Whether you’re a fan of football or not, you were probably one of the estimated 100 million strong who tuned into watch last nights Super Bowl. Parties pop up all over the world to watch this event.

Some even tune in to watch a football game.

Obviously Saints and Colts fans were watching to cheer for their respective teams. Old rockers like myself wanted to see if “The Who” could still make it through a set without suffering cardiac arrest. (The Super Bowl has come a long way since “Up With People” huh?) But the vast majority of the water cooler talk this morning I would imagine are the Super Bowl commercials that advertisers invested millions per spot to create brand recognition and buzz.

One of those advertisers the last 23 years had been Pepsi. But Pepsi decided to opt out this year not because they couldn’t afford the $12 million it would cost to air two spots during last nights game. They opted out because they’re betting that “the days of mass-market media as the sole vehicle to reach an audience are officially over”.

Yep, you read that right, and an article forwarded to me last week lays out a whole new strategy for Pepsi that will focus on Social Media instead of Mass Media. For Pepsi, the Social Media platform is a much stronger and longer lasting medium for a year long initiative and their “Pepsi Refresh” campaign.

Granted, people still talk about Cindy Crawford’s appearance a couple years ago during the Super Bowl. (My personal favorites happen to be the E-Trade Babies that are absolutely hilarious!) The new Pepsi initiative however, in order for it to work, requires far more than a laugh, brand buzz or Monday morning water cooler talk.

“This is such a fundamental change from anything we’ve done in the past,” says Lauren Hobart, chief marketing officer for Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages. “It’s a big shift. We explored different launch plans, and the Super Bowl just wasn’t the right venue, because we’re really trying to spark a full-year movement from the ground up. The plan is to have much more two-way dialogue with our customers.”

The plan for Pepsi is to create a “charitable initiative that can build goodwill”. Pepsi wants to give away $20 million in grant money to fund projects in six categories: health, arts and culture, food and shelter, the planet, neighborhoods and education. You don’t start an initiative like that by spending $12 million in advertising dollars during the Super Bowl. It defeats the purpose, especially when there’s a better – more powerful medium that enables interaction between the company and the consumer who will guide this money to worthy projects.

Will this goodwill initiative spawn new customers and help Pepsi’s bottom line? It may not be enough for a Coke fan like myself to switch, but I do find Pepsi’s initiative refreshing enough to write about it – which could lead others to switch. (For the record, it does shed a whole new light on Dr. Pepper, which is a Pepsi brand I do drink.) For some it could tap into brand loyalty in a way that Mass Media could never do – especially during an event like the Super Bowl that’s designed for entertainment and not social change. That’s why I think Pepsi hits the mark with their choice to opt out of the Super Bowl this year and move to Social Media instead.

In my opinion, it’s a perfect marriage for goodwill and social change.

Social Media is just that – “social”. We’re social beings and the platforms available such as Twitter and Facebook enable big name companies to interact and promote not only their brand, but their cause. You’d be hard pressed not to find a company in this day and age who doesn’t have either a Facebook fan page or Twitter account, or both. Not to say some still don’t have one, but if you’re looking to build your company both mediums appear to be a top priority because they enable the company to interact with their customers in ways never thought possible before.

Like this story – Re-Tweet it. Something you find interesting or strikes a cord with you – write about it and link to it on your Facebook wall. Both platforms can do far more than announcing to the world you’re getting ready to get ready to go out next Friday night. And the thing is – people and companies are beginning to see the power these social platforms have. They’ve quickly turned into tools that promote meaningful change and perhaps, for companies like Pepsi – a better bottom line.

Aside from talking about all those over the top and extremely entertaining Super Bowl commercials there’s really very little value for me or you after that. Not that I have anything against brand buzz or hype. I buy into it just as much as the next guy – especially if it technology or travel related. But this shift Pepsi is taking this year takes a strike directly at this long standing medium and makes a very bold statement that there is another way – a better way to get your message and brand out to the masses.

I think about the ZamZuu video that’s on our Rep Accounts, and I see those quotes about the internet, Facebook, old ways of doing business, and traditional advertising being dead.

Couple that with what Pepsi is doing?

Do you think both could be dead wrong?

Possibly. But I don’t think the odds are that overwhelming when you have big names like Pepsi jumping from Mass Media to the Social Media bandwagon. You don’t just stop doing things after 23 years without some very close and careful analysis.

It’s certainly a very bold move. But those of us in YTB, know all about being bold don’t we?

