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

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

“Better than I deserve.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s not security. That’s insanity.

I deserved better.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We gotta wear shades.

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

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

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

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

“Never – Ever – Give Up.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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It’s hard to imagine how different life would be without the intuition, vision and passion of a Steve Jobs.

I came home late last night to read about his passing on an instrument he helped define and mold into our everyday lives. You don’t have to own a MAC, an iPod, iPhone or an iPad to realize the impact Steve Jobs has made. A simple computer user will do just fine. It’s something most of us take for granted these days. Something my kids have never known life without. Something that I personally enjoy working on and occasionally get lost in.

There were enough “computer geeks” around back in the 70′s with vision like a Steve Jobs to make the personal computer revolution happen, but technology and computers just wouldn’t look the same without this man. Fast forward to today with products like the iPad, iPhone and iPod and you see his vision still impacting our lives decades later. What’s so amazing about the products and technology he helped create is that they all worked flawlessly.

His first authorized biography is scheduled to be published by Simon & Schuster next month. It’s a book I’m certainly going to read because I love stories like his. I love passion and insight like his. A guy who went against the grain, against the social norms, and against what most told him couldn’t be done – but ended up doing it anyway because unlike everyone else, he believed he could.

You don’t have to own or even use any of his products to appreciate his vision or his passion. All you have to really be is a dreamer.

Any time I get some jerk who thinks they know better than I do, telling me what I should invest my money or my time in, it’s a man like Steve Jobs that provides all the proof I need to keep going. Nor do I get caught up in my mistakes or failures when attempting to achieve a desired result.

Here’s a profound quote from Steve I found on CNN while reading last night.

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future,” he told Stanford University graduates during a commencement speech in 2005. “You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Time and time again, I see people digging up the past trying to fit their perception into the present, and frankly – it just doesn’t work. You can only live in the present, and you can only act on something NOW. Now is all there is. You can’t pick up that phone yesterday. You can’t make that sale tomorrow. You can only do it now. Don’t worry about how it will all work out. It will work out exactly the way it should.

As a student of business and personal development, I’ve understood this quote for many years. It may not have been in these exact words, but the idea is the same.

Before I go, here’s another one from the same article that I just loved.

“If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.”

Truer words have never been spoken. You may never reach the level of success or the impact that a Steve Jobs has had in this world – but you’ll never be happier and more fulfilled if you never settle for what others may tell you to do.

I may not be a MAC Head like some others. But I can still appreciate their passion and love for this man and how he’s impacted an entire industry. Not only can I appreciate his passion, but I understand why his vision was the keystone to his rise and success.

It’s what provided the tools we have today, and why Steve Jobs has changed the world.

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One of the things that I absolutely love about MLM is a genuine desire to learn and grow.

Since my introduction into this industry, I’ve been exposed to more author’s, speakers, and mentors than I can shake a stick at. Some, like Dale Carnegie, Brian Tracy, and Earl Nightingale were in my library long before MLM. Since my introduction into MLM however, I’ve been introduced to more great – wealthy – inspirational minds in the last six years than all my prior years combined.

A new book I was introduced to last week – provided a number of amazing revelations I wanted to share with you.

The author is Robert Shemin and he’s pictured here on the cover of his New York Times Best Seller “How Come THAT Idiot’s Rich and I’m Not?”

Just the title alone makes you want to read this thing. (It’s brilliant!) I don’t know about you, but I’ve known my fair share of “idiot’s” in my day. The vast majority are miserable and broke, and not actually happy and rich however. But I get the gist of what Shemin is trying to convey here, because there was a time when I looked at some rich people and thought, “What do they have that I don’t?”

What I found out, in other books and from speakers like Shemin was there was plenty I didn’t have in regards to mindset and attitude. It wasn’t until I got involved with MLM that I really began to study and eventually understand what it takes to be successful in business. Sure, I made plenty of mistakes. I also had my share of so called “failures”. Each mistake or failure turned into valuable learning experiences that changed my thinking and my actions. Washing away all the crap that cluttered my mind and kept me from taking the proper action to attain success. It took a number of years, but I eventually replaced enough beliefs and actions with powerful thoughts and valuable tools that I now own and operate a number of businesses that has me well on my way to the type of lifestyle and net worth I desire.

Shemin’s book is centered on real estate. That’s his area of expertise. But true to that vast majority of smart, successful business minds that I’ve read both from and about – most support and promote MLM as a viable business model to get involved with. (Especially as a model for getting started in business.) The level of support and tools found in MLM far exceed anything else I’ve seen in the business world.

