Ronda came down stairs last night all excited. You’d think she won the lottery from the way she was acting. In reality, she purchased a $50 gift certificate on Restaurant.com for $4 through our ZamZuu site for our Anniversary Dinner at Prime Park tonight. We’re celebrating 13 years of marriage today and to this day, she still spoils me rotten. She knows it’s my favorite restaurant and after our visit there on our last year’s anniversary, she’s thrilled because we’re going to save a bundle on a very romantic dinner out for her.

Flowers will also be delivered today thanks to a great deal from FLORA2000 found on ZamZuu, and another “special gift” was delivered last week that will remain quiet for now.

And we’ll get cash back for all of it.

The ZamZuu shopping portal just got a brand new upgrade over the weekend that not only makes the shopping experience more convenient, but streamlines the registration process to qualify for cash back.

When clicking on a store within the Cash Back Affiliate Network, the customer is presented with three options. If they are an existing customer, they can simply log in to their account. If they just want to shop, they simply click “No, thanks.”

A new customer can start earning cash back by simply supplying their email address, confirm it by typing it in again, and click “Go Shopping.” That’s all that’s required now to track the purchase to the customer. When it’s convenient, they’ll have an email waiting in their inbox to complete their registration with information with who’s name belongs on the check and where to send their cash back.

In this day and age of instant gratification and speed, that’s a big deal.

I recall a marketing report I read from InfusionSoft (an e-mail and marketing software program) a short time ago that stated that over 80% of sales are lost during the registration process. The vast majority of people don’t even take the time register during the buying process, it takes too much time when the impulse hits them to buy. Most of the top dogs who market on the internet use this program for this very reason.

With ZamZuu’s quick registration process on the front end – it enables the customer to quickly purchase the product or item their after while an e-mail is sent reminding them that cash back is waiting on that purchase after the sale is complete.

The company also eliminated the options page which gave them a choice of booking travel or shopping. I never liked this additional step and have always supplied direct links to either travel or shopping, depending on the customer need and interest. BandBVacations.com has always been used for travel through YTB Travel Network, and now MyShoppingPaysMe.com can be used for retail shopping.

While I’ve not seen or heard of any stats about this old entry page, it’s my guess that business owners never really used this “option page” to begin with. It was an unnecessary step or click that wasn’t needed. Again, it has to do with speed and the instant access we’ve all come to expect in this day and age.

I also like the new media center found on the shopping portal with the ZamZuu featured stores. Not only are the prominently displayed down the center of the page, both a written description and video are within easy access. While everyone is familiar with Wal-Mart and Best Buy, shoppers may not know the features, advantages and benefits of NeutraCeutrics. By clicking the “more info” link below the store banner, the ZamZuu media center goes into action with a streaming video about the company and its products.

Every bit of this upgrade is quicker, easier, and cleaner with this new features which will translate into more sales through ZamZuu and more cash back for those who use this free service. It’s a win for the business owner and a win for the customer.

Cash back just got a whole lot easier with ZamZuu.

Now if you’ll excuse me…I have a special day planned with my bride.

See you later this week!

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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Because we’ve expanded and diversified our business with the launch of ZamZuu, I’m finding myself doing a lot more surfing on the internet for products I both want and need.

While ZamZuu business owners can be considered “early adopters” and part of the $155.2 billion that was actually spent online last year, according to a Forrester study released just last month $917 billion worth of retail sales last year were “web-influenced.” Meaning; far more people (at least for right now) are using the internet to do their research on the internet, and then heading out to the store to make their purchase. That’s 67 percent of the online population, and I’ve seen studies that claim 75 percent.

Let’s face it, after the economic meltdown we had in late 2008 and 2009, now more than ever, saving money is the new green. It’s a big reason why ZamZuu has been welcomed with open arms in our company. Cash back puts green back in our pockets.

We’re not the only ones who have caught on to this paradigm shift. The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) also released a report in early April which reveals advertisers spent a record high of $6.3 billion during the fourth quarter of 2009, in an attempt to attract surfers. That’s a new high for a single quarter in Internet advertising revenues, which reached $22.7 billion for the year in 2009.

Nearly half of that revenue is being paid in search and display-related advertising. Think Google AdWords – those little three line ads you see along the right hand of the search page. I recorded a CNBC special report a few weeks ago entitled “Inside the Mind of Google” which reported that Google made $4.3 billion in PROFIT from Google AdWords alone. Another report just last week quoted that Yahoo! saw its first quarter profit more than double from last year, driven by growth in online advertising and lower operating expenses.

