I found a really a really nice article in Travel Weekly this weekend that highlights YTB and our Passport to Giving program.

If you don’t know about Passport to Giving, it’s one of the finest programs I’ve seen. Coach and YTB designed it for non-profits to help raise money by turning the non-profit members vacations into donations. I was actually trained in this program back in 2005 before I was trained as an RTA.

YTB donates a booking engine to the non-profit or association a custom site with their own logo free of charge, which includes waiving the monthly fee. Members of the association then turn to the non-profits travel web site to book travel and the commissions earned are paid to the association just like they are to the RTA’s, but tax free.

No strings, no catch, just our way to give back to the community by offering something totally unique to help raise money for non-profits.

According to the Travel Weekly article, the National Academy Foundation is operating an online travel agency for Freshman and Sophomores at Rochester’s East High using our Passport to Giving program and YTB Booking Engine to train students with real world examples and booking travel for real customers. Classes help prepare the students of East High for a potential carrier in the Travel Industry.

You can view their site at www.easthightravel.com. (Note: the YTB logo is replaced with NAF.org’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism logo.)

Now in it’s second year, the students earned about $2500 in commissions their first year. The facilitator of the program, Jim Spawton, is looking to boost that number to about $10,000 by asking the faculty, students’ families and local businesses for bookings that earn real commissions for the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. The commissions earned help pay for other student programs, all while teaching students what it’s like to run a real travel business.

East High is one of the 78 U.S. high schools with hospitality and tourism academies that are overseen by the National Academy Foundation.

Other big name companies such as Marriott and PepsiCo are also helping students of the academy. PepsiCo gave $7,000 to six graduates to further their studies, while Marriott offers internships to students to help them attain real world experience inside their hotels. A picture posted in the Travel Weekly article also has students working with the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

I applaud both YTB and the National Academy Foundation for offering these programs to our future business men and woman.

While researching this article, I found a great “about us” video from the NAF.org website that highlights this important non-profit and how it’s changing our youth for the better. A great example can be found at about the 3 minute mark with a young lady named Nathsha who apparently started as an intern with Marriott and is now an Assistant Controller at the Bethesda Marriott Suites.

Enjoy!

UPDATE: Apparently, the constipation over YTB continues for one Anti-YTB Zealot. It’s been a long time since I’ve linked to anything this moron has written, but this one is just too classic to pass up.

Yes, John Frenaye has also found the Travel Weekly article, only to react with his own demonic twist and spin that no doubt matches all the classic myths, misrepresentations, and false claims we’ve come to know, but not quite love about this ignorant and constipated know-it-all.

I don’t know about you – but I’d love to take him up on his bet regarding the Facilitator being a member of YTB. Unfortunately,  we’ve learned John never delivers (just like he never properly researches) when shown point blank that he’s once again on loosing end of such unsubstantiated speculation and claims.

John, maybe the reason they didn’t pick you or any other “agency” is because you can’t get past your own dysfunctional behavior and limiting beliefs. Hell, you don’t even know the difference between a FAM and an internship. (Or who sponsors the internship you ignorant putz.)

Instead of being privileged like you were growing up – maybe a program like NAF could have shown you how the real world operates to provide you with the proper skill set to cope with life’s most basic lessons. Guys like me valued opportunities like this no matter who offered the tools or the opportunity. The internship I did with Pittsburgh’s number one radio station after college was invaluable to me back in the day.

After four years of blathering like a raving lunatic about MLM and YTB – it’s apparent that the travel industry desperately needs some fresh minds and faces that are capable of working instead of spiting at people and companies they don’t agree with, don’t like, and clearly are unwilling to accept as part of the solution.

Moron…

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You just might exceed you’re wildest dreams!

Before I get started on today’s topic – I wanted to thank everyone for the birthday wishes last week. I was flooded with over one hundred posts on my Facebook wall, got several calls, and personal e-mails as well wishing me a happy birthday. It’s AWESOME having so many friends who take the time to think of you. I had a wonderful week with my kids who were off from school for spring break and we enjoyed our time together. They’re now back for the last haul, straight through till the summer break.

