Home Based Business Opportunity Blog MyTripCost.com

Owning a Home Based Business and the Many Tax Advantages

2008-08-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

Owning a home based business means you will finally look forward to tax season!
One of the great things about starting a business from home is the tremendous tax advantages it provides. Let's outline exactly what the tax advantages are for your new home based travel business.

First, in any home business you have many more tax advantages than if you were self-employed. These advantages really become significant when you consider how you can improve the profitability of your home based business by declaring all of the deductions you are entitled to. Do not forget to claim all of the necessary deductions. If you have difficulty figuring it out, go to a certified public accountant who has experience in working with home based business owners for help.

You will also need to itemize your deductions for your home business operation on a separate schedule just as you would for your personal deductions. Knowing which deductions you are entitled to can save your home business hundreds of dollars a year. Isn't this great news? Just the tax advantages make starting a home-based business makes it worth it.

Background information on how your income tax amount is arrived at by the IRS
The U.S. taxation code states that almost all income is subject to federal income tax. How can you, the guru of your home-based business, arrive at the final amount of income tax? Here's how:

Gross Income - (All Expenses + Miscellaneous Deductions + Depreciation on Assets) = Taxable Income.

Taxable Income X (Your Tax Rate) = Income tax for the fiscal year.

Here is a quick definition of the terms in the above taxation equation:

Gross Income = The total of all income for the year after the cost of the inventory has been paid for. Make sure you leave nothing out.

Expenses = All costs of doing business during the fiscal tax year.
Examples include payroll, materials, supplies and interest on business loans, etc. To find out if an expense qualifies as a legitimate business expense, consult your CPA. You can also call your local small business bureau, or even the IRS.

Depreciation = This is the way of spreading out the deductibility of an asset over a period of more than one year.

The IRS has certain different depreciation schedules for different business property. This is done for assets like real estate, equipment and other assets with a long economic life. This method of taxation write-off has certain advantages. Be sure to talk to your accountant regarding proper depreciation rules. These rules are subject to change by the Congress and the IRS.
Miscellaneous deductions

This is an often misunderstood and overlooked way to save a lot of money on taxes. Remember that these types of expenses must be totaled up and declared on a separate schedule of your income tax forms.

Always track your expenses and be sure to save at least one copy of every deduction. You will be asked for proof of every transaction that is declared as a deduction if the IRS audits you! Never make the mistake of not keeping records of yAlso, save them for 7 years.

Here is a list of some of the things you can deduct from your income taxes when running a home based business

1. Travel Expenses (air fare, hotels, rental cars, etc.)
2. Auto expenses
3. Books and Magazines
4. Educational Expenses
5. Home Office Space* + a portion of utilities, telephone, Internet and maintenance costs
6. Office Furniture
7. Cleaning Expenses
8. Meals with Business Clients
9. Laundry Expenses (When Traveling)
10. Advertising Costs
11. Impairment-related Expenses
12. Licenses and Regulatory Fees

* If you own your home you must use the IRS depreciation rules to determine this deduction. If you rent you may also deduct a portion of your rent.
Check IRS Publication 535 to find out if you can deduct any or all of the above.
As you can see there are numerous deductions that are allowable for your home-based business. The best way to get more information on tax deductions and related information on income taxes is to go online to http://www.irs.gov/. There you will find a great search engine containing thousands of government publications that you can research.

Now you have a good idea of the deductions you are entitled to take. So do your research, keep track of your expenses and take all of the deductions you can for maximum profit every year!

Keep it SIMPLE Stupid!

2008-07-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Having built Referal Marketing Teams numbering in the tens of thousands, one of the most important goals is to create duplication in your organization. Without duplication you end up doing all the work yourself, not benefitting from leveraged income, and basically ending up with another job. I did a training recently for my team and illustrated how easy it is to get off track when it comes to getting the proper duplication down through your organization.

I did a simple demonstration where I asked for just four volunteers to come up to the front of the room. I read a simple quote which was no more than 30 words long to the first person and her task was to repeat what I said to her as exactly as possible to the next person. That person was to listen to the person and repeat this process until the message got down to the last person. It was amazing what took place. Within just a matter of a couple minutes and being in the same room, what I told the first person was completely different when the last person revealed the quote to the audience.

My point is if you really want to get duplication that will create a strong residual income in your Home Based Business, you MUST KEEP IT SIMPLE. If it's too complicated or difficult people won't feel like they can do it and as a result they will either do nothing or not get results. Also, what may seem simple to you may seem very difficult to someone else. My test is if an 8 year old child can't do it, it's too complicated.

This becomes even more important as you build teams in different markets, over the phone, etc. Building a successful Home Based Business and strong residual income will happen in large part based on the number of exposures taking place in your group. In other words, if no one is taking a look at your business, it won't grow. How difficult is it for your team to get exposures and share their opportunity with others? Do they have to wait for you or for a weekly meeting? Or do you have a simple duplicatable system in place to where everyone can share your business at any time and achieve results? Keep it rediculously simple and you will be on your way to achieving duplication. Just remember to duplicate the people who are getting the results you want and make sure what's working is getting down properly to your team.

To your success!

Evaluating a Home Based Business

2008-07-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

What are you looking for?

It often amazes me how people make decisions when it comes to evaluating a real home based business. After years of coaching and mentoring people I've heard it all when it comes to people looking at a business.

It really comes down to the fact that there are two types of people. Those that focus on opportunities and those who only see the obstacles. Successful people focus on the opportunities a home based business can bring, unsuccessful people only see the obstacles.

Let me give you a couple of examples. First, no matter what the home based business is, a person who has an intent to make a profit and works the business to some extent, will benefit from the tax advantages alone that owning a business offers. This is one of the great tax strategies an individual can employ to legally reduce their tax liability. I successful person understands this and keeps more of their hard earned money. An unsuccessful person only focuses on how much it will "cost" to get the business started. Let me ask you a question. If you could put in $500 to start a home based business and save between $3-$5k per year in taxes, would that be a wise move for you? Again, what are you focusing on?

