As kids, we always want toys under the Christmas tree. As we age and get older, our interest in toys appears to change. For yours truly – they get a bit more technical and more expensive.

Hey – I still love my toys. ;-P

I would imagine however that a sizable percentage of us however would be very happy with cold hard cash under the tree as we get older. If I had to guess, it’s because cash gives us the ability to buy exactly what we want.

I have no idea what other companies are doing this year for Christmas in regards to Christmas bonuses. I would imagine that some will continue to ride the “bad economic times” coat tails. Bad economy or not, I remember two years when instead of a bonus – either myself or Ronda got laid off right around Christmas time.

And some wonder why we don’t consider a “job” very stable and looked at something like Network Marketing to earn income.

See – at least in Network Marketing or Direct Sales YOU control of how much you make. You’re paid in direct proportion to the results you produce. Which for those who have been brain washed into thinking you only need to exchange time for money is a real problem. For those that actually get this concept and take control of their time to treat MLM like a legitimate business (despite the low cost of entry) it can produce very lucrative results.

For anyone who’s not afraid of sales and knows how to manage their time and activities properly, there’s nothin’ better or more rewarding.

That being said – I’d challenge anyone to provide me with a bonus offer like the one I received late last week that kicks off today. Here’s a company that puts YOU in the drivers seat and enables you to create your own bonus this year.

It’s not like a traditional bonus. It’s one that you have to earn. But it’s also one that puts you in the drivers seat – enabling you to create your own outcome.

Here’s how it reads:

Earn a 25% BONUS this Christmas!

Introducing YTB Unwrapped this week – December 5-11, 2011.

With the big holiday gift giving season upon us, YTB wants to help make it a bit more manageable. For one week only beginning Monday, December 5, you’ll have the ability to earn a 25% bonus when you sell over $500 worth of products (excludes Travel Program Sales). And, that’s on top of your normal commission payout!

Here’s how it works:
Sell at least $500 worth of products (such as Suklaa, GreenTech, Z Mobile, or Ganovia) in any combination to non-Rep customers and we’ll pay you 25% of your retail amount sold.

For example, anyone who sells $500 will receive a bonus of $125 plus commission!

YTB Unwrapped begins Monday, December 5 — 5:00 p.m. Central with a special webcast on www.ZamZuuTV.biz

YTB Unwrapped will rebroadcast all week long at the top of every hour through December 11. Each product line will have its own 10-minute spot with 2 minutes in between. (We’ll also post these on our YouTube page to share individually with a prospective customer!)

Start scheduling appointments or host a party to showcase one or all of the YTB Family of products this week!

A couple points of clarification on what qualifies:
Shipping and taxes are not included in the retail price for this promotion. Sales are calculated to full paying clients outside of the YTB company. Sales at Rep pricing are not eligible for this bonus.

