Most should know by now about our desire to help others become more eco-friendly. It not only ends up saving a ton of money, but saves the only home we have.

We hooked up with a fantastic company called Green Irene which provided the resources and some of the best training we’ve ever seen. (Extremely informative and well done.) This week, the company announced the relaunch of our e-commerce store from Green Irene. Not only do we have a great new look – we have hundreds of great, new green products for families and businesses.

We invite you to come explore our new site and products to help you live a healthier, more sustainable life.

To say thanks – Enter this in the coupon code section of the checkout page: mytreat10 to receive $10 off a purchase of at least $25

In order to redeem this great coupon please visit our specific Green Irene store to ensure Green Irene connects you to OurSharedEarth. If you do not see the URL with my name or company as part of it, add a comment bellow (with your e-mail in the form section) and we will send you the link! It is a GREAT coupon and we encourage you to try any of our products.

We have 100s of new products, a great new e commerce experience and NO SALES TAX is charged on shipments (except to NY state). We have reduced our shipping charges as well!

Note: HURRY ! Expires Monday 5/23/11 12:01 AM EST. Cannot be used with any other coupon code. Can only be used once per customer. Subtotal in cart must equal $25.00 before shipping or tax for coupon to register.

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We’ve been writing our weekly newsletter for the last three years now for YTB and ZamZuu business owners. It’s been one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done. The compliments and appreciation we get from subscribers means more than we can truly express. What started out as a team newsletter has spread throughout the company. Today, we send broadcasts reaching thousands of YTB and ZamZuu subscribers.

While our publication is designed and written for existing members of YTB and ZamZuu only, there are those who have subscribed under false pretenses. Opting to lie about their identity under an assumed name and e-mail address with the intent to play “Mall Cop”. After the California Settlement was reached two years ago, I was contacted by the Home Office with a list of “violations” from the Attorney General’s Office in California.

The AG had incorrectly charged that our publication was being used as a “recruiting tool” which was most certainly expressed by overzealous critics who desperately wanted to have my publication shut down.

After seeing so many desperate and childish stunts which feed Zealots uncontrollable obsession over YTB, we were well prepared for such an outlandish accusation. We set up our newsletter to verify our members with a valid ID and website address. We also used a double opt in feature to ensure that everyone who signed up actually verified with us they did indeed want our publication.

No shenanigans on our end.

These precautions were two fold. One, I wanted to make sure that everyone receiving this information was actually in YTB or ZamZuu already. And two, I fully expected the trolls to sign up – which they did – and were promptly deleted.

While their first attempt under real names and e-mail addresses were banned from our system, the sleaze then resorted to lying. Finding a YTB member in their local area that mirrored a location close to their own IP address, these parasites sucked off the other site owners ID and website address with a newly created gmail.com account and presto! Success in having our publication diverted to their inbox anyway.

Pretty elaborate scheme don’t you think? That’s the kind of bizarre behavior I’ve come to know while they pretend to be this noble, honorable “Mall Cop” for pour, unsuspecting souls. Truth is, they’re as dirty as the day is long.

A quick fix for the entire Attorney General debacle was a report of my entire list of subscribers with valid ID and website address, verification IP address, minus the user last name and e-mail address. The report clearly validated all subscribers were already in YTB and opted in under their own free will. A letter explaining that it was highly improbable that I was “recruiting” existing YTB website owners based on this report was also sent to the Home Office.

Not sure if it was the last time the AG or the Home Office ever heard about these “violations” again, but I certainly haven’t.

Interesting how morals, ethics, and honesty have no place for an obsessed Zealot that has to be right. When it comes to justifying their perceptions and perpetrating their fears and misconceptions to the general public, all this ethical stuff is mere window dressing they like to hide behind. It’s not just my newsletter they’ve infiltrated either. They’ve signed up as free Reps with the company, have become Fans of every Facebook page YTB or ZamZuu has, and have subscribed to every YTB and ZamZuu publication and newsletter they can get their hands on in order to feed their uncontrollable addiction.

With the latest settlement with the Attorney General in Illinois behind us, a new push by these imbeciles is once again in full swing. Obviously, they’re a bit upset that YTB was able to come to an agreement with another Attorney General and we are able to continue our business model. That’s what normal adults do – come to an agreement. Critics however have resorted to intercepting a new round of private correspondence, making its way to the internet with lists of supposed “violations” to say “see I told you I was right”.