Can’t wait to see how both shake out. ;-P

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?

That life is boring at YTB. ;-P

I apologize for not getting something out sooner – the kids had early release the last two days and we had projects planned. I also have a business to run and don’t have the vast amount of time in my profession that others apparently have. I have however been trying to sort out fact from fiction from various sources I know and trust via phone since the latest episode of “Days of YTB” has hit cyberspace.

Before we get started…I think it’s appropriate for the proper background music due the nature of what’s happened this week. For your listening pleasure, I’ve resurrected an oldie but goody that I’ve used before when there’s so much talk about YTB.

Apparently there was a mass exodus of wackos over the last 36 hours that have put out some pretty outrageous stuff. As usual, those of us who have a firm grasp on the situation are left to clean up the mess. Due to time restraints, I need to warn everyone that I have not read – but merely heard some of the rumors I’m about to squash. Therefore, please understand that some of what I might comment on – may not have ever been written in the vast space we call the internet – nor can I reference just who said it.

The following is a list of what I have heard and what I know to be true.

YTB’s CFO, John Clagg has resigned effective February 2nd. I’ve heard of various scenarios on how this came about. Some reasonable and some outlandish. The reasonable would consist of being burned out. With what the company has gone through since the California Law Suit was filed the day before the 2008 National Convention, and a new CEO who has a keen eye on the companies bottom line – it’s understandable that it would drain anyone.

Another reason I’ve heard is that John saw the writing on the wall – meaning, YTB isn’t going to make it.

Please…

One, the company has secured a $650,000 loan based on the expectant sale of the former home office located at One Country Club Drive. Which is odd – because it’s been widely publicized for years on various boards and blogs that YTB doesn’t have any assets to speak of. (Who knew?)

Two, it was announced on a company call yesterday, and corresponding documentation will be available to the field of some 300 $1000 Quick Start Bonuses will be in mailboxes across the country today. The ZamZuu e-commerce platform announced at the Coach’s Birthday Bash in early January has provided a much needed stimulus package for the field. When the field is making money, the company is making money. The enhanced commission structure enables the average person to attain a bonus, and that builds momentum.

You certainly don’t need to be a CPA to understand that cash flow isn’t the current problem at this point in time. (Still tight, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.)

An interesting observation from some time ago – I remember the exiting CFO being chastised by critics as “unqualified” for the position. It’s rather convenient that the ridicule and lack of qualifications are quickly tossed aside now that John has decided resign. I just love how folks can play both sides of the fence when a new position appears to benefit them. Happens with Directors too. All of the sudden these liars, scammers, and cheaters suddenly turn into Saints simply by leaving the company for another.

It would make any John Kerry supporter proud. 

While there is a rumor of massive trading from our Directors due to this news, I’d hardly consider 29,300 shares massive. While John did resign on February 2nd, it was well after the closing bell on Tuesday. (3:00 Central time) I’ve never really understood just why this type of rumor persists with our Directors. I just chalk it up to ignorance and a way for critics to create more drama. Day traders have a ton more fun with this stock than any Director. Due to the timing of our CFO’s resignation and how suddenly (although not surprising) the resignation developed – nobody had any chance to benefit one way or another from this news. Based on the volume, between the verbal resignation and the release of the 8K – the numbers certainly don’t indicate insider knowledge.

Current CEO Robert Van Patten will fill in as interim CFO of the company until a replacement can be acquired. Mr. Van Patten is well equipped to fulfill the roll as CFO for YTB International, and has been in charge of much larger corporations in the past. His leadership is the largest reason why YTB has been able to acquire – all be it small – profits the last two quarters even with revenue down in 2009.

Another rumor floating around is that Ron Head, YTB’s Master Distributor has been terminated. While this may be the case after a thorough investigation – at present any word of termination is premature. Ron has I’m sorry to say been suspended due to possible cross recruiting.

If I’m getting e-mails and calls from every Tom, Dick, and Harry about the next “Big Thing” I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of carrots our Directors are seeing. How much greener the pastures are – how well everyone BUT YTB is doing in this economy – or all those “special positions” reserved for “true leaders” in the industry. I’ve seen and heard some real WHOPPERS in regards to rumors about what’s going on with YTB – including one I’ll mention later – that aren’t created by critics of MLM – but other MLM companies to lure people over to their company.

Attaining a Circle of Champion Director from YTB is a HUGE feather in the cap of any company because – as we all know – YTB created massive amounts of income for those who went to work. So much so, it caught everyone’s attention. Especially in an industry that understands and wants “recruiters”.

