20,000 YTB Travel International officers, staff, and affiliates convened at the America’s Center in downtown St. Louis, this week, for our Annual Convention.  It was Amazing.  The theme of this year’s convention was “Liberty and Travel for All!”  What better way to symbolize Liberty than with Lady Liberty, herself.  A nearly-full-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty was our convention centerpiece - see photos.

The week began with 2 days of YTB University.  Class sessions were provided by our YTB Directors on specific topics to help us to build our YTB Travel businesses most successfully.

On Friday, the Convention began in earnest.  From the opening extravaganza, to the closing celebration, we were spellbound by the extraordinary presentations and awards that were included.  Our founders, Coach, Scott, and Kim provided words of inspiration and encouragement that were the cornerstone of the event.  The powerful presentations by our Circle of Champions and our Ladies of YTB had us on the edge of our seats. 

We witnessed the award of literally dozens of $10,000 bonuses, as well as, six $1 Million bonuses!   The growth potential of the YTB Home-Based Business opportunity is staggering, to say the least. 

Please, if you would just investigate this opportunity, you will come to appreciate the integrity of the YTB Organization, as well as, the brilliance of the business model.  YTB is the present and the future of travel.  Come join us for the business of your lifetime.  Do it for your self.  Do it for your family.   You, too, can realize financial freedom with YTB!

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the Travel Business.  For further information, please visit: www.MousseauTravel.biz

Phone: (941) 957-0008    E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com  

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As my YTB Travel organization grew, my business methodology became stressed beyond its capability.   My ability to maintain my commitment to provide leadership to my team required the development of some new techniques.  E-mail, telephone, files transfers, etc. became stretched beyond their capacity.

Fortunately, for me, YTB Travel International provides all of the tools designed for the more advanced business person:  Training Calls, archived conference calls/webcasts, YTB University at the Annual Convention (See my Blog Post: “YTB 2008 National Convention“), and the Funshine East Annual Travel Trade show in Orlando. One of the indicators of the best MLM companies is the availability of these training tools for their distributors and Reps.  YTB is #1 in this arena.

Never-the-less, not all of my new recruits or prospects possesses the needed skills to access these tools.  It is in this area that the Webinar has become my favorite ally.

The internet and my telephone allow me to provide one-on-one training sessions for my long-distance members.  In a 1-hour session, I can review all of the tools and systems that YTB has provided.  My teammates can take over the keyboard and mouse and “touch” their internet resources, for themselves, while I narrate and guide them through each YTB tool.

If you Google “Webinar” and/or “web-conference,” you will find myriad resources to explore.  For my purposes GoToMeeting has proven to be the most user-friendly technology.  Its simplicity meets the needs of every member of my team, regardless of their computer expertise.

Importantly, the webinar format has given me the ability to provide a brief Power-Point presentation to anyone who would like to learn more about the YTB Home-Based Business Opportunity.   My goal is to reach as many families as possible.  I am convinced that every American Family can benefit from the travel and tax advantages implicit to the YTB Home-Based business plan.  If you would like to learn more, please click on CONTACT US, above.  I will respond to your request promptly.

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the Travel Business.  For further information, please visit:  Mousseau Travel Phone: (941) 957-0008  E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com

Up a Lazy River on the Delta Queen: The last original Paddle Wheel Steam Boat 

YTB Travel RTA, Wilbur Rice had watched the Delta Queen run up and down the Ohio River for years.  As a boy growing up in Louisville, KY, he had a dream of one day taking a cruise on board this majestic “Queen of the River.”  On April 27, 2007, his dream came true. He boarded the Delta Queen with his wife of 16 years, Barbara, on their anniversary, for a wonderful and truly unforgettable trip. 

            The cruise began in Memphis and ran up river to Cincinnati, with several stops along the way.  The “ports of call” were tiny river towns, preserved much as they were back in the 1940’s.  Lots of little shops and friendly folk were eager to show off their towns.  We learned to play the calliope and were awarded the “Vox Calliopus Certificate” for being able to produce at least 5 recognizable notes!  A main port visit was Louisville, Wilbur’s home town, during Kentucky Derby week.  Part of the festivities involved a race between the Delta Queen and the Belle of Louisville.  It was a fierce competition - so much so, that the Belle had to cheat to get ahead.  But, the Delta Queen prevailed anyway.  However, the Delta Queen was disqualified this year because she won fair and square.  And she lived again to race another year.