While it’s clear that these correspondence are designed for “members only” – it’s upsetting the owners of these publications. Therefore, I’m offering up a list of items or precautions that you should implement in order to protect your publication and our fine company.

First, you need to accept that there will be sleazy little liars who will do and say anything in attempt to save face or to justify their position. Its part of the game they play. While I certainly don’t agree with it, getting upset and frustrated about it gives them the power and the control. You can take every precaution you want, and they’ll find a way to gain access. They’re that desperate for information and they need something they can spin against you and the company.

Second, most systems have a double opt in feature – use it. With the current CAN-SPAM Act that is in place, it’s not just jerks you want to protect against; it’s the FTC. Signing up someone to your mailing list is a practice we’ve never used. If your information and content is the quality it should be, you’ll get plenty of subscribers the right way. Every single subscriber we have has verified with our system they want our publication.

Third and I know this kind of sounds obvious – but put a disclaimer on your sign up page and in your publication something to this effect:

This newsletter is for information purposes for existing Website Sellers and Website Owners only.
It is not to be used as a recruiting tool for anyone outside the YTB company.

It won’t keep the pin heads out – but it will protect you in the event a pin head tries to play “Mall Cop” and claim you’re trying to recruit the general public or violating any rules.

Forth, and I know you’re not going to like this – but either turn off the “forward to a friend” feature or make sure your subscribers know that it’s only to be sent to existing team members. We’ve never used the “forward to a friend” feature for this reason: There may be some really good content that your subscriber wants to share with team members. Those team members however, may not want or feel the information is necessary. An issue we’ve had for years are folks who forward our publication out to team members and the team member unsubscribes the subscriber who sent it – because they don’t want it. (An unsubscribe link is also mandatory with current SPAM laws by the way.) Disabling this feature keeps complaints to a minimum because it’s only going to folks who actually subscribed.

An alternative for team members is having them forward your opt in link and have team members subscribe on their own. What you’ll find is an open rate that extraordinarily high, and a complaint rate that is practically non existent.

And finally, look over your data. We were able to spot our unauthorized troll by looking over our data. When Aweber changed their pricing along with their terms and conditions on us about a year ago, we had to upgrade. While we were upset at first having to pay more for exceeding 2500 subscribers, the new system and reports it offered showed just who was clicking what.

Low and behold, we found that one edition of our publication that was ripped off and posted publicly on a Zealots blog had over one dozen clicks from a single subscriber. A dozen clicks on the same link? Maybe two or three, but that amount raised a red flag. While the subscribers ID matched his website, and the IP matched where he lived – we found this subscriber based in Annapolis, Maryland had two subscriptions. One with a legitimate, unique domain, and the other with a Gmail account. The high click count came from the Gmail account – so we knew who was real and who the liar was.

It took me no time at all to delete the overzealous little twit.

If you have a newsletter and send correspondence to your team, I realize that you’re doing your team a service. I know all about offering news, support, training, mentorship, and positive reinforcement. It does have value and is a worthy and important part of being a true leader. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to acknowledge those traits because they’re so jacked up on hateraide. They simply can’t get past this idea that all you do is recruit and pick the pockets of poor unsuspecting souls. That’s the mantra rattling around in that empty space where a brain should reside. While they have no practical experience to base this limiting and false belief on – trying to change it is a complete waste of your time and effort. Just realize that they own that belief and you don’t have to.

So there you have it folks. Take it from me. These idiots have done it to me dozens of times and to no avail. Follow these simple steps and you not only protect your publication from being squashed, but you protect our fine company as a whole.

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 the events I’m grateful for in my life is finding YTB. When I signed on some six years ago, I started on a wonderful transformation. Changing from thinking like an employee to thinking more empowered as business owner.

I don’t know why they don’t teach this kind of stuff in school, I really don’t. Simply by opening up the door to YTB provided an amazing amount of information, training, and support that I never even knew existed. It’s  changed my mindset, my attitude and my self confidence dramatically.