Another obstacle that most unsuccessful people focus on is the initial start-up fee itself. This one really amazes me. First of all, most home based businesses can be started for under $1,000. If you only see the $500 start-up or whatever the start up is, and aren't focused on the money you can earn, it says one of two things. Either you have no confidence in your ability to produce results or you really should be looking for a job, not a business. Here's the bottom line. Most people spend more money on their TV's or even their vacuum cleaner than it costs to start a home based business and neither of those earn you money. So what's the real issue? Is it the money to get started or your fear of failure? Just something to think about.

Here's what I suggest to those that are looking for a successful home based business. Stop over analyzing everything so much. It's pretty simple stuff. You have an opportunity to make money and save money on your taxes. If you are willing to put some work into your business and you are coachable you will make some money. If you don't, you won't. We act like we are purchasing a million dollar home when it comes to starting a business, yet we blow $500 on useless "stuff" all the time. Do your research to make sure the opportunity is real, then get started. Stop with the analysis by paralysis that probably has you in the situation financially that you are in. Find a company and an opportunity that you can believe in and go for it!

Remember, no one has ever won from the sidelines. If you were so great at spotting opportunities, you would have invested in Microsoft, Google, ebay, Dell, yahoo, shorted the mortgage industry, etc. Find someone who has the results you are looking for and duplicate what they have done. Make a decision to get started and don't over analyize. Good luck to you!!

Amazing Home Based Business

2008-07-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Thanks for giving us a chance to share! We love YTB so much - it is hard to put into words all that it means to us and we feel such a longing to somehow get across to others the reality of what we have experienced and help them experience it too! That is one reason we feel the Convention is so important in helping do that very thing!

Last year was our first Convention, and although we saw the vision and had just received a $10,000 Bonus in June, we really were in awe of how much YTB had already exceeded our expectations! But we had no clue what was in store for us at the Convention! From the special attention to detail - to the flight bags, the amazing YTBU classes, the special way everyone was attended to, the Founders and top executives mingling with us every day, to the extravaganza opening with the YTB plane! Add the sense of humor, energy, and heart of the speakers, the wonderful stories from Directors, and the interaction of Coach, Scott, Kim and entire staff! It was like family and so down to earth - the incredible story of Coach and YTB, the fruits of the spirit which are so evident in every part of our Founders and leaders, the amazing amount of recognition for the RTAs with the amazing awards.

And there's more: Coach's motivational, inspiring message and the Sunday morning service! It was life changing for us to see what we were a part of and to see how much effort the Company put into giving us such a special gift! I have never seen anything like it!! We were like everybody else thinking how much we wished everyone could have experienced it!

Our group that attended went home and we all went to work on the 90 Day Blitz and at the end of the Blitz our team helped us become Directors on December 15th! Unbelievable and no one was more surprised than we were! The Convention gave us hope, knowledge, motivation, and belief that you could never instill in someone with just words! We are telling our people that the Convention will help motivate your team and do more for your business than you could ever do, so let Coach and YTB help you, help yourself!! We believe in the Convention!!!"

Gratefully, Mike and Susan Abell, Level 1 Directors

GREAT AND POWERFUL!

2008-07-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

We just cannot wait to be in our National Convention this year - WOW! We are doing our best to put as many members as we can; we would love to take them all! How has the YTB National Convention helped us with our success? Our answer will be simple - we don't have words to really explain how great and powerful it has been and we have not missed one of them since we started with YTB. It really gives you the opportunity to take your business to the next level. Everyone must be there! We just can't wait to see you all!

Bless you, Directors Emely and Edgar Recart

YTB International Contemplates Implementation of Franchises

2008-07-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

Company Considers Adopting Franchise Operating System in 2009
YTB International, Inc. a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada, today announced that the Company is contemplating the replacement of its referring travel agent ('RTA') business model with the implementation of a franchise operating system, potentially in 2009. The Company expects that a franchising model, if adopted, would facilitate the Company's expansion into additional markets by providing more comprehensive training and a new proprietary e-commerce platform.

Details regarding price, product offerings and the conversion plan are all under consideration, but the Company anticipates that its existing RTA base would be treated favorably under its forthcoming proposal. Scott Tomer, Chief Executive Officer of YTB International, Inc. commented, 'We have retained iFranchise of Chicago to consult in the planning and development of the franchise model and are excited about the potential impact on YTB's business.' If a franchising model is adopted, its distribution is expected to be managed by the current marketing arm of the Company, YourTravelBiz.com, also known as YTB.com

The iFranchise Group brings decades of experience to franchise development and implementation efforts. Their consultants have worked with over 30 Fortune 2000 companies and with 98 of the world's top 200 franchisors as rated by Franchise Times magazine. iFranchise has worked with clients such as Blockbuster Video, Ace Hardware, and McDonald's.

A Key to Home Based Business Success!

2008-07-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

People often ask me if I had to name one thing that played a major part in achieving success in my home based business, what would it be. This question brings a few obvious things to mind. For example, you must have a burning desire to succeed. A strong work ethic is essential. Being coachable and teachable would also make the list.

However, even if you possess all three of these admirable traits, if you don’t have a coach or mentor who can guide you down the path, you are likely to fail. In other words, if you are not learning the business from someone who has already achieved what it is you are looking for, the odds are not in your favor. Even if you do succeed, it will likely take you much longer than if you had a mentor working with you.

How do I know this you may ask? Because when I entered the Network Marketing Industry 6 years ago as a newbie, I was very fortunate to be mentored by someone who had already earned millions in the Industry. If it weren’t for the coaching and mentoring over the years, I really believe I would have been one of those statistics that no one wants to be. In other words, it’s ok to be a copy cat, just make sure you’re copying the right cat! By copying the right cat, I was earning a multiple six figure income from home after just 3 years.

