More Lies Inconsistencies!

I follow some of the MLM blogs and one of my points over the past year has been that they will say anything and do anything to get the recruit. Truth be damned. Now granted, a lot of times, the person may be simply repeating a lie told by someone else. How many times have we heard that YTB has "already sold" a billion/half billion dollars this year? How many times have we been told that the Reps are making 5 figure salaries per month?

A while back, a Rep/RTA had perpetuated a mistruth regarding an acquisition of a company. After the storm blew over (no one seemed to like my choice of words) it became clear that she did not create the mistruth, but rather just perpetuated it. That is probably a good defense that woudl hold up.

But now, the same Rep/RTA is making some more claims that are, how do I say this delicately, inconsistent with fact.

It appears that tis Rep/RTA joined YTB in October 2007. Judging from her ID Number (86,869) and comnparing it to Doug Baughknight's (24,635), this makes sense.

From the blog:

Our greatest successes in YTB came initially from our warm market, but by our fifth month in the business, we had begun marketing heavily using fliers and postcards and had started a small amount if marketing online... all that resulted in our earning our very first $1,000 bonus! Since then we've had lots of other people join our business from all around the USA, have earned additional bonuses and have had opportunities to take advantage of some of the great travel perks.

Oh my. Now it seems that the first $1000 bonus was received 5 months into the program. And the YTB reports support that she earned a $1000 bonus the week of March 28, 2008. But here is where it get's a little gray. She says that this was her very first bonus. She neglects to say that it was her ONLY bonus. As a matter of fact, she goes on to say that she has earned "additional bonuses". But that is not really supported by the YTB Biz Report.

Earning one bonus indicates that there are between 6 and 11 people in the downline. And because there have been no firther bonuses since March 2008 (4 months) it seems like the downline is not too effective--otherwise there would have been more bonuses.

What is amusing is the comment that when she was initially recruited into YTB her reaction was that she was " unwilling to invest $500 in another business opportunity". Seems like "business opportunities" may be a way of life for this Rep/RTA. Well, maybe failed business opportunities.

There are some other inconsistencies as well--a summer 2007 FAM at Sandals for $99. While the merits of disclosing that information on a public blog deserves an entirely different entry; I don't believe she was even in YTB last summer. And if she was, it makes her "earnings" all that much less impressive. Was she at Sandals? Who knows. Did she pay $99 for it? Who knows. Is this just more marketing fluff to entice people to part with $500 to join YTB? Who knows!

So, here we are almost a year into her career with YTB and undoubtedly, she has earned some money. $1000 in bonuses and perhaps a small pittance in travel commissions. The outlay was at least $500 and a few months at $50.

Doesn't seem to be much of an "opportunity to me". But I do wonder about these "inconsistencies" in the story. It is a funny thing about lying inconsistencies is that it is much easier to remember the truth!


NOTE: Apparently Regina has earned two bonuses, the one mentioned above and one more prior to that in late January 2007. Therefore she has between 12 and and 18 on her team.

Jesus Is My Homeboy!

You don’t have to look very far to find a false earning claim made by an MLM company. They are everywhere. With catchy website names like “20dollarmillionaire.com and “6monthsto6figures” it’s easy to see how people get sucked in.

A lot of companies use celebrity endorsements to as a way to give their product credibility. Jessica Simpson is pushing Proactive. Tiger Woods is selling razors. But what I want to know is, when did God agree to endorse YTB?

I understand that times are hard, and that to recruit people into your downline, you have to make it sound awfully good. The Cruise to Cash people go completely over the top with videos of giant piles of money plastered all over You Tube. Some guy was giving away a free LARGE pizza on Craig’s List to get people to come to his recruiting meeting. But since when did it become ok to claim that God is somehow endorsing your product as a means to recruit?

Recently, Regina Osei posted on her blog that Coach claimed that YTB had been anointed by God. I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant, but according to Wikipedia it means “It means to be in the presence of God. People and things are anointed to symbolize the introduction of a sacramental or divine influence, a holy emanation, spirit or power.” What??? God anointed YTB? Gee that sounds serious.

So then I did a bit more digging, and discovered lots of people in YTB were claiming that not only was the attorney general in their downline, but apparently the good Lord himself has signed up to! Let me show you some examples:

• Travel-with-God is a YTB site. Really? Will he be on the plane next to me? Will we have adjoining cabins on Princess?
• My-God-Space, also a great YTB site that explains how God offers a unique opportunity with YTB.
• In God’s Control, A place for freedom, takes you to a YTB site where you can watch a video.
• Tammy & Chris Head have a full blown Jesus loves YTB site that includes scriptures when you do a Google search.
• God & YTB is another newcomer to the Christian YTB. God is guiding this guy's passion for YTB.
  

Now I know that YTB likes to believe that they are number 1 in everything, but in the “let’s use God to endorse our MLM” pole, I believe the Cruise To Cash people may have you beat. Yes they have captured Jesus in a video to get you to join! That’s right! You can Glorify the Lord right now just by joining Cruise To Cash!

Now I understand that Jesus is wildly popular right now, and I like him just as much as the next guy. But would I use God as a means to try to sell a product or recruit someone into my MLM? Hell no I wouldn’t! It’s one thing to say that “lots of people have had great success with this” or, “only 80% of the people who join make no money. The rest are doing great!” But to claim that the big man upstairs somehow wants you to join a downline, is sleazy recruiting at its very best! WWJD?? I’ll bet he wouldn’t participate in your pyramid scheme!

By the way...I won't be here to reply as I am on a cruise this week escorting a group. -KH

Regina Osei Calling

I just had a long conversation with Regina Osei and to be honest, there was nothing resolved and there still is a divide between the two sides. I think we both agree on this.