A personal note here – and this has nothing to do with Ron or any specific Director who has since left YTB for “greener pastures”. I have yet to hear of see any of YTB’s former Directors leave and actually stay with the next best thing they left YTB for. Several Directors that I know of have been with several different companies since leaving YTB and I can’t think of one (NOT ONE) who is currently better off today than they were the day they left YTB. Nor, with the exception of Corr, who just launched his new venture this week, is currently with the same company they moved on to.

That’s not to say they won’t be able to find another home. For some, I sincerely hope they do. It should be noted however that all of the fanfare up to this point has been nothing more than a passing fancy for every single Director who has left YTB for the next big thing.

Another very curious rumor floating around was that Coach, Scott and Kim were forming another MLM. Honestly, I just can’t wrap my head around this one. Critics, I could understand – they’ve always thought that our Founders would eventually call it quits. Some speculated retirement on some remote island with all our $50 checks in tow – while others speculated another industry entirely to rape and pillage. I’d expect that kind of stupidity from them.

It appears that rumor has also been squashed as Coach has been appointed the newest Master Distributor of…

Wait for it…

YTB.

Sigh…Coach will be recruiting again and honestly, it’s what he does best. I realize that frustrates some, and I know the fears and phobias surrounding the word “recruiter”. People slap that word on me all the time – and truth be told – yes, I do recruit. I recruit for Carnival, Princess, Sandals, Collette, Delta, Air Tran, Holiday Inn, Avis, Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, and YTB. (Among others, but you get the idea.) We all recruit in some form or fashion and I fail to see what the concern or deal is when it comes to word “recruit”.

I can only hope that at some point in time they come come to grips with their “issues”. But don’t expect me to own that type of stupidity and fear just because it makes someone angry or bitter. The heightened outbursts and emotions I see reflects more about them, then it ever will me.

In closing, for those of you in YTB for reasons only you have a right to decide and place judgment on – don’t loose your focus or the sight of your dreams. Many of you got into YTB to sell travel and/or e-commerce. Others have found a new spark in the e-commerce platform that has triggered bringing people into a very promising opportunity that like travel a couple years ago was attractive to the masses.

If your like me, you see all the deposits waiting to turn into cash when these vacations are consumed this summer. Like the company, you need to think long term and tighten up to stay in the game in order to capitalize on the deposits your sitting on. Others saw checks in the form of cash back this week for doing what you already do – shop. More of the same is coming on the 11th when the residuals for being a business owner are sent out not only for your own shopping but all those who shopped on your sites.

By the way you realize they too got cash back checks this week from their own shopping experience with ZamZuu right?

Call them up…ask them if they think this works.

I got to tell you, it’s a much better alternative than searching the internet right now, trying to get a feel from a bunch of cowards who don’t have the guts to put a real name behind what they plaster all over the internet or talk about on the phone.

Because I had another post scheduled for today, it’s been bumped to Monday. I think you’ll like it and it drives home why ZamZuu is right on mark and why big name companies are going to a model just like ours to sell their product or service. You don’t want to miss it!

Hope to see you again on Sunday in you e-mail box with this weeks wrap up and the Just Picture It Now Newsletter.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?

I wrote about a new partnership with Grand Incentives on Monday. During my research of this program over the weekend, I ran into another web site that I remember seeing some time ago, but couldn’t seem to find again. During my research, I came across numerous articles over the last year which called up memory of this site but couldn’t quite remember the proper site to review all the information again in one place.

Until I found a link to it from the Grand Incentives website this weekend.

As it turns out, Grand Incentives has also been “black listed” by the Better Business Bureau with an “F” rating and low and behold, they too linked back to the wealth of information found on the BBB Roundup exposing this so called “Consumer Protection” group as a complete farce.

From the looks of it, the BBB is getting some very poor grades of it’s own.

The problem appears be multifaceted since the BBB changed their system in January of 2009 from a simple “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” rating system to a grading system that’s been exposed by most as unfair, and others as nothing less than corrupt.

So who’s watching the watchdog?

The number of articles over the last year are growing with more and more people who are fed up with the BBB and calling for reform, including BBB Roundup. The grievances have mostly been by local news organizations, but has even caught the attention of Congress and an Attorney General who’s demanding answers from the organization.

And the BBB response? For the most part, the concern is met with arrogance and deflection and appear to hold themselves under a completely different standard. (Hmmm, sounds like another group of Professionals I know.)