Truth is, YTB is one of the most empowering and gratifying choices I’ve ever made. It ranks right up there with all-time great choices I’ve made, such as my sobriety, my wife, and my two adorable children. Like those life changing experiences, I wouldn’t trade YTB for anything – nor is there anything anyone could do or say that will diminish that.

An item that has impressed me most about YTB, is how they can pick market shifts and trends. Honestly, I’ve never really sat down with them to discuss how they come to the conclusions they do, or how they pick where to focus attention. However, because of my own independence created by YTB, I learned how to spot market shifts and trends on my own with my own set of tools. By using the knowledge acquired through learning and training, I not only know how to spot trends, but now can tell you how much money is being thrown at it in an attempt to capture market share, and how much money is there for the market to capture.

This site has been a great resource to see what’s on peoples minds and what interests them. For example, when I see search terms and hits, Google and other tools can tell me what that search term is actually worth for someone wanting to purchase PPC (Pay Per Click) advertising.

I do things a little different – I’ve never bought PPC. Never had to. Six years of content and links here put me on the first page rankings for any number of search terms. One such niche I tested was the “green” or “eco-friendly” search terms that I started writing about middle of last month. When I saw these search terms, and then matched them up to the amount of money being spent on PPC and the money that could be made – my eyes bugged out. I started looking at other keywords, how competitive they are, and how much money is involved. My experience with YTB and other ventures also gave me the proper mindset to look at this as with my business cap on, not as an employee.

So, I had to make a decision. While changing the focus of this blog was an option I considered, and would be the easiest to implement because it’s already well read, well ranked, and well linked – I don’t want to give up the main focus of this site. It was started to promote YTB and Travel – and it will remain just that. So I decided to try something new, something bolder, something that I could dedicate exclusively to being more environmentally focused.

On March 1st, 2011 OurSharedEarth.com was born. Our Shared Earth is a site dedicated to finding alternatives that make cleaner, more economic sense that we all can implement – now. Healthy, green, low-impact choices are not only investments in our future, but investments in your financial well-being that save energy, water and money.

I decided to take this route because I know what works, and how to implement a brand this new site. How to acquire maximum exposure with a large following – and I know how to write content that gets traffic organically. (Pun intended) You’ll see some of the same tools found here, with some new tools that I’ve been working on that will make OurSharedEarth just as impactful as JustPictureItNow. Heck, in only two weeks OurSharedEarth’s Alexa ranking is already around 2 million. (Down from 16 million) That in itself is a feat some can’t even match in years of writing. (Because they have no clue what they’re doing or what they’re writing about.)

Now, before I go, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. In the past when I’ve ventured outside of YTB to produce additional streams of revenue there have been some that have made claims that I’m signing off – or getting out of YTB. Frankly, that’s more a wishful fantasy than it is any type of assertion. I’m a huge thorn in the side of those who oppose YTB, Network Marketing, and Direct Sales. I’m also one who’s not easily intimidated by blathering rants that attempt to shame someone into submission.

I can and do bite back when necessary and while some don’t like it or call it arrogance – I call it undeniable confidence. Many admire the way I stand up for not only myself, but others who want to get involved in MLM or Direct Sales. Besides, there’s still a small part of me that gets amusement from the way they react to what I do or say – and I like making them nervous or uncomfortable while being a voice of reason for others who want to believe in themselves and their own abilities.

Network Marketing is an excellent industry, and YTB is one of the finest companies I’ve ever had the honor of working with. Nobody (and I do mean nobody) will ever be able to convince me and my past six years of experience in this industry and company any differently. While some will moan, whine, attack and bicker – I’d simply say “Thanks for sharing” and focus my time and energy on more important subjects I can control and profit from.

That for the time being would be another stream of revenue from OurSharedEarth.com.

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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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.

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’m not a big fan of Network Television. I will watch an hour or two a week for shear entertainment value – but I can’t remember the last time I saw even a minute of Network News. It’s been years. I’d rather listen to an audio book, participate in a webinar or conference call or find a home study course to feed my mind as I continue to learn and grow. The only exception I make in arranging my schedule is during Football season, and that can turn into an entire day, typically on Sunday when I’m taking a break anyway.

Hey – I’ve been a Football fan all my life and this old dog ain’t about to turn a new trick when it comes to my Pittsburgh Steelers.

