Travel Agent - June 23, 2008 - (Page TA-74) BUSINESS OPER ATIONS TECHNOLOGY CLUB 5 THOUSAND Limited membership leads to big rewards BY JENA TESSE FOX EVER SINCE FACEBOOK MADE MYSPACE LOOK LIKE Friendster, fans of social networking have been looking for the Hot New Thing in Web 2.0 sites. Rewards of Club 5 Thousand (www. Membership club5000.net) might just The website went live on be it, and could be a good April 16, and already has way for travel agents to 120 members. “As the connect with some of word spreads, and in comthe hippest and savviest bination with our markettravelers online. ing campaign, we antici“My experience with pate a snowball effect and numerous online social believe we will reach the communities I belong to, 5,000th member by early including aSmallWorld. 2009, possibly sooner,” com, made me realize Ryerson says. “Those who that there is a niche for do become members before highly exclusive netthe club is filled still benefit works that remain small Club 5 Thousand’s exclusive membership can provide excellent networking opportunities for agents from all the club’s features: and qualitative while at an online private networkthe same time offering more to its members for members.” ing area, video conferencing chat, travel tips than simple networking,” says Max RyerThat “limited number” gives the network its and monthly interactive world events calenson, CEO of Club 5 Thousand. “In the case name: only 5,000 members can belong to the dar under our concierge area, offline benefits of Club 5 Thousand, this particular plus club at any one time. Membership costs 1,000 through our partnerships and more features on is a members’ rewards program in which euros per year, ensuring that only people a regular basis.” every club member is included in a quarwith a truly disposable income will be able Once the club has reached capacity, all terly draw with the opportunity of winto exchange tips and ideas. This exclusivity members will be entered into four random ning high-value luxury goods and services. “instills a sense of privacy and security of one’s drawings per year for such rewards as a BentThrough this program, the Club gives back identity,” says Ryerson. “This is very important ley convertible, a five-carat diamond solitaire to its members the majority of the memto some of our members who are extremely ring, an original Renoir painting or a private bership dues. With a limited number of wealthy individuals.” In order to select its jet pass. Best of all, because of duplicate members, this rewards program becomes a members, the site has an anonymous commitprizes, the odds of winning range from one in very fun, plausible and attractive incentive tee that reviews all applications. “They remain 1,000 to 2,500. 74 | TravelAgent June 23, 2008 anonymous in order to retain an unbiased approach to selecting members and assuring quality,” Ryerson explains. http://club5000.net http://www.club5000.net
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