Let’s make this Christmas even more joyful with a 25% bonus!

~~~

I gotta tell you – this is why I love YTB and what it stands for. It’s product driven and empowers those who get Direct Sales and results based income. If you have the capacity to grasp the tools provided and the fact that you’re in control – it’s an incredible and very generous offer. 

It should make Christmas very merry this year anyone who goes out an earns it.

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Our family spent this past weekend in the mountains. The fall colors were magnificent. Every little mountain town was packed with people who were enjoying the fall festivals and fairs surrounded by gorgeous fall color and cooler temperatures.

Festivals and fairs are a huge part of the fall program. YTB is getting into the action starting tonight @ 8:00 pm Eastern, 7:00 pm Central and runs through Midnight on Thursday, October 20, 2011. You can check it all out on ZamZuuTV.com.

This year we’ve got more than just e-commerce deals – we’re combining it with travel for some spectacular savings during CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Week. You can join a local party which are being held all over the county – or you can simply log into ZamZuuTV.com and check things out from the comfort of your own home. You can also text the word ‘ZamFest’ to 58203 for a chance to win great prizes.

New to ZamFest this year are travel deals. In years past, we’ve always separated the two events, and you may already know about CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Week. Just about all the cruise lines are offering great specials and attractive offers this week. YTB is highlighting two in particular with MSC Cruises and Holland America. You can find more information about CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Week and specific vendor promotions here. Information for Holland America’s sale can be found here.

Globus is also offering a really good deal this week, where you can save $800 per couple on all 2012 Europe air-inclusive vacations. More info can be found here.

Make sure you check out our Doll Jeanie Sharpless while on the webcast. Jeanie will offer up an incredible perspective and help you pick just the right cruise experience during the ZamFest webcast. And since we’re also talking Europe and Globus, YTB Founder Coach Tomer makes an appearance with his wife to share experiences from their recent travels in Europe. Both will be fantastic insider experiences.

If shopping is your pleasure – we have deals for you on that as well. Here’s a list of national companies we’ve been able to contract with for Zamfest this week.

Check this out…

Looking for a concert great theatre experience or sporting event this year? TicketsNow is your connection to all the fun and excitement of live music, theater and sports. TicketsNow is an event ticket resale marketplace where fans of live entertainment buy and sell tickets. The marketplace provides safe and convenient access to hard-to-find event tickets. This week, find the best tickets at a discount. Use the code ‘ZAMFEST’ when placing your next order for 10% off. With TicketsNow, it’s on. This special sale lasts through October 31.

Take advantage of huge savings for a limited time online at Brookstone. Use promo code ‘ZAMFEST2′ now through 10/22/11 and get 20% off site wide at Brookstone. (Some exclusions apply, see their site for details.)

Looking for lighting fast Internet speeds? Do you want the ability to roam with your Internet connection? Or how ‘bout making the leap to VoIP? We’ve been using Clear products for the last two years and LOVE it. It’s fast, reliable, and they’ve got fantastic customer service. Receive 15% off your order with code ‘coach’ October 18 – 20, 2011.

Try out a new restaurant this fall and save with Restaurant.com. Save 60% off most purchases with code ‘ZAMFEST’! October 18 – October 20.

InkGrabber: October 18 – 20th enter code ‘ZAMFEST’ and get 10% off your order!
(Excludes OEM Items)

And of course, we can’t forget our ZamZuu partners. These folks launched exclusively with ZamZuu and that’s how they got their business launched. Word of mouth advertising from thousands of ZamZuu faithful really help their bottom line. Ask any of these companies and they’ll tell you, you can’t find a better ROI than a company like ZamZuu.

Chaé Organics is making this Zamfest extraordinary by letting you have access to all open stock items at 50% off! Enjoy organic, ToxicFree® products for every aspect of your life. Choose from household cleaning supplies, a full pet care line, basics for babies, advanced high performance skin and body care as well as hair care for any texture and color! During ZamFest, when you order from Chaé Organics you will get a FREE gift. We’ll enclose a quarter ounce (0.25 oz) Vitality Serum and VitalEyes, a combined value of $18.00. Chaé Organics always covers your cost of freight with a free gift!

Personalize That: Receive 20% off your order! Use Code: Fall into Savings

Crystal Memories: Receive 20% off! No code required; order online through a ZamZuu
Shopping Site

pH Perfect: Ionizer – The best deal ever at only $750! Normal Retail Price: $949! While supplies last.

ZamZuu Nutrition: Receive four for the price of one! Stock up on the best daily nutrition product available through our ZamFest promotions.

Ganovia Coffee: Great Package! Get one bag of Ganovia Classic Black, one bag of Ganovia Arabica Black, and a pH perfect water stick for $49.99! (The pH perfect water stick retails for $69.99 alone!) Call in to order at 618-216-4322. Just ask for the Ganovia and pH perfect stick combo!

Tune in beginning tonight on www.ZamZuuTV.com @ 8:00 pm Eastern 7:00 pm Central. If you happen to miss it, no worries. We’ll be rebroadcasting every hour on the hour until October 20 @ Midnight Central time.

Enjoy your savings!

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I love Football.