When the world’s most popular search engine (Google) has a “D” rating a year ago with 424 complaints – and today has a “B-” rating with 50 more complaints a year later (479 currently) – maybe we need to start with the truth in order to develop trust?

From everything that I’ve read (and there is plenty to read) there is some very compelling evidence that the BBB favors a “pay to play” type grading system that provide paying members better grades than non paying members. Membership can range anywhere from $300 to $10,000 annually. If you don’t buy into the system, all bets are off – and there is very little if anything you can do to change a bad grade.

Short of forking over some big bucks.

It needs to be pointed out that not everyone in the BBB agrees with the National mandate handed out last year. Each “chapter” is independently owned and operated. According the Houston Chronicle, the local Better Business Bureau office there believes the new system has “tremendous inequities“.

The BBB, often confused for a government agency, is a non-profit franchise funded organization who primarily relies on membership fees to support itself. It’s widely known that an A+ rating is reserved only for accredited (or dues-paying) companies. Because of it’s reliance on membership dues, the BBB has come under fire  for using high-pressure and heavy-handed sales tactics to force Businesses to pay for accreditation, which in return would boost their grades.

Wanna see how much accreditation pulls for you with the BBB? Let’s look at Leonard & Co. I found in this article — a Troy-based brokerage who received a $225,000 fine from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority a year ago for securities violations, including the illegal sale of shares of some stock. But because they happen to be an accredited company with the BBB — you’ll find an A+ rating. Note, that there’s still no mention of the fine, which can be found at Financial Industry Regulatory Authority web site. Leonard & Co. has been a BBB-accredited business since 1998.

The new grading formula rates each business against 16 weighted factors and spits out the corresponding letter grade. According to the Springfield Business Journal an entire industry is automatically given a lower grade than another, because there are industries they consider “scams”. For example, a car title loan businesses raised “concerns”with the BBB and therefore received an “F” rating despite a three-year absence of customer complaints or any history of resolving complaints.

You would think that with all the myths, phobias, and social misgivings about MLM, our industry would automatically receive a lower grade than a traditional business model. One such company is Nu-Skin. In 1997 Nu-Skin was slapped with a $1.5 million fine for deceptive trade practices by the FTC, yet receives an A+ rating from the BBB.  More recently, USANA was slapped with a 2007 Class Action suit for operating an illegal pyramid scheme that misled investors. There’s far more that I can elaborate on the USANA saga a couple years ago, including an investigation by the SEC. Yet USANA receives an A- rating from the BBB.

Why would the BBB give two such companies with this type of documentation such high grades? Because they’re corporate offices happen to reside in the MLM capital of the world, Utah. (More than 350 MLM companies make their home there.)

Makes you wonder what type of rating YTB could have if they were under the Utah chapter of the BBB instead of the Illinois chapter huh?

Fact is, the BBB doesn’t have the same type of control or system that a normal franchise does. You can go to McDonald’s here in Atlanta and expect to eat a cheeseburger of the same quality and consistency in St. Louis. Not so much with BBB – as there is plenty of evidence to support that each chapter ranks companies on a completely different scale without any control or oversight from the CBBB in Washington DC. A great place to start is the BBB Roundup website with a list of articles that point to this fact.

Sure, you’re going to find people who will continue to point to the BBB, thinking that each grade given is accurate or relevant. Me, not so much anymore after the pile of news articles and government intervention I’ve seen over the last year it’s clear that the BBB has fallen out of grace with many consumers and businesses.

If your as appalled as I am over the weight and pull the BBB appears to have, you can place a vote for the much needed change from the BBB Roundup website. I linked to it Sunday night on my Facebook page and thought it would be relevant for an entire post documenting how far the BBB has fallen from a respectable consumer advocate to a money grabbing atrocity.

That being said, I have no idea if any change is going to be made moving forward. The BBB continues to feel they are above any of the facts that have been laid out over the last year. The pressure is certainly mounting however, based on what I’ve seen on the internet and there are far more people than ever before who have discontinued their trust in the BBB. (I know I have.) There’s far more to it for me than simply not being a “government agency”.

It makes a big difference when an outfit designed as a consumer watchdog – has been called out itself for not being honest with the consumer.

So go place your vote for effective change to BBB and help make is a respectable and authentic consumer watchdog again.