Shemin’s no different – but with a very nice promotion of a very specific MLM and industry.

Now I know you all don’t have this book handy, and I’m not going to bombard you with what the entire book says. (Besides, it’s mostly about real estate and not MLM.) But there’s one page that I’d like to highlight, because it’s a real eye opener.

For anyone who wants to check out the page for themselves, you can on Google Books. (Here’s the link to the Page 101) I also wanted to use this link just so there’s no doubt about what was printed in this New York Times Best Seller.

Becoming a travel agent is simple. I signed up for something called Your Travel Business, or YTB, and presto! I became a travel agent. You can too. Just go to my special site, www.ytb.com/robertshemin, and sign up. Now you’re a Rich Idiot, too.

So book that trip and live rich now. By the way, I should tell you that when you sign up, I get benefits for introducing you. That makes me an even bigger Rich Idiot. But wait – you’ll get the same added goodies when you share your travel agent site with your friends and family. Remember, Rich Idiots want others to be rich, too!

Imagine that? Here’s someone who’s already rich – promoting YTB as a great way to get rich yourself. No special training involved – no requirements or classes. Just sign up and start telling your friends and family.

Now I know this kind of promotion drives the travel professional’s nuts. (Makes the hair on the back of their neck stand up with disgust and anger.) What these travel professionals have never really grasped is that travel isn’t rocket science. In fact it’s so simple that 4 of the Top 10 travel agencies today are do it yourself type agencies. (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Priceline.) If the average person can book their own hotel, cruise, and airline ticket – there’s no reason why someone like you and I can’t sign up and point people to your own site.

Also note, there’s full disclosure here. Robert makes it very clear that he benefits from introducing his readers. Broke Idiot’s call that “profiting” – as if there’s something wrong with making a profit in business. For anyone who takes issue with Robert, me, or anyone else making a profit from introducing others about all I can respond with is – “Duh?!”

In other words, profits are a major component in owning and operating any successful business. Just because it has “MLM” attached to it – doesn’t make it any different. It’s business.

Moving on – and you’re going to love this.

At most resorts or hotels, there are better rooms and bigger rooms with more interesting views, concierge floors with special services, and even luxury suits. When checking in, simply ask if you could be upgraded. Here’s how I empower the staff. I say, “If anyone can make this happen, I know it’s you.” Then I offer them a gift (I often carry chocolates with me), not to bribe them but to brighten their day. You’ll be surprised how often a hotel will oblige. Presto! You’ve just become a Rich Idiot for the duration of your stay!

Now wait just a cotton picken’ minute here! You mean to tell me after all these years that all I really needed was a box of chocolates? What about the all-powerful and necessary IATAN that I’ve been whacked over the head with more times than I can count? Here – I’ve been soooo concerned because I’ve been told by so called industry “experts” that IATAN was the be all and end all for upgrades!

What a rip! ;-P

Truth is guys. I’ve really only used my CLIA once way back when for a trip to Sandenstin for a FAM. Other FAM’s and Seminars at Sea were offered via YTB without any such requirement. Likewise, I’ve never owned an IATAN because contrary to what’s been said about YTB and IATAN, there’s no possible way YTB could actually “sell” their IATAN to a third party. There’s only one way to attain that credential, and that’s earning it from IATAN directly with proof of $5000 in commissioned sales. By the time I was able to earn mine directly, they pulled the plug with this nonsense YTB was selling the card.

All these years, all I’ve really needed was a smile and the guts to simply ask for an upgrade. If it was available, I usually got one.

If not, here’s the next tip that I’ve also done.

Here’s one thing I do at least once a year. I put together a group of my friends for a trip or a cruise. This vacation strategy also works very well for school groups, churches, and civic groups. If enough people participate, the airline, the hotel, the resort, or the cruise ship will often give me my trip for free. Not only do I get a fantastic vacation, but I get to spend it with all my friends and I get it for free – just for having the idea and putting it together. By the way, Rich Idiots take a portion of the price of the ticket they would have paid for but didn’t and donate the money to a worthy cause.

Soon after my trip to Sandestin, Royal Caribbean launched Freedom of the Seas. I really wanted to get on this ship but there was just no way RCL was going to kick some full paying customer off this ship just to put me and my family on the ship for a fraction of the cost.

So I did what other Rich Idiot’s do and got a small group of eight of us together. Granted, the group was so small at the time that there wasn’t any “freebie” for us, but because everyone booked at full price, yours truly did earn over $1000 in commission to recoup some of the cost. In addition, when I got back I posted pictures and wrote a really nice review of our experience.

