on my mind ❖
jeff gayduk
Nudge Before a Shove WE’RE ALL DEALING WITH IT in our professional or personal lives. Something you know needs to be done, a major project, new direction or cutting of ties. It often seems that the bigger the issue the longer we procrastinate. Nobody likes to make difficult decisions – however not making a decision only makes the situation worse. Small problems become big problems, big problems become catastrophes. We dealt with such a situation recently. Late last year I was contemplating a move from our technology vendor. We had outgrown them and needed to find a new provider that had a stronger skill set to handle our growing needs. As our online business has catapulted in the last few years we had simply outstripped their skill set. So while I knew what needed to be done, the prospect of firing a vendor and migrating systems was daunting. So, it got put on the back burner. Fast forward to February of this year, we had a major technological outage that affected most of our sites. While the responsibility for the outage fell squarely on the shoulders of the technology vendor, ultimately it was my responsibility to move before it got to this point. While I learned this lesson the hard This month’s Masthead and online exclusives section has been moved to the back inside cover. Check out what’s new online @ LeisureGroupTravel.com.
4 April 2010
way, take a page from us. Whatever’s hurting your business isn’t going to just go away if you ignore it. Take the time now to fix it before it blows up. The time is now as the market is poised for recovery to get your house in order, whether that’s building a new story or knocking down walls.
JOIN US THIS JUNE IN CHICAGO! On June 10, we’re partnering with Mayflower Tours, one of America’s leading tour companies, for a day of education and a trade fair. Ticket to Ride is an opportunity to discover new group travel destinations, meet
Take the time now to fix it before it blows up. The time is now as the market is poised for recovery to get your house in order, whether that’s building a new story or knocking down walls. As spring is upon us, we’re fully recovered, on a new platform and with a BRAND-NEW launch of LeisureGroupTravel.com, but it wasn’t without a lot of bleeding and sweating (maybe a few tears too). If you attempted to access our sites during the down time I apologize, but rest assured we’re back to full-strength, and then some. Take a few minutes to browse our site, which has an entirely new look and feel, vibrant pictures, even more breaking news and advice, videos, digital page flips, fams, educational seminars, contests and more. For nearly 10 years, LeisureGroupTravel.com has been the leading group travel site in North America, and this latest rendition of our flagship takes the industry to a whole new level. I hope you enjoy!
with product vendors and learn how to better manage your group travel program. For those from outside the Chicagoland area, we’re working on a post-event fam to explore the best of the Windy City. See page 20 of this edition for more details. Hoping to see you in our hometown this June! Happy Travels,
Jeff Gayduk, Publisher jeff@ptmgroups.com
On nights and weekends Jeff tinkers with the company’s 15 websites, much like his dad did with cars back in his heyday. LeisureGroupTravel.com
share
value
the journey ENJOY the
There’s a reason that travelers spark lasting friendships on Collette Vacations tours. Travel is more fulfilling when you share the journey. Your traveling companions are like you – active, engaged and interested in exploring the world. They enjoy the benefits of traveling together – and the inherent value that entails. Every Collette Vacations tour includes: • Wonderful accommodations • Key sightseeing • Vibrant cultural experiences • First-class transportation • Many meals featuring local cuisine
Making friends along the way – that’s just an added bonus.
Collette’s No Worries Travel Protection waiver promises you a FULL CASH REFUND if you cancel right up to the day prior to departure.
For more information contact your local District Sales Manager or call 800.852.5655 www.collettevacations.com CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279
step
back in time…
…and discover the wonders of Egypt. Join the ranks of mankind’s greatest explorers. Visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs – Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Karnak temples, and the tombs on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Investigate the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Cruise along the legendary Nile River. A dedicated Egyptologist provides insight throughout your journey. This is the world of the ancient Egyptians. Splendors of the Nile 12 Days, 21 Meals starting at $2149* *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. Call for air rates from your gateway.