It’s abundantly clear that money and revenue is shifting right now away from print, radio and television to the internet. Why? With E-Commerce, the whole transaction takes place online, making it very easy to track and measure. The ROI also skyrockets because advertisers don’t pay per impression or how many eyes actually see the ad, instead only pay for those who actually click on the ad.

Here’s the problem, and I think you can relate: When I Google something to research and compare pricing for a product, more times than not, my first page results aren’t based on the lowest price – but who paid the highest price for ad placement. With more and more money being thrown at internet advertising and the amount of revenue it generates for all of the top search engines, I don’t see that changing any time soon.

In fact – it could get worse as more companies catch on with all out bidding wars breaking out to capture their share of this consumer shift.

So how do you make sense of and sift through all this advertising to find the best deals?

One solution I’ve been introduced too is a very cool app called MyShoppingGenie. It’s completely free to install and its sole purpose is to help you navigate through the vast array of information found when doing a search to find products based on price. By searching on any of the major engines available the Genie appears as a navigator that pulls up not only the stores that offer the product you’re looking for, the price their selling it for.

For example, our son Brain is into Pokemon and wanted the new Heartgold version for his DS. We did an internet search and up popped the Genie with a “compare” button. Within seconds I had a price from Wal-mart of $30.54, CD Universe with $39.95, and Dell, Best Buy, and Toys R Us with a price of $39.99.

From here it’s easy to see that all I have to do is log in to ZamZuu and go directly to Wal-Mart to make my purchase to either ship it or order a site to store for pickup.

All in a fraction of the time it use to take me with a regular search or going from site to site looking searching at individual stores.

While that’s great – it gets even better. Check this out.

Because I’m giving this app away to my list of clients and customers who either book travel with me, or shop with me through ZamZuu, my app is “branded” with a ZamZuu logo and a link that goes directly to my ZamZuu shopping page. When they find the right price, and it happens to be one of the 700 stores we have within ZamZuu, getting cash back for that item is now a simple click away. (Download the app and see for yourself.)

Now think about this…people search on average 88 times per month. Each time they do that search now, my ZamZuu logo appears each and every time they search. No e-mailing, no calling, and no paid advertising – it just shows up every time they do a search on any of the major search engines.

If that doesn’t get you thinking about possibilities it gets even better.

You know all that money we talked about – the $917 BILLION in sales that was generated via searches, and the $22.7 BILLION in advertising revenue being spent for clicks from those searches last year? Each time my customers click one of the ads when comparing prices it generates revenue from the free app that I gave away.

I’m generating revenue coming and going. Granted, at this point there are more searches right now than buyers, however, as the shift continues to evolve over the next few years, I’ve giving my customers a very easy and accessible format to capture more sales when they buy and get cash back through my ZamZuu site.

This opens up a whole new market, and it’s no longer based on what I want to sell, but what my customers actually want to buy from 200,000 stores, liquidators and product manufacturers, including over 1,000,000 coupons and special offers. I’m not only buying and getting cash back from Omaha Steaks through ZamZuu, but finding incredible coupons for additional savings on the “deals” link. (Ronda LOVES the coupons she’s found on both national and local stores saving us a TON of money from this app.)

###

In closing, you at least need to check out this app and see how it works for yourself. Heck, it’s free for goodness sake and it’s going to help you turn the tables on the big search engines who are only thinking about how much money they’re generating from paid ads when you’re searching for products.

If you by chance you see another revenue stream and a very viable option in branding your ZamZuu business, just “reply” to my newsletter and I’ll not only answer your questions, but help you set this free app with your own ZamZuu logo and link to capture a bigger piece of this internet boom.

No pressure, and no hard sale. You both see these numbers and want in, or you don’t.

Just let me know if you want to capture a slice of this boom.

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!

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Miss me?

Yeah, I know – I promised that I would get back into the swing of things at the beginning of the year with regular posts here. I was doing just fine until YTB launched ZamZuu and Shazam! – I’m off promoting this cool new product launch that’s half the price and twice the fun for entrepreneurs. It’s also a ton of fun showing customers how to get a free account to start saving money from hundreds of stores they already know and trust.

Quite honestly, you’ve got to be brain dead not to see this thing. Shopping with hundreds of brand names stores on their websites and getting cash back when you do just for going through ZamZuu?

What’s not to get?

