Podcast Number One-hundred-eighty-threeHave you ever wondered what it is like to take a pre-innaugural cruise on one of the largest and most modern cruise ships in the world. In this podcast you will hear travel agent Deb Gronski describe her two day pre-innaugural cruise on the Celebrity Solstice. News Articles:The Best New Cruise Ship of the YearSend postcards the old fashioned way using your digital photos.Five ways to avoid germs.Tech toys for business travelers.Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Keep up with us on Twitter.comLorene's Twitter name is lorenerBarry's Twitter name is kantzbCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comSteffen Shackinger "Perfect Waves" (mp3) from "ElectriGuitartistry" (Candy Rat Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-eighty-twoYour local area is ripe for setting up tours and package vacations. Justin Francis at the Future of Tourism organization predicts travel will become more local. People will be looking for local travel opportunities as airfares and fuel costs rise. Justin predicts travel will follow the trend which food is approaching and that is local grown food, or "slow food." People will travel locally as they become aware of the environmental benefits of staying close to home. Lorene and Barry talk about setting up contacts with local hotels and Chambers of Commerce. You can set up your own tours, after all you know best the area you live within and chances are you are proud of some of your area's attractions. Lorene and Barry also mention a new web based service where you can promote your local tours.Tours By LocalsNews Articles:Wyndham Travel Agent TrainingWorlds Largest Cruise ShipNew Runways at Major AirportsThe Movie "Australia" and TourismLearn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Keep up with us on Twitter.comLorene's Twitter name is lorenerBarry's Twitter name is kantzbCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comMel Cooleys "Welcome To the New World" (mp3) from "Mel Cooleys Live (?) In Seattle" (Yellow Tail Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks Buy at GroupieTunes More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-eighty-oneA differentiating factor a travel agent brings to the table when working with clients, is their knowledge of how to help the traveler. You may have clients who want to travel with family members but are limited because of their family member's special needs. You will be a hero if you know how to accommodate those special needs so the family can travel together. In this show our guests are from the company, "Special Needs at Sea." We've talked with Andrew Garnett from "Special Needs at Sea" in a previous podcast. However in this podcast, Andrew and Charles Newton talk about their new commission program for travel agents. You now can help those travelers with special needs and earn a commission.Check out Lucianne Evans on MySpaceYou can find Lucianne's album at http://cdbaby.com/cd/evanscoppolaTravel News:American Airlines offers flight check-in by cell phoneThirsty Swagman Tours is offering the first Asian Pub Crawl TourTours by Locals may offer you an opportunity to expand your businessLearn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Keep up with us on Twitter.comLorene's Twitter name is lorenerBarry's Twitter name is kantzbCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comTony Evans and His Orchestra "Trumpet Blues & Cantabile" (mp3) from "The Ultimate Jive Album" (Tema International) More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-eightyNow is the time to think about your business for 2009. Barry and Lorene talk about planning for 2009, including tips and ideas to help you make your business more successful. A cash flow projection is a great business tool to help you plan your expenses and revenue. Barry includes a screenshot of a cash flow projection spreadsheet and a link to the spreadsheet in the show notes.The screen shot only shows three of the twelve months. You can download the full sample cash flow spreadsheet at - download spreadsheet.Travel News:Great Cruise DealsDogs keeping you safeThe Holidays which are the most dangerous for driversBest Places to Travel in a RecessionTSA Goes EntrepeneurialAirfares Drop for Holiday TravelGotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Keep up with us on Twitter.comLorene's Twitter name is lorenerBarry's Twitter name is kantzbCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comGordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band "Backrow Politics" (mp3) from "Act Your Age" (Immergent) Buy at iTunes Music Store Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-nineLorene talks about her recent visit to Seaside, Oregon. Seaside is a great place to send clients for a family reunion, a girl friend get-a-way, or for a relaxing visit. Lorene gives advice on local restaurants, hotels and the local candy. Plus, Lorene shares some of her photos.Links for Seaside, Oregon Travel News:What do you do when you first arrive at a hotel room?A USA Today opinion piece talks about how travel agents help you avoid hassles.TSA easing restrictions for carry on liquids.Delta and Northwest become one.Runaway poodle causes delays at Boston Logan.What is that strange object in the sky? A bird, a plane - no it's a