            However, the Delta Queen’s years may be numbered.  Several years ago she was designated as the only boat to become an historical landmark.  She is the only overnight vessel with a wooden super structure.  For years she has enjoyed an exception, awarded by Congress, to the rule that stated that any overnight vessel must have a steel super structure.  This law was intended for sea going vessels. The Delta Queen only navigates the waters of the rivers of the American East to Mid West.  She is only a few feet from the bank of the river at any time and has an impeccable safety record.  Many are working now to save the Delta Queen from extinction, as her legal exception comes up for renewal in Congress in 2008.  To learn more about how to help, go to: www.majesticamericaline.com/SaveTheDeltaQueen.aspx and http://www.save-the-delta-queen.org.  Thanks for helping us to save the Delta Queen.  This is a wonderful, historical cruising experience not to be missed!  Long live the Queen! 

Wilbur Rice retired from his career as a Licensed Massage Therapist in April 2006 with a dream to travel.  He has become an on-line travel agent.  His business partner and wife, Barbara, is an Occupational Therapist.  Barbara wears many hats: part time hospital OT; Wilbur’s travel and business partner; and, adjunct college instructor of Occupational Therapy Assistant Students at Manatee Community College.  The Rice’s have another cruise on the Delta Queen scheduled in the summer of 2008. 

JOIN YTB

We have always loved to travel.  Four years ago, our closest friends introduced us to the YTB Travel Network.  We were very skeptical, at first. We felt as if we were already accomplished travelers; and that, we had very little to learn about the travel business.  We were already using the internet to book our travel arrangements.  We belonged to several company-based travel clubs and frequent flyer programs.  In short, we thought we already knew better.  We thought that we were too busy to even investigate the opportunity.

In 2004, our son and his family moved to Germany.  That year, we made 2 trips to Europe for a total of five weeks of travel.  The cost was daunting, to say the least!

Based on that experience, in January 2005, we decided to give the YTB Travel Business a try.  That year, we traveled more than ever before.  Because of our affiliation with YTB Travel, we experienced an amazing reduction in the cost of our travel.  Additionally, because we pursue YTB as a business (which it is), we began to take advantage of the travel and home-based business tax deductibility implicit to such businesses.  The internet travel business was much easier and less time consuming than we had anticipated.

Along the way, we started to meet more and more people in the YTB organization.  We met the founders and leaders of YTB.  We learned how YTB is capitalizing on the four most powerful trends in history:  1. The Internet; 2. The Home-Based Business explosion; 3. the force of the Baby Boomers; and, 4. TRAVEL - the largest industry in the world.   

Over our 3-1/2 year’s affiliation with this company, we have grown in our travel and business expertise.  YTB provides excellent training systems and mentorship.  Also, I became a more expert MLM businessman.  I did my due diligence on YTB, itself.  I discovered why YTB is on its way to reaching its mission of becoming the largest internet travel system in the world:   1. Capitalization of not just one, but four major economic trends; 2. Quality core values and impeccable leadership; 3. Publically-traded/SEC scrutiny; 4. Over 7 years of business success.

In short, we have had direct and personal success with YTB.  I believe so strongly in this company and opportunity, that I have taken time out from my career as an RN to give it my full attention.  I firmly believe that, any person or family that will invest their time and effort to learn and utilize this business, can enjoy financial advantages far beyond their effort. 

Also, please remember:  If you travel at all, you’re already doing our business;  you’re already buying the YTB brands; you’re already spending your money in the travel industry.  The only question you need to answer is:  do you want to continue to give away your perks, benefits, upgrades, special pricing, and possible tax advantages?  Or, would you like to learn to keep that money and those advantages for youself and for your family?  I think the answer is simple.   

