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.

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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”.

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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A couple weeks ago we kicked off the Christmas Shopping Season with ZamFest. In that report, we linked to a chart provided by ZippyCart.com that expected that almost half (49%) off all holiday shoppers plan to shop online. (Up from 42% a year ago.)

Online retailers are in FULL SWING this Holiday Season to capture the increase of online shoppers. I have two folders in Outlook that collect e-mails from retailers. One for retailers I’ve spent money with online – and one from retailers I’ve made money with online. If I didn’t corral the massive amount of promotional e-mails into these folders, they’d overtake my e-mail account. The massive amount of solicitations from retailers is overwhelming as they all try to convince you that they have the best deals this Holiday Season.

While I haven’t been able to read every single promotion, I’ve yet to see one that mentions standing in line at the store during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. In fact, many of them point out that the line connected to Internet is not only shorter, but offers a larger selection, and is cheaper to boot.

To take advantage of the increase of online shoppers ZamFest is back for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Now, shoppers can take part in all the fun by joining ZamZuu for a savings spectacular without the long lines. Wearing their pajamas while shopping for deals is actually encouraged during the event when it begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Friday, November 26. The company will begin posting amazing Black Friday Dealz on the ZamZuu Dealz Facebook page.

Personally, I hate shopping and this is a much better alternative for this annual frenzy. The thought of getting tangled up in the chaos of Black Friday is an event I’d rather avoid. Part of it comes from years of working in the retail industry with Gateway (before they closed their stores) and HiFi Buys (before they filed for bankruptcy.) The frenzy – the mess – the extended hours – and the attitudes of shoppers during this time of year did not make my Holiday all that cheerful or jolly.

I know there are shoppers who either camp out all night, or get up way too early to hit the stores before the sun comes up Black Friday to head out to stores. To me, that’s just nuts. Especially when you can shop online and get that same deal in just a few clicks and you’re done. No mad rush, no long lines, and no disappointment that you have to trek to another store when the display has been decimated by crazed shoppers who got there before you did.

No thanks.

Another big push I’m seeing in all these solicitations from retailers is “Cyber Monday”. A growing event over the years that’s designed specifically for Internet shoppers and everyone is getting on board to increase sales, making the most out of the Holiday shopping season. If there’s any doubt that online retailing hasn’t caught on or a significant part of a retailers overall strategy to increase revenue – you don’t need to look any further than annual event.

ZamZuu is also hosting a special Cyber Monday webcast beginning at 12:01 a.m Eastern, Monday, November 29 and rebroadcasting for a full 24 hours of unbelievable deals from ZamZuu. A great opportunity to pick up some great presents with special savings all from the comfort of home.

We did the MAJORITY of our shopping during the same weekend last year and never left the house. We found better inventory, better prices, and a much better atmosphere. (NO CROWDS) These online stores were also open 24/7 so we could shop and buy when at a time that suited us best.

Last year, we had all the kids presents drop shipped to Pittsburgh (Grandma and Grandpas) keeping the presents out of reach from prying eyes! A big plus for us as parents, and the kids where actually surprised last year. (LOL!)

Don’t miss it! These amazing deals are only a couple days away with Black Friday Dealz and the ZamZuu webcast on Cyber Monday!

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We heard about this back at Convention last month, and it’s arrived on our ZamZuu sites.

ZamZuu Services.

We mentioned a couple of the new services less than a month ago – right after Convention. Promoting how valuable these products are was fairly easy when the subject matter is family safety and personal identity.

If your thinking that these services are just another product offering or market that YTB has recently decided to get into – think again. Those of us who’ve been around for a while have heard Coach talk about this market for quite some time. If you recall, he made his fortune as a Rep with a company called A.L. Williams. (Now Primerica.)

A.L. Williams set out to transform the life insurance industry. They originated the “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” philosophy which encourages families to purchase affordable term life insurance so they can get the protection they need at a price they can afford and have more money to invest in their family’s future.

Today the Primerica generates $80 billion in life insurance annually.

These types of services not only work well in our industry, A.L. Williams did more business than all other traditional models COMBINED during it’s height.

ZamZuu Serivces are state-of-the-art services and products that insure, educate, and protect you and your family’s current and future well being. Just look for the ZamZuu Services ad to start shopping. (It’s the second store in the middle of the page.) It’s the new home of ZamZuu Insurance plus great new products like EduNation, KidZafe and more.