Zepplin!GotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Keep up with us on Twitter.comLorene's Twitter name is lorenerBarry's Twitter name is kantzbCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comKat Fader "Come With Me" (mp3) from "Halloween Bloody Night" (Tobacco Music) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-eightBarry and Lorene talk with Carolyn Szekeres of Princess Cruise Lines. Carolyn explains the benefits of enrolling in the Princess One Source Academy. The Princess One Source Academy offers you an excellent training opportunity. Plus, when you achieve the Commodore level you qualify for a free cruise. This is a great value because you improve your business skills while you work toward the free cruise. Listen in and learn more about the great perks Princess Cruise Lines offer the travel agent.Princess One Source AcademyChanging Travel RulesIgoUgoSpooky Travel DestinationsPrint What You LikeITA Software Airline/Airfare Search EngineGotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Keep up with us on Twitter.comLorene's Twitter name is lorenerBarry's Twitter name is kantzbCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comCharlie Hunter "Welcome to Frankfurt" (mp3) from "Baboon Strength" (reapandsow, Inc.) Buy at reapandsow music store Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-sevenA Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) card gives you recognition as a travel agent. In addition, a CLIA card will allow you to take advantage of discount rates when you are traveling. This is a nice perk for the travel agent. However, the rules for obtaining a CLIA card are changing. Lorene talks about the changes on this week's show.GotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Keep up with us on Twitter.comLorene's Twitter name is lorenerBarry's Twitter name is kantzbCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comJoe Pacino "6AM" (mp3) from "Halloween Lounge Party" (Purha Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Puretracks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-sixWhat travel destination do you know the best? I will bet it is your own community. Lorene describes how a site visit in her community put commission dollars in her pocket and will generate more commission over time. You can do the same by visiting hotels, bed and breakfast inns and tourist attractions in your community.Gary Ebels sponsored a contest for users of the Agent2Agent Forum. If you have made a post in the Disney section of the forum between August 10th and October 10th you have a chance to win Disney Dollars. In addition, if you have made a post anywhere else in the forum between August 10th and October 10th you have a chance to win Disney Dollars.I listed the names of people posting in alphabetical order and used the website "randomizer.org" to pick a random number. The random number was matched to the alphabetical order of names and a winner was picked. Our winners are - Deb Gronski and Mike Hamilton. Congratulations! I will work with Gary and send you your Disney Dollars.ASTA's Travel Agent Training CourseTSA's Anxiety DetectorPush to Modernize our Air Traffic Control SystemsThe top ten bed and breakfast townsGotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comJah Wobble "Elevator Music 1" (mp3) from "Elevator Music Vol. 1A" (30 Hertz Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at eMusic Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Amazon Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-fiveSharpen your selling skills. Lorene and Barry talk about online training for the various cruise lines. Increase your knowledge and gain valuable perks as a travel agent. Links to items we discussed:NCL UniversityRoyal Caribbean Travel Agent Site Princess Cruise LineOne Source AcademyGotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comCarl Filipiak and the Jimi Jazz Band "Wakan Tanka" (mp3) from "I Got Your Mantra" (Art of Life Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Napster Buy at Puretracks Buy at Amazon Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-fourGary Ebels joins the show and talks about the journey from being a Disney fan to becoming a specialist as a Disney Travel Agent. Tune in and listen for a tip or two on Disney travel plus find out how to win Disney Dollars.Gary mentions MouseFest which is something you may want to check out. Registration for MouseFest 2008 is currently underway.GotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comThe Hot Club of San Francisco "Be That Way" (mp3) from "Be That Way" (Panda Digital) More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-threeMike Davies of River Discount Cruises joins Lorene and Barry to talk about selling in the niche market of river boat cruises. Mike is an independent home based travel agent. Mike shares with the audience ideas and tricks to help you enter this lucrative niche market. Come on board and learn more.Mikes other river boat cruising websites are:www.riverdiscounts.comwww.danubecruising.comwww.rhinecruisingforless.comwww.cruisingrussia.comwww.rivercruisereports.comMike discusses the five major river boat tour operators:Gate OneAvalonAmadeusTaukScenic ToursGotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comThe Hot Club of San Francisco "Be That