Update: I’ve received word that a certain “someone” is using the BBB as a soapbox to stand on. Attempting to out YTB’s partnership with Grand Incentives. While I’m certain that this individual didn’t look into the same issues I have with the BBB, to make an informed, educated decision about it’s relevance or importance – please understand why I no longer find this “someone” as a credible or relevant source. Just as the BBB is no longer relevant or credible.

The author had no idea that this article was scheduled for today, turning his “soap box” into a big ol’ pile of dung. ;-P

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?

Boy…for a company that critics said would be out of business last year – the Home Office keeps rolling out new upgrades – business models – and marketing tools that appear to be aimed at building business.

I guess the Home Office never got the word that it was suppose to lay down and play dead.

What a shame, huh? ;-P

Once again, Business Owners have yet another new tool to market with in this day and age of digital communication with a new program called Grand Incentives.

Just what is Grand Incentives? It’s the latest in technology that obtains qualified prospects who are looking for a viable internet business which captures the emerging trend in travel and e-commerce. This digital media prospecting tool not only collects prospect information, but helps current business owners qualify and understand key interests and needs through an online survey.

To thank prospects for their time for viewing and filling out their information they receive several incentives as a thank you such as a 3 day, 2 night getaway, companion air, or a gas rebate for their time.

Grand Incentives has partnered with some of the premier vendors in the industry including Carnival, Marriott, Sandals, Delta, and American Express to offer incredible package giveaways. These type of incentives aren’t anything new. Some of the nation’s most respected brands and companies have already employed the Grand Incentives program, including McDonalds, Target, General Motors, and General Mills (for their Green Giant brand).

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that these are some sort of Time Share deals. These may be the same type of packages you receive after you sit through a grueling hard sell to spend thousands on a time share you’ll never use – but there’s no “hard sell” involved from previewing the ZamZuu business opportunity.

Similar to the traditional businesses referenced above, YTB will host live presentations for prospects with Grand Incentives “Traffic Ticket” program. After viewing the ZamZuu business model prospects will have an opportunity to scan their ticket to see what they’ve won. It’s far more interactive than a simple scratch off, and gives the entire group an opportunity to participate and react to the various prizes that are offered at each meeting.

YTB’s first roll out of this new model is tomorrow night, February 2nd, at 8 pm Eastern, 7 pm Central, 6 pm Mountain, 5 pm Pacific. The webcast can be viewed live on the internet at www.zamzuutv.com.

I found a couple of examples of how effective this type of program worked with other business models – and while it’s a little pre-mature to speculate how well it will work for YTB, the following examples are to say the least promising.

• Target used the Traffic Tickets to increase awareness and participation in their ‘Treat Seats’ program. The tickets were handed out in select store locations and guests were asked to complete a credit application for a chance to see what they won. The Traffic Ticket promotion generated three times the number of applicants as their ‘personal greeter’ program.

• Circle-K used the Traffic Ticket system to drive consumers into their stores. The tickets were mailed to households surrounding their locations. As a result sales increased 165% with only a 14% response rate.

• McDonald’s and Chevron used the program for their grand openings. Traffic Tickets were mailed out households in the surrounding area. Before the program, a typical response rate from other methods was 4%. The Traffic Ticket program however increased response rates anywhere from 12% to 16% each time they ran the Traffic Ticket program.

• And lastly, there is Safeway. They used this program to counter attack incoming competition. Traffic Tickets were mailed out to households in the surrounding area and attained a 32% response rate from direct mail. In every store 1000 people per day came up to the deli counters to play the game – and the promotion was credited for 100% market share retention.

Why is the Safeway promotion meaningful? Because, I see this Traffic Ticket system as a way to counter attack all the baloney out there on the web. Seen it for far too long and smart people DO question what they see out there – especially when it’s as emotional and violent as it is. One of the first things I do for those unfortunate enough to run into critics who oppose our model and our people, is forward a memorandum penned by an Honorable District Judge to those willing to take a closer look. This one document not only very eloquently, but lawfully puts all the ranting and raving lunatics in their place – and prospects begin to unravel the spin they see out there on the internet.

What people begin to realize is outspoken critics use the web in a confusing, disjointed, and repetitive manner. What they call “facts” suddenly don’t appear to add up when you supply actual documentation to counter it.

What I’m getting at here is that what Grand Incentives, and the Traffic Tickets enable Business Owners to do is provide a meaningful incentive for people to take a look at our Founders, our people, and our business model face to face. The cowards out there that potential prospects only know as some bogus screen name won’t amount to much after documentation and a live person with a real name comes into the picture.