It’s a whole new product offering adding even more value as a one stop shop. Check it out today!

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Before YTB, I was living the American Dream – or so I thought. The “reality” was I had been bumbling through a number of companies that left me high and dry. Any illusions I had about the corporate world were quickly being shatter. Family Golf ran out of money and was bought out by an Asian group who promptly fired everyone. Anicom got caught cooking their books – was shut down by the FTC and the founders imprisoned. ISP lost its manufacturing contracts to the internet for the territories I covered. iAutomate never reached the internet dominance it aimed to achieve and was downsized. And my last stint with Hi-Fi Buys eventually ended in bankruptcy court.

The American Dream of getting a good education and finding a J.O.B. was a carrot I wasn’t willing to chase any longer. My discontent over the lie about working for someone else had me frustrated and looking for options when YTB came knocking.

Three guys – Coach, Scott and Kim turned me onto the idea of being in business for myself. They offered my first products I could offer and sell as an “independent representative”. Harv Ecker and Bob Proctor soon followed in my journey who showed me other income streams. All of the streams they create are “passive” – meaning I don’t have to be there to generate income. Guys like Mike Dillard taught me the value of branding myself. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ve heard that name before – and many have bought Mike’s Magnetic Sponsoring courses. Mike’s primary business teaches the value of something called a “funded proposal”.

Coach, Scott and Kim taught the value of building a business within the YTB business, but I also like what Mike calls it.

“You, Inc.”

I became a student of “You, Inc.”. While everyone knows I’m tied to YTB, now ZamZuu – my brand is “Just Picture It Now”. With this brand, I now own a well visited blog with various tools and affiliate products that create income. I also own a list of subscribers that now reach thousands each and every week. Auto-responders within our newsletter create a steady stream of income that work on auto-pilot. Articles on this blog also create a steady stream of income with well ranked organic links. Articles I’ve written years ago continue to produce income almost every month. Those are the passive income streams that Ecker and Proctor taught me.

“You Inc.” provides me the option to pursue opportunities that interest me such as writing, up-in-coming technology, and pay-per-click income that keeps my brand diversified, fresh and profitable. I pick and choose who and what I promote with incredible flexibility and versatility. This diversity has enabled me to stay with YTB far longer without any worry of the outside forces attempting to tear it down. The economic meltdown of late 2008 and 2009 and the hit the travel industry took forced many to make changes. The needless “YTB bashing” that goes on about their “model” being something other than viable or legitimate has forced others to make changes as well.

Me? I was diversified enough that income actually increased while millions all over the country were being laid off, downsized or scrambling to find other sources of income which had dried up.

I’ve always been an independent thinker. I never would have gotten involved with YTB in the first place if I wasn’t. I saw right through the hype and trash talk about pyramid schemes that we often see from those who haven’t any experience to speak of. I’ve heard it said that if somebody tells you what they think – take it with a grain of salt. If someone tells you what they’ve experienced however – you better listen.

What I’m about to tell you may sound shocking to some – controversial to others – but it rings true for me. Based on my experience in the corporate world, the bickering and fighting going on by traditional travel agents who have seen commissions either diminish or completely vanish and the Directors in YTB who built large organizations who are now with different companies – I’ve come to this conclusion.

True independence and success comes from multiple opportunities and various streams of passive income.

Last week YTB announced its new Director level and enhanced compensation starting at 250 active IBC’s. The new level also provides additional guaranteed income with fully paid medical and life insurance paid for by the company. I didn’t write about it here, but I did put it in last weekend’s newsletter – because it’s news. Honestly, when I heard about the new level, I was surprised at me first initial thought’s. When I did put it out on my newsletter to my subscribers, it was uncomfortable.

Then, earlier this week I was asked to pick either YTB or my other “ventures” and my gut reaction was shocking – even to me.

As good as the Directors program is and as much as it provides to individuals and their families – it’s not the right goal or option for me.

I’m an “Independent Representative” not a “Director”.

How do you like them apples?

I got into YTB to create my own independence. Over the last 6 years I’ve built and now utilize several profitable income streams. It’s enabled me to survive the chaos and the slandering where others haven’t because they were counting on a single source. Directors who built large organizations are now gone because they relied on one company. Travel Agents have been bickering for years, or are out of business doing something else because they rely on one stream. Even I was forced to jump from company to company for years because I relied on a single revenue streams before I found YTB.