While I was off enjoying my family time, ZamZuu had a product launch last week, that perfectly illustrates the pure power of Network Marketing for any business who opts for this model as a distribution channel. I’ve seen this happen over and over in this industry and it’s probably the biggest reason why businesses choose MLM for their products. During my tenure with YTB and ZamZuu, I can rattle off products or services right off the top of my head that have been successful. This particular launch with a brand new company tops any that I can recall right out of the gate.

Here’s the timeline:

Last Tuesday afternoon, ZamZuu sends out an e-mail to all Store Owners and Free Agents announcing a new coffee line called GanoVia Gourmet Coffee. The e-mail described the features, advantages and benefits of the new product – with a special introductory promotion for anyone wanting to give it a try. Within minutes, Facebook pages exploded with links, tweets announced this new coffee line nobody’s ever heard of, and blogs started promoting the new line of coffee. Even Anti-MLM Zealots put down their “hateraide” to promote it for us. (Who knew?!)

[Side Note: The "hateraide" bit - from my oldest nephew and told him I had the perfect application for it.]

As a result, without spending a single penny in advertising or promotion for this new line of coffee – GanoVia Gourmet Coffee sold out of their inventory within 24 hours from massive sales produced by the buzz in cyber space and word of mouth exposure from ZamZuu Site Owners and Free Agents.

That my friend is the power of Network Marketing in action. Exactly why a business would choose MLM as their preferred distribution model.

I’ve seen this work many times over – both in the travel industry with YTB Travel and from the ZamZuu shopping sites. The first I really saw of it in the shopping sites was with the insurance quotes the company offers. The company was blown away not just by the quantity of quotes it garnered – but in the quality of the leads generated by the ZamZuu sales force. The woman of ZamZuu have absolutely fallen in love with Gina Alexander handbags and the owner, oddly enough name Gina Alexander, absolutely adores our company. For myself personally, and from running into so many discontents and bizarre behavior out on the internet I’m a personal fan of KidZafe which gives me the added peace of mind as my own kids begin to surf the internet.

All different products – all different industries – but they all not only work in the MLM model but thrive in our business model because referral marketing is by far the most powerful form of advertising there is.

Anyone who doesn’t get that really needs to have their head examined.

While GanoVia is scrambling to replenish their supply of coffee – you better believe they’re tickled beyond words how much coffee they sold right out of the gate. Can’t think of a better way to launch a product – especially when you’re not out of pocket for advertising with all sales go directly to your bottom line.

It’s a model that began 125 years ago with another unknown called “The California Perfume Company”. If you don’t recognize the name, they changed it in 1939 to something you probably have heard of – Avon. Models like ours last frankly because they work just as well today as they did back then.

In closing, the next time you see an individual underestimating the power and reach of Network Marketing – just know it happens in business too. Not everyone realizes (or in some cases admits) how powerful it really is. For any new or existing business wanting to get instant exposure from a massive sales force – without the risk or budget of an advertising campaign, MLM is certainly the way to go.

In the case of GanoVia Gourmet Coffee it exceeded all expectations.

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I have to hand it to the Founders of YTB and the Home Office staff.

Last month, I wrote about our company celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary. When the company was founded, it positioned itself in front of a massive market shift – Online Travel. While some claimed it couldn’t be done via a direct sales model, YTB Travel Network solidified itself as one of the Top 50 Host Agencies in the United States that last four years running.

If you truly study Direct Sales like I do, and have an opportunity to work for an impact company like YTB you understand why this model works. Word of mouth has always been one of the best, most respected forms of advertising there is. If you want to equate it to something outside of Network Marketing – just take a look at Google, Facebook and Twitter. All three are top destinations on the Internet without a lick of traditional advertising to show for any of them. They’re all household names and multi-billion dollar companies today.

Accomplish 100% by word of mouth.

Network Marketing uses the exact same principle. During last year’s Convention, the company announced its “Free Revolution”. Giving away both travel and e-commerce sites to anyone who wants them. Without a lick of advertising, simple word of mouth, the company has attracted one hundred thousand new “Free Agent” recruits who now have their own booking engine and e-commerce web site in only six months’ time.

While YTB Travel Network and Your Travel Biz appeared to have massive growth when it went after the travel industry – one hundred thousand in six months’ time makes that look like a snail’s pace.

So what’s with this massive growth?