Hitch your wagon to a star and earn their time. I’m telling you this is so important. I can’t emphasize it enough. We have to realize that if we knew how to do it ourselves, we would have already done it, right? Often times I see people letting their egos get in the way of their own success because they feel they have to know it all. That is a recipe for failure in the Home Business Industry.

To YOUR success!

BEST HOME BASED BUSINESS!

2008-07-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

In all honesty the best parts of the convention are when we hear from our sincere leaders and what they say has depth. Rick Ricketts, Ron and Judy Head, and Juliet St. John always touch our hearts and we walk away with something. Coach and Scott and Kim also always touch our hearts because you can "feel" what they are saying. Of course seeing people awarded for their efforts makes our people want to do the same.

We are glad you are bringing Coaches Corner dinner back. That distinction is an important one. This will be our first year as a Director at the Convention and seeing how the Company honors its Directors is always a plus too. We feel we are in the best home based business there is and are so appreciative every day.

Shawn and Sheila Bruins, California Directors

YTB Bonus Earners - Success Stories

2008-07-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

"The Leadership Bonus means to me that if you don't give up and stay focused, it can be done and the impact is there is a way of financial freedom permanently."Diana Martin, May Leadership Bonus Earner"Winning the Leadership Bonus has inspired me to work harder to get to the Coach's Corner and it has also inspired my downline and people around me to work harder. I could not wait to see the BIG BLUE MAN "blow up".

I am waiting for the next set of BLUE Men."Carol Alexander, May Leadership Bonus Earner"Thanks to our wonderful sponsor and upline's support, receiving our first Leadership Bonus has given us the confidence and excitement to drive our business to the next level. We can now truly say that YTB is in us."Kandee Edge, May Leadership Bonus Earner"Earning the Leadership Bonus tells me another person is closer to their Power Team and becoming a Power Team Leader. I look forward to helping and showing them how to become successful in YTB. The blueprint is laid out for all of us to follow. I just help explain what steps need to take place…

I LOVE YTB!!!" Rosa Jacques, May Leadership Bonus Earner"We are leading by example and earning the Leadership Bonuses means that hard work and commitment pays off- $1,000 at a time!"Carl and Cheryl Manuel, May Leadership Bonus Earners"To me, a Leadership Bonus is a huge hug of hope that reminds me how thankful I am that I made the decision to join YTB! A Leadership Bonus is representative of the appreciation YTB has for the hard, ethical work of their Reps. Leadership Bonuses ALWAYS arrive just when I need them most!"Jean Morris, May Leadership Bonus Earner"Earning the Leadership Bonus means a lot to me because it shows that right now, the business is real and it works! This isn't a bonus I made one or two years ago. Just last week I completed the six on my Power Team and this week I get paid a $1,000 bonus! How cool is that? I think it's awesome and great that we have a compensation plan that allows us to make as much as we want to make if we're willing to go out there and make it happen! Making the $1,000 Leadership Bonus is the first stepping stone to the bigger bonuses that YTB rewards us with and I'm EXCITED!! If I can make an extra $1,000 a month, gas prices won't affect me…"Roy Ramley, May Leadership Bonus Earner"The $10,000 Leadership Bonus means that there is a true and evident end to that rainbow we seek to follow in blind faith; that it will be there."Sam Sims, May Leadership Bonus Earner"Receiving Leadership Bonuses from YTB has helped me to truly understand the words of the hymn writer, "If I can Help somebody as I pass along, then my Living shall not be in Vain" and keeping in mind Coach's quote, "If it ain't true, don't say it and if it ain't right, don't do it." With God's help, "I know I Can and will Do it"- help others!"G.V.E. Prime-Jackson, May Leadership Bonus Earner"The Leadership Bonus award constantly reminds us that we are progressing to a much brighter future for our family."Dan and Joy Raasch, May Leadership Bonus Earners"Our Leadership Bonus was the best income we've ever earned. We did it for ourselved, but not by ourselves. YTB has truly been a blessing!"Bernard and Cynthia Hampton, May Leadership Bonus Earners"WOW! Where else can you go and help others reach their goals and dreams and reach yours in the process. The Leadership Bonus is an amazing thing! Thanks Coach, Scott and Kim! Our dream is to help as many people as we can improve their lives financially. The Leadership Bonus is a by product of simply helping others. We love our sponsors Annette and Kevin Steen! WOW! Our Power Team Leader is the best! If it were not for Tony Berry's steadfast leadership we would not be where we are today. Thanks Tony! We love you!"Chuck and Mary Miller, May Leadership Bonus Earners"The $1,000 Leadership Bonus has given me extra motivation to talk to everyone I see about YTB and my business, plus it helps keep gas in my truck!"Danny Hurst, May Leadership Bonus Earner"Earning the Leadership Bonus shows our team they too can reach this goal and we're willing to help them get there. Now, we'd like to see what it feels like to earn the $10,000 Dream Bonus- that's next…"Fred Patterson, May Leadership Bonus Earner

YTB Success Center in Atlanta, GA

2008-07-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

The YTB business is booming in Atlanta, GA, and the new Atlanta Travel Training Center is one key reason why. The Grand Opening for this new state-of-the-art facility was held at the end of April, and there to kick things off were YTB CEO Scott Tomer, Lauri Tomer, Level 5 Director Bill Hoffmann and over 800 excited RTAs and their guests.

After taking a tour of the 10,000 square-foot facility, Scott praised the vision and foresight of Level 2 Directors Skip and Doris Lewis, the driving forces behind bringing the new training center to life. "This place is incredible," said Scott, adding that he knows now why business in Atlanta is exploding so fast.