It’s free for customers to join. Stores pull from a nationwide inventory or regional warehouse. Most have the option of site to store for easy pickup. (And no shipping charges!) Just about every stores will also e-mail weekly sales right to your in-box if you subscribe off their sites – and you should if you’re a regular shopper. Frankly, I prefer far less clutter – and will use the new ZamZuu Dealz fan page as a central location to find great “dealz” – rather than scanning through hundreds of store e-mails. (I’ve signed up with some stores and get an e-mail a day – which honestly is a bit much.)

Here’s the biggest no brainer for me. It will never – ever – ever be more expensive for any of my customers going through ZamZuu than it will going direct to the store. Just can’t be done – they’re going to the same site stores and see the exact same products and prices anyone else does.

Customers who are smart enough to go through ZamZuu instead of going direct however – get cash back on every purchase made through ZamZuu. Something that can’t be done by going direct.

Back around Christmas, our office computer died. I had no idea what was available these days – nor did I have any feel for how much prices have come down. It’s been years since I even thought about buying a new desktop. What do you think is easier, hopping in the car and going from store to store or hopping on my laptop to do a Google search for “desktop computer”? As it turns out, one of the big box stores that are on ZamZuu had a sale for case, keyboard and mouse for only $229. At that point, I didn’t need to shop any longer. (Would you for that price?) I logged into ZamZuu and went directly to the store which was saved as one of our favorites – ordered the exact make and model I found earlier for exact same price and requested to pick up at the local store 10 minutes away.

After completing my order, I got confirmation of the order and information that I would be notified when it was ready.

Wanna know how long it took to complete the order?

Ten minutes later, I got an e-mail “Your order is ready for pick-up”. As I hit “print” and headed upstairs to go grab the confirmation needed off the printer, I just had to laugh at how easy that was.

But it gets better. Remember, this was back before Christmas and the height of the Christmas shopping season. As I walked into the store, I checked to my left to see long lines of customers waiting to check out – as I headed to the right – towards Customer Pickup. There I found heaven.

No lines.

I handed my confirmation to the friendly Associate, she hand me the product, paid in full and I was walking out the door within minutes of placing my order online.

The entire process from search to pick up took no more than an hour to complete.

And I got cash back from ZamZuu for doing it!

But the cash back is merely an added bonus to an already smarter way to shop. I wrote about how we shopped this year for Christmas, ordering everything on-line and having the kids Christmas presents sent to the local stores in Pittsburgh for my parents to pick up. Talk about a stress free Christmas! And as an added bonus – there was absolutely no way the kids could “peek” this year – because they were all hidden 600 miles away!

I do have to caution you on one drawback however. Because we didn’t realize how much we bought for the kids – we had to strap them to the roof in order to get all the presents inside the van to get home.

Note to self: If anyone takes that literally, we have found the poster child for “brain dead”.

Moving on…

Fact is, we live in a digital age now. The internet changed all that. If you don’t think so, just try to find a single big box store that’s not online these days. Everybody’s got a web site for a reason. It’s easier – faster – and far more convenient for the customer. It’s also extremely cost effective for the stores and can do nothing but increase profits for retailers.

I’ve had a couple of inquiries of late on where this number of $950 billion spent in retail in the last quarter of 2009 came from – while only 3% of it was spent on-line. (Video below) I’ve been so busy that I have not even bothered to research or ask about that number myself. However, if you’re looking for numbers and something that you can document, I’d highly recommend eMarketer. I did a piece on them back in June of last year and if it’s documentation you’re looking for about on-line shopping – this would be the company that I would look to for a number like that. The documentation sighted there will provide the most comprehensive study found anywhere regarding e-commerce and it’s growth over the next few years.

You can predict the future by looking at it’s past. Look at what YTB did with Travel? Took a bunch of “Average Joes” and sold over $1 billion in travel in 8 years, all because of the internet.

You’ve gotta like the odd when it comes to everything else!

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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When YTB launched its partnership with Aisle 19 last January, I don’t think anyone had any idea the impact it would have on our company. As the opportunity began to take shape and expand, like our travel side, it took on a life of its own.

I really can’t pinpoint exactly what it was about this offering that made it catch on fire the way it did. It could have been any number of things honestly – but whatever “it” was, it gave our field some exciting new products to promote and key retailers to talk about.

I remember sitting at a Red Carpet early last summer when news of shopYTB started to spread and how the company was going to rebuild the product from the ground up. A woman turned to someone else at the table during the announcements and said “This Company just keeps on coming up with more and more ways for us to make money.”