There’s a couple of reasons in my opinion.

Probably the biggest factor is seasoning. When we went after (and succeed) in the travel industry – there were those that frankly didn’t like it. (Still don’t like it quite honestly.) And when people don’t like something, they complain. (Whine, whimper, stomp, kick, and cuss in our case.) Many of the stunts that were pulled were frantically thrown out there to either slow the company’s growth or completely shut the company down are well documented on this site.

Yes, it may have been a nuisance, and did slow the company down for a while. Like any good company with a solid business model however, all the attention made the company stronger. We’re more creative, more steadfast, and more diversified than ever before.

That’s a powerful combination. If you couldn’t beat us then, you certainly don’t have a prayer now.

So what’s next for the company? You may have heard rumblings of something called a Z-Kit. The Z-Kit is the type of product everyone can see, feel, and touch – no matter who you are.

I’ve never really understood how companies like Nexion, Coral Sands, TravelQuest and the like can all charge startup and monthly fees for their “product” (AKA: Agency) while at the same time there are those that simply won’t put YTB Travel Network into that same category. It’s not like I can tell the IRS that the commissions reported on my 1099 aren’t real or not from the same suppliers they have. (Although I thought about it this week when my 1099 for travel sales came in.)

I know that the excuse will be what’s it’s always been – “it’s a recruiting game”. Unfortunately, nobody’s ever paid for the opportunity to recruit in this company. Payment has always been for the same product these other agencies charge for. A booking engine and vehicle to assist them in selling travel products and services. Sure, I’ve made money selling booking engines. If I sell it, I should get paid. Nexion, Coral Sands and TravelQuest all get paid – so why I shouldn’t is an argument that has been lost for a long time from the holes I’ve found in that bucket of hog wash.

So the company has come up with a “product” everyone can see and touch called the Z-Kit.

This Z-Kit can be used as an incredible foundation. People will be doing more than just trying these products out. They’ll be creating a personal product testimonial from an assortment of products they really like. Just like travel, you become a product of the product – simple right? I did it with cruises years ago and trust me – when you think a cruise is the best vacation money can buy, it’s easy to talk about and easier to sell.

Introducing potential Free Agents about the business becomes even easier. Drawing on their own experience with the products not only gives them confidence, but it also allows Free Agents to get excited just as the Broker is about their new free business.

Plus, Brokers receive rebates to distribute as they like. These make the perfect “Grand Opening” gift to new Free Agents, or they could even use them as prizes when hosting a home party for their business. Not only will this encourage Free Agents to purchase Featured Store products, but it will also help them to see the value of the great new business they received.

To kick things off, the company is hosting a ZamZuu Sales Extravaganza tonight to lay it all out for anyone interested. The webinar will provide all the updates and first-hand information you could ask for. Founders Coach and Scott Tomer will be live on ZamZuuTV.biz from 9 p.m. until midnight Central to talk about this new tool and how to use it.

And why should you listen to guys like Coach and Scott. Well, they’re successful for one. Before YTB, they spent decades with a company now known as Primerica. They also managed to guide this company (YTB International, Inc.) through some very turbulent economic times and come out more resolved and more diversified than ever before.

Oh, and they did what nobody prior to them did before. They successfully broke into the Travel Industry when no other model of this type was able to do it before. These are two very smart, very savvy, and very successful guys.

The choice is yours – and it doesn’t have to be about travel. It could be one of hundreds of products and services. All you have to do is take a look and if you find something that interests you, go for it.

Hope to see you tonight on ZamZuuTV.biz.

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Remember the fuss a couple years ago when online travel was gaining momentum over traditional brick and mortar? Today, Expedia books more travel than any other agency – traditional or otherwise. As well, four of the top ten travel agencies are online booking engines, booking more the $51 BILLION in travel in 2009 combined.

Today we see retail gaining momentum within the online arena.

Last week, data from Coremetrics, an IBM Company was released to the public – announcing that online sales in the United States were up 19.4% compared to last year’s Cyber Monday event. Web sales were also estimated to be 31.1% higher than Black Friday, three days earlier, making this past Cyber Monday the biggest online shopping day of the year.

