watching Monday Night Football last night on ESPN, and was thinking that it’s been over a year now that the switch from ABC to ESPN has been made, and it still just doesn’t feel right. It just doesn’t have the same aura about it.

I found my mind wondering on other random thoughts and decided to put them down on…my blog. (Remember when it was paper?)

Say what you want about John Madden, he’s one of the most entertaining and charismatic commentators in the NFL. I will give you this, he’s lost some of his edge over the years, and as I've told the folks down here in the south the “Immaculate Reception” like the Civil War has been over for decades.

Get over it already.

If someone runs into either Ainsworth or Travel Lisa on the Internet, would someone PLEASE give them a tissue? They’re crying (again) about what an idiot I am. I’m sorry I included American Express Travel in with 9 other companies yesterday. If you don’t like or if what I have to say bothers you that much, don’t read this blog.

It’s that simple.

What does it say about the Direct Selling Industry when a company like Mars Snackfood Inc. decides to use “word of mouth” (pun intended) advertising to distribute one of it’s product lines? A website was created to support Dove Chocolate Discoveries's recruiting efforts and offer information on the exclusive line of Dove Chocolate Discoveries products.

M&M’s go MLM…who knew?

I realize everyone likes to talk about how badly YTB’s stock is doing these days. Just wondering if anyone will ever mention that Royal Caribbean’s stock is now at a 5 year low? This stock hasn’t been below $18.00 since April of 2003.

Don’t hold your breath.

Did anyone else have coffee come out their nose when they read that NoTravelMLMs is “fair and balanced”? You may need to go out and get an entire box of tissue and offer up a couple for John and Richard Earls while you’re at it.

You’ll need the rest of the box to clean up your computer screen.

We’ve all heard how Baby Boomers are starting to retire to the tune of one every 8 seconds for the next 20 years. A big reason why most of us are in the travel business right? With the majority of the 15,000 travel agency owners in their late 50s or older, it appears we have another reason why travel agencies are shrinking.

Ever hear the term “old hens”?

I mentioned the Royal Caribbean stock a minute ago, and see that the company has sold off its share of Island Cruises. While they still retain the ship, the early termination should show a small profit for the cruise line in these hard economic times.

Gives new meaning to “Repositioning Cruise”.

Gas here in Atlanta is finally getting back to normal. No more wasting a half tank of gas driving around just to find a station that has some, and then spending the next 30 minutes waiting in line. Even noticed that the price has dropped about a dime today.

Down to $3.81…Whoo Hoo!

And speaking of “hard economic times”; now that the band aid, rescue, bailout has been approved it’s my understanding that there will be a new currency in circulation. I don’t know if you’ve seen this, but look for this new currency to be in circulation in the next few weeks.

You can always count on me to provide you with all the late breaking news and events. ;-P

Contrary To What You May Have Heard

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:41:00 +0000

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.

In closing, we encourage you to read Amy’s article in its entirety, including the comments section. We find her responses direct, intelligent, articulate, and even witty. It should at the very least give you a much more accurate representation of who the DSA really is, how they are actually working with YTB, and their position concerning the California AG.

Bummer...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:47:00 +0000

I really couldn’t tell you if this was a snub or not, but apparently I’ve been passed over this week. Not even so much as an honorable mention for “YTB Video Week” on the blogs.

We’ve all seen them. The YouTube craze has been going on for some time and now anyone can make their own superstar videos and post them for everyone to see on the internet. All you need is a computer and web cam.

Some may not know this, but I actually have a College Degree in Audio/Video Production. Back in 1989 I decided it was time to get an actual degree. I had attempted to acquire a degree in “Partying 101” back in the early 80’s but was informed by the University that they didn’t offer said degree, (like hell…everyone had at least a Minor in it.) but alas, when I went back almost a decade later, financed by myself instead of my parents, things turned out quite differently.

If you would have told me that I could actually graduate college with honors back in high school, I would have told you that the idea was a complete joke.

After dropping out of college in the early 80’s, I found the perfect job and had all the proper qualifications as a party hardy “Radio DJ” which was great fun, very glamorous, but also extremely unstable. Once I found myself wanting to advance in the industry, I needed to have a degree in order to attain the Program Director status I was seeking.

It was there that I found not only did I have a keen ear for sound, but an equally keen eye for sight and the combination was exhilarating. I spent the next several years locked up in video editing rooms and had an absolute blast.