The Atlanta Travel Training Center features a large training room with seating for over 400 that includes twin high-intensity projectors, two projection screens, and twin speakers that will rock the walls. The facility also includes a smaller training room that seats fifty. There are twelve offices which are leased out to Level 1 Directors Tammy Rogers, Deb Reynolds, and Keith Fraley plus several Coach's Corner members and key Power Team Leaders.

The leaders of the Training Center have put together a schedule that is packed full of activities designed to build the business of any RTA who walks in. In addition to fourteen opportunity presentations every week, the team also has two Spanish-language presentations, dedicated training classes for new RTAs, an Advanced Training Class every week, and a CRTA class every two weeks.

And, the Training Center has already had its share of high-level leaders! In addition to the Grand Opening visit from Scott, Lauri, and Bill; Level 4 Director Cameron Corr, Level 3 Directors Don Bradley and Spencer Iverson, and Level 1 Directors Holton Buggs, Chip Boyd, Joe Jackson and Lucretia Daniel have shared their expertise and excited the crowds.

The Atlanta Travel Training Center also serves as a regular base of operations for The Ladies of Team Vision, including Level 3 Director Melissa Boston, Level 2 Director Larease Rivers, and Level 1 Directors Shavett Daniel and Dr. Linda Avery. All in all, the new Training Center in Atlanta is a happening place! The next time your travels take you to HOT-lanta, stop in, pay a visit, and get excited!

YTB Names New Coaches Corner Memebers

2008-07-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS NEW COACH'S CORNER MEMBERS!

CongratulationsNew Members!
You too can be a member of Coach's Corner and be mentored by a millionaire. When you achieve 30 RTAs in your PowerTeam, you will receive a Coach's Corner pin, and welcome DVD and letter. Coach's monthly conference calls to members will inspire, motivate, and help you grow your YTB businesses.

Welcome to the Coach's Corner!

Al Bumgardner
Joe Carpenter
Cynthia Delone
Alejandra Estrada
Troy Harrison
Hiu Kei Ko
Lenise Vespa

YTB RTA Advantage Program

2008-07-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

The RTA Advantage Program is designed with you, the valued RTA, in mind. YTB has partnered with several national businesses for the benefit of our RTAs. As an RTA, you can access discounts to a number of products and services as long as you maintain the activation of your individual travel site.

You may currently take advantage of discounts with Sprint, Staples Business Advantage, Dell Computers, H&R Block and Your Tax Buddy! Simply click the RTA Advantage link at the left of your Back Office to access great savings! Watch for even more RTA Advantages to come!
RTAs: Please note that you must register for the RTA Advantage discounts from your Back Office. You may not register at a Sprint or Staples store, for example. The RTA Advantage program is but one of the many powerful Back Office features available to help you grow and manage your YTB businesses. Save time and steps -- shop the RTA Advantage program from your Back Office today!

YTB Home Based Business Success Story

2008-07-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Coach joined a great group of Reps, RTAs, and Directors on the May 30 'Cruise with Coach' to the Bahamas. He spoke to the group about the YTB 'State of the Union' and shared YTB's plans moving forward to this year's National Convention in August. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families were invited to enjoy this cruise at no cost, as YTB's salute to the men and women who guard our freedoms (see letter below to YTB Travel Network CEO and Founder J. Kim Sorensen from the Department of the Navy).COACH'S CORNER MEMBERS DAVE AND EVE DICKSON:Fast Start 30/30 Club Members Dave and Eve Dickson were two of the excited RTAs who enjoyed the cruise, the fellowship, and getting to know "the Coach." David writes, "Eve and I had a FANTASTIC time on the cruise with Coach. It was a powerful proof to see and hear people everywhere we went on the ship who were changing their lives and making money with YTB. One of the really COOL things was how positive and success oriented everyone was. This was truly a ship full of WINNERS, not whiners."At Coach's presentation he invited us up on the stage. It was AWESOME to be on stage with all of the incredibly successful Directors. WOW!!! We are new to YTB, but we managed to enroll 45 people in about 15 days. I didn't even know the 30/30 existed until someone told me when I had about 5 days left. I have some business and sales experience, and this is one of the easiest things I've ever sold. Actually I don't even really "sell" -- I just tell my friends and business acquaintances about the opportunity. It's powerful enough that they just see it and say, 'Yes, please I'd like to sign up!'I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for Eve. Two years ago, someone approached me about this business and I just sort of ignored them. I was "too busy" and "too smart" to get involved in a "multi-level marketing" thing. Shame on me. Two years later Eve brought it to me and said, "Dave, slow down and take a look at this. I think this is something we should really do." Well, I stopped and looked, and the more I looked, the more I was convinced that she was absolutely right and I had been foolish to not look at it two years ago. So, we got involved and the rest is history... We've made a bunch of money, and made some great friends in our PowerTeam Leaders Loren and Brenda Dowlar. This looks like the beginning of something very, very good!"

YTB Non-profit Program

2008-07-11T13:31:00.001-07:00

Passport to Giving TrainingsWith so much new material now presented in the Passport to Giving program, we encourage any RTA previously certified under the Association Program (now known as the Passport to Giving Program) to take a refresher class at any live location free of charge. (This refresher class is not a requirement to remain certified.)

Many non-profits today are looking for a new way to fundraise and we have the answer! Forget the candy or bake sales and clunker car programs; travel is the ultimate fundraiser! Our innovative program provides non-profit organizations a dramatically different way to raise funds for their organization.By enrolling a non-profit in this unique program, the organization is provide a "private label" YTB travel website customized with their organization name and log. The website is then promoted to the organizations' supporters and members to use when booking their personal or business travel. (We can also assist the organization in organizing group travel events for their supporters). As supporters use the organization's travel website, the organization receives 60% of the travel commissions earned by YTB, paid as royalties.
The RTA who sponsors the non-profit receives a 10% override of the travel commissions generated by the non-profit and a $300 signing bonus (60% of the sign-up fee)!Passport To Giving can raise thousands of dollars per year for an organization because they have a large number of supporters that will generate travel bookings! Examples of appropriate organizations include service, fraternal, health, alumni, political, environ-mental, charity, religious (including churches), and educational organizations.There are 1.5 million non-profits in the U.S. that need our program! If you want to help non-profits and create a consistent stream of income for your YTB business, come join us in the Passport To Giving Program!