Note: no lime green t-shirts were required with “I got here free, ask me how”. No shenanigans about recruiting everyone on board. Instead, before RCL pulled their little stunt, several people saw our photos or review, and booked full fair cruises with us on BandBVacations.com earning somewhere in the neighborhood of $13 million in the first nine months of 2007.

And Royal Caribbean is demanding that we change our tune in order to have the “privilege” to sell a cruise with thier company? What the hell for?

Makes you wonder who the Idiot is don’t it?

It’s entirely up to you which “Idiot” you want to be. You can be rich – or you could really goofy and be broke. My experience with both (or at least attaining wealth and net worth) is it’s much easier and more fun being rich rather than broke.

Broke as we’ve seen time and time again, leaves you angry and miserable.

Being rich however, takes all those people who want to call you an idiot and makes it incredibly easy to just flick them off like flies. ;-P

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I found a really a really nice article in Travel Weekly this weekend that highlights YTB and our Passport to Giving program.

If you don’t know about Passport to Giving, it’s one of the finest programs I’ve seen. Coach and YTB designed it for non-profits to help raise money by turning the non-profit members vacations into donations. I was actually trained in this program back in 2005 before I was trained as an RTA.

YTB donates a booking engine to the non-profit or association a custom site with their own logo free of charge, which includes waiving the monthly fee. Members of the association then turn to the non-profits travel web site to book travel and the commissions earned are paid to the association just like they are to the RTA’s, but tax free.

No strings, no catch, just our way to give back to the community by offering something totally unique to help raise money for non-profits.

According to the Travel Weekly article, the National Academy Foundation is operating an online travel agency for Freshman and Sophomores at Rochester’s East High using our Passport to Giving program and YTB Booking Engine to train students with real world examples and booking travel for real customers. Classes help prepare the students of East High for a potential carrier in the Travel Industry.

You can view their site at www.easthightravel.com. (Note: the YTB logo is replaced with NAF.org’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism logo.)

Now in it’s second year, the students earned about $2500 in commissions their first year. The facilitator of the program, Jim Spawton, is looking to boost that number to about $10,000 by asking the faculty, students’ families and local businesses for bookings that earn real commissions for the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. The commissions earned help pay for other student programs, all while teaching students what it’s like to run a real travel business.

East High is one of the 78 U.S. high schools with hospitality and tourism academies that are overseen by the National Academy Foundation.

Other big name companies such as Marriott and PepsiCo are also helping students of the academy. PepsiCo gave $7,000 to six graduates to further their studies, while Marriott offers internships to students to help them attain real world experience inside their hotels. A picture posted in the Travel Weekly article also has students working with the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

I applaud both YTB and the National Academy Foundation for offering these programs to our future business men and woman.

While researching this article, I found a great “about us” video from the NAF.org website that highlights this important non-profit and how it’s changing our youth for the better. A great example can be found at about the 3 minute mark with a young lady named Nathsha who apparently started as an intern with Marriott and is now an Assistant Controller at the Bethesda Marriott Suites.

Enjoy!

UPDATE: Apparently, the constipation over YTB continues for one Anti-YTB Zealot. It’s been a long time since I’ve linked to anything this moron has written, but this one is just too classic to pass up.

Yes, John Frenaye has also found the Travel Weekly article, only to react with his own demonic twist and spin that no doubt matches all the classic myths, misrepresentations, and false claims we’ve come to know, but not quite love about this ignorant and constipated know-it-all.

I don’t know about you – but I’d love to take him up on his bet regarding the Facilitator being a member of YTB. Unfortunately,  we’ve learned John never delivers (just like he never properly researches) when shown point blank that he’s once again on loosing end of such unsubstantiated speculation and claims.

John, maybe the reason they didn’t pick you or any other “agency” is because you can’t get past your own dysfunctional behavior and limiting beliefs. Hell, you don’t even know the difference between a FAM and an internship. (Or who sponsors the internship you ignorant putz.)

Instead of being privileged like you were growing up – maybe a program like NAF could have shown you how the real world operates to provide you with the proper skill set to cope with life’s most basic lessons. Guys like me valued opportunities like this no matter who offered the tools or the opportunity. The internship I did with Pittsburgh’s number one radio station after college was invaluable to me back in the day.

After four years of blathering like a raving lunatic about MLM and YTB – it’s apparent that the travel industry desperately needs some fresh minds and faces that are capable of working instead of spiting at people and companies they don’t agree with, don’t like, and clearly are unwilling to accept as part of the solution.

Moron…

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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.

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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