A couple years ago, I stared swimming laps for exercise. I’ve attempted to exercise off and on over the years, but swimming has been the only form I’ve been able to really enjoy and stick with over time. Our entire family really enjoys the water and swimming’s low impact – full body workout has been perfect in giving me the endurance and stamina I need for work and family life.

In all, I’ve been swimming a mile and a quarter five days a week for the last two years. During the winter I have enjoyed the indoor pools that Gwinnett County offers at a very reasonable rate between Labor Day and Memorial Day. About the only issue I’ve had with this indoor option are the supper high levels of chlorine and the limited hours I’ve been able to get my workout in.

This season, with the new business and increased demands on my schedule, I needed to find another option. I just wasn’t making it to the pool for days at a time, and I felt horrible. I’m not just talking about feeling guilty about missing my exercise, I’m talking about just feeling physically drained and worn out at the end of the day. A body in motion tends to stay in motion, and while I was extremely busy and moving all day long, by the end of the day, I was simply worn out without much left in my tank for family and personal time.

For one reason or another, I’ve always felt gym memberships were overpriced and a waist of both time and money. It’s one of those limiting beliefs I’ve had that was embedded somewhere along the line, and I’m not exactly sure how or why it was planted there.

My beliefs about money has changed drastically over the last seven years now that I know I’m not limited to what somebody else tells me what my time is worth. Today, I create my own net worth and I’m paid in direct proportion to the amount of time and effort I put in.

Because money has long been eliminated as an obstacle, I came to the conclusion that I need to change my limiting belief about wasting my time at a gym. A good start was the fact that our local LA Fitness has an indoor pool designed specifically for swimming my laps to get back into the shape and recapturing the endurance I was looking for. A dry sauna also added value to the membership, as I’ve always enjoyed the benefits of opening up my pores, sweating out toxins and increasing my metabolism.

Much like everything else I get involved in, I not only wanted to do this gym thing right, I wanted to take full advantage of my membership. You can’t help but notice all the other equipment as you walk in that are designed to help you get into shape. Problem is; it’s been decades since I’ve used any of this equipment, and much of it has changed since the last time I’ve even seen equipment like this.

I noticed a segment of the members there that appeared to be wondering from machine to machine with very little in the way of results. We all attain this attitude at the age of 2 or 3 that “I can do it myself” – and some just never grow out of that mentality. We think we should know it all by the time we’re adults.

It’s an ego thing.

When I first got involved with YTB and wanted to learn about travel. I sought out the expert knowledge of Carnival, Marc Mancini, CLIA, and Travel Agent University. When I wanted to change my financial outlook, I gathered the expertise of millionaires like Coach Tomer, T. Harv Ecker, Robert Kiyosaki, and Donald Trump. I did the same with this blog. Experts like Yaro Starak, Darren Rowse, and Brian Clark taught me the ropes and enabled me to attain a permanent place on the internet that gets its fair share of traffic.

Of course, we can’t forget MLM, and Network Marketing. Coach and Scott Tomer, Tim Sales, Mike Dillard, Doug Firebaugh, and Len Clements provided great information and resources on building an MLM business the right way.

The point here is that in every instance I acquired the expertise and knowledge of an expert in their respective field. If I’m going to do something, I wanted to make the most of it – I didn’t want to be just average. Nor did I see the need to be so arrogant to think that I could figure it all out on my own. Not when there’s a wealth of information and people who sincerely want to help.

So it shouldn’t be a big surprise that both Ronda and I have retained the services of a personal trainer at LA Fitness to help educate us on the proper way to use the vast assortment of equipment and exercises in an effort to take our personal fitness to the next level. We simply applied the same thought process and willingness to ask for help from true experts like we always have.

There’s a term in personal fitness and training that I’m sure you’ve heard of.

“No pain – no gain.”

I can tell you that right now, that I have muscles I didn’t even know I had. Every inch on my body is feeling a high level of pain right now. While I give certain muscle groups an opportunity to recover and heal, another group kicks in during the circuit training that brings a whole new meaning to the word pain.