The true value for me in YTB are all the income streams – not the Directors program. The position lands me right back where I was 6 years ago and doesn’t provide the current options and streams I’ve been able to create and build on my own.

It’s not that I’m upset or angry with YTB. To the contrary – I couldn’t have dreamed of a better vehicle to start my journey. YTB has been a wonderful experience for me and was the first company to provide multiple streams. I had never been with a company with so many possibilities prior. Likewise, the Director program is a first of its kind. The medical, life and guaranteed income benefits not only rival but are the envy of the corporate world. With benefits like these – the company has every right to attach reasonable conditions for that privilege.

It’s their company and they make the rules.

But as good as it is and as much as I wanted it – along the way I found my own true independence and own income streams where I make the rules.

The world has changed. Likewise, the internet and technology continues to evolve and change at a rapid pace. It’s exciting – it’s fresh. The internet offers up endless possibilities and an abundance of opportunities to market and promote whatever I want. It didn’t really occur to me until I was asked to make a choice between my own business here on the internet and the one I run with YTB. Without realizing it until this week – I’ve successfully generated a brand that’s more valuable and meaningful on my own.

I don’t know what’s going to happen over the next couple of days guys. While my gut reaction was instant and sure – I told YTB that I had to think about it. But my gut has never been wrong. It’s a message from the Divine. There may be an applicable resolution to all this that I can do both – and I’d like to do both. I love YTB – and I especially love the people I’ve been able to help. Thousands rely and count on me each and every week to inform and mentor them. I’m not looking to steal anyone or trash YTB in any way. That’s selfish and unprofessional.

Overall, YTB has been far too good to me and I’m incredibly grateful to them for showing me the path to my own independence and freedom.

But I also own this blog and my list of subscribers which provided me the freedom and flexibility to speak my own mind and provide my own path.

I’m at complete peace with anything that may come my way. If I can survive horrendous economic conditions and needless trashing of a company I promoted wholeheartedly – I can survive anything.

That my friends is real – true independence.

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 my favorite quotes of all time comes from two of my favorite people I truly admire and respect. One is Neal Boortz and the other is Harv Ecker. Both men are incredibly intelligent and extremely successful. The quote I’m talking about, you’ve read here before.

“Don’t believe a word I say – unless you can verify it on your own to be true.”

That lesson is one that has proven to help me uncover the pure crap I see and read on the internet. Admittedly, I’ve had great fun over the years with screen names over on scam.com and anti-mlm zealots like John Frenaye as I’ve exposed their bizarre behavior, twisted perceptions, and limiting beliefs. Because I’m successful in doing so, I get to live “rent free” inside their heads day after day as they attempt to poke and pry at me in frustration.

Admittedly, I still enjoy it when something they’ve said or done comes my way – and is just too good to pass up. It just sits there on a silver platter waiting for me expose just how desperate, sloppy, and dysfunctional their brainwashed minds really are.

Case in point: John asked one of the commenters to contact me the day before yesterday – and someone actually did.

John – bless his heart – attempted to warn everyone that they can get a better “cash back” deal from Bing.com over ZamZuu. This stems from years of ranting and illusions that YTB Travel is more expensive for consumers than any other Travel Agency. Yet, I routinely beat out all of my competitors with our group cruise bookings time and time again.

Sorry…I’ve got ample bookings with several groups that prove this to be true, and they can blather till the cows come home – it’s not going to change my superior pricing.

Now John’s banking on perceptions about Bing.com and the power that name appears to wield. Their cash back program would sound like a formidable foe for anyone who doesn’t know how these types of programs actually work – nor takes the time to verify pricing for themselves. While John actually talks a good game about “savvy shoppers” he’s banking on “low life’s” that read his dribble in an attempt to change their perceptions. For example, while the comments section went on and on about Wal-Mart and Best Buy – none of them actually took the time – or even considered that neither Wal-Mart or Best Buy were even offered as a “cash back” store through Bing.com.

Yet both are offered through ZamZuu for cash back. Why?