Done properly in conjunction with a settlement that will transform YTB Travel Network into a full fledged franchise model (instead the bogus pyramid scheme mantra proposed by critics) and documentation supplied by Travel Weekly as the 25th largest seller of travel in the country – the wheels on the bus begin to fall off as critics are exposed as being the ones who are childish and misleading – not the other way around.

If you’re a business owner, you need to invest in a good marketing program to advertise and bring people in. If you don’t, you won’t be in business for very long. Looking at the ROI for Grand Incentives and this Traffic Ticket program, it’s by far the best partnership I’ve seen YTB come up with. Especially when you look at the companies who are already using it to build business and retain customers.

Best of all – for me, it provides just the vehicle I need to get the truth out there about a business model I love and respect and why I think it’s here to stay.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?

I’ve mentioned numerous times that I’m a Technology Geek. Honestly, I should be wearing inch thick glasses complete with the little white tape holding the bridge of the nose together. (And just for good measure, a pocket protector would complete my geekiness.) I was introduced to computers when I went back to college in the late 80’s and fell in love with what this box could do. I was fascinated. I remember my first computer, (a screaming 286 processor) and became one of the first to join AOL when it first appeared on the scene to explore this new thing called the World Wide Web.

When broadband came into the picture – I had to have it. Before I knew it, I had two computers in the house. A desktop for the office, and a laptop that’s practically attached to these fingertips. If I’m not on my laptop, I’m on my iPhone with it’s 3G access receiving and responding to e-mails on the fly – checking stats on the blog – and getting updates on news, weather and traffic.

As great as the iPhone is – it does have it’s limitations. Have you ever tried to book a cruise on an iPhone? Not only is it slower than molasses – you can’t research all the details you need in order to service the client properly on it’s tiny screen. Or how ’bout this? Try viewing an online presentation on the iPhone.

Fact is – I need the internet to come with me when out and about more times than not these days. That’s part of having an internet business. You book travel online, you blog online, you shop online, and you recruit online. Broadband is a necessity and no longer a luxury. Some even see it as a right and no longer a privilege.

There are ways to get around the mobile dilemma. You can locate a “hot-spot” that has Wi-Fi. You can subscribe to a service like T-Moblie that provides a paid service or subscription – or – you can pay up to $19.99 per day for a access provided by a hotel or restaurant.

Or – if you’re lucky enough to be in one of the 27 markets that currently offers it – you can scream at 4G speed (anywhere from 6 to 9 meg download speed) using a brand new technology called WiMax with the company that owns the spectrum called CLEAR.

I’ve kept up with CLEAR since last August when the product launched here in Atlanta. The buzz about it started to pop up all over the place. It even caught the attention of one the most popular and esteemed consumer advocates here in the Atlanta market. (Who also has a syndicated show on CNN this year.)

Having super fast internet service on the go is one thing, but when you can replace your current home internet and phone service with VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) for less than what you’re paying the phone company, THAT got my attention.

What WiMax and CLEAR does is cut the cord for broadband internet and home phone service – just like cell phone technology did for all of us and the home phone. What’s even more promising is WiMax will be able to go everywhere your cell phone does – because uses the same cell phone towers that are already in place for your mobile phone.

Cellular technology rewrote the book on voice. Broadband rewrote the book on internet access. Now I look at WiMAX as the next mega trend to completely change the fixed broadband world.

A large order for sure with an even larger financial bill attached to it when you think of deploying it across an entire country. Far too large for any one company to finance on it’s own. That’s another reason why I fell in love with this technology.

Cooperation.

Not only have the key companies like Motorola, Cisco, Intel, Sprint, Time Warner, and Google been researching and developing new tools and products for this technology, they’ve all invested BILLIONS into deploying this technology across our great nation. Why? Because the infrastructure needs to be there in order to sell the products they’re developing to operate there.

Both the home and USB Modem are built by Motorola. Intel now has chips (like your Wi-Fi chips in your laptop) built into “Netbooks“. Cisco has a new PBX product to launch in the next few weeks as a business application that will run on CLEAR’s spectrum. And Google – they already invested billions in the new Andriod we’ve seen and 4G gives these phones even more capability at blazing fast speeds.