YTB Convention Success Story

2008-07-11T13:30:00.001-07:00

"What The Convention Means To Us."Philip and Roma Riley - YTB Level 1 Directors

I was a registered nurse, burned out from working nights and working pay check to pay check. I quit nursing in December 2005, and my husband Philip Riley had his own copier machine sales and service company that was not working out, so his friend took over the business. We got involved in the real estate market and were doing very well. We were going to a real estate seminar in Atlanta when my niece said to me, 'Auntie, can you book on my website?' We booked on her site and looked at the YTB business opportunity after the trip. I was impressed with the income potential but more so with the fact that I could get health insurance, which I did not have after losing all my medical benefits from my previous job. We joined YTB as another source of income, but more so for the insurance. I was more excited about selling real estate, however, because of the income potential, but we were going to do both.

We decided to go to the Convention, thinking that if we were going to work the business at least we should know about the company, meet the Founders, etc. and the Convention would be a good place to start. The Convention was something else! We could not believe it. We met other YTB members. We attended training classes. We listened to the testimonials from the Directors how their lives were changed, and best of all we met Coach, Scott and Kim. We were so proud of them! Because they were such humble people with such high integrity and honesty we knew now that YTB was now home for us and YTB was the answer to what we were looking for all of our lives. Scott made a statement on stage that he felt bad that the Directors were coming on so fast that he could not keep up with knowing them personally. We went and met Scott and told him to please remember our names and our faces because we would be coming back next year to the convention as Directors!We left the YTB National Convention with a permanent mountain top experience. The business went from our heads to our hearts. I could not sleep when I worked night duty as a nurse and I still cannot sleep two years later - but this is due the excitement that is in my heart with knowing that all our dreams and hopes are becoming a reality. Our first paycheck was $50.00, then $100.00, then $50.00 and the week after the convention it was $1,750! In nine months we earned our first $10,000 Dream Bonus and we became Directors (with the free health insurance) in 11 months! My niece was able to quit her job and now wears the Presidential Sapphire Ring along with us! The real estate market is in trouble and thank God for YTB - that it is here for us and our children's children. We want to thank God first, Coach, Scott, Kim, and our entire team for the success we have had in YTB. Attend this year's National Convention -- it will change your life!"

YTB International:Wall Street's Next Online Travel Darling?

2008-07-08T16:10:00.002-07:00

Priceline (Nasdaq: PCLN) is the online travel industry’s best company, as judged by the valuation currently accorded its publicly traded shares. Though Expedia (Nasdaq: EXPE) has a higher total market capitalization, Priceline shares trade at a multiple of trailing twelve months earnings that is nearly 50% higher than the same earnings multiple of Expedia. (PCLN ttm p/e = 36, EXPE ttm p/e = 23).

Thus, it would not be a stretch to say that PCLN is the darling of Wall Street when it comes to the online travel space and it is easy to see why. PCLN management has steered this company from bleeding red ink and the necessity of a reverse split five years ago to its place today as an international powerhouse in online travel. Shareholders who bought into PCLN when it first started making the turn towards profitability (about 5 years ago this month) have enjoyed 5 year gains of as much as 2000% (for those who purchased near the $6 lows in 2003).

Investors seeking gains of that kind in the online travel space will likely be disappointed if they invest in one of the big publicly traded players, including PCLN. Though PCLN management appears to be executing magnificently, the company’s stock price ($128 as of this writing) already reflects this near flawless execution. Its hard to imagine that investor’s could see the stock double over the next year or so, much less increase by a factor of three or four times. It is this realization that made us do a little digging to see if there are any companies out there that have PCLN type potential, but have yet to be recognized by the investment community as such. This brings us to the stock we believe investors should consider - a company called YTB International (YTBLA.PK) (hereinafter “YTB“).
YTB International is a rapidly growing company in the online travel space. While both PCLN and YTBLA operate in the online travel space, their core business models are so different that it makes most comparisons of their respective businesses less than meaningful - it would be like comparing apples with oranges. However, we see much commonality between the two companies from an investment standpoint - with PCLN as a model of the kind of stock price appreciation that could be achieved by a company in this space under the right circumstances. Simply put, we see potential for investors in YTB stock to earn the kind of return long term PCLN investors have enjoyed.

YTBLA is currently traded on the pink sheets and we have never recommended a stock that trades on the Pink Sheets before. However, YTBLA is current on all listing requirements, expects to be listed on the OTCBB within the next few weeks and we fully expect that the company will be listed on a national exchange before the end of this year. We have also never recommended a company with a multi level marketing model, though We have reviewed many of them over the years and can appreciate the wealth and value created by billion dollar companies like Avon (NYSE: AVN), Tupperware (NYSE: TUP), Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) and PrePaid Legal Services (NYSE: PPD). Despite these two factors, we are still recommending YTBLA because we believe they are poised to be a significant player in the online travel space and we further believe that investors in the stock at today’s prices could see Priceline type gains over the next few years and possibly sooner.

As mentioned previously, YTBLA’s business model is very different from PCLN and EXPE, each of whom operates a website that is designed to be a portal through which consumers book travel online. PCLN and EXPE spend millions of dollars in advertising each quarter to attract consumers to their websites in hopes that they will book travel thereby earning the company commissions or merchant revenues. YTB spends very little on advertising, relying instead on a network of “referral travel agents” (hereinafter “RTAs”) to book travel through their own private labeled YTB website. These referral travel agents pay YTB a start up fee (around $499), then a monthly fee ($49) to host their online booking engines. The referral travel agents then earn a commission on each booking, a small percentage of which is retained by YTB. Thus, YTB earns revenue each time a new RTA signs up, then earns monthly hosting fees and commissions from each RTA.