Please let us provide you with any help or information you might need.  Our only wish is that you investigate this opportunity fully.  After a thorough investigation, you will be able to make a truly informed decision as to whether YTB is for you. 

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the YTB Travel Network.  Phone: 941-957-0008.  E-mail: MousseauTravel@aol.com

Last evening, YTB Travel International hosted our monthly CRTA (Certified Referring Travel Agent) training course, in beautiful Sarasota, Florida.  A great crowd of over 300 were in attendance at the Suncoast Community Church.  The Church boasts world-class multi-media, “Butt-and-a-half” seats, and a serene and pleasant environment for our educational event.   

Our local YTB leaders, (Directors Gary & Dianne Adams, Janie Francis, Kevin & Amy Adams, Steve & Buffy Smith, to name a few), orchestrated an excellent event. 

Free to the public, our CRTA Events are available nationwide - including Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.  The training is intended for the newest members of our, now, 140,000-strong network of home-based, internet travel-business owners.  The sessions outline the rights, responsibilities, and amazing potential of this world-class business opportunity.  I encourage you to attend one of our CRTA Events.  There is no better way to begin to appreciate YTB Travel International.  

If you travel and love to vacation, if you understand tax and business; if you would like to tap into the greatest system for the CREATION of WEALTH, ever invented, then please call us to learn where the next CRTA event will be in your area.

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the Travel Business.  For further information, please visit: YTB Travel International. or phone:  941-957-0008.  E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com

Last August, my wife and I had the great pleasure of attending the YTB Travel Network National Convention in St. Louis, MO.  It was an amazing 5-day event, attended by 11,000 members and guests of the YTB Travel Network.  We overwhelmed the America’s Center, such that, this year’s Convention has been moved to the Edward Jones Dome for the August 6-10, 2008 extravaganza!  We’re expecting 20,000 or more in attendance, this year!  Please view this news clip to get a glimpse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh6O1YEDwLY  

During the 2007 event, we were able to visit many of the important sites of downtown St. Louis.  Especially, we recommend the St. Louis Arch and Museum.  “The Gateway to the West” is just that.  You’ll enjoy the view over the Mississippi River and the city.  The city’s shops and restaurants were a pleasant sidebar to the convention activities, as well.  

If you love to travel and adventure, St. Louis and the YTB annual convention should rank high on your travel agenda.  We’ll see you there!

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the Travel Business.  For further information, please visit: YTB Travel Network<   Phone: (941) 957-0008    E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com  

Quantum World!

Since joining the YTB Travel Network, I have become increasingly subject to the accelerating pace of daily life, here in our USA.   As I develop my internet businesses, I find that the most powerful influence for change derives from our expanded reliance on the computer and the World Wide Web. 

As I am writing this blog post, for example, I am simultaneously utilizing my ASD AutoSurfing Business to promote my Travel Business. By surfing multiple websites within ASD, I earn a nice 125% ROI on my advertising investment, as well as, 50-60 hits per day to my Internet Travel Store. Such a deal!

Even though some MBA has probably claimed credit for introducing “Multi-tasking” to corporate America, we all know that Mothers with children have been multi-tasking since parenting was invented.  Nevertheless, multi-tasking has been elevated to exquisite new heights.  If you aren’t convinced, just visit any public place and observe a teenager.  Teenagers are simultaneously texting, joking with their friends, taking a photo, and e-mailing that same photo to another friend:  all while eating their lunch and appearing attentive to their parent’s demands.

I, by comparison, have 2 web browsers open for my Auto Surfing, and, am typing this article on a MS Word document for further upload to my blog.  WOW!

What does this mean for our daily routine?  What is the impact on me?  As a person who was first exposed to computers (Fortran 4) in 1968 at the University of Michigan College of Engineering, I have witnessed the gradually-increasing impact of computers on every facet of life.   I could tell stories all day - but I’ll spare you.