Just this week Steve Jobs introduced the new iPad from Apple. He gave some really compelling numbers at the beginning of his keynote. For example, a few weeks ago Apple sold it’s 250 millionth iPod. The iPhone, which I own and love now has over 140 thousand applications I can download to my phone, and since inception, there have been over 3 billion downloads to iPhones in only 18 months. No doubt, Apple has it going on right now with $15.6 billion in revenue just last quarter.

Apple has quickly realized that they are a mobile devises company. iPods are mobile, iPhones are mobile, and most of the Macs Apple now sells are laptops making them the largest mobile devised company in the world.

Thus the launch of the iPad this week to capitalize on this growing obsession on mobility.

The numbers and the documentation pointing to WiMax being the next big boom over the next couple of years is staggering. With all these companies and CEO’s not only praising, but investing BILLIONS into this new mobility craze, I started to think about way’s I could capitalize on this next big boom.

It’s one of the reasons why I’m so excited about ZamZuu and the future of online travel sales with YTB Travel Network. I love how this technology is going to increase my presence for my other affiliate products that I share with everyone. There’s been an increasing concentration and focus on how I can be a part of all this – it’s part of my plan and the goals I set up for 2010 that I encouraged everyone to do here at the beginning of the year.

What you focus on expands – and because of my interests in this technology, thinking of ways to capitalize on this mobility, and being grateful for what I already have – God (or the Universe if that’s more comfortable for you) plopped an incredible opportunity right in my lap.

CLEAR has partnered with a Direct Sales organization that enables me to sell this technology as it expands into 50 new markets this current year, and across the country in years to come. As a marketer who knows other marketers and technology buffs like myself – it all became crystal CLEAR that I not only wanted to – but was inspired to be a part of this next technology boom as an Authorized Dealer for CLEAR.

Remember, even the most staunch (and obnoxious) critics think MLM’ers have it going on when it comes to “multiple streams of income“. The CLEAR product is a perfect product to bring into the fold for a person like me who has already developed the presence, trust, and relationships with thousands who follow and trust my intuition and marketing skills.

It benefits my clients who book travel with me – benefits those who shop with me – and benefits those who recruit with me.

I don’t know about you, but I missed the dial-up boom. Didn’t see the Broadband boom as any big deal. And couldn’t figure out a way to capitalize on the cell phone and smart phone boom.

I aint missing the next big boom in technology – especially when it benefits my current business with ZamZuu and YTB Travel making it easier and faster to shop and travel with my existing business models.

And yes, if your interested in becoming a customer or an Authorized Dealer for CLEAR I’d love to speak with you about this phenomenal product and company. It’s rock solid! Just pick up the phone and give me a call! (My number is below.)

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?

I’m guessing I’m showing my age here – but you can’t bring up Princess Cruises without “The Love Boat” Theme running through my head. Truth is, the show was partly responsible for me wanting to work in the travel industry. The show certainly portrayed a very glamorous lifestyle that I wanted to be part of.

Little did I know at the time what the future had in store for me with an opportunity like YTB.

Several years ago YTB came up with this idea of hosting a “Sail-a-thon” on the Internet to promote both key partners and destinations for our customers. The field loves it because it gives many an opportunity to host a party at the house. Partners love it because it costs them nothing. They simply piggy back on the technology and infrastructure YTB has invested in – giving them an opportunity to promote from a single location to thousands. YTB has been hosting these “Sail-A-Thons” for years with several companies and since they keep on popping up every couple of months – everyone involved sees value in the events.

Cruise nights aren’t new however. CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association) actually came up with the concept five years ago with the “World’s Largest Cruise Night“. Hundreds of Agencies still get together in a collective effort each year in October to promote the joy of cruising to clients.

All YTB did was modernize the concept, making it easier for clients to become informed and educated, while at the same time saving Cruise Lines some serious money by reaching the same number of clients (if not more) from one centralized location over the internet. Most recently, YTB partnered the webcast with Facebook to make it even easier for YTB Agents to send a simple link to friends and clients to enjoy specials and promotions on the worlds most popular social networking site.

Adding Facebook into the equation makes it interactive, an element that was missing with a simple webcast. When YTB tried it for the first time with Carnival back in November, we had no idea the power it possessed and how much fun it could be. Thousands of people posted their favorite cruise pictures and some even won prizes! (Like yours truly. ;-P)

Thursday night, Princess Cruises gets into the act with a new twist called Trivia Night. The hour long broadcast will ask six Trivia Gold questions about Princess and/or Alaska to give viewers a chance to win prizes by answering the questions. In the meantime viewers also become educated on the value of cruising – and more specifically why Princess Cruises is the premier cruise line when it comes to an Alaska destination.