Thus, even though both companies operate in the online travel space, the business models and revenue generation engines are quite different. The more important recognition here, we believe, is that from an investor’s standpoint, YTB is a company that is in a very similar position to where PCLN found themselves five years ago. At that time, PCLN had a flagging stock price and many questions surrounding its business model, despite the fact that it was making obvious strides in its quest to turn the corner to profitability.

This is similar to the storyline we are see today for YTB, where the company has dealt with several bumps in the road, most of which were related to either its ability to manage very high volume growth in a very short time or attempts by competitors to try and slow the company’s march forward.

It appears that these bumps in the road have been unable to stop or even slow YTB’s momentum. The company’s most recent annual report shows staggering gains in bookings, commissions earned, revenue and steady gains in the number of RTA‘s who have signed up to participate. The company grew gross travel bookings more than 187% in 2007 over 2006 and saw the base of active RTA’s more than double. The company reported its third profitable quarter in a row, its first full year profit and it appears to have reached a point in its growth cycle where it has achieved the critical mass necessary to grow revenues significantly without a commensurate increase in expenses. We saw evidence in the recent 10K filing that indicated general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue fell to only 26.1% in 2007 from 36.5% of revenue in 2006.

Another way we expect the company to grow margins is by earning higher percentage commissions. A very good indicator of this trend was reported in the recent 10K filing. The company reported an 84% gain in gross total bookings, which led to a 178% gain in gross total commissions received. As the company establishes itself as a high volume source of bookings for travel suppliers, the suppliers are willing to pay higher commissions and overrides. This accrues to the benefit of YTB as well as its RTA’s.

We see an opportunity for the company to further expand margins by building or buying its own wholesale business. By becoming the “merchant of record” for travel transactions, particularly lodging, YTB can expand on the traditional 10% commissions to instead earn effective rates in the 20 - 35% range. We note that it was a similar move into wholesale lodging reservations by Priceline in 2003 that allowed them to make the jump to profitability and that their acquisition of one of Europe’s largest lodging wholesalers that has been the catalyst for Priceline’s dramatic growth the last three years.

We believe further expansion of the company’s margins are possible as the company leverages the value of its network of 130,000+ active websites. The company’s cost to roll out additional product offerings through their RTA website channel is next to zero as is their risk. As such, we expect to see several new products offered through the RTA network in 2008, each of which could have a material impact on YTB’s financials.

In summary, we believe that YTB’s status as a pink sheets listed company that lacks Wall Street coverage or even main street attention has allowed the recent surge in its business to go unnoticed. The earnings acceleration and margin expansion simply have not been reflected in the stock price - as the stock has fallen more than 70% since the 2007 Q2 report of their first profitable quarter. With the stock currently hovering around the $1.65 per share range - we feel that the stock has the potential for exponential returns as investors become more aware of the YTB story and the company continues its domestic and international expansion. We believe the company is on the verge of a margin breakout that could propel the company to several periods of high double digit year over year earnings growth and that investors will ultimately accord YTB the kind of earnings multiple usually associated with such growth. As such, investors at today’s prices could be buying into the proverbial “ten bagger” or even better, enjoy returns like 2003 investors in the PCLN story, who earned 20x their money in less than five years. If YTB can sustain growth at the half the rate it grew in 2007, YTB investors at today’s prices could do even better than that.

YTB International, Inc. Acquires Sunrise Travel Service

2008-07-08T16:10:00.001-07:00

YTB International, Inc. Acquires Sunrise Travel Service
Wednesday March 5, 4:20 pm ET

Award-Winning Agency Benefits YTB's Expansion Into Canada

WOOD RIVER, Ill.,YTB International Inc. a leading international provider of Internet-based travel websites and home-based independent representatives, today announced the purchase of award-winning travel agency, Sunrise Travel Service, located in Ontario, Canada. Sunrise Travel Service's travel agents, with more than twenty years of combined industry experience, will remain with the agency as YTB employees.

"We are very pleased to welcome Sunrise Travel into the YTB family. This acquisition assists YTB in maintaining compliance in Ontario, which is of utmost importance to our organization," said J. Kim Sorensen, CEO of YTB Travel Network, a wholly-owned YTB subsidiary. "Careful research went into choosing an experienced, qualified travel agency and Sunrise Travel is a great fit for the YTB travel business."

The acquisition of Sunrise Travel Service further broadens YTB's ongoing expansion into Canada, which began last month. This purchase also provides YTB with a competitive advantage in three very lucrative markets: Leisure, Honeymoon, and Corporate Travel, all of which are areas of expertise for Sunrise Travel Service. Additionally, Sunrise Travel Service has developed a niche market for travel to Europe and the Middle East, which will serve to broaden YTB's international travel offerings and create even more opportunities for the thousands of YTB RTAs who have already joined in Canada.

YTB to Build Hotel & Convention Center

2008-07-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

Wood River may get hotel
Convention center also part of YTB’s plans
April 7, 2008 - 11:14PM
By CYNTHIA M. ELLIS
The Telegraph