It really doesn’t matter if it’s personal training for fitness – or if the pain comes in the form of personal finance, business ownership, or improving your mindset and thinking. It often involves pain or at least discomfort to some extent because it includes change. A change in attitude – a change in habit, or a change from just thinking about it and actually doing it. It’s uncomfortable and rather awkward when you first get started.

If it weren’t, you’d already be doing it by now.

As adults, we often settle for the status quo or just average. Somewhere – deep inside, always wanting to advance and grow to better ourselves. Some never really take the time or energy to achieve that next level. We all talk a real good game, but fewer and fewer it seems actually walk the walk. Limiting beliefs and excuses always seem to get in the way.

It’s just too hard.

That’s why I thought it was wise to find someone outside of friends and family to hold me accountable – to help with this next level. Like I’ve learned in years past, I found an expert in this field who can show me how to do this the right way for the best desired results.

Results.

What a word.

If the result I wanted was pain – I certainly acquired it.

Don’t misconstrue or take this out of context – but I’m loving it. I’m looking past the discomfort and awkwardness right now and focused on the end result. Results  I haven’t seen in years when it comes to being physically fit and in shape. As I’ve learned so many times before in the area of finance, business, marketing, and personal development, this discomfort and awkwardness is a small price to pay on this journey we call life in an attempt to achieve our desired outcome.

Now if you’ll excuse me – I need more ibuprofen.

Until next time.

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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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I appreciate quality customer service. I’ve run into what syndicated radio and television host Clark Howard calls “Customer NO Service” far too many times – and simply won’t do business with companies who don’t offer the support I feel I deserve or require.

In my opinion, one of the companies that tops the list of great customer service companies is YTB. In the 6 years I’ve been with the company, I’ve always had superior service and support from the team at the Home Office.

What really gets me jazzed is the opportunity to meet the people I communicate with via phone and support tickets. The ability to visit with this dynamic team in person during Red Carpet Days, National Conventions, and other corporate events is a real treat for me because it gives me an opportunity to thank them personally for all they do for me during the year.

Customer Service can be very rewarding – or it can be a real drag. Much of what determines that outcome begins from the very top of the organization. If the Corporate Heads are upbeat and positive, that’s going to trickle down to the rest of the organization. Everyone I speak with in the Home Office always have a smile on their face, (and you CAN tell even when speaking on the phone) they’re always willing to help, and always gratefully, thanking me for contacting them.

This week, the Home Office is taking the time to celebrate and honor the Customer Service representatives at YTB/ZamZuu. Customer Service Week is a national event devoted to recognizing the importance of customer service and to honoring the people who serve and support customers with the highest degree of care and professionalism. In 1992 the U.S. Congress proclaimed Customer Service Week a nationally recognized event, celebrated annually during the first full week in October. The Home Office TEAM will participate in activities throughout the week designed to boost morale, motivation and teamwork and to reaffirm their commitment to a valued YTB/ZamZuu field force.

Coach posted something on his Facebook wall, giving us an opportunity to thank the awesome Customer Service staff we have and show our appreciation. Problem for me was there are so many there that have helped me over the years, I’m afraid that I might leave out someone who deserves it. So, I decided to do the next best thing, thank them all openly and publicly for my gratitude and appreciation for what they’ve done to help, support and teach me over the years.

It’s an honor every time I come in contact with any of them – be it support tickets, e-mail, phone, or in person. A true pleasure.

As a side note: The YTB Home Office will close from 11:15 am – 2:30 pm Central Time Friday, October 8, 2010 so that the Home Office team members can participate in the closing activities of Customer Service Week. They certainly deserve this time and recognition.

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Back in August I wrote about mandatory changes in the hideous tactics credit card companies use that trap consumers. Today, the second phase of these mandatory changes goes into effect.

I’ve had a personal interest in these changes as both Ronda and I got caught up in the traps that are now banned. Both of us spent two years wrapped up in a web that neither one of us felt was warranted and fought the sudden and drastic changes in terms, payments, and interest rates.

The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act happens to be 1,400 thick. I (nor you) should spend that kind of time reading, but I did find some of the bullet points from a Time article posted yesterday.

Here are some of the changes that go into effect today.

• Require credit card companies to tell customers when they plan to increase rates or other fees.