Way" (mp3) from "Be That Way" (Panda Digital) More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-twoCharlie Dubinsky of Cruise and Travel University joins the show to talk about several cruise and training opportunities offered in the near future. The Cruiseand Travel University offers amazing training opportunities duringcruises on a variety cruise lines. You have the opportunity to complete CLIAcourses and obtain CLIA credits on many of the cruises. The training offersother useful topics on sales and marketing to help you grow your travel business.You can receive this excellent training plus go on a cruies for less thanone-hundred dollars per day. The http://cruiseandtraveluniversity.com/ is not a paid sponsor of the Home Based Travel Agent Show. We bring you this information because of the great value for you as a travel agent.GotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts.Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comThe Lover and the BelovedDonna De Lory"Ganapati Om" (mp3)from "The Lover and the Beloved"(White Swan Records)Buy at NapsterBuy at RhapsodyStream from RhapsodyBuy at mTraksMore On This Album--Posted By Barry Kantz to Home Based Travel Agent Podcast at 9/14/2008 08:02:00 AM

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventy-oneLorene is back from her Alaska cruise. This was more than a cruise because Lorene and Gayle purchased a pre-cruise Alaskan stay and explored the Denali National Park. Listen in and learn how you can help your clients turn an Alaska Cruise into an Alaska adventure. You can book your clients for these tours through the cruise lines and earn commission. Or, you can use third party tours listed below. But, check these third party tour operators for their travel agent commissions before you book.Alaska Tour Organizers:Northern Alaska ToursPremier Alaska ToursGray Line AlaskaNews Links:CNN's Air SafetyUSA Today's Should You Tip the Concierge?GotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comIvo Papasov "Dance of the Falcon (Kaba Zurna)" (mp3) from "Dance of the Falcon" (World Village UK) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-seventyThe most effective way to market your home based travel business is to get out of the house and get involved in your community. People will purchase their vacations from you but only after they get to know you, like you and trust you. The best way for people to get to know you, like you and trust you is for people to meet you in person. They will trust you after they spend some time getting to know you. Eventually they will buy from you and if you do a good job they will refer you to other people. A blog or podcast is the second best way for people to know, like, trust, buy and refer you. With blogging and podcasting you can reach out beyond your local community and get people to know you, like you and trust you. These are people you have never met. There is a reason blogging and podcasting are called social media. Many people don't get it - they think they can simply create an advertisement using blogging or podcasting. This is old media. New media is really about the, "know, like, trust, buy and refer" process. Listen and learn what social media has to offer for growing your business. Links:www.podcastfaq.comwww.wordpress.comwww.blogger.com Mark Murphy, in the "Travel Pulse" writes an editorial on how a blog can impact your travel business. Check out Marks editorial in the August 21st edition of the Presidents Letter. Travel and Leisure Magazine's Top 10 Large Ship Cruise LinesTravel and Leisure Magazine's 10 places to visit before you're 10 years old.Zen Class Nirvana Travel Organizer at Zen Class Travel.GotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Learn, enjoy, produce and prosper!Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comGayelyn Mkinney "Joy" (mp3) from "Epiphany a Detroit Jazz Compilation" (Submerge Recordings) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at mTraks More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-nineGotoMeeting is now available for the Mac. Get a 30 day free trial at http://www.gotometting.com/podcasts. Today a computer is an essential tool for running your business. Nolan Burris of Future Proof Travel joins Barry and Lorene to talk about using an Apple MacIntosh for your business. Nolan talks about making the switch from the PC to the MacIntosh. Why should you switch? "Because they just work," says Nolan. This is not a dry technical discussion about PC versus Mac. Nolan is a motivational speaker and he will entertain you as he talks about making the switch. Nolan maintains the website, "FutureProofTravel" where you can find excellent training materials for travel agents. In addition, Nolan developed the website, www.macintravel.com where you can find more information about making the switch from the PC to the Mac.Plus the Chicago Tribune's report on the top ten U.S. and Canada cities for travel.Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comInara George with Van Dyke Parks "Accidental" (mp3) from "An Invitation" (Everloving) Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-eightThis show brings a surprise. We have a Disney segment provided by a Disney Travel Specialist, Gary Ebels. Gary will be an addition to the show with an occasional five minute (or thereabouts) segment about Disney. In the co-hosted segment of today's show, Lorene talks about shore excursions. Lorene explains how to make commission on shore excursions and how to qualify your clients for shore excursions.Shore TripsPort PromotionsCNN reports the loss of a famous arch in Arch National Park, Utah.The Chicago Tribune reports on the Travel and Leisure Magazine poll to find the top ten best cities to visit.Check out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comPaquito D'RiveraWho's Smoking? (mp3)Buy at iTunes Music Store