A show that I do have an interest in however airs on NBC tonight – the first of six primetime episodes entitled Breakthrough with Tony Robbins. It’s reality TV with a twist – it’s designed to inspire and enlighten you which is typical Robbins.

Some of the oldest tapes I have in my library (which should tell you how long I’ve been of fan) are from Tony Robbins. He’s one of the earliest mentors I can think of for personal development and self-improvement. In an effort to reach and positively impact even more people, Tony Robbins has created 6 one-hour primetime television specials that begin airing on NBC starting this Tuesday, July 27th at 8 p.m., 7 Central. They will run every Tuesday evening for the next six Tuesdays including tonight.

I applaud Tony for putting something positive out there in the main stream media. One of the reasons I haven’t watched a network news program in years is because it’s so negative. This person killed here – that robbery there – and the economy as always – in the toilet. If you really think about it – do you really need to know how many murders and robberies there are?

If something is important enough that you need to know – it’s going to make it’s rounds in one form or another. I certainly don’t need to go looking for it.

Tony has always been different. He’s offered tools and insights to improve people’s lives. If you’re a follower of Tony like I am, you’re going to want to tell friends, clients, family or anyone you care for about this show. Some will thank you – others will ignore you – while I’m sure there will be others that scorn you for telling them. (If that’s the case – maybe you need to reconsider who you call “friends”.)

Here’s a little bit about the show that came through an e-mail from Chet Holmes (more on Chet latter):

After more than a dozen offers and years of turning away producers and networks, Tony finally found a format that appealed to him and one that can really impact you, your friends, family and clients.

I was in the studio audience for segments of some of these shows, and there was not a dry eye in the house. You will be inspired, moved, motivated and profoundly affected. I mean this first episode is a knockout. Imagine you’re on your honeymoon and jump in the pool and hit your head on a step and, wham, you’re a quadriplegic for life.

That doesn’t just affect you. It seriously impacts your loved ones. In the very first episode, Tony shows you that “the story” you tell yourself shapes the entire quality of your life. Powerful. You have to see it.

But wait! There’s more! (I’ve always wanted to say that for some reason.)

Tony and Chet built a program called: Four Ways to Double Sales in 12 months. Because your reading this – you’ll be able to download that program as well. Even in this bad economic period, all four of these ideas help dramatically strengthen any company and give you paths to serious success.

Chet offered the free training in the e-mail —a 90 minute program from Chet Holmes and Tony Robbins absolutely free. (And no registration or e-mail required either.) You can download it here.

For more information and insight into tonight’s powerful new show, you can read more about it and watch a couple more videos @ www.breakthroughinsider.com. Everyone in the personal development and marketing world that I communicate with is talking about it. (About two dozen e-mails yesterday.)

Personally – knowing what Tony is all about and how he’s transformed lives – I can’t wait.

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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Remember that as a kid?

Or how ’bout this one?

“I’m rubber – you’re glue. What bounces off of me – sticks to you!” or “I know you are – but what am I?”

Back in 2007 a former columnist for MSNBC came bursting on this blog to tell me what MLM was really all about. Amused that anyone would “Double Dog Dare” me to produce commissions to validate my worth, I found this person simply ignorant. Ignorance I can handle with proper documentation and information to enlighten anyone willing to learn. The very meaning of ignorant is uninformed; unaware.

But stupidity is a completely different animal which I have to admit, I have very little tolerance for.

Many in the industry were shocked that I would not only communicate, but befriend someone so full of hate and bitterness. I’ve always believed that people can change their tune given the proper information. I’m living proof of it. People who have never known me during my drinking days can’t believe I was a functioning alcoholic.

I’ve been told that part of my appeal is that I make myself vulnerable – being open and honest about my past mistakes in an effort to help others learn from them. Nobody’s perfect, and to act like you’re the only one who is, is not only distasteful, but foolish.

It’s my belief that everyone is capable of change and enlightenment.

An awakening.

Some however, are far more stubborn (or stupid) than others. To avoid change, they play childish games like double dog daring you, and I know you are – but what am I to deflect the attention off of themselves and slap it right back on you.

Two weeks ago I outlined yet another gross misrepresentation of John Frenaye’s who still can’t seem to check his facts before he opens up his mouth. He has a long history of gross misrepresentations and lies that we’ve documented here on this blog. All bent out of shape about girdles he stated (among other gross misrepresentations) that the products cost more through ZamZuu so the company could feed the “pyramid”.