I believe that I can summarize this effect in one phrase:  “We now live in a Mouse-Click Quantum World.”   Our consciousness is reduced to the 10-15 seconds it takes to watch a web page upload from the web, to experience the “affectiveness” of that page (did it “taste” good), and to triage our choice to stay or click onto the next  web page.  That “Quantum” of time/space is foreshortened to the mouse-click event.  “Yes or no.”  “Is this page worthy of the next 15 seconds, or not.”

As internet entrepreneurs, we must be acutely aware of these ideas.  Our prospects will be quick to dismiss us if we don’t know the Rhythm of 21^st-Century Business.   Are you in the Mouse-Click Quantum moment?  Your business depends on it!

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the YTB Travel Network    Phone: (941) 957-0008    E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com  

This afternoon, my wife and I had the distinct pleasure of spending the day aboard the Sea Dragon, as guests of Aquarian Quest founder, Joe Jacobson.  Joe is also our friend and YTB Travel Network  business associate.

We arrived at the dock in Nokomis, Florida after a short drive south from Sarasota.  Coming aboard the Sea Dragon, we were greeted by our Captain and AQ Executive Director, Jan Kirchner.  He, Rich, AnnMarie, and Helen were quick to help us to feel welcome.  When all of the crew and guests were assembled, 22 in all, we made a smooth passage on the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) to motor out the Venice Inlet to the Gulf of Mexico.  

We were saluted by a pod of 4 dolphins as we headed out to raise main and jib for a fine beam reach on the afternoon sea breeze.   Our silent passage along the white ribbon of sand of Casey Key lulled us all into a peaceful state of ease and tranquility (yours truly did take a nap).  After an excellent Sunday afternoon of sailing, quiet conversation, and site-seeing, we reluctantly returned to land under the skillful attentions of the crew.   Even though our afternoon’s cruise was primarily for pleasure, I would like to encourage all to visit the AQ website.  I have included brief excerpts from their website (see below) to amplify their important and excellent mission.  We hope you will contribute to, and participate in, the Aquarian Quest organization. 

Aquarian Quest was founded in 2000 by long-time sailors and boat builders Robert Killian, Joe Jacobson and Peter Seyffert.  Their vision was to provide a unique form of educating young people and adults about the importance of protecting Florida’s amazing marine environment.  Aquarian Quest Core Values:  Sustainability of the environment; Environmental education; Character development; Promoting environmental stewardship; Wholesome, healthy adventure. Our mission is to provide innovative educational programs for Gulfcoast youth through schoolship sailing adventures. Our hands-on programs teach teamwork, ecology, marine safety, maritime history, self discovery and empowerment on board historic sailing vessels. To date over 10,000 students and 3,500 adults have sailed aboard AQ’s floating classroom. Our tall ship, Galatea, is the Official Education Tall Ship of Sarasota County. The Aquarian Quest education program is in alignment with Sunshine State Standards for Science.

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 38 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the Travel Business.  For further information, please visit: YTB Travel Network  Phone: 941-957-0008  E-mail: MousseauTravel@aol.com

Guest Author and Entrepeneur, Joe Jacobson of YTB Travel International provides this article relating to Home-based Business.  Please enjoy!! 

We’ve all heard the financial gurus tell us to create multiple sources of income, right?  Is it a good idea to create multiple sources of income and how do we do it?  In Part I we will explore the various options to earn or create income that is LIMITED.  This type of income will not lead to financial freedom, at least not quickly.

There are two ways to earn limited income: 1) as an employee and 2) as a self-employed person.  Both of these methods involve you being present in order to earn the income.  Ninety percent of all people are employed.  They must show up to work and exchange their time and energy for dollars.  Even the small self-employed business owner must show up himself to manage the business.  Some examples of the small business owner would be a doctor or lawyer in his own practice, or the owner of a single retail shop.

Now let’s examine these two types, the employed and self-employed, with respect to six factors that determine the feasibility of becoming financially free.  Those six factors are: 1) income, 2) risk, 3) leverage, 4) residual or passive income, 5) tax advantages, and 6) overhead.

Income is money you derive from your efforts. Risk is the possibility of losing your invested time and energy. Leverage is the ability to use another source of energy, time, money or technology to create more benefit for you. Residual or passive income is income you receive in perpetuity for having done work one time. Tax advantages are the financial benefits you create by tapping into the full extent of the IRS code for business owners. Overhead is the amount of money and human resources required to produce the income.

