Sorry I haven’t been around much lately. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to write before now, but writing has taken a back seat to business the last few weeks. Business has been going much better than expected right out of the gate, although it’s consumed a lot of my time and energy. It was important to me to set new standards and procedures right away, which has been welcomed by everyone that has seen both the old and new version of this business and management team. The new look and feel of the business has really paid off in spades.

When I first wrote about this business, and how optimistic I was about this new venture I mentioned how YTB (or any MLM really) was the perfect proving ground to change ones habits and thinking from being an “employee” to “business owner”. So much of what I was introduced to when I joined YTB wasn’t actually developed for MLM, but for traditional business. It was only adapted into the MLM model because it was sound business.

The lessons learned and the habits created over the last six years with YTB have made this transition from MLM to traditional business a piece of cake.

Don’t misunderstand me. There’s a lot of hard work involved. When my head hits the pillow at night, I’m exhausted. I don’t have a set schedule (like some 9-5) and practically work all hours. That being said, there’s still a nice balance of work and family time. For example, when the kids come home from school in the afternoon, I still take breaks to get them snacks, ask how their day was, and work with them on homework. After they’re in bed, I’m cashing out the daily sales, placing orders, preparing the lineup for the next day’s events, and responding to customer and employee e-mails.

Some of the daily tasks might have been different with YTB, but the work ethic and drive was instilled in me over the years because of MLM.

I also remember a time when commissioned sales intimidated the hell out of me. I never thought I was very good at it. One of those limiting beliefs I had about myself that just never served me very well. Sales always equated to being pushy for some reason – and that’s never been something I’ve been comfortable with. It wasn’t until YTB that it became a sheer numbers game of just asking and collecting an answer. Then it began to click. Not everyone gets (or wants) what you have. While most spend time trying to convince the wrong person for all the wrong reasons, I simply offered up features, advantages and benefits and collected an answer.

As Jerome Hughes has always said – “Tell me “Yes” – Tell me “No” – but tell me quick, I gotta go.”

I also liked what Rick Ricketts has always said – “I get up every morning and look for people who are looking for me.”

This idea of trying to convince family and friends is probably the biggest load of bull I’ve ever heard about MLM. It’s not that you shouldn’t ask, but if they simply don’t want to – your time is much better spent looking and asking someone else who will say yes. It’s not that I, Jerome, or Rick are any better at recruiting than anybody else.

We just asked more people.

In addition, when you have the right mindset and attitude, the right circumstances and people fall right into place. Part of my responsibility with the new business is new business development. I’ve since recruited someone who will focus on that aspect of the business in the coming months, but it’s my responsibility to get that ball rolling. One of those new areas is an entire county that was always part of the territory but never worked. A large task for sure, that I really wasn’t looking forward to cultivating. (Especially when I’ve got so many other responsibilities that I’m trying to manage.)

While out pounding the pavement in another territory, I got a lead from one of my other customers. I come to find out that this new lead happens to be in the very county I’m responsible for cultivating. While traveling, I make an immediate call to the new lead to introduce myself. Turns out, this new lead not only wants what I have, but thinks others could benefit from our services as well. There’s a meeting with a small group of 30 or more coming up in September that this new lead would like me to come out and do a presentation for if I wanted to.

If I wanted to?

Are you kidding me? The chance to present my business and services to 30 plus who could not only use my services but benefit from it in one fell swoop? It was just the shot in the arm I needed to get this new county and territory off the ground – and a lot quicker and easier than I had ever imagined.

I have no idea is you believe in or even know about “The Law of Attraction”. Most, I would hope have at least heard about the movie “The Secret”. I’ve heard both pro and con from others concerning this idea about attracting what you want into your life. Those that are pro know like I do that this “law” is an actual “law”, just like the “Law of Gravity”. You really don’t need to understand it or even except it – but it IS a law all the same. It works whether you want it to or not. It works whether you understand it or not.

Some of my readers are Faith based and “The Law of Attraction” actually parallels faith and belief. It’s not that I don’t have faith in God or a higher power – but my logical mind grasps the scientific aspects that everything we see, feel, and experience is “energy”. Some consider it “new age” or a “gimmick” and that’s fine. Truth is, there’s nothing “new age” about it. The idea and concept has been around for thousands of years.