To this day, I still dabble with this type of production work for both audio and video. Now that computers are actually powerful enough to handle the large video files and I can produce some good quality home made videos for a nominal cost.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of YouTube. Most of the videos found on the site, frankly…they suck. I realize it’s my own interpretation and opinion, but when I look at any video I’m more interested in audio, video, framing and editing qualities. The content can be absolutely spot on, but if the presentation doesn’t fit my level of expectancy, personally I have a hard time with the entire message.

That being said, I have to wonder, with my own personal opinions aside, why in the world MY videos were “overlooked” this week on the blog.

Where they only YouTube specific?
Did I not feature enough “travel”?
Did I talk too much about “recruiting”?
Was the sales pitch too “in your face”?
Was it perceived as a “hard sell”?
Did it consist of too many lies?
How ‘bout misinformation?
Was it too outside the box?

Oh…I get it…maybe they couldn’t find it?

What ever it is, maybe I can fix it to meet the fine and upstanding standards others uphold in order to be worthy of being highlighted on someone else’s blog. At the very least, somebody could download the thing and send it the Attorney Generals office for review. They might find it very informative and it could help your case that YTB’s nothing more than a gigantic pyramid scheme.

One can always hope…

Carnival Cruise To Nowhere - Stranded at Sea! @ Yahoo! Video

For a written review of this cruise, with more of the same old lies, recruiting pitch, and unprofessionalism that is associated with those of us in YTB, feel free to send this review to the AG as well.

Kids Will Be Kids

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:01:00 +0000

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.

I set the newsletter to go out at 11:30 AM like I normally do and as if to “show me” how smart they are in getting one over on me, it was promptly posted on the blog of choice just 26 minutes later and also linked on a message board for all to comment on.

Of course, there needed to be the negative twist and spin that’s associated with all the posts found on the blog. We found more of the same rhetoric about giving the company more money, instead of offering us more money for the work we actually produce, and I couldn’t imagine that by some miracle the mans total perspective would be changed in a mere 26 minutes after the years of being fed by others who are also on the outside looking in with skepticism.

I will give him credit though were credit is due. If you read down in the comments section, he did make this following quote concerning an additional tid bit in my newsletter, also found here on Tuesday.

“As to why I was not invited? Why the hell would I be? They are looking for industry leaders. Not me. I am just an industry insider with an opinion. They are also looking for host agencies. I am not that either. But then again, comprehension was never your strong suit.”

This is encouraging to see. Does this mean that after looking at the fact that YTB isn’t going to just blow away based on some frivolous lawsuits he’s beginning to realize his place? Is this an admission of who the real Industry Leaders are?

All this aside, it pails in comparison when he FINALLY puts YTB in the same category as other host agencies.

Now he’s getting it!

Maybe a little more time for this news to sink in and realization that there are adults who are talking face to face to iron out their differences caused the abrupt face? Some may consider it nothing more than a Freudian slip however and I’ll certainly agree with that perspective as well.

One other note there Johnny; I realize that typos are the norm with you, your blog is riddled with them and it does make it difficult to comprehend when you have to weed through so many mistakes and typos, but as you noted first thing Wednesday morning “spelling does count”. Don’t tell someone that spelling counts, and then make the same miserable mistakes the very next post. If you have to take your daughter to school, understandable, but posting something just for the sake of posting something makes you look desperate and extremely unprofessional to boot.

With the “breaking news” yesterday and the frenzy of 4 posts on the blog, desperate is a very appropriate word.

Things must not be working out the way he thought they would.

Thank God!

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

Travel Weekly Summit Announced

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:36:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spending time online is all they do.

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Heads Up!

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:03:00 +0000

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

You DO NOT want to miss this issue.

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

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

What I can tell you is this…

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

This would include even more Traditional Travel Agents.

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

Until then…

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Stop Worrying and Get to Work

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:07:00 +0000

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

More negative stuff.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop Worrying and Get to Work

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

Stop. Breathe. Relax.

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

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

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

Here are some facts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Butch Cassidy has Died...

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:35:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

The Funeral

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:13:00 +0000

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

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

Juliet St. John.

The Funeral Story

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

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

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

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

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

What's that about?

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

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

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

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

Period. End of the story.

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

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

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

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

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

What are YOU thinking?

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

MythBusters To The Rescue!

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:11:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Online Travel Myths Unmasked at PhoCusWright Analyst Forum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aint THAT somethin’?

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Fear Factor LIVE!

noreply@blogger.com (TravelPro) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:33:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

Not really…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You don’t have the guts do you John?

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

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

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

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

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

Great and Powerful Oz is more like it.

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

I’m done with this “get a clue” idea.

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

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635