WOOD RIVER - Before plans are even drawn, officials' excitement about a recently announced development project is difficult to contain. Officials recently learned YTB International Inc. and Aventurs of St. Louis are planning to build a convention center and hotel "It's a big boon to the city," Mayor Fred Ufert said. "We are looking forward to the development of this project." Ufert said the city has not been informed about the hotel project officially but does know YTB is planning to build a convention center in the near future. The Wood River City Council approved the annexation of 29.44 acres along Old Alton-St. Louis Road and Edwardsville Road (Illinois Route 143) and Illinois 255 on Monday night. The council then approved to rezone the property as B-3 Highway Business. The newly annexed property will be contiguous with adjacent properties in the area and will allow for the expansion of YTB, said Jeff Stassi, the company's director of real estate development and procurement. The Planning Commission held a public hearing March 20 and approved the rezoning of the property. Board members said the annexation would be in harmony with the city's zoning ordinance and would increase the area's tax base significantly. Stassi said that YTB is expanding the facility it purchased in 2006 to create more room for its growing workforce. He said there currently are about 350 employees, and the company expects to more than double its size during the next 18 months "YTB isexpanding to meet its needs," he said. The publicly traded company develops, sells and supports online travel booking engine Web sites for 140,000 independent representatives across the country and in Canada. The first phase of the project will include a 45,000-square-foot convention center and dining facility, adjacent to property along Edwardsville Road. The convention center, which would be open to the public, is expected to hold between 2,000 and 3,000 people. Future phases include the expansion of the company's corporate headquarters, as well as a hotel and some retail in the form of restaurants, Stassi said. During the public hearing, it was announced that survey work currently is being done on 9.96 acres, and that the area likely would be subdivided and a hotel built. The hotel chain or the developer was not named, but officials plan to make an announcement soon about the project. Stassi, who previously served as the city's director of parks and recreation, said he is looking forward to working with city officials again. He left the city in November 2005 to work in the private sector. He joined YTB more than two months ago. Ufert said the development would continue to add to the city's economic growth.

"We're looking forward to the continued development on the city's east end," he said. Last year, the city passed a 5 percent hotel/motel tax in anticipation of future development. Currently, the city brings in an average of $350 to $500 per month from fewer than a dozen rooms at a motel and rooming house.

"We expected growth and planned for growth," Ufert said. "The city is always looking ahead at what it needs. This project is just another piece of the puzzle that allows the city to prosper."

YTB Appoints Robert Dickinson to Board of Directors

2008-07-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

YTB International, Inc. Appoints Robert H. Dickinson and Burt L. Saunders, Esq. to Board of Directors
Wednesday April 30, 8:30 am ET

WOOD RIVER, Ill., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- YTB International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: YTBLA - News; "YTB" or the "Company"), a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada, today announced the appointment of Robert H. Dickinson and Burt L. Saunders, Esq. to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Dickinson and Mr. Saunders will become the 10th and 11th members of the Company's Board, and bring decades of experience in the travel and legislative fields, respectively, to the Board.

Prior to joining the YTB Board of Directors, Mr. Dickinson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Carnival Cruise Lines division of Carnival Corporation. Mr. Dickinson also previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Carnival Cruise Lines for ten years, and remains a member of the Board of Directors of Carnival Corporation, on which he has served since 1987. Mr. Dickinson also currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Carnival plc, and has held such Board seat since 2003. Mr. Dickinson received his B.S.B.A in management from John Carroll University and his MBA from Duquesne University. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree from Johnson & Wales University in 1995.

Mr. Saunders has been a Florida State Senator for District 37 for the last ten years, representing Collier and Lee counties. In addition, he has served in an "of counsel" capacity for the firm Gray Robinson, P.A., and previously for Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A., practicing in the areas of land use, government and health care law. Mr. Saunders received his B.A. from the University of South Florida, his J.D. from the College of William and Mary, and his L.L.M. in Ocean/Coastal Law from the University of Miami.
Commenting on the addition of Messrs. Dickinson and Saunders to the YTB Board of Directors, J. Lloyd "Coach" Tomer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, "I know that I speak on behalf of our entire company when I say that we are extremely pleased to welcome Robert and Burt to our Board. Our Board is very diverse, and we constantly draw on the knowledge and experience that each individual director brings to the table. Bob's extensive travel industry experience, and Burt's legislative experience, combine to add valuable strength to our Board, and we look forward to tapping into their respective skill sets. I believe that these additions will bring necessary and valuable resources to the Company, while enhancing our efforts to further build the YTB brand and reputation."

YTB & Kansas City Chiefs Launch Partnership

2008-07-08T09:48:00.001-07:00

Chiefs, YTB International Launch Travel Partnership
May 13, 2008, 12:43:42 PM

Book travel online – get competitive rates – make dreams come true – win gifts, too

The Chiefs and the YTB Travel Network, Inc. have launched an innovative travel partnership to give fans in particular and travelers in general new on-line travel opportunities.

Through the web site, http://www.chiefstravel.com/, you can now book all your business and personal travel with an added advantage to win Game Day Packages, a “Suite Experience,” autographed team memorabilia and maybe become a “Chief for a Day,” a cabin on a Chiefs celebrity cruise and more.

“Fan support at home and also on the road has become a vital ingredient in the success of this franchise over the last 20 years,” said Chiefs President Carl D. Peterson. “Moreover, with this new travel program we can reward our fans for their support, as each time they book travel – whether business or personal, related to Chiefs games or not – they have the opportunity to win any number of special prizes from watching a game from a suite to becoming a Chiefs player for a day.”

The Chiefs Travel Web site offers:

Competitive rates on the top airlines
Thousands of hotels and many rental car companies
A wide selection of vacation package providers and cruise line
The ability to earn airline miles, rental car and hotel points
A chance for celebrity cruises with Hall of Famer Bobby Bell, current players and special guests
Options for exclusive packages to China and Europe, limousine services, restaurant reservations, golf tee times
Other options for flowers, gift baskets, concert tickets, passports, airport parking
Each purchase qualifies you to Chiefs giveaways

“We at YTB are excited by our partnership agreement with the Chiefs and the opportunity to enhance the fans’ travel experience throughout the year,” said J. Kim Sorensen, President and CEO of YB Travel Network. “There are Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holders across the country and fans through the out world.

DSA Approves YTBs Membership

2008-07-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Direct Selling Association Approves YTB International as New Member Company

WOOD RIVER, Ill., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- YTB International, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: YTBLA) ('YTB' or the 'Company'), a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, today announced that the Direct Selling Association ('DSA') has approved its application for active membership in the organization.