Truth is – she’s right.

As we come full circle a year later – what started out as a “partnership” with Aisle 19 has transformed into a full-fledged opportunity that YTB has not only rebuilt from the ground up, but now has a new name for.

Welcome to ZamZuu.

During the 2009 Convention, YTB launched shopYTB as its first shot at an on-line e-commerce site. With the launch – the company partnered with an insurance product, offering clients an opportunity to get a price comparison on any number of insurance products. In return for getting someone to look at their insurance costs, site owners were offered a referral fee.

Not only did the program exceed everyone’s expectations producing quality leads for the Insurance and Financial Services provider, but it created additional revenue for the field in the form of referral fees that YTB was only too happy to pay out.

Since that time, there have been a number of “hot products” that the field has latched onto. The beneficiary companies are not only more than happy to pay higher commissions but see this marketing model as a much smarter way to do business.

Why?

Guys…these companies don’t spend a dime until the product has actually been sold - that’s why! It’s a no risk proposition for the company and a great source for getting the word out about a brand new product or concept. They could pay multiple millions on an advertising campaign and roll the dice on return sales – or partner with a sales force like YTB and only pay out what is actually sold.

As a business – which do you think looks more attractive?

Likewise, the shopYTB concept has been so successful for the field, YTB has just launched their own opportunity exclusively for this type of e-commerce. After a year of testing and working with this type of offering, it’s proven to be of value to consumers and Field Representatives alike.

YTB International will always have YTB Travel Network for those with a real passion for selling travel. From what I hear, the trainings and higher commission splits are taking hold for those who take advantage of it. (Ourselves included.)

But now – in addition to selling Travel Websites at $449.95 YTB has a new E-Commerce product that sells for $249.95.

Travel will be included with the new e-commerce sites – but with limitations. A fixed commission split of 60% on travel products, no training required (or offered), no ability to book directly or group offerings – and no type of travel industry credentials to speak of. However, the new E-commerce sites will have a stronger emphasis on retail products such as Best Buy, Macy’s, Home Depot, and the like to offer consumers cash back on their shopping experience.

The good news for those of us who already own Travel Stores, the e-Commerce sites is included on a separate site for an additional revenue stream.

Likewise, if you want both higher commission splits and training, and an e-commerce site, it comes with the $449.95 package. Just like YTB Flowers, YTB Romance, YTB Outdoors, and YTB Golf – it’s a complete package.

I have to hand it to YTB – they do keep coming up with more and more ways to make money. I’m seeing all kinds of research that on-line shopping is really starting to take hold and another market shift that YTB is ahead of the game on. No, we didn’t create on-line shopping, but we certainly figured out a way to hand over an opportunity to the average person to make money off of it.

By the way, all the details are out in our Newsletter. A couple of PDF’s with a complete listing of all the features – advantages – and benefits for selling this new product. It also includes some very nice compensation enhancements, and a much more attractive bonus structure. (YTB handed out some of those new bonuses tonight for those that qualified. What a surprise THAT was!)

If you’re not signed up on the Newsletter, get yourself on it before Sunday, we’ll have a complete recap then as well.

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!

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I guess I’m extremely callous. After all these years of reading Anti-MLM Zealots perceptions, predictions, and outright exaggerations about life and how they perceive this world – I can pretty much count on the exact opposite view or perception being the one that’s accurate. As a marketer and online entrepreneur, the last few months have been rather interesting as I’ve read, watched, and gained insight to the new FTC Guidelines concerning Blogging, Affiliates, and Advertising that went into effect yesterday, December 1st.

It might surprise you that advertising guidelines haven’t been updated since 1980 – which we all know is long before most of us even had a computer in the home or at the office – let alone internet access. Needless to say, these new guidelines for the internet have been long overdue. For some who like to live on the edge – like it or not – their way of doing business needs to change or they’ll face some hefty penalties if they don’t.

What’s so astounding to me is the reaction of a few really valuable bloggers, affiliates, and marketers, and what they have done recently because of these new guidelines. All of the sudden they’re running scared – some to the point of ending their blogs and affiliate programs because they’re fearful of what the FTC might do. Why? Because they’ve bought into all the fear mongering, half truths, myths, and flat out lies about what the new guidelines from the FTC are actually designed to do.