John Squire, of Coremetrics stated that Internet shopping last Monday was highlighted by major retailers offering free shipping and other aggressive discounts to lure consumers.

“Consumers this year appear much more willing to open their wallets and are turning to online stores for the convenience of shopping wherever and whenever they like,” he said. “Retailers have done an exceptional job across the board of appealing to consumers with highly personalized promotions and a slew of free shipping promotions”.

The average order value (AOV) online was also up from $180.03 to $194.89 for an increase of 8.3 percent. (The largest jump by the way was 2009 with the average order jumping from $130 in 2008 to $180 in 2009.) Consumers flocked online a week ago, with shopping momentum not only being maintained throughout the day, but had stronger momentum all day compared to Cyber Monday just one year earlier.

Social Media is also making an impact according to the report:

The growing trend of consumers using their networks on social sites for information about deals and inventory levels continued on Cyber Monday. While the percentage of visitors arriving from social network sites is fairly small relative to all online visitors — nearly 1 percent — it is gaining momentum, with Facebook dominating the space.

ZamFest ring a bell for anyone? If you were on line at all last weekend, it seemed as if everyone was talking about the deals found online. Facebook, Twitter, even e-mail campaigns that flooded our in-box from merchants ready and willing to service eager shoppers.

During the Holiday’s in 2009, online spending jumped from just 6% to 12% and did not decrease afterward. If this trend continues into 2011 like it did in 2010, look for online sales to maintain between 15% and 20% of all retail spending.

And here we are…ahead of the paradigm shift yet again. I’ve got to hand it to the Founders of our Company. True visionaries who always appear to be ahead of the curve before major shifts and trends start popping up. They did it with A.L. Williams – then YTB Travel – and now it looks like ZamZuu is destined to hit the same high marks.

Travel has always been my first love – and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity YTB gave me when everyone else in the travel industry didn’t give me the time of day. Now I’m involved in a new stream of revenue that increases the opportunity and income just by hanging around winners. I’ve been partnered with Affiliate Programs for years, referring products for years. (Long before ZamZuu.) This program not only expands the merchants, but manages hundreds of stores under a single umbrella.

You’ve got to love it – especially when you understand and can appreciate the kind of Founders that run this company. Smart, insightful, and extremely motivational.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Why would you? They give new meaning to the words “Happy Holiday’s”.

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While watching the NFL this past weekend, I witnessed a group of “manly men” wearing hot pink.

No joke. For the second straight year, the National Football League has brought a tremendous amount of attention and awareness in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with gear at NFLShop.com. In addition, arm bands, head bands, shoes, and gloves worn by NFL players showed a unified voice to support this 25 year old tradition in the month of October.

We have a breast cancer survivor in our family, so this month and this cause hits rather close to home.

In an effort to bring both awareness and money to this worthy cause, please take note of the pink Breast Cancer Awareness banners at the top of this blog and the graphic from NFLShop.com here. All advertisers this month are reserved for companies that have committed a portion of their proceeds to be donated to Breast Cancer Research for the month of October. Banners will rotate above, so if the advertiser that appears does not offer something of value at the time, check back for other advertisers that may.

We have submitted with other advertisers that are currently pending approval. As they become available (and as long as they remain committed to this cause) they will be placed in this space for the remainder of October.

Please note the proceeds are offered and paid by the advertiser not Just Picture It Now. While we will be making our own donation to this cause, we’d like to keep this separate. One of YTB’s well known and documented critics proclaimed he was going to make a donation from clicks on his blog to some other cause earlier this year, maybe last.

His pitch stated that he was going to be kept “honest” by posting the receipt on his blog.

While promoting “click here for the cause” both on his blog and various boards for a week or two – a receipt to the foundation he told everyone he was supporting never appeared or was heard from again.

So much for “honesty”.

For us, having pink prominently displayed as a banner this month is more about awareness than promoting these products. There are advertisers we know of that won’t get placed because none of their banners are “pink”. Besides, we’d be just as happy if you take the money spent on any of the items listed and instead send the amount directly to NBCF by going here. With so many companies offering their support for this worthy cause – we felt these pink banners were an easy way to promote awareness ourselves and offer something of value to both men and women alike.

If the NFL can wear pink – so can this blog.

Life is important.