• Mandate standard payment dates and times, to keep companies from tripping you up into late charges by moving your due date.

• Limit fees, like charges for exceeding your credit limit or paying your bills online or over the phone.

• Mandate that monthly statements clearly show how long it would take to pay down your balance by paying the minimum.

• Curb interest rate hikes by prohibiting credit card companies from retroactively jacking up rates on existing balances until the customer is 60 days behind on payments.

• Forbid credit card companies from automatically enrolling customers in often-pricey programs that offer the option to charge beyond credit limits.

• Crack down on marketing campaigns targeting college students and other young adults, requiring anyone under age 21 who wants a credit card to either demonstrate the means to pay down their debt alone, or get an adult to co-sign on the account.

• Ban the practice of double-cycle billing, in which your creditor uses your average balance over the current and previous billing cycles rather than the previous one — a trick that can wind up costing you a pretty penny.

The biggest change that I’m sure will shock some people is that your credit card statements will now include a summary of not only how long it will take you, but how much money will be wasted in interest to the banks for making minimum payments. I’ve seen these examples years ago, and when people see that it will take 30 plus years, (even if they don’t charge another dime on the card) it will wake most poeple up.

I said it back in August, and I’ll say it again – I’m not a big fan of big Government. There are times when I’ll side with the Government stepping in however. While I hadn’t checked on a status for some time, (due to this mess being behind me, and finally agreeing to terms that were acceptable) I also found that one of the most obnoxious and cut throat collection firms in the industry is now out of business.

Thing is…if the Banks would have been abiding by these new rules in the first place, none of our ordeal would have ever materialized. We never argued that we owed the money – just the sudden interest hikes and the manipulation of our due dates that prompted the increase.

We did it the hard way – and forced to make some very tough decisions along the way. Better late than never I guess. These new rules and requirements will save others from the nightmare we had to endure.

It’s the way they should have been doing business to begin with. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have cut them off the way we did.

I’m just pleased to see these much needed changes and the elimination of tricks and tactics that put us in the situation we found ourselves. We can tell you from personal experience, they were much needed and warranted. 

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The Direct Selling Association has just approved the application for YTB as a member of it’s prestigious organization.

DSA is the national trade association representing companies that manufacture and sell products and services sold directly to consumers, primarily through an independent contractor sales force. It is estimated that 14.1 Million Americans participate in a Direct Sales Organization of some type and the numbers are increasing rapidly each year. Currently, membership has been limited to only 216 organizations out of the thousands of companies who participate in Direct Sales.

The mission of the DSA is ‘to protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers.’ Each DSA member company pledges to abide by the Code of Ethics’ standards and procedures as a condition of admission and continuing membership in DSA. This Code of Ethics speaks to both the consumer and the seller, and ensures that member companies will make no statements or promises that might mislead either consumers or prospective sales people.

The DSA Code of Ethics expressly prohibits pyramid schemes, deceptive or unlawful consumer or recruiting practices, misrepresentation of earning or sales potential, inventory loading and unreasonable entrance fees.

All applications take well over a year to complete, and during this time, the marketing and business plans of YTB were reviewed to ensure compliance with all provisions of DSA’s Code of Ethics.

Other companies who were recognized as part of the DSA and are new members with YTB Travel Networkinclude:

• Agel Enterprises, LLC (Nutritional Supplements)
• B’s Purses & Accessories (Fashion Accessories)
• Big Ear, Inc. (Custom Ear Products)
• Blessings Unlimited (Giftware, Religious Books/Gifts)
• CyberWize (Nutritional Supplements, Health/Wellness/Fitness)
• Family and Friends Financial (Financial Services)
• Genesis Secret (Nutritional Supplements)
• Jeunique International, Inc. (Nutritional Supplements, Cosmetics, Jewelry, Lingerie/Sleepwear, Skincare)
• Livinity, Inc. (Health/Fitness/Wellness, Personal Care)
• Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, LLC (Fashion Accessories, Jewelry)
• YTB, Inc. (Travel)

If you are part of this list feel free to give a shout!

Whooo Hoooo!

Congratulations to all who have joined the DSA!

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