Based on what I’ve studied over the last few months concerning these new guidelines – those of us who have been doing business ethically and properly, have nothing to worry about. A simple disclaimer that states “duh – I get paid when you purchase from this link on my blog” (or something to that effect) will cover most of what you see on a blog like this one.

Yes, I know that adds (like the ones to the right) are painfully obvious. It might surprise some that there are people who take issue with the concept of sharing a portion of what they purchased with the person who introduced them to the product. YTB and other Travel MLM critics provide a perfect example of this type of stupidity and wealth envy. The thought that I get paid commission when I simply point someone to my “Booking Engine” and receive actual money when a service or product is purchased from my site is unethical and deceptive to them.

Why? Because in their mind I didn’t do anything that warrants a commission. I didn’t “work” for that sale in the same way they’re familiar with. They call it lazy – cheap – and a scam.

Look, I’m a marketer and entrepreneur and I use various marketing materials and subscribe to various entrepreneurial publications and sites. I’m going to obviously write on occasion about these materials and publications that I like. Why they’re a benefit to me and possibly you. If you find a link to the material, publication, product, or service – there’s a very high probability that it’s an affiliate link and when you find that the benefits, services, products that I talk about will benefit you as well – if you purchase the product like I have, I’m going to receive a commission for referring you to that product.

Now I know that the vast majority could of you care less about me and what I make because every single one of us (including me) are selfish and more interested in our own features and benefits – and what the product is going to do for “me”. (In this case “me” actually means “you”, not “me”.) However, there are those who believe it would be deceptive – unethical – immoral – or otherwise fraudulent that someone would be paid for writing and promoting such products without actually telling you that they are getting paid when you purchase these products, services, publications, or materials.

So let’s just cut to the chase here, and tell you that I believe that I provide a very valuable service and product with both this blog and my weekly and monthly newsletter. While I do enjoy and find writing extremely rewarding and gratifying – simply writing without adds, products, services, and other materials in hopes that you will find value and eventually purchase them for yourself, producing income for myself and my family – this blog and newsletter wouldn’t garner the type of quantity and quality that it does because it wouldn’t be worth my time and energy.

The bottom line here is that you’re going to have to tell people upfront that you’re going to be paid or that you received a perk (free copy, or promotional piece) when you write about these products from here on out. For the vast majority of people, they’ll not only find it refreshing and incredibly admirable (which in turn adds more credibility for you) but it helps build your relationship with your readers and subscribers.

For those who have the wealth envy complex and issues with an average guy like me actually obtaining monetary compensation or a perk for writing may never understand or accept this concept or technology. You simply need to accept and understand that their fears and phobias are their own.

If you want a very good overview and explanation of what these new guidelines consist of and what they mean to you as a marketer, blogger, and affiliate the best resource I’ve found was from Jim Edwards. (Through my tax guy affiliate, Ron Mueller) Jim has a great interview with Rich Cleland, Assistant Deputy at The Federal Trade Commission. Rich and Jim will not only give you the best in depth interview I’ve found, but puts the whole FTC Guideline issue into the proper perspective.

You may find, like I do, that these new guidelines are designed to help your business and credibility – not hurt it. You’ll also find , like I have, that there is very little that you’ll need to change in order to adhere to the new guidelines if you’ve been using your noggin and practical common sense.

And no, I’m not being paid or compensated to tell you that. ;-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!

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YTB’s second weekend of the new RPM Training is now complete. The very first class was held just after Funshine in Orlando late last month, with the West Coast getting their first taste of YTB’s Regional Product Marketing this past weekend in San Fransisco and Irvine California. The remainder of the classes for the month of October have been posted in our weekly Newsletter for St. Louis and Kansas City, MO on October 17th – Atlanta, Detroit, Clearwater/Tampa, and Newark, NJ on October 24th – and the month will finish out in Dallas, TX on October 31st.

Additional cities will be announced for November as the company secures facilities to host it’s new training program. Plans right now include Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, and Denver, with additional smaller markets in the cities like Montgomery, AL.

As a reminder, RPM Training is designed for existing Reps with access to their back office, where you can find the exact locations for the training classes with instructions on how to register and pay for the courses. (A further review of the new RPM Training and what it entails can be found here.) It should also be noted that this training is for Associates and Reps, and not TSO’s. (TSO’s have First Class, E-Campus, and a plethora of supplier and industry association trainings they can register and participate in for travel related trainings.)