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Before YTB, I was living the American Dream – or so I thought. The “reality” was I had been bumbling through a number of companies that left me high and dry. Any illusions I had about the corporate world were quickly being shatter. Family Golf ran out of money and was bought out by an Asian group who promptly fired everyone. Anicom got caught cooking their books – was shut down by the FTC and the founders imprisoned. ISP lost its manufacturing contracts to the internet for the territories I covered. iAutomate never reached the internet dominance it aimed to achieve and was downsized. And my last stint with Hi-Fi Buys eventually ended in bankruptcy court.

The American Dream of getting a good education and finding a J.O.B. was a carrot I wasn’t willing to chase any longer. My discontent over the lie about working for someone else had me frustrated and looking for options when YTB came knocking.

Three guys – Coach, Scott and Kim turned me onto the idea of being in business for myself. They offered my first products I could offer and sell as an “independent representative”. Harv Ecker and Bob Proctor soon followed in my journey who showed me other income streams. All of the streams they create are “passive” – meaning I don’t have to be there to generate income. Guys like Mike Dillard taught me the value of branding myself. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ve heard that name before – and many have bought Mike’s Magnetic Sponsoring courses. Mike’s primary business teaches the value of something called a “funded proposal”.

Coach, Scott and Kim taught the value of building a business within the YTB business, but I also like what Mike calls it.

“You, Inc.”

I became a student of “You, Inc.”. While everyone knows I’m tied to YTB, now ZamZuu – my brand is “Just Picture It Now”. With this brand, I now own a well visited blog with various tools and affiliate products that create income. I also own a list of subscribers that now reach thousands each and every week. Auto-responders within our newsletter create a steady stream of income that work on auto-pilot. Articles on this blog also create a steady stream of income with well ranked organic links. Articles I’ve written years ago continue to produce income almost every month. Those are the passive income streams that Ecker and Proctor taught me.

“You Inc.” provides me the option to pursue opportunities that interest me such as writing, up-in-coming technology, and pay-per-click income that keeps my brand diversified, fresh and profitable. I pick and choose who and what I promote with incredible flexibility and versatility. This diversity has enabled me to stay with YTB far longer without any worry of the outside forces attempting to tear it down. The economic meltdown of late 2008 and 2009 and the hit the travel industry took forced many to make changes. The needless “YTB bashing” that goes on about their “model” being something other than viable or legitimate has forced others to make changes as well.

Me? I was diversified enough that income actually increased while millions all over the country were being laid off, downsized or scrambling to find other sources of income which had dried up.

I’ve always been an independent thinker. I never would have gotten involved with YTB in the first place if I wasn’t. I saw right through the hype and trash talk about pyramid schemes that we often see from those who haven’t any experience to speak of. I’ve heard it said that if somebody tells you what they think – take it with a grain of salt. If someone tells you what they’ve experienced however – you better listen.

What I’m about to tell you may sound shocking to some – controversial to others – but it rings true for me. Based on my experience in the corporate world, the bickering and fighting going on by traditional travel agents who have seen commissions either diminish or completely vanish and the Directors in YTB who built large organizations who are now with different companies – I’ve come to this conclusion.

True independence and success comes from multiple opportunities and various streams of passive income.

Last week YTB announced its new Director level and enhanced compensation starting at 250 active IBC’s. The new level also provides additional guaranteed income with fully paid medical and life insurance paid for by the company. I didn’t write about it here, but I did put it in last weekend’s newsletter – because it’s news. Honestly, when I heard about the new level, I was surprised at me first initial thought’s. When I did put it out on my newsletter to my subscribers, it was uncomfortable.

Then, earlier this week I was asked to pick either YTB or my other “ventures” and my gut reaction was shocking – even to me.

As good as the Directors program is and as much as it provides to individuals and their families – it’s not the right goal or option for me.

I’m an “Independent Representative” not a “Director”.

How do you like them apples?

I got into YTB to create my own independence. Over the last 6 years I’ve built and now utilize several profitable income streams. It’s enabled me to survive the chaos and the slandering where others haven’t because they were counting on a single source. Directors who built large organizations are now gone because they relied on one company. Travel Agents have been bickering for years, or are out of business doing something else because they rely on one stream. Even I was forced to jump from company to company for years because I relied on a single revenue streams before I found YTB.