Having this one person show up in my business out of the blue when my energy and thought levels have been so extreme and positive just adds more proof to me that we are all connected by this energy.

That energy stems from the fact that I’ve attained practical – real world business experience through YTB and MLM. It’s gone past the point of just knowing what to do and how to do it. It’s become habit for me after all these years.

I’ve tried reading books, attended seminars, even tried starting a few businesses prior to YTB without much success. Little did I realize that YTB and MLM would provide the tools and the habits necessary to get my MoJo on and find true business success.

If your serious about changing your circumstances and creating your own future and success in business, you need to not only take a serious look at MLM, but take MLM seriously – not just some hobby. There’s a wealth of information – and a ton of successful, motivated individuals who are more than happy to share and help you along the way. Take it from someone who not only knows, but has experienced it.

It’s real – it’s true – it’s practical. More so than any college course, seminar, or some know it all who thinks he or she has all the answers.

Want Business MoJo? Find a good MLM.

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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It’s post-Convention, and the kids head back to school on Monday so it’s time to put the pedal to the metal and get to work.

Which means – most likely a little less time here on the blog.

To keep everyone up to speed on what’s going on – a fantastic opportunity landed right in my lap that’s already producing a decent six figure income that I believe can double if I put my internet, marketing and sales talents to good use. The territory opened up this summer, and after being introduced to the Southeast Regional Sales Manager and taking a look at the contract, the investment, the territory and the compensation – I’ve decided to take it over and run the 10 county area.

The investment into the business and the monthly overhead and expenses to run the business is obviously more than $50 per month with YTB. I also looked at the Independent Contractors who I will be responsible for paying and working with in the territory. Only one has any type of Network Marketing experience, but everyone involved appears to be true sales people who appreciate commissioned sales like MLM. After speaking with the team, everyone agrees there is money to be made and like our Founders at YTB – there’s no amount of money they can think of that I won’t be willing to pay them – if they actually go out and earn it.

Oddly enough – my experience with YTB over the last 6 years was a huge asset for the Regional who handed over the contract to the territory to me this week. My unique qualifications made me a perfect candidate to take over and run this territory to realize its full potential. It is after all the largest concentration of customers in the Southeast Region this National Company has.

Imagine that? An Executive who not only knows – but appreciates the MLM and Direct Sales model and the qualifications and work ethic it creates for strong business prospects.

Who knew?

Prior ownership and management of this territory blamed the poor economy for dwindling sales. After further review, it appears management itself was to blame for the poor performance. Looking deeper, we found little or no involvement from management in the field, a lack of marketing and prospecting, and poor financial management when sales fell which finally landed the former Territory Manager in bankruptcy.

Having the proper answers and tools available to me as I move into ownership of this same territory and client base these are comforting assets at my disposal while turning this territory around. Many of the same tools and marketing techniques I’ve used and learned over the years will be used in this business as well. I’ve hung around and learned from some of the best marketers in the world in YTB. While the new company already has a website, newsletter, and marketing materials – this territory will see cleaner, fresher, and more relevant information from me to build customer unity and loyalty. These tools are already in place at no additional expense (other than time) to assist in the rebuilding process.

Furthermore, I truly believe this company can learn a thing or two about how marketing is done in this modern age from yours truly. But we aren’t going to just tell them about it – we’re going to show them by actually doing. ;-P

That being said, this new venture and responsibility may bring up the question if I’m actually leaving YTB for this new company.

Let me try to answer that as delicately and succinctly as I possibly can:

What – A – CROCK!

Are you kidding me? I love this company and the people. It’s because of YTB that I have the money, the tools, and the self-confidence to get into this new business venture. On top of that, now that YTB is refocusing its efforts on travel once again – I happen to see a unique opportunity for a very large group cruise with this new customer base next summer that could produce another six figures in travel commissions to me from YTB. In the meantime, this new company will generate at least that much for me and my family over the next year.

Remember, opportunities never go away; they simply go to those who are ready for them. Like YTB all those years ago, it wasn’t cause I couldn’t afford to do it – I couldn’t afford not doing it. An opportunity and a territory of this size doesn’t come along every day, and since it landed right in front of me – the challenge and the income potential was just too enticing and lucrative to pass up.