I’m also a huge fan of personal development. Since my family knows my interests and my passions – they got me “Get Coached” this year for Christmas.

Best Christmas present I think I’ve ever opened!

You might have seen this on TV. “Get Coached” is a set of 5 DVD’s, each featuring a celebrated and highly successful Football Coach. Each, share the secrets of their success both on and off the field.

The complete Get Coached 5 DVD Box set features one Coach who shares his success secrets on the following topics :

• Mike Ditka – “Total Commitment”
• Bobby Bowden – “God, Family and Football”
• Mike Singletary – “A Vision of Faith”
• Sean Payton -“Aim High”
• Rex Ryan – “Give It All You Got”

When it comes to sports – we think nothing of having a “Coach”. When it comes to the game of life however – it’s probably the furthest thing from most people’s minds – and that’s a huge mistake. Especially if you want to reach new levels and become successful in life and business. Each Coach has their own lessons on how you can empower yourself with the necessary tools to achieve great things.

What I find fascinating about this set is that many of the life lessons taught by these great men are lessons I’ve heard before. Much of what’s taught can be found in other books, seminars, and DVD’s. What this tells me (as it should you) is that success leaves clues. Doesn’t matter if it’s playing the game of football or the game of life – the principles found in this box set are universal for anyone who wants to achieve success.

Don’t take my word for it – here are several quotes from Amazon.com from others who have either purchased the DVD box set outright or gotten it as a gift:

These guys really get me PUMPED-UP to TACKLE ANY CHALLENGE! Each track is like your very own locker room pep talk (kick in the rear). Whenever I need some quick motivation, I just throw in one of these DVDs and instantly GET MY GAME ON! Also great for downloading to your iPod.

Not just for sports fans – these DVDs are for anyone who wants to advance their life through the guidance and experience of these highly successful, elite motivators, and winners.

This is one of the best motivational tools I have ever come across. The applicability of the messages are incredible, and the inclusion of some of the greatest football minds in the World enables the messages to be driven home with great effectiveness. This is a fantastic product that will make a great gift for the Holidays. A must see for anyone looking for motivation, both football fans and non-football fans alike. I only hope there are more DVDs of this type planned for the future!

The concept of highlighting Football Coach’s may be new – but the lessons found in this box set are timeless. I not only love the format (being an avid football fan) but it drives home that success is a strategy – not random luck.

Even more fascinating for me, was how I’ve gotten to know each of these men in greater detail. I gotta be honest – I never really liked Rex Ryan. He’s a bit much for my taste. But after watching his DVD, I have a new appreciation for what he stands for and what makes him tick. I actually understand why he is the way he is – and appreciate his methodology.

Sean Payton I’ve always liked for some reason and after watching his DVD – I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he’s accomplished as a coach of Saints. (Make that World Champion Saints.)

Like many of the other reviews I found and highlighted here, I also highly recommend this box set for anyone looking for tools and inspiration. It’s a set I’m using for my personal goals in 2011 and one that I’ll be watching over and over throughout the years. If there’s another series in the works – I’ll be one of the first in line to buy it.

If you’ve been thinking about this set for yourself – about all I can say (as taught to me from these fine men) is get yourself into the game. There is no thinking about it – and there is no try. You either will or you won’t.

Make the decision to commit and just do it.

You’ll be glad you did.

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I was reading a couple of the travel publications yesterday afternoon, and found an interesting read that I had to share from Travel Agent Central.

I found the original Press Release from Discover Financial Services and thought I’d place a copy of the release here – it’s a very optimistic and promising read.

Enjoy!

Discover® U.S. Spending Monitor^SM Reaches 3-Year High, Jumping 4.3 Points in November

Monitor’s Rise Fueled by Brighter Economic and Financial Outlook among Consumers; Spending Intentions Significantly Different from a Year Ago

RIVERWOODS, Ill., Dec 08, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Consumer confidence reached its highest point in three years and saw its biggest month-to-month increase since April as more Americans believe U.S. economic conditions are improving and their personal finances are getting better, according to the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor.

The Monitor, a poll of 8,200 consumers tracking confidence and spending intentions on a daily basis, rose 4.3 points in November to 91.8. Thirty-one percent of consumers feel economic conditions are improving, a 4-point increase from October. Forty-five percent of consumers feel economic conditions are getting worse, a 4-point decrease from October.

Consumers are feeling better about their personal finances, as well. Twenty-three percent, the most since February 2008, feel their finances are getting better, up 2 points from October and 4 points from 2009. For the second month in a row, fewer consumers report their finances are worsening; 45 percent say their finances are getting worse, down 2 points from the previous month and 4 points from last year.

Improved confidence among consumers is reflected in increased holiday spending intentions compared to this time last year, a hopeful sign for retailers looking to rebound from dismal holiday sales over the last two years.