The true value for me in YTB are all the income streams – not the Directors program. The position lands me right back where I was 6 years ago and doesn’t provide the current options and streams I’ve been able to create and build on my own.

It’s not that I’m upset or angry with YTB. To the contrary – I couldn’t have dreamed of a better vehicle to start my journey. YTB has been a wonderful experience for me and was the first company to provide multiple streams. I had never been with a company with so many possibilities prior. Likewise, the Director program is a first of its kind. The medical, life and guaranteed income benefits not only rival but are the envy of the corporate world. With benefits like these – the company has every right to attach reasonable conditions for that privilege.

It’s their company and they make the rules.

But as good as it is and as much as I wanted it – along the way I found my own true independence and own income streams where I make the rules.

The world has changed. Likewise, the internet and technology continues to evolve and change at a rapid pace. It’s exciting – it’s fresh. The internet offers up endless possibilities and an abundance of opportunities to market and promote whatever I want. It didn’t really occur to me until I was asked to make a choice between my own business here on the internet and the one I run with YTB. Without realizing it until this week – I’ve successfully generated a brand that’s more valuable and meaningful on my own.

I don’t know what’s going to happen over the next couple of days guys. While my gut reaction was instant and sure – I told YTB that I had to think about it. But my gut has never been wrong. It’s a message from the Divine. There may be an applicable resolution to all this that I can do both – and I’d like to do both. I love YTB – and I especially love the people I’ve been able to help. Thousands rely and count on me each and every week to inform and mentor them. I’m not looking to steal anyone or trash YTB in any way. That’s selfish and unprofessional.

Overall, YTB has been far too good to me and I’m incredibly grateful to them for showing me the path to my own independence and freedom.

But I also own this blog and my list of subscribers which provided me the freedom and flexibility to speak my own mind and provide my own path.

I’m at complete peace with anything that may come my way. If I can survive horrendous economic conditions and needless trashing of a company I promoted wholeheartedly – I can survive anything.

That my friends is real – true independence.

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.

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One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from two of my favorite people I truly admire and respect. One is Neal Boortz and the other is Harv Ecker. Both men are incredibly intelligent and extremely successful. The quote I’m talking about, you’ve read here before.

“Don’t believe a word I say – unless you can verify it on your own to be true.”

That lesson is one that has proven to help me uncover the pure crap I see and read on the internet. Admittedly, I’ve had great fun over the years with screen names over on scam.com and anti-mlm zealots like John Frenaye as I’ve exposed their bizarre behavior, twisted perceptions, and limiting beliefs. Because I’m successful in doing so, I get to live “rent free” inside their heads day after day as they attempt to poke and pry at me in frustration.

Admittedly, I still enjoy it when something they’ve said or done comes my way – and is just too good to pass up. It just sits there on a silver platter waiting for me expose just how desperate, sloppy, and dysfunctional their brainwashed minds really are.

Case in point: John asked one of the commenters to contact me the day before yesterday – and someone actually did.

John – bless his heart – attempted to warn everyone that they can get a better “cash back” deal from Bing.com over ZamZuu. This stems from years of ranting and illusions that YTB Travel is more expensive for consumers than any other Travel Agency. Yet, I routinely beat out all of my competitors with our group cruise bookings time and time again.

Sorry…I’ve got ample bookings with several groups that prove this to be true, and they can blather till the cows come home – it’s not going to change my superior pricing.

Now John’s banking on perceptions about Bing.com and the power that name appears to wield. Their cash back program would sound like a formidable foe for anyone who doesn’t know how these types of programs actually work – nor takes the time to verify pricing for themselves. While John actually talks a good game about “savvy shoppers” he’s banking on “low life’s” that read his dribble in an attempt to change their perceptions. For example, while the comments section went on and on about Wal-Mart and Best Buy – none of them actually took the time – or even considered that neither Wal-Mart or Best Buy were even offered as a “cash back” store through Bing.com.

Yet both are offered through ZamZuu for cash back. Why?