I’ll still be around – and still promoting and reporting on YTB. Over the next few weeks however, I need to get my arms around this new business venture and get the proper responsibilities delegated to the proper people who now work with me. There’s more money and responsibility involved as we move into this business than we ever had with YTB. But isn’t that what personal development and growth is all about? Didn’t we join YTB to change our mindset from “employee” to “business owner” and help change our financial future in the process?

Some, both inside and those on the outside looking in, believe that YTB is the only answer in gaining financial independence. For some it may be, because it’s a very good opportunity and strong business model with multiple streams of income. Where people fall short however is this belief or accusation that it’s the “only way” to gain financial freedom. Real security and independence over the long haul comes from diversity. The YTB Founders do it, the Directors do it, and the smartest most successful business minds in history have done it.

Didn’t know that? Well, for starters, you might want to look up Henry Ford and his relationship with Kingsford Charcoal.

Thing is – nobody knows that because they’re all brainwashed to think like an employee.

Not me…I have my own mind, and my own business opportunities now thanks to what our Founders and the people in YTB gave to me. It may have been the first investment I made to create my financial future – but from my experience, including this latest development, it’s still the best.

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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By now, just about everyone has caught wind of the current Administrations “faux pas” surrounding the a once thought of guarantee of Social Security checks and the possible delay for current benefactors in August.

While the White House is doing some major damage control right now due to the way the media reported it and how the American public perceived the “warning” – it should be noted that the days of Social Security checks are numbered regardless of what Congress can accomplish with the budget and our debt ceiling.

To this day, it’s still odd to me how we find an abundance of pin heads out there that proclaim that Network Marketing is an unsustainable model. Yet, when push comes to shove, nobody has ever been able to provide a single solitary example of one MLM or Network Marketing company that has ever exhausted the world’s population. Heck, you can combine all Direct Sales and MLM companies in the industry and still couldn’t find that last person who didn’t have at least someone to talk to or sell product to.

Idiots who throw this “pyramid scheme” lingo around simply to place the fear of God into others aren’t smart enough to realize that this theory is just that – a theory. The reality of MLM and it’s real world applications are vastly different from their false and very limiting beliefs.

On the contrary, the model has proven its stability and longevity for over a century now. You have the Direct Selling Association (DSA) that was founded in 1910 to protect and serve this industry over the last 100 years. You also have companies like AVON who has been doing business since 1889 still selling and still recruiting women all around the world. Tupperware, Amway, Mary Kay all founded before I was born and just blasting this “fear” about sustainability right out of the water by selling billions of dollars a year.

To add insult to injury, these same pin heads will tell you to go out and get yourself a “real job” – exchanging 40 hours a week of your time for a fixed amount of income.

I don’t know how or why so many in this country became so complacent, lazy and stupid.

The debt ceiling appears to be covering up the real issue of our Social Security system. Nobody seems to be asking the real question of why the money isn’t there for these benefactors. I mean, you hand over 12.4% of your income to be placed in reserve for when you retire – so where is it? Very few understand that this system we’ve all taken for face value (because the Government is supposed to “protect” us) is doing nothing more than paying for the benefactors who retire before you.

In other words: If you want to take a look at a real – practical – and legitimate “pyramid scheme” you need to look no further than our Social Security system.

Back when I first got involved with YTB, Social Security reform had been place at center stage. The Bush administration saw there was a problem and was searching for ideas to address it. We all have short memories, and there are those who want to forget the Bush years. This USA Today piece however pretty much sums up what was going on in that day and age – just six short years ago.

The idea at the time was personal accounts as a way to fix the cash crunch. Money invest in would be reserved for those individuals only. The USA editorial explained perfectly why the current Social Security system is your classic pyramid scheme.

“Given low birth rates and rising life expectancies, in time, Social Security won’t be able to sustain our elderly population without punitively taxing workers.”

It goes on to state:

“For Gen X, though, this program sounds awful. No matter how poor you are, you pay 12.4% of your income, every year, to maintain Mossman’s cash flow.

Sure, Mossman paid in, funding other retirees. Their taxes funded original recipients who didn’t pay a dime. This is the classic definition of a pyramid scheme, which eventually has too many folks to pay off with too few suckers paying in. Thanks to the 1946-64 baby boom, Gen X is firmly in the “too few suckers” bin.”