9-Point Change in Holiday Spending Intentions Year-Over-Year

In 2009, two-thirds of consumers reduced their holiday spending budget, and half headed into the holidays looking to cut their discretionary spending. This year, the Monitor’s numbers tell a different story.

The number of consumers who say they expect to spend less this holiday season has fallen 9 points from 2009. Last November, 65 percent of consumers said they were going to spend less on holiday gifts than they did the year before; only 56 percent feel that way this year. Of the nine percent who shifted, the majority said they would spend about the same, but one in four said they would be spending more.

Consumer Spending Intentions: Slightly More Discretionary Spending, Less Cutting Back

The Monitor reported a 12-point rise to 35 percent in the number of consumers intending to spend more next month. Heading into the holiday shopping season, the rise was not unexpected, as the Monitor reported similar increases during this time over the last three years. Nineteen percent plan to spend less next month, down 2 points from October and 1-point from a year ago.

But consumers’ discretionary spending intentions are more upbeat compared to last year. In 2009, half of consumers went into December looking to cut discretionary spending. This year, many of them plan to either spend the same or more on discretionary purchases in the following areas:

• Going out to dinner or the movies: 51 percent plan to spend the same or more next month, a 5-point increase from 2009. 47 percent plan to spend less next month, down 3 points from a year ago.
• Home improvements: 47 percent plan to spend the same or more, up 4 points from last year. 48 percent plan to spend less, down 4 points.
• Vacation or gym membership: 51 percent plan to spend the same or more, up 5 points from 2009. 46 percent plan to spend less, down 4 points.

“Consumer confidence in the economy and their personal finances is significantly better than a year ago,” said Julie Loeger, senior vice president of brand and product management for Discover. “Their improved economic and financial outlook has resulted in far fewer consumers planning to cut their discretionary spending this year compared to 2009, encouraging news for retailers this holiday shopping season.”

49% Have Money Left Over After Paying Monthly Bills

Better views from consumers about their personal finances may have to do with the fact that for the first time in four months, more consumers have money left over in their budgets after paying monthly bills. Forty-nine percent said they had money left over, tying a Monitor high for 2010. However, November marked the 20^th consecutive month this number has been below 50 percent.

Eighty percent of those who do have money left over after paying monthly bills planned on having the same or more money left over than the previous month, the fourth straight month this number has equaled or topped 80 percent.

For the first time in five months, the Monitor reported an increase in the number of consumers expecting an income shortfall. The number reached 40 percent in November, rising 3 points from the previous month. In all likelihood, this is due to tighter budgets during the holiday shopping season. A similar rise was reported heading into the holiday shopping season last year.

For more Discover U.S. Spending Monitor survey data, charts and information, please visit www.discoverfinancial.com/surveys/spending.shtml.

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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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Shopping for that perfect holiday gift?

What do you get for the person who has EVERYTHING?

What about the person that’s SO hard to shop for?

Have I got a stocking stuffer for you!

It’s that time of year again! Carnival Cruise Gift Certificates are available NOW through December 31, 2010.

Gift Certificates are a great way to save now, and cruise later. It also provides an opportunity for you decide on your own what cruise you might like, or even when you want to go over the next 18 months.

It’s your cruise right?

All Gift Certificates can be upgraded to ANY cruise of choice. Simply pay the difference. We have a certificate valid for a 3-4 day for two, but want to take the entire family on a 7 day this spring. The Promotions Department at Carnival will be extremely accommodating for any upgrade and use what you have to fulfill your dream cruise.

We’ve sold these certificates the last couple of years and they’re a HUGE HIT for just about anyone.

• Parents, Relatives & Close Friends
• Teacher & Administrator Holiday Gifts
• Holiday Party Giveaways
• Chamber of Commerce Luncheons
• Retirement gifts for years of service
• Great alternative to year end cash bonus!

Certificates range from 3 – 8 day sailings and are valid for 2 guests sharing a stateroom and start at just $518 for both guests!

*This price is for a 3 day cruise certificate on selected ships only, in an interior category 4A stateroom for Fall sailings only (9/1/11 – 12/16/11) and does not include Government Fees, taxes or gratuities. Ocean view and balcony certificates are available at an additional cost. Full payment is due at the time the certificate is sold.

Certificates will be customized with the name of the person buying the gift. Recipient can pay to upgrade the certificate for higher cabin categories, additional days of cruising or for travel outside of the Fall travel period. No minimum purchase required. Certificate is valid for 18 months unless otherwise required by law.

Regardless if you’re a seasoned cruise veteran like us, or a first timer, a 100,000 ton cruise ship could be the most unique stocking stuffer your special someone has ever seen.

Bon Voyage!

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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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