Wal-Mart has a contract with a company called LinkShare and Best Buy has a contract with another affiliate company called Commission Junction. As big and bad as Bing is (say THAT ten times fast -”Big Bad Bing”) they can’t rip that contract out of the hands of either network because each “network” is both bigger and better than Bing could ever hope to be. To show you the power of these affiliate networks I found a couple stores that are offered on both ZamZuu and Bing.com.

Old Navy for example offers 7.5% cash back with ZamZuu – but only 4% through Bing.com. Banana Republic is exactly the same with 7.5% through ZamZuu and only 4% from Bing.com.

Then there’s Ghiada. John, once again clueless – proclaims the customer earns nothing back, but the percentage to share with the pyramid is greater through ZamZuu. That’s the lie that’s been embedded into his brain – reading crap from others who make this kind of stuff up to cover their own failures and insecurities about MLM. We’re greedy “middlemen” who are out to pick his pocket.

The goof never even took the time to check – did he?

Because of John’s fascination with girdles, he must be in dire need of one of those Slimvest’s for guys to turn that beached whale look into something more slimming. I did a price comparison for him on the Slimvest and look what he would have found if he stop “talking” and started actually “doing” for a change. He could buy it direct through Ghiada.com for $89.95 – or – he could save himself $20 instantly with ZamZuu with the “pyramid” price of $69.95.

Those greedy pyramids! What a rip! Instead of getting “cash back” in the form of a check – he gets an instant 23% savings with ZamZuu. The HORROR!

And because he’s too brainwashed and stupid to even check – he doesn’t have enough cash on hand to buy a company like Jerome Hughes did with Ghiada – which in turn makes him even more angry and bitter. Furthermore, who would you use for his spokes model? Ainsworth?!

To be fair, and all poking at John’s expense aside – ZamZuu isn’t the be all and end all for everything “cash back”. Bing.com and others will beat out ZamZuu on several stores, just as ZamZuu does with Bing.com. Neither company can be the best for everyone on everything. (So you can save your next blathering rant on your blog with a list of stores Bing.com beats out ZamZuu there Johnny.)

How did I spot John’s obvious mistep so easily? A large portion of the ads on this blog are offered through Commission Junction. Each time someone clicks one of those ads and purchases one of the 30 or so banners that rotate here, I get paid. I also have accounts with LinkShare, ShareaSale, and Google Affiliate Network. I’ve tapped into a very successful affiliate network over the years, and have been a student of this type of marketing for years. John? Not so much. It’s obvious that once again he’s playing the part of “expert” on yet another subject that he knows nothing about.

I understand the power and leverage “networks” like these bring to the table. Most people do and the flock to them trying to get in front of the money shift that’s going on here on the Internet. But for some bizarre reason when you add “marketing” and it becomes “network marketing” – all of the sudden it turns into a scam. For people like John, it suddenly becomes dirty and sleazy. So much so, that John would rather pay full price at Wal-Mart rather than get a couple of bucks back through a free program like ZamZuu at Wal-Mart because he’s angry, bitter, and frustrated over what he thinks MLM has done to HIS industry.

Truth be told – he can’t get past the few pennies that will trickle up to Coach. Instead, he’ll give it to a guy like Bill Gates because Bill’s company isn’t tied to MLM – even if it costs him more money to do so. That’s the real issue here folks. In John’s little world MLM is dirty – it’s cheap – and it’s sleazy. There’s no reasoning, there’s no middle ground, there’s nothing but bitterness, anger, and resentment over a company and model he can’t control or eradicate.

Oh he’ll give you plenty of lip service to the contrary. All you’ll get is more deflecting in an attempt to cover up his obvious lack of understanding and sloppy articles riddled with holes.

And to think I once considered this guy intelligent. It’s the only reason I picked him out of a crowd of no name cowards to debate. How sad to see “debate” turn to “desperation” by misleading people with lies and bizarre reasoning in an lame attempt to cast a shadow of doubt and fear in others. Relegated to blogging about a company and a model he knows nothing about even after the intense obsession the last three years.

He never considered it would last this long. YTB should have been long gone based on the limiting beliefs that crowd and block logical – rational thinking. The longer YTB lasts – the deeper the frustration and feelings of being a victim penetrate.

YTB and ZamZuu just keeps going. That my friend is the best revenge and the best way to make guys like John look like the goof he really is. The louder the mouth, the easier it is to do.

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