Here are a handful of comments received over the weekend surrounding the new RPM Trainings:

The RPM in Irvine was well worth the drive and the $ spent! Our Directors ROCK!
RPM was a one stop shop covering ALL our up-to-date and IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!!
~ Kathy and Robert V., San Diego, CA

So happy to see training for the REPs. Great Job!!
~ Tonia L., Austell, Georgia

I feel that all should enroll and complete this course. It means so much to know more about what we have to offer. How can we promote what we have if we don’t know ourselves.
~ Gloria E., Norfolk, VA

Being new to this business and still learning I found it to be very useful. I feel that any class I can take only helps. I look forward to more trainings. Very well prepared and presented by the 36 new Certified Trainers. Great training.
~ Angela D., Englewood, FL

I strongly feel that EVERYBODY, new or old, should take this course.
~ Barbara C., Hialeah, FL

I enjoyed this experience very much.
~ Debbie J., Anna, IL

Great course. Lots of good info. Would definitely recommend to team members.
~ Joseph B., Saint Petersburg, FL

Great training and very positive. Addressed the needs in getting on track and staying focused.
~ Gregory & Sandra N., Sherwood, AR

Thank you, thank you, and THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!!!
~ Sonya C., Raleigh, NC

The course was great! I kept saying how fast the time was going. It seemed like I just got started and before I knew it, it was over. It totally excited me all over again about the business that I have.
~ Mary V., Mays Landing, NJ

RPM Training Classes are taught by Certified Trainers who have been hand picked by YTB, bringing Reps the most updated, relevant information at the time. The curriculum includes a complete study of all YTB products, how to sell them, and how to build your YTB marketing business.

While it’s still too early to see any residual effects from a training like this, it looks to be a HUGE hit for those who took the time to invest in their business.

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!

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About a week ago, I had three people tell me that I needed to look into expanding my writing. They all gave me the same suggestion on where I needed to go. When I took a look at the opportunity, it had all the right features, I could remain independent, I could write when ever and where ever I wanted. I could also write about what I truly love, and that’s travel. (As if you didn’t already know.)

So I went on-line and filled out a brief application that took a few minutes to fill out and I sent it off. I left it that if it was meant to be, it would be. Within a few hours, I had my answer and a short guide of next steps came with the answer to become Atlanta’s new Family Travel Examiner. With so many people telling me about this, I just couldn’t pass such strong messages like that up. I’m confident that part of the reason it was so easy is because so many people told me about it all at once.

Here’s your sign…times three.

So here I am, with a very cool new gig that sends my message out to even more readers and another opportunity to sell more of what I love.

I bought Mike Dillard’s Magnetic Sponsoring some years ago and there were two very important lessons in his videos and books that have always stuck with me. First, when someone goes to the store to purchase a drill, what they need is a solution on how to make a hole. Too many people focus their time and energy with how something works instead of just showing the benefits of what the product produces to resolve a need. Second, he tells a story of how one of the largest jewelry stores in Florida does more business than anyone else simply by doing a show of how to buy jewelry. Because they’re helpful and perceived as experts in cut and clarity for example, they’re the one store that people think of most when it comes to jewelry.

This blog and my newsletter is a perfect example of being an expert when it comes to helping others in YTB. Exact same principles at work. Because I focus on the need and not the product, I’ve got people from all over the country who subscribe and read each and every week. They trust me and respect my input and recommendation. When I put Mike Dillard’s book out there to the masses, simply as a recommendation to help them market more effectively, they clicked the link and started to buy. I’m still getting paid from that one little segment and comment I made about how much I liked his book. (Which by the way was MONTHS ago.) Sure I got some calls and questions simply to help clarify for a few people, but I didn’t have to twist any arms or convince anyone that this was a product they needed.

My new home on the Examiner is much the same. For those that are looking for a good quality trip or vacation for the entire family I can be their new expert when it comes to places to go and things to see. Done the right way, there’s absolutely no need to tell anyone that I can service them with some of the travel I’ll write about. As a matter of fact, doing so will actually turn some of them off because they perceive that as being pushy. But by focusing first on the need by promoting the benefit of the product (for them) I magnetically attract the right people which can and will produce more travel sales.

So I’m off on a new adventure. Not to worry about regular updates here or the weekly newsletters going out as it’s always been. The four articles a week for the Examiner will be in addition to what I already have going on. The new gig should only take a few hours a week to fullfil. It’s just another example of following your bliss, and finding ways to get paid for doing it.

And they call this work. ;-P

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