We discussed the industry, YTB, and of course my post about her blog entry and the infamous photo which seems to be turning into the Lewinsky "blue dress" of 2008.

I do want to apologize for taking such a harsh stand and calling her a liar. As it turns out, she may have been unknowingly passed along misinformation she received from a third party.

In an effort to confirm the veracity of her post, she told me that she has contacted YTB and they verified only that ADI was a vendor. When asked about an acquisition, they said she would have to contact whomever told her that for verification. She is currently waiting on a response from Jeannie Sharples. If YTB acquired them, I am not sure why they are deflecting the verification to a Director. I suspect that this entire thing was misinformation passed along the line!

Regardless, I do personally apologize for the name calling and appreciate the time that Regina took to speak with me this evening. Who knows, maybe with some time there might be some common ground. Hopefully we have our crossed emails straightened out!

A Wife, Mother, Minister, Businesswoman, Mentor, and Coach Lies!

NOTE: Of course after this posted, the original post was deleted, so the link is no good. Apparently, she does not stand by her words, but that is OK because what you see below is the complete content of the original post.

Duck! Look out! Rogue RTAs are on the loose again. I guess EAB is busy "dating" up a storm in Honolulu and they needed a replacement! Ladies and gents, I give you Regina Osei. I know she reads this blog so perhaps she may shun her anonymous moniker and come clean. I was reading her blog a few days ago and saw a headline that surprised me. YTB Travel Merges With American Destinations. How the hell could I have missed that one? Even worse, how could YTB have missed the opportunity to issue a press release. Well, after a quick phone call, I discovered that her post is a lie. More on that in a bit, but for now, here is what she has falsely claimed:

YTB Travel Merges With American Destinations The YTB Travel Network , has again edged out the competition by merging with 27 year old experienced, professional tour operator, American Destinations. American Destinations specializes in 'educational group travel' throughout North America, and it has a similar business model to YTB Travel, which makes for a fantastic union. This merger between YTB Travel and American Destinations is also great news for YTB Travel clients and RTAs (Referring Travel Agents) because it allows YTB Travel to offer even greater tour and group packages. Click here for more information about American Destinations.

Well no doubt Regina is more interested in recruiting people on her own Power Team. That alone seems to be reason to allow truth and honesty to fall by the wayside. I would expect more from someone who, in her own biography on her blog, claims to be a "wife, mother, minister, businesswoman, mentor, and coach." Just picture that, a minister and spreading mis-truths all for the sake of the almighty dollar.

Well, if you check out American Destinations, Inc. you will see that they have not been acquired or merged. They are merely one of the "thousands" of vendors that have made a decision to work with YTB. I called and spoke a representative of ADI and they categorically denied any relationship with YTB other than paying them a finders fee for any referrals. Additionally, they have been doing business with YTB for several years. My contact also added, "if you can call the amount of referrals 'business'" Here is their policy on YTB:

1.) Referral Commissions: As an RTA with YTB you can earn referral commissions on groups that you refer to us. In most cases, this is a one time referral commission. Example: You visit or call South Middle School. The 8th grade class is planning a tour to Washington, DC. You call ADI with South Middle School's contact information and we proceed with the selling process from this point. If the group travels with us, you will receive a referral commission. 2.) ADI Travel Consultant: You have the opportunity to earn residual income and build a lifetime business. ADI has groups that have traveled with us for up to 10, 15, 20+ years. An information packet is available that is designed to teach you how to represent ADI and effectively market student and adult group tours that will position you for tremendous growth in the travel industry; therefore, helping you to realize substantial residual income. We feel that when properly trained to sell group travel, you will be more confident to approach group leaders. The more confident you are the more tours you will sell; therefore, the more financial success you will realize! ADI wants to help you build a relationship with your clients to ensure repeat business. We encourage you to take full advantage of our vast knowledge and great experience in the group tour industry by purchasing our American Destinations, Inc. Travel Consultant Training Packet for a one-time investment of $199.00. We are so confident that you will benefit from thi s information that after you sell three overnight tours (minimum of thirty passengers per departure) ADI will refund your investment plus include a bonus of $199.00! You will double your investment! Example I: South Middle School calls ADI directly and wants to do another trip with us. Since you are a registered ADI Travel Consultant and South Middle School is one of your past accounts, we will notify you of the Trip Order so you can follow up with the group leader and therefore, receive the commission if they travel. Example II: Someone from South Middle School knows a teacher planning a trip at Rosemont High School. He/she encourages him/her to call American Destinations, Inc. for a tour proposal. Since the referral came from one of your accounts, you will be contacted immediately to follow up with the group leader at Rosemont High School to begin a relationship with him/her. At the completion of the tour, you will receive the commission for this account. Please remember, no matter which opportunity you choose, travel proposals are FREE OF CHARGE. A member of our staff (referred to as an ADI Account Manager) will be assigned to you to assist you as much as possible. Also, please ask about "in person" training seminars in your area for you and your team. Again, we are very excited to help you grow your business. Do not hesitate! Call ADI now (800-369-4986) and begin to build a group travel business that will last a LIFETIME! To become an ADI Travel Consultant, please email or call with the following information: * RTA Name * Business Name * YTB ID# * Mailing Address * Home/Business/Cell Phone Numbers * Fax Number * E-Mail Address * Polo Shirt Size (Please mail check or money order to American Destinations, Inc., PO Box 2228, Clarksburg, WV 26302) Note - Services NOT Provided By ADI: * Motorcoach Charters: ADI does NOT provide services for motorcoach only charters.

So, nothing here. Old news. More misinformation that is being propagated by a rogue wife, mother, minister, businesswoman, mentor, and coach. Not sure if the real Coach would be proud or ashamed. Maybe she will make the correction; but then again that might hurt the recruitment effort.