Most people are taught to go to school, get a good education, and then get a good job with great benefits.  This puts that person squarely in the first category as an employee.  Let’s take a look at the six factors in relation to the employee: they have limited income (by definition); low risk (unless they are working in a company ready to downsize); they have no leverage; no tax advantages; and no overhead. They also have a slim chance of becoming financially free.

Other people don’t like working for someone else.  They want to be their own boss, own their own business.  This type of person is the hard-working individual who thinks that he/she must do it themselves.  Often they are the only one in the shop who can perform the job that runs the business.  If they are not present, the income stops.  While the employee has a job, the self-employed person is owned by the business.  They must work harder than anyone in any other category. They have a limited potential for income; high risk for failure; a small possibility of leverage; a slim chance for passive income; some tax advantages; and relatively high overhead.

Both of these two categories are not on the fast track to financial freedom. However, they are ways to create income that will help you enter into the last three categories that are the primary methods to riches.  In Part II, we will examine the advantages of being a business owner (systemized business), relationship marketing associate, or investor.  Which one of these three categories do financial gurus like Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump recommend?  Find out next time!

Joe and Adrianna Jacobson reside in Sarasota, Florida and have created many successful home-based businesses.

Guest Author, Joe Jacobson of YTB Travel International provides this insightful article related to Entrepeneurial Home-Based Business.  Please enjoy!

In Part I, we learned that being an employee or self-employed is not necessarily the fast track to financial freedom.  However, they are good places to start and learn the ropes of the business world.

In this article, we will uncover the secrets to true financial freedom with regard to the same six parameters we looked at last week.  This is the week to open our minds and strategies to unlimited income.  That is the number one cardinal rule to riches: never have limits on your income.

The first category of the three unlimited sources of income is the business owner.  This includes franchising.  The business owner is different than the self-employed “small business” owner. The main difference is the fact that the business owner has systemized his business to the point that he is not needed to run the business.  This means that he is earning passive income and thus may become financially free once his passive income surpasses his monthly expenses. The business owner also has high risk, possibility of great leverage (employees), great tax advantages, but high overhead.  The wealthiest people in the world are business owners.

The second category of unlimited income is really a subcategory of the business owner: an independent representative in a relationship marketing company.  Many people have a negative or inaccurate conception of this type of business owner.  If you connect with a great company with a great product that is attached to a long-term industry trend, this avenue can lead to great success.  The advantages of this structure is that you have low risk (low startup cost), potential for great leverage, strong residual income, great tax advantages, and low overhead.  You get all the advantages of the standard business owner, but without the high risk and overhead.  After all, how many people can risk a million dollars to open their own business?

The third category is where all the other categories are striving to reach: the investor.  There is also unlimited income potential to be found here, but the risk can be variable.  It will take much education and sophistication to enter the realm of investing at a serious level.  You can leverage yourself with investing and you may develop residual income as well.  The tax advantages are great and the overhead is low.  All extra income developed from the other sources of income will go into the investment fund to produce more passive income and wealth.

So, there you have it; the five ways to produce income.  How many categories are you in?  Maybe you are an employee and would like to start a home-based business part-time.  And maybe you’d like to start investing at the same time. Many people are in three or more categories.  The trick is to focus on the categories that will enable you to start creating and increasing passive or residual income. 

Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki, both great financial educators, are strong proponents of the relationship marketing approach to starting a business.  They know something that the average person doesn’t know; that starting a business is not a “walk in the park.” They know that the support systems are in place to help you succeed as an independent representative for a company.  You are essentially building your company within the parent company.  Their book “Why We Want You to Be Rich” is a good place to read about strategies toward achieving your own financial freedom.
Joe Jacobson is a travel professional working with YTB Travel Network.  His focus is on helping others start their own online travel business, as well as helping nonprofits use travel as a fundraising tool. For more information, visit the websites YTB Home Based Business or YTB Travel Network