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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As kids, we always want toys under the Christmas tree. As we age and get older, our interest in toys appears to change. For yours truly – they get a bit more technical and more expensive.

Hey – I still love my toys. ;-P

I would imagine however that a sizable percentage of us however would be very happy with cold hard cash under the tree as we get older. If I had to guess, it’s because cash gives us the ability to buy exactly what we want.

I have no idea what other companies are doing this year for Christmas in regards to Christmas bonuses. I would imagine that some will continue to ride the “bad economic times” coat tails. Bad economy or not, I remember two years when instead of a bonus – either myself or Ronda got laid off right around Christmas time.

And some wonder why we don’t consider a “job” very stable and looked at something like Network Marketing to earn income.

See – at least in Network Marketing or Direct Sales YOU control of how much you make. You’re paid in direct proportion to the results you produce. Which for those who have been brain washed into thinking you only need to exchange time for money is a real problem. For those that actually get this concept and take control of their time to treat MLM like a legitimate business (despite the low cost of entry) it can produce very lucrative results.

For anyone who’s not afraid of sales and knows how to manage their time and activities properly, there’s nothin’ better or more rewarding.

That being said – I’d challenge anyone to provide me with a bonus offer like the one I received late last week that kicks off today. Here’s a company that puts YOU in the drivers seat and enables you to create your own bonus this year.

It’s not like a traditional bonus. It’s one that you have to earn. But it’s also one that puts you in the drivers seat – enabling you to create your own outcome.

Here’s how it reads:

Earn a 25% BONUS this Christmas!

Introducing YTB Unwrapped this week – December 5-11, 2011.

With the big holiday gift giving season upon us, YTB wants to help make it a bit more manageable. For one week only beginning Monday, December 5, you’ll have the ability to earn a 25% bonus when you sell over $500 worth of products (excludes Travel Program Sales). And, that’s on top of your normal commission payout!

Here’s how it works:
Sell at least $500 worth of products (such as Suklaa, GreenTech, Z Mobile, or Ganovia) in any combination to non-Rep customers and we’ll pay you 25% of your retail amount sold.

For example, anyone who sells $500 will receive a bonus of $125 plus commission!

YTB Unwrapped begins Monday, December 5 — 5:00 p.m. Central with a special webcast on www.ZamZuuTV.biz

YTB Unwrapped will rebroadcast all week long at the top of every hour through December 11. Each product line will have its own 10-minute spot with 2 minutes in between. (We’ll also post these on our YouTube page to share individually with a prospective customer!)

Start scheduling appointments or host a party to showcase one or all of the YTB Family of products this week!

A couple points of clarification on what qualifies:
Shipping and taxes are not included in the retail price for this promotion. Sales are calculated to full paying clients outside of the YTB company. Sales at Rep pricing are not eligible for this bonus.

Let’s make this Christmas even more joyful with a 25% bonus!

~~~

I gotta tell you – this is why I love YTB and what it stands for. It’s product driven and empowers those who get Direct Sales and results based income. If you have the capacity to grasp the tools provided and the fact that you’re in control – it’s an incredible and very generous offer. 

It should make Christmas very merry this year anyone who goes out an earns it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who knew?

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

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

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

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

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

What – A – CROCK!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It goes on to state:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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If a company wants to remain relevant in this day in age – it’s got to change with the times. Some companies do a really good job of adapting to new and innovative concepts such as ZamZuu. The companies last quarterly report told us that it now has over 130,000 “free agents” in its program adding more than 35,000 in the first quarter of 2011 alone. In addition, with the bogus law suits now behind the company, the stock is heading in the right direction again.

Others may look like they change and adapt on the surface, like McDonald’s – but when you look below all the hype and look at what’s actually being served – there’s not much difference. (Only McDonald’s can turn something like oatmeal into junk food.)

Then we have a very unique class of Traditional Travel Agents – who make no attempts whatsoever to change or adapt. Apparently, it’s everyone else who needs to resist the changing times and technology to suit their wishes and desires. (Which begs the question – “How’s that workin’ for ya?”)

Another company that’s been making a move of late is Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart is a strange bird if you ask me. There really isn’t any middle road for most consumers when it comes to this company. You either love it – or you loath the name Wal-Mart. I really like the story of Wal-Mart because it did what most “experts” claimed couldn’t be done. Call it a flaw if you’d like – but I happen to like companies that prove the so called “experts” wrong. (Thus, why I’m still with YTB Travel Network.) Just because it’s never been done before is no excuse to lay claims that it can’t be done. Where there’s a strong will – there’s always a way.

However, because Wal-Mart dissed the “experts” and decided to do the unthinkable anyway, it does have its share of people who can’t stand the sight or thought of Wal-Mart. (A rather personal and selfish attitude if you want to know the truth.)

Recently, I caught wind of a new book “Force of Nature: The Unlikely Story of Wal-Mart’s Green Revolution” that I’m most likely going to order. One, because I love reading about business, and two, I’m into the green revolution myself. Not to mention another article just yesterday that mentioned the book for the umpteenth time that prompted this post.

The article referenced leads me to believe that doubters are at it again – questioning if Wal-Mart is making the right move here. It is after all – about the bottom line which most people equate to actual customers walking through the checkout line with products in hand.

Fact is – being green these days is not only cool, but it’s the responsible and right thing to do. In addition, the savings recognized goes right to Wal-Marts bottom line. Some of the examples given in the articles I’ve read have been quite remarkable and worthy of praise when we’re talking a sustainable business.

The jury may still be out if this green initiative for Wal-Mart is going to add more customers. It’s certainly a viable option for this family, especially when it comes to a convenient location for organic products and produce. For us, the word “organic” overrides any misgivings or disdain for what Wal-Mart has or hasn’t done in the past. It supplies a much needed resource for a healthier more sustainable lifestyle.

For us – that’s definitely “cool”.

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