Wal-Mart has a contract with a company called LinkShare and Best Buy has a contract with another affiliate company called Commission Junction. As big and bad as Bing is (say THAT ten times fast -”Big Bad Bing”) they can’t rip that contract out of the hands of either network because each “network” is both bigger and better than Bing could ever hope to be. To show you the power of these affiliate networks I found a couple stores that are offered on both ZamZuu and Bing.com.

Old Navy for example offers 7.5% cash back with ZamZuu – but only 4% through Bing.com. Banana Republic is exactly the same with 7.5% through ZamZuu and only 4% from Bing.com.

Then there’s Ghiada. John, once again clueless – proclaims the customer earns nothing back, but the percentage to share with the pyramid is greater through ZamZuu. That’s the lie that’s been embedded into his brain – reading crap from others who make this kind of stuff up to cover their own failures and insecurities about MLM. We’re greedy “middlemen” who are out to pick his pocket.

The goof never even took the time to check – did he?

Because of John’s fascination with girdles, he must be in dire need of one of those Slimvest’s for guys to turn that beached whale look into something more slimming. I did a price comparison for him on the Slimvest and look what he would have found if he stop “talking” and started actually “doing” for a change. He could buy it direct through Ghiada.com for $89.95 – or – he could save himself $20 instantly with ZamZuu with the “pyramid” price of $69.95.

Those greedy pyramids! What a rip! Instead of getting “cash back” in the form of a check – he gets an instant 23% savings with ZamZuu. The HORROR!

And because he’s too brainwashed and stupid to even check – he doesn’t have enough cash on hand to buy a company like Jerome Hughes did with Ghiada – which in turn makes him even more angry and bitter. Furthermore, who would you use for his spokes model? Ainsworth?!

To be fair, and all poking at John’s expense aside – ZamZuu isn’t the be all and end all for everything “cash back”. Bing.com and others will beat out ZamZuu on several stores, just as ZamZuu does with Bing.com. Neither company can be the best for everyone on everything. (So you can save your next blathering rant on your blog with a list of stores Bing.com beats out ZamZuu there Johnny.)

How did I spot John’s obvious mistep so easily? A large portion of the ads on this blog are offered through Commission Junction. Each time someone clicks one of those ads and purchases one of the 30 or so banners that rotate here, I get paid. I also have accounts with LinkShare, ShareaSale, and Google Affiliate Network. I’ve tapped into a very successful affiliate network over the years, and have been a student of this type of marketing for years. John? Not so much. It’s obvious that once again he’s playing the part of “expert” on yet another subject that he knows nothing about.

I understand the power and leverage “networks” like these bring to the table. Most people do and the flock to them trying to get in front of the money shift that’s going on here on the Internet. But for some bizarre reason when you add “marketing” and it becomes “network marketing” – all of the sudden it turns into a scam. For people like John, it suddenly becomes dirty and sleazy. So much so, that John would rather pay full price at Wal-Mart rather than get a couple of bucks back through a free program like ZamZuu at Wal-Mart because he’s angry, bitter, and frustrated over what he thinks MLM has done to HIS industry.

Truth be told – he can’t get past the few pennies that will trickle up to Coach. Instead, he’ll give it to a guy like Bill Gates because Bill’s company isn’t tied to MLM – even if it costs him more money to do so. That’s the real issue here folks. In John’s little world MLM is dirty – it’s cheap – and it’s sleazy. There’s no reasoning, there’s no middle ground, there’s nothing but bitterness, anger, and resentment over a company and model he can’t control or eradicate.

Oh he’ll give you plenty of lip service to the contrary. All you’ll get is more deflecting in an attempt to cover up his obvious lack of understanding and sloppy articles riddled with holes.

And to think I once considered this guy intelligent. It’s the only reason I picked him out of a crowd of no name cowards to debate. How sad to see “debate” turn to “desperation” by misleading people with lies and bizarre reasoning in an lame attempt to cast a shadow of doubt and fear in others. Relegated to blogging about a company and a model he knows nothing about even after the intense obsession the last three years.

He never considered it would last this long. YTB should have been long gone based on the limiting beliefs that crowd and block logical – rational thinking. The longer YTB lasts – the deeper the frustration and feelings of being a victim penetrate.

YTB and ZamZuu just keeps going. That my friend is the best revenge and the best way to make guys like John look like the goof he really is. The louder the mouth, the easier it is to do.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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