For example, a 7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise is followed by 5-nights on land featuring 1 night at McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, 2 nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and 2 nights at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. It’s the only cruise of it’s kind. Princess has invested millions into these lodges and you won’t find these type of amenities from any other cruise line.

This cruisetour offers the ultimate vacation for the entire family, ensuring you see all the best of Alaska by land and by sea. You just can’t get that with any other line. 

As an added incentive to “come aboard”, Cruise customers will see some great prices for all destinations with the following benefits:

• Up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom
• Reduced deposit of just $100 per person
• Coupons worth up to $325 in onboard savings

The entire savings package can be found right here, and you can pull up a direct link to Princess Cruise Lines here to investigate and price out your next Princess Cruise.

The Sail-a-Thon should be a lot fun. From what I saw, Facebook fans enjoyed interacting with each other during the Carnival Sail-a-Thon a few months ago.

Technology – aint it grand?

Hope to see you there and of course some of you will be singing it with me until then…

Love, exciting and new
Come Aboard. We’re expecting you.
Love, life’s sweetest reward.
Let it flow, it floats back to you.

If you’re too young to remember the song that’s okay. Just remember to join us tomorrow night!

Hope to see you then!

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?

Remember those goals we wrote about at the beginning of the year? Just wanted to do a little check up with you on how they’re going.

As January comes to a close next week we’re coming up on the time of year when the fitness clubs start to thin out, McD0nald’s and other fast food service restaurants begin to see an increase in profits, and sales for Nicorette gums and patches drop way down. It’s much more noticeable this time of year because everyone comes into the new year with a bang, only to fade off weeks later and go back to a comfort zone they’re familiar with.

If you’re in the Network Marketing or Direct Sales industry, you see this kind of thing all year long. That’s why I never get too disappointed when someone tells me no, nor do I get too excited when they say yes and sign up. You learn very quickly that talk is cheap.

Those who have a big enough “why” however, have a much better chance to achieve the goals they’ve set out before them. My grandfather for example had two heart attacks and a mild stroke when I was young. After his second heart attack, the doctor told him he’d never be able to more than walk the dog around the block for the rest of his life. He was in his 40’s at the time, and that’s all he needed to hear in order to quit smoking cold turkey and start exercising.

When I was 16, the two of us rode together on a 50 mile bike ride. (And I was the one who struggled.)

He’s 90 this year, and still walks to the grocery store, the doctor – dentist – and various other locations to keep him active.

He had a big why.

I got into this industry for a pretty big why too.

Security.

See, both Ronda and I had been burned far too many times in the corporate world. Four months after our son Brian was born, Ronda was laid off at Bellsouth after 6 years of service. I had been in the golf industry with a very large company who filed bankruptcy. I then moved to wire and cable with a company who was shut down by the Securities and Exchange Commission for fraud. (Cooking the books.) I worked for Gateway for a short time in their stores before they closed them and went into the big box stores. And my last stint in traditional business was a company called Hi-Fi Buys which I got out of when rumors started to surface about bankruptcy. (Which they eventually did.)

I’ve been with YTB for 5 years now – which is longer than all those other companies combined.

What YTB did for me was teach me how to be self sufficient. It’s also given me an incredible amount of self confidence. One of the reasons I’ve stuck with the company even with all the doom and gloom I use to hear about – I have the tools, mindset, and skills today to not only survive – but thrive on my own.

I never would have learned all that if I didn’t have a big enough why.

My peers at the time, the companies I worked for, nor did any schools teach me anything about being in business for myself. It wasn’t until I got around others like Coach, my Directors, and other Network Marketers that I needed to think about a company called “You, Inc.”

“You, Inc.”, has taught me how to look at a problem and come up with a solution to solve that problem. Look at my newsletter – now with thousands of subscribers. All started because I was smart enough to see a solution to a communication problem. I look at the market, realize what it needs, and offer services and products that cater to that market. It’s built trust and stability for me that I just couldn’t get in the corporate world.

All because I had a big enough why.

Even with all the ups and downs that YTB has had over the years – it’s a far better alternative and much more rewarding than working in the corporate rat race.

Find your why and you’ll have the same passion and stability. It won’t necessarily make the road less difficult, but it will give you the extra burst to break through to the other side to realize the rewards of the goals you’ve set.

Opportunity will knock for those who are ready, willing, and have a big enough why.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?