Business got cranked back up this week after a two week vacation with family over the Christmas Holiday. We hit what seemed like the entire East Coast with stops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina in our 14 day road trip. One of the best Christmas vacations in recent memory. After our hectic schedule working double time 6 weeks prior – it was a welcome and much need opportunity to just unplug – get away and enjoy ourselves.

While getting back into work mode this week, I was out visiting customers yesterday. I asked if Santa was good to them. One response really struck a chord with me.

“Better than I deserve.”

Aside from being one of the most unique answers I think I’ve ever heard – I loved this response because of its optimism. We hear so much “doom and gloom” and how everyone is struggling with “the poor economy” from the media, it was really refreshing to hear about someone who had a grand Christmas.

I can certainly relate in several ways and I asked if I could use the phrase – I’d even give them credit. The response was once again classic comedy and something Ron Head always kids about as well.

“Just give me credit the first three times. After that – feel free to use it as your own.”

In 2011, it felt like Santa was around all year long. We got the house painted, two new cars, brand new stainless steal appliances in the kitchen and personal trainers to help take our personal fitness to a whole new level. Christmas day wasn’t too shabby either. I’ll be doing a review in a week or so about one of the nicest presents I’ve ever gotten for Christmas. It wasn’t from Santa, but from my wife, who has once again managed to fulfill another dream of mine.

Thing is – we were able to do all this in 2011 because we have several vehicles that are firing on all cylinders right now. And no, I’m not talking about the two new Chryslers sitting out in our garage. I’m talking about business vehicles that gave us the opportunity to purchase both new rides.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that we create our own reality. In other words, it’s our own thoughts and actions that produce the results that actually show up in our lives at the present time. If you don’t like what’s happening right now, something you’re doing needs to change in order for it to change. The best way to do that is by making a small improvements or adjustments on a daily basis. Brian Tracy tells us that just a small 1% improvement each day can create dramatic effects over time. I can tell you from my own experience, that’s more true than most realize.

If things are cooking and life is really good like it is for us right now – what are the most important thoughts and activities of value that you’re doing to ensure that you keep the good times rolling? As a business owner you need to remember what Jim Rohn taught us – you don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour. The more value you bring to the table, the more income you’ll realize at the end of the day.

And there’s no cap or ceiling. Nobody actually dictates what you’re actually worth “per hour” other than you.

I still see close friends and neighbors who’ve been laid off or downsized that continue to look for another “job”. Why? Because they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that a “job” equates to “security”. Two of those neighbors here in the neighborhood lost their homes in 2011 because they were waiting for that steady – secure “job”. Every time I drive past both homes, I think to myself what could have happened if I opened up my mouth and told them what I was really thinking when they told me they where looking for that “steady income” and “security”.

More than likely it would have ticked them off because they’ve been brain washed into thinking another way. It also would have been seen as cruel and mean – but sometimes the truth can be cruel. I know, I’ve been there. I spent three years bouncing from one “secure job” to another. I got downsized by one company. I got locked by another by another company who got caught cooking the books and reported false earnings to the SEC. I got closed down by yet another company who decided to go they way of big box retailers. And the final straw was the one who filed for bankruptcy. All in the period of about 3 years.

That’s not security. That’s insanity.

I deserved better.

It wasn’t until YTB came along back in 2005 that I actually found something that provided the tools, the information, the leadership and the support system to not only change my thinking, but change my habits and work ethic to be self sufficient. It gave me a sexy product to market that I was passionate about and provided true leaders and mentors who could actually walk the walk – not just talk the talk. I simply took a little from “this” Founder, a little from “that” Director and made my own way to real security. So much security that by the time all the false claims and attacks that where thrown at YTB in 2007 and 2008 – I was more than capable and diversified enough to weather any outcome.

Of course, I was also intelligent enough, with enough business savvy at the time to distinguish between what was real – and what was mere perception.

Today, the false claims and the frivolous lawsuits seem like a distant memory when I look at my YTB business and booking engine today. All the fear mongering and wild speculation that went along with it by a few dysfunctional, self serving loud mouths who thought they had it all figured out.  My how time has a way of dishing out some true reality.

Truth is – I deserved better a far better outcome, and that’s exactly what I got.

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There’s an e-mail that has circulated for years every Christmas. Many of faith feel as if the true meaning of Christmas gets lost in all the hustle and bustle of the current day.

The e-mail states that Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829, when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law – private or public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic.

It also states that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written during this time in England as one of the “catechism songs” to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith – as a memory aid.

The songs gifts have hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith.

That was the 16th century – but in 21st century we see those who play “Scrooge” to ridicule and condemn those who want to not only remember, but celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Some have “pooh-poohed” the origins of this religious meaning and the song. They merely debunk this as an “urban myth” out of personal agendas, or have tried to discredit this account in the name of historical accuracy.

While they claim a religious meaning is nothing more fanciful modern day speculation – what is omitted is that there is no “substantive evidence” that will disprove it either.

For us – it’s not about believing what we see - it’s seeing what we believe.

The true “Spirit” of Christmas.

Regardless of the songs true origins, we need to remember why Christians celebrate this holiday with deep roots in Faith and the birth of God’s Son.