YTB completed a one-year pending period required for full membership in the association. During this time, the Company's marketing and business plans were reviewed to ensure full compliance with all provisions established by DSA's Code of Ethics. YTB joins the elite ranks of DSA's more than 220 active and pending member companies in the United States.
DSA is the national trade association representing companies that manufacture and sell products and services sold directly to consumers, primarily through an independent contractor sales force. Its mission is 'to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers.' Each DSA member company pledges to abide by the Code of Ethics' standards and procedures as a condition of admission and continuing membership in DSA. This Code of Ethics speaks to both the consumer and the seller, and ensures that member companies will make no statements or promises that might mislead either consumers or prospective sales people. The DSA Code of Ethics expressly prohibits pyramid schemes, deceptive or unlawful consumer or recruiting practices, misrepresentation of earning or sales potential, inventory loading and unreasonable entrance fees.

Scott Tomer, CEO of YTB International, stated, 'We are proud to have been granted membership in the DSA. Our acceptance further validates the strict internal business practice standards to which we hold ourselves. Our Company is committed to maintaining these high standards, as well as those set by the DSA.'

About DSA

DSA is the national trade association of the leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to consumers. Among its more than 220 active and pending members are companies selling both via a party-plan method and in the traditional person-to-person style. In 2006, U.S. direct sales were more than $32 billion with more than 15.2 million direct sellers nationwide. The vast majority are independent business people 'micro-entrepreneurs' whose purpose is to sell the product/service of the company they voluntarily choose to represent. Approximately 90 percent of direct sellers operate their business part-time. To find out more about DSA please visit www.dsa.org.

About YTB International

YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. It operates through three subsidiaries: YourTravelBiz.com, Inc., YTB Travel Network, Inc., and REZconnect Technologies, Inc. YourTravelBiz.com division focuses on marketing online travel agencies through a nationwide network of independent business people, known as 'Reps.' YTB Travel Network division establishes and maintains travel vendor relationships, books travel transactions of online travel agents (RTAs, now numbering over 120,000), collects travel commissions and pays sales commissions. Each RTA sells travel through a personalized Internet-based travel website. The REZconnect Technologies division operates as a travel vendor relationship management company and offers franchises of brick and mortar travel agencies.

Statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and the Company's actual results could differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances

YTB Statue of Liberty on TV Tonight

2008-07-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

YTB's Lady Liberty Story Airs Tonight!

Television station WGN AMERICA (Chicago WGN show News at Nine -local, satellite, and cable)will air a story on YTB's amazingLady Liberty being built for the2008 YTB National Convention!SEE IT TONIGHT!(Story and video air on Chicago's local WGN station showNews at Nine, but broadcast nationwide on WGN America) See it TONIGHT!10 pm Eastern, 9 pm Central,8 pm Mountain, 7 pm PacificCheck your local listings!DIRECTV Channel 307DISH NETWORK Channel 239CABLE Channels vary by provider

The story and video will be available athttp://wgntv.trb.com/ after the show airs.Reps and RTAs! Alert your team about tonight'sbroadcast and tell them to check the WGN TV websitelater if they missed it or to see it again!(Keep checking - the video will be posted tonight or in the morning).The number of video hits on the WGN website will determine to what extent WGN will air something special about our Convention! This is a not to be missed opportunity to increase national exposure to our fast growing company - on our way to becoming the largest online travel network in the world!

Website now available in Spanish

2008-07-07T16:03:00.001-07:00

Exciting News! Important News! YTB is here to serve YOU, our valued REPs and RTAs! In our continuing efforts to provide you with the most up-to-date business tools you need to efficently manage your YTB businesses, YTB is proud to announce the Spanish language version of your YTB website!Visit http://www.ytb.com/ and click on Español at the top of the page. Log in as usual to begin taking advantage of this exciting new feature!

YTB Ranked #26 In Travel Weekly Power List

2008-06-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

The Travel Weekly Power List is out and YTB is Ranked #26 overall, and tied for the LARGEST GAIN of everyone on the Power list with $414.5 Million in Travel Sales.

This incredible growth for a 7 year old company is driven by the approximately 130,000 YTB RTA’s that have joined in the quest to become the largest and the best travel company on the planet. YTB has given the average person a chance to harness the power of the internet in the world’s biggest industry to achieve a level of financial freedom that is unaverage.

As part of the Power List, YTB was ranked 35th among all travel agencies and included in the top 11 leisure travel agencies. YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

The yearly ranking included gross sales figures, ARC sales; travel related subsidiaries; percentage of sales from business, leisure, etc.; corporate structure as well as other matters. Figures that Travel Weekly was able to verify through YTB include:

2006 Sales: $226.1 Million

- ARC sales of $52.1 Million

- $91.7 Million of sales fulfilled by third parties

- $175.2 Million of sales from hosting outside agents.

- 80% of sale from leisure, 10% from business, 10% other.

- 300% growth in sales and representative for each of the last three years.

Other leading travel agencies named in this year's Power List are Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, AAA, and American Express Travel Services.

Join our winning team today and get ready to profit from what many believe will be biggest business boom over the next 20 years. Call Joe at (707) 484-4605 for more information or visit http://www.mytripcost.com/.

MyTripCost.com - Make Money with Your Own Travel Business

2008-06-27T18:13:00.001-07:00

MyTripCost.com - Make Money with Your Own Travel Business
Video sent by mytripcost

Make Money Watching Your Friends and Family
Travel the World

Over the past decade, the Internet has quickly become most people’s travel agent. And now you can make money every time someone books a hotel room, takes a cruise, rents a car, or purchases an airline ticket!

Join our winning team today and get ready to profit from what many believe will be biggest business boom over the next 20 years. Call Joe at (707) 484-4605 for more information or visit www.MyTripCost.com.