Granted, I poked fun at him using him as an example of someone needing a girdle – but it doesn’t change the fact that ZamZuu provided a 23% savings to our clients over a direct sale with Ghiada. The MLM “expert” had been exposed once again as a clueless.

Instead of acting like an adult and making some sort of correction – the dolt spends the next three days lambasting yours truly for being an MLM loser and failure – not on MSNBC – or in a trade publication – or one of the 10 agency locations once dreamed of, but on a free Blogspot account that has been his home for that last three years.

My how the mighty have fallen from grace.

What’s even more amusing is that one of his best buds also decided to take pot shots at me through e-mail and comments here in an attempt to disrupt my peaceful and productive existence.

It’s not that I don’t want to take responsibility for their anger. Truth be told, I actually enjoy pushing their buttons and getting them worked up. I read them like a book. When Jeanie Sharpless told me about her NCL cruise, I told her exactly what would happen if I put it in my newsletter. Like clockwork – it was up on John’s blog within minutes of sending it out, with all the spin and hype we’ve all come to expect from YTB’s biggest goof.

And I just laughed because I just knew it would get his goat. Illusions of lime green T-shirts crawling all over NCL with the quote “I got here free – ask me how” dancing in his head.

Their perceptions and illusions have gotten so out of hand that it’s actually easy to poke fun at them – even when you know they’ll attempt to bounce it right back on you. And when they do, you’ve won because mindless ridicule and childish outbursts are only used when you have nothing left.

So why aren’t they able to get me all upset and bent out of shape in the same way? Why am I so willing to just sit there and take such words as “failure”, “loser”, or “dumb ass” so easily?

I’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s money.

Money and success have a strange way of taking anything that’s negative about you and turning it into a non-issue. In fact, it can be downright comical when money arrives at the same time you’re being lambasted by a bunch of critics and cowards as some sort of failure. Truth is, they have nothing better to do with their time. They trample all over someone in an attempt to elevate themselves by putting you down. They’re showing how frustrated and jealous they are by their actions. (Forget words to the contrary.)

Since the last time I wrote about John two weeks ago – I’ve deposited over $6500 into my bank account doing exactly what I told you I was doing with multiple streams of income. Since residuals are paid on the 11th of each month, and travel commissions are paid on the 25th – none of it comes from recruiting or travel sales with YTB. (Besides, any of those commissions are put on my YTB Pay Card.) You’ll also notice no particular time such as the 1st and the 15th or every other week, nor do the deposits look as if taxes were taken out for an interest free loan to the Government.

Yep, looks like life is pretty rough right now for the Bauknight family – because critics have said so.

And to think if I didn’t take that first step with YTB all those years ago – I’d still be stuck in the Corporate World making someone else rich off of my efforts.

Guys, I’m not posting my income to brag or to tell my critics to go pound sand. (Well…they can still pound sand cause they’re idiots and I don’t care what they say or do at this point.) I’m posting this because you should never – EVER – allow anyone to tell you that you’re not worth it. You should never – EVER allow anyone to ridicule you from fear or jealousy. If I can do it – so can you. All you have to do is apply yourself and never – EVER quit.

Sure, you’ll fall down and go boom – several times. But the trick is picking yourself up, and trying it again with a slightly different approach.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Taking a good look at critics like John Frenaye – you’ll quickly see how you’ll end up if you don’t change or adapt; Bitter, angry, destitute, and without many options at your disposal.

Guys like John Frenaye don’t own you. I realize they demand approval and permission because they think their opinions should matter. Fact is, they’re nobody worth listening to. The louder they are the farther you should run. Find some new friends who will support you and mentor you. It’s also important to find friends who are more successful than you are. Hanging around a goof like John will leave you bitter, broke and a member of his dumb ass den.

It’s time to grow up folks and take charge of YOUR dreams – not John’s illusions or perceptions. It’s a fairy tale that only exists in his head and they’ll never win and never quit because their oversized egos won’t let them.

So go for it! Go ahead – I double dog dare you! ;-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.

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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 lose 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 you’re 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 your e-mail box with this week’s wrap up and the Just Picture It Now Newsletter.

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