Channel Surfing Blog: PlanetOne Agents Live It Up in the Caribbean

Billings, bandwidth and bonuses were enthusiastically traded in for bathing suits, beaches and beer this past week by an elite group of PlanetOne telecom agents, as the company hosted its 10th annual President’s Club Trip in the Caribbean paradise of the Turks & Caicos islands from May 13-16.

“This trip was off the charts,” said Ted Schuman, founder and CEO of PlanetOne, speaking just hours after his return to the mainland. “Every aspect of the President’s Club trip exceeded our expectations   from the islands themselves to the resort to the caliber of agents we hosted. By every measure, this event was a winner.”

Agents in attendance echoed that same sentiment, as they reluctantly slipped back into workplace, wingtips and heels from their carefree flip-flops worn during their island adventure.

“I’ve been around most of the major carriers and their President’s Clubs through the years,” said Mike Howard, president of Advanced Business Communications Inc. and seven-time PlanetOne President’s Club winner. “But by far, PlanetOne’s President’s Club trip is the most fun, first-class event offered in the industry.”

This year’s selected resort was the all-inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos, given the six-star diamond award in 2010.

“We chose Beaches Turks & Caicos because of its exclusive amenities and attention to guests,” Schuman added. “They offer an experience most vacationers can only dream about … and then they exceed those expectations.”

PlanetOne hosts its annual President’s Club trip for agents who consistently meet sales goals throughout the year, and this was an exceptional year, according to Schuman.

Sandy Adams, owner of Choice Communications Group, was also among this year’s winners.

“I met some amazing people and engaged in some valuable discussions on sales strategies and best practices,” she said. “But what I will remember most from Turks & Caicos is the water – crystal clear and shimmering. I’ll never forget it.”

Highlights of the trip included the second annual PlanetOne Beach Olympics, a chartered catamaran, snorkeling and diving off the protected coral reefs.

Details for the 2011 President’s Club Trip have yet to be finalized, though Schuman says the inside track is Playa del Carmen, Mexico or the French and Dutch island of St. Maarten. The 2011 destination announcement will be made about June first.