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-sevenIs the Iphone a tool or a toy? Lorene and Barry discuss using the Iphone for their travel business. And, yes the Iphone is a tool and a toy. You can compose, send and read email on the Iphone. Using the Mobile Me service your email, calendar and contacts are synchronized on all of your computers. We predict that access to GDS systems and Client Resource Management systems will come to the Iphone and other small mobile computing devices. Listen in to the show and hear more about Lorene and Barry's experience with the new Iphone.In the news:Iraq Tourism?Websites that Connect Travel Agents to ClientsNorthwest Airlines $80 Fuel SurchargeRetired Chemist Ready to go Into Space on Virgin GalacticGood Advice for Your Clients About AirlinesCheck out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comThe Ryoko Trio "Bouches D'or" (mp3) from "Bonsai Bop" (Candid Productions Ltd.) Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-sixLorene and I talk with Nicola Iannone, Director of National Accounts for MSC Cruise Lines. Nicola describes the experience of cruising on their luxury ships. Plus you will learn how MSC supports travel agents by offering extra commission on shore excursions and pre and post stays. Satisfied clients are a building block for your business. The service and attention your clients receive on an MSC cruise will have them coming back to you for more. To learn more go to the MSC travel agent site at http://www.msccruisesagent.com/ If you haven't seen the "Last Lecture" then check it out on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo Check out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comAline de Lima "Renda Minha / Mulher Rendeira" (mp3) from "Açaí" (Naive) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks Download More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-fiveSchools about to start and what better time to sign up for NCL University. NCL University is the most interactive informal travel training available today. At NCLU you will receive training, receive CLIA credits and qualify for discounted cruises aboard NCL. Listen to the show and learn more about the NCLU.I received an email from Monika looking for more information about becoming a space tourism specialist. She heard about this specialty in HBTA Show 100 and wanted more information. I did some research and discovered the only host agency working with Virgin Galactic, the space tour company, is Virtuoso. Watching the movie on Virtuoso's specialty page is fascinating and makes me want to sign up for the space journey. I've included a link to the page HERE.Check out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comYomo Toro "Mambo Oriental" (mp3) from "Funky Jibaro" (Soundscape) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at mTraks Download More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-fourHow valuable is your time? In this show we talk with David Pfeifer, V.P. for Operations and Sales for CLEAR. CLEAR works with the Transportation and Security Agency to clear you as a verified traveler. Once cleared, you will breeze through those long lines at the security check points in many major airports. Listen to the show and learn more about how you can save your valuable time when you travel. Barry talks about his efforts and frustrations while attempting to purchase the new Iphone. Being an early adopter does have its drawbacks.Check out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comNatacha Atlas, The Mazeeka Ensemble "Ya Laure Hobouki" (mp3) from "Ana Hina" (World Village UK) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks Download More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-threeSeattle is a great town and an exceptional spot for food and a growing reputtation for fine chocolate. Lorene and Barry interview Michel Brotman of Simply Seattle and the Chocolate Box. Michels' company conducts tours of chocolate factories in Seattle. The next time you are in Seattle, or your send clients to Seattle, do yourself or your clients a favor and book a tasty tour of Seattle's chocolate hotspots.In show number 117 back in August of 2007, we interviewed Susan Foster the author of "Smart Packing for Today's Travelers." With airlines charging for checked baggage it may be time to go back and review what Susan had to say.Check out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Stop by my travel business site Special Destinations where you can just browse or create your own account and blog. Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comMagic Slim "Crazy Woman" (mp3) from "The Essential Magic Slim" (Blind Pig Records) Buy at eMusic Buy at Pure Tracks Buy at Amazon Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks Download More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-twoFamiliarization (Fam) trips are a great way to learn about your travel product. You gain direct experience on a Fam trip which helps you represent your product with enthusiasm and knowledge to your client. Lorene talks about her Fam trip with Holland America Line conducted at port in San Diego. Lorene shares her experience and offers some tips on how to bring more home from your next Fam trip.Check out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Stop by my travel business site Special Destinations where you can just browse or create your own account and blog. Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comUS Air Force Band of Liberty "On Silver Wings" (mp3) from "On Silver Wings" (Altissimo!) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Stream from Rhapsody More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixty-oneLorene and Barry, in the co-hosted segment of the show, focus on Seattle as a destination for clients. One of the great tour possibilities is a tour of choclolate factories. There are many tour opportunities and companies you can use to arrange great tours for your clients. Barry rants about the $15.00 fee American Airlines is charging for checked luggage. Barry also talks about the Transportation and Security Administration blog where you can find a lot of useful information to help your clients navigate airports.Links to websites discussed on the show:Pasta Freska on WestlakeTaste Pike Place MarketSimply Seattle Chocolate BoxSavor Seattle TourSeattle South Side Visitor ServicesCulinary TravelsSeattle Convention and Visitors Bureau:The Transportation Security Agency BlogCheck out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Stop by my travel business site Special Destinations where you can just browse or create your own account and blog. Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comWayne Horvitz Gravitas Quartet "A Walk in the Rain" (mp3) from "One Dance Alone" (Songlines Recordings) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Stream from Rhapsody Buy at mTraks Download More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-sixtyHome based travel agents can become overwhelmed with user names and passwords to log into all of the travel supplier websites. Barry and Lorene offer solutions to help you organize and instanty find the user name and password at the time you need it. Also, learn about another great travel podcast and a website that will remind your clients to pack their toothbrush.Links:RoboformData GuardianOne PasswordThe Travel Minute with Peter GreenbergDon't Forget Your ToothbrushCheck out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Stop by my travel business site Special Destinations where you can just browse or create your own account and blog. Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comThe Stephen Anderson Trio "Moments of the Sublime" (mp3) from "Forget Not" (Summit Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks Download More On This Album

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Podcast Number One-hundred-fifty-nineIn the co-hosted segment Lorene and Barry talk about a new way to communicate with clients, family and friends. Your first look at a tool called Twitter may give you pause to wonder why anyone would be interested in such a thing. However, if you sign up you will soon discover a great way to stay in touch with people.We also discuss the Virtual Expo you can attend on line. The Virtual Expo was developed by Performance Media, the same folks who produce the Agent@Home Magazine. You can now attend an expo and never leave your office. Barry talks about an article in Forbes Magazine which rates 100 airports for delays. The article is, "America's Most Time-Draining Airports." Check out the chart included in this article for your favorite airport. In addition, use this chart to get your client's connections at the best airports and avoid connections at the worst airports. Other links:Twhirl, a great Twitter client that will help you Twitter!Lorene's Twitter page - http://www.twitter.com/lorenerBarry's Twitter page - http://www.twitter.com/kantzbCheck out the new AGENT2AGENT forum at http://agent2agent.lefora.com/forum/This podcast is sponsored by GoToMeetingCheck out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Check out Blubrry. It's a great place to be a listener. You can comment on podcasts you listen to and you can sign up to be friends with the podcasters on the Blubrry Network. Go over to Blubrry, sign up and become my friend. I would like to get to know all of you!Stop by my travel business site Special Destinations where you can just browse or create your own account and blog. Would you like to get more information about the travel business, about life and about business in general? Check out my personal blog at http://www.hometravelagent.net/WordPress/ Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.comSteve Allee "Art's Groove" (mp3) from "Music from the Film "New York in the Fifties"" (Owl Studios) Buy at iTunes Music Store Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Napster Buy at Rhapsody Buy at GroupieTunes Buy at mTraks Download More On This Album

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