And we’re right at the cusp of this dreadful reality. For the next 20 years there will be more than 10,000 baby boomers per day looking to retire for the next 20 years. Some 78 million people all “worthy of” a Social Security check because they’ve been “buying in” all these years.

Knowing what you know now – including the current economic climate – what do you think your chances are of seeing even a penny of your “buy in” when you’re ready to retire?

Are you beginning to understand just how silly and irrational this idea of pointing the finger at MLM’s and Network Marketing when a real – practical example like our Social Security system looms over every tax payers head?

That being said – I’m not going to tell you that MLM or Network Marketing is the only answer in solving your issue of Social Security not being there for you when you retire. There are plenty of options to protect you and actually provide a very comfortable retirement. But if you think you can count on Social Security being there for you – dammit – you need to wake up and see the writing on the wall.

A very real and legitimate example of a “Pyramid Scheme” is staring you right in the face – courtesy of the Government that many believe is there to protect them from such evils.

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 would start off with “I hate to say it” but that wouldn’t be accurate or true. Fact of the matter is – I’m rather pleased that “I told you so“.

In a press release announced yesterday, YTB has agreed to enter into a final judgment and consent decree by the court without trial or adjudication of any issue of fact or law concerning yet another slanderous and erroneous lawsuit against YTB – this one filed by the Attorney General in Illinois.

Total damages of this lawsuit – basically restitution for approximately 300 people. I’m being generous with this number, simply taking the $500 start-up fee in the purchase of an online booking engine and not accounting for any monthly fees. We’ve learned from the Class Action that has been thrown out of court a half dozen times (and counting) that most who look for this type of refund or restitution don’t give the business much time or effort before they throw up their arms and quit.

Total cost of the restitution – $150,000 which represents 0.002% of everyone who’s ever signed up with YTB Travel as a Referring Travel Agent.

It’s important to note that all this money should go to former RTA’s of the company. There’s never been any fee for the right sell these websites to anyone (known as a “REP”) – although someone in the Class Action suit never paid a dime, but wanted restitution anyway.

Even when you combine the restitution to “victims” in the California suit settled two years ago, that still totals less than $300K. If you’re thinking – “wait a minute that was settled for $1 million?” you’re partially correct. Almost 90% or more exact – $875,000 went directly to the State of California, leaving a measly $125,000 for the “victims” that suit was designed to protect.

Look – I know how all these law suits put some people in a tizzy. Frankly, some who don’t know squat about Network Marketing (and never will the ignorant Zealots) became raving lunatics about the claims filed. Problem is – these suits were just that – claims. Most simply skipped ahead and proclaimed YTB was guilty of what was said simply because it matches their limited knowledge about the industry as a whole.

Now those who claim to be experts but have no real – practical experience will certainly have egg on their face. Truth is and always has been that nobody ever paid for the opportunity to recruit others. In addition and like it or not, other Host Agencies do charge a startup fee and monthly maintenance to partner with them.

And let me tell you – there was just no way any court would allow anyone to bypass those facts. Not even an Attorney General.

So here I sit today, with the same company, pretty much the same booking engine, and an even better opportunity I had three years ago. My commissions have actually increased from 60% to 75% on travel, and I’ve got an online store that gives me additional commission and provides cash back to my customers.

Instead of going out of business like some had speculated – I ended up with a better business. And I didn’t have to move an inch.

That’s what YTB has always been for me. Nor was there ever any doubt that it would survive. The clowns with the circus act with tails about a “house of cards” this and “endless chain” that don’t have a clue what their talking about. I know the industry from experience, I also know that Founders from personal contact. It was very clear to me that people totally underestimated both. That’s why I stuck around.

Sure there will be those that will continue to harp on the failed attempts to put the company under. They need someone like Jerry Brown or Lisa Madigan to justify their meaningless existence and limiting beliefs. There will also be those that want to focus on the recruiting aspect of the company. If they do more power to them – it’s their problem and misinformation, not mine. Network Marketing has been available and sustainable for the last 125 years. So get over it.

To me – honestly – some acted like such crazed dogs they need to be shot and put out of their self-inflicted misery. It never ceases to amaze me how some will just prowl every nook and cranny to find something they can get upset about. Or even worse, just make it up as they go along. And when challenged with an opposing view, they pretend to talk to someone else who agrees with them. Like that’s healthy or even normal.