Perhaps more important is that today, Christians CAN celebrate their rich heritage, and God’s grace, through one more avenues this Christmas. Hopefully now, when you hear what was once thought as only a secular “nonsense song,” you’ll be reminded of the grace of God working in transforming ways in your own life and in our world.

After all, is that not the TRUE meaning of Christmas anyway?

So here the are: “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with a religious interpretation and meaning that puts “Christ” back into “Christmas”.

1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
2. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.
4. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
5. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
7. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit–Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
8. The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit–Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.
10. The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
11. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Disciples.
12. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Merry Christmas!

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I love the Christmas Season. While I love the Season, it’s also the most hectic time of year for our family – especially this year.

The business venture we took over back in August has compounded our busy schedule but has also paid off in spades. We just finished up on a six week mission to reach out to and service every single location we have in time for Christmas. While we worked double time the last six weeks, the kids had several events going on with school and extracurricular activities that added to our busy schedule.

At times – we didn’t know which end was up.

The hectic schedule finally wound to a close on Friday, and by the time you read this, we’ll be off on a two week vacation with family. Long breaks like this is one of the many perks of the business, and it’s why we committed to working so hard that last six weeks.

While we’ll be vacationing the next two weeks, both Ronda and I are way behind on our goal setting that we do each and every year. It’s a habit that we’ve always done, but really didn’t take seriously until we got involved with YTB. It was one of the many tools we bought into in order to achieve success.

Overall both of us agree that 2011 far exceeded our wildest expectations and dreams. So much so – the future’s so bright…

We gotta wear shades.

(Oh COME ON! You had to of known it was coming.)

With the current year coming to a rapid close, we’ll be setting aside time the next two weeks to take a look at 2012 and beyond to dream and strategize about what we’d like to accomplish and what our world should look like.

Both Ronda and I are dreamers. On top of dreaming big – we also believe that somehow – some way the resources and avenues will find its way to us to make it happen. The most difficult part of the whole process is having the patience and persistence to follow through and take the appropriate action to make it all happen.

We’ve heard it time and time again, and I’m sure you have too at one time or another:

“Never – Ever – Give Up.”

I have to admit – there were times that a comment like that felt like lip service. I mean, I heard it, but the words didn’t have the impact that was intended, because I was still in the thralls of reaching for my goals but not quite achieving them.

If you’re feeling like that at this time of year, I want to ask you – actually I really need to beg you – “Never give up.”

Now – I don’t want to come across as hype or some pie in the sky dreamer. I can assure you, that I’ve been there – done that – and even have a T-shirt that says so. I know how the mind can play it’s tricks and that voice can be so loud that it can cancel things out.

But I want you to do this before the new year – because it’s probably one of the most important steps you can do to create a world that’s so bright – you’ll be wearing those shades.

I have a close friend who really helped me with this and most of you may remember Andy Cauthen. If you didn’t know Andy – you should have. Andy was President & COO of YTB Marketing, Inc. and a very dear and close friend. One of Andy’s legacies, was a popular series or course that he produced a number of years ago and caught fire on the subject of “Goal Setting“. It’s one of the finest and most thorough pieces we’ve ever read on the subject.

Andy not only goes into how to set goals, but the type of goals you should be thinking about. It’s a time to dream – and dream big.

Why is this step of goal setting so important? Try this exercise the next time you work on a jigsaw puzzle. Turn all the pieces over, and attempt to complete it upside down. Fact is – the pictures on the other side make a huge difference in completing the puzzle. And that’s what goal setting does – completes a picture. Think about it. You don’t take a trek across the country without a road map do you? You don’t build a house without a set of blueprints, right?

Far too many people actually plan to fail because the fail to plan.

If you want your future to be bright and full of promise – both Ronda and I want to invite you to take some time before the new year to set some goals and work out a plan. Neither one of us can truly express how much it’s meant to both of us. Not only in our professional lives – but our personal life including our family and our marriage.

If you’ve never done something like this – it’s time to start. But only if you really want to enjoy your life and be all you can be.

You only get one shot at this journey we call life – so why not take some time to plan it out so you can really – truly enjoy it?

Who knows you might be wearing the same shades and singing the same tune we are this time next year!

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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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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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Our family is enjoying the winter break together. Everyone in the family loves this time of year. We all get into the spirit of Christmas. It starts the weekend before Thanksgiving when we decorate the house with lights and a tree. We’re always the first in the neighborhood to have Christmas lights up – it gives us more time to enjoy other lights. We’ve spent part of the week cruising neighborhoods to look at lights. We do it every year – and while there are favorite neighborhoods, we always find new displays to gaze at.

Our youngest asked the question if Christmas was celebrated around the world. We had a very simple “yes” for him while enjoying the lights. When we got home however, we found the perfect e-mail that was forwarded to us that helped illustrate an answer to his question.

Our youngest suggested that we put up a copy on “Daddy’s Blog” so everyone can see. We were only to happy to oblige, and it gave the two of us some quality time together as we learned where each location was on “Google Maps”. We’re not sure when or where this piece originated, and you can find several copies on the internet.

Enjoy!

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the ‘Pathway of Peace’ represent the 50 U.S. states.

Merry Christmas!

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