I have to admit – it’s hard to believe that all this started three years ago. It sure has flown by. Probably because I always knew the bark was far worse than the bite. While some can’t seem to distinguish the obvious difference between a legitimate Direct Sales company or MLM and some long winded and very broad terminology that scream “pyramid scheme” it’s good to see that right still wins over wrong.

Happy to have all this behind us and I’m certainly ready to move on with a stronger, more lucrative, and diversified company. In that regard, I’m certainly not sorry any of this happened. Times like these always separate the weak from the strong – and the strong always get stronger.

Maybe now with this last suit out of the way we can get back to what we initially set out to do three years ago – Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Travel.

It’s been long overdue.

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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When I bought this domain back in 2004, I had no idea it would turn into something like this. The name actually came from another business I created at the time that did okay – but honestly, had no clue how to market at the time. When I purchased the domain, “Just Picture It Now” was a business that put your pictures on hats, coffee mugs, t-shirts and even underwear.

Year’s later, this domain is well known for YTB Travel, ZamZuu along with an experienced and accurate account of the Direct Sales and Network Marketing industry. Because I’ve been consistent in my writing with hundreds of articles and never shy away from controversy – this site is now well linked with hundreds of outside sites and domains pointing here.

In Internet terms, this is called a backlink, which is like a vote when it comes to search engines. The more backlinks you have pointing to your site from unique IP addresses and servers the more credibility you have in the eyes of Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines.

When I see an backlink in my dashboard I check it off as another vote. (And no, Google doesn’t care one iota about what’s actually being said; just that someone is pointing Internet users here.)

Building backlinks to your pages is an essential part of SEO (short for Search Engine Optimization) for two reasons. The first reason is that it helps your pages get indexed faster, which is very important because you want the search engines to find them as soon as possible and crawl them regularly. (I’ve seen brand new articles of mine index within 5 to 10 minutes.) The second reason is that it helps your pages get higher search engine rankings for the keywords of your choice.

The more backlinks you have, the better. Period.

However, building backlinks can be a time-consuming process. I’ve been writing for years on various subjects. I’ve also garnered both positive and negative attention over the years, and a lot of people point to this site for information and articles. Some outsource the process to an agency and pay a lot of money. Or you can do it yourself with a very cool little tool that was recommended to me called SocialMonkee.

When talking with a friend of mine about our new site OurSharedEarth.com, I mentioned how I wish I had the type of links there that I have here. He’s been helping others with SEO and site management for years. When he recommended SocialMonkee as an instant backlink builder allowing you to build 25 unique backlinks, every day, for free I want to check it out. When I saw that all links are on unique C-Class IP addresses and domains that was a huge plus. (As the video on the page mentions, it would cost an arm and a leg to do it yourself.) Imagine being able to create 25 unique backlinks every day from separate domains, separate IP’s and separate servers, with the click of a button?

So, 25 unique backlinks every day. That’s a total of 175 backlinks every week, 750 every month. You can also upgrade and build 100 unique backlinks, up to 3 times a day. That would make a total of 2,100 backlinks every week, 9,000 every month. The good news is – you can get a Premium Account, free! All you need to do is to refer 12 members, and your account will automatically be upgraded. If you’re not really into referral marketing, you may upgrade right now for a low one-time fee.

Submitting a page or an article to Social Monkee via the member’s area takes under two minutes. They’ve also created a Firefox plugin (Which I’ve installed and currently use) that allows you to submit your page to up to 100 sites in just a few clicks, using nothing but Firefox. If you have a Premium Account you will also get access to link reports and RSS feeds, which are great to keep track of your backlinks and get them indexed fast. Submitting your RSS feeds to RSS submitters is actually a very important step in link building.

I’ve heard that Social Monkee won’t be free forever, so it’s best to get on the ball now if you’re looking to build backlinks to your site. Honestly, I think it’s worth it, even if they do charge a fee, but because it’s free now – it’s really a no brainer for anyone looking to create more recognition and search optimization to your site. In a few days or weeks, you’ll have a ton more backlinks to your site adding brand recognition and search engine credibility.

It’s worth a try – get Social Monkee here.

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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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.

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 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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