If you keep up with YTB News, you’ve probably seen the plethora of posts highlighting a press release concerning YTB Travel Network and their new alliance with Sixth Scott. Those who were at Convention this summer heard about what was coming down the pike from YTB Travel Network. As it turns out, the key players for Sixth Scott were also at the Convention to check out the company structure, the numbers, the Founders and the culture they’ve created with thousands of RTA’s and Representatives all in one place.

As with any true business mind who takes the opportunity to really look closely at what YTB has – they liked what they saw. A distribution channel that only pays when that channel produces. With YTB’s incredible size and enthusiasm about travel, they didn’t just like what they saw – they loved it. For Sixth Scott, it was a very smart and strategic business move that will help expand their influence and objectives in the travel industry.

For long time Travel Agents in YTB like me, it puts me right back where I was prior to 2007, but with one major difference. I have years of experience under my belt not only selling travel, but in marketing that will benefit me and my travel business greatly.

You’ll always find a group of clowns in any industry who don’t have the proper tools and skill set to handle change or a new competitor. Because they can’t handle this change or increased competition, they end up making a lot of noise and do cause a disturbance with all sorts of shenanigans and stunts to distract the average onlooker. The problem with that type of hype and slandering is that it’s based on pure emotion instead of fact and logic. People can and do say all sorts of crazy things and make outrageous claims and predictions that you’ll find on the Internet.

I can assure you, these type of arrogant pin heads will not be happy with this new partnership enabling a Travel Agent such as myself access to all the product, benefits, and accreditation they have in the industry.

What they want is nothing short of pure annihilation.

On the other side of the coin, we have smart, savvy business minds in the travel industry that understand the power of a large sales force. Companies like Carnival Corporation, Pleasant Holidays, and Sandals resorts. Industry publication like Travel Weekly who has listed YTB Travel Network as a Top 50 travel company the last five years. Leading industry trainers like Marc Mancini who created our e-campus program for us several years ago and the late Phil Davidoff, a former ASTA President who offered support and training to our organization before his passing. Business owners like Debbie Maier and Mailpound who created a fantastic opportunity in marketing travel to our clients after visiting a Red Carpet several years ago. Debbie was completely blown away by our enthusiasm and our passion for travel. And of course we can’t forget Vicki Freed while she was with Carnival who participated in CLIA’s largest on sight training that industry accreditation had ever seen.

Both Vicki and CLIA were once again blown away by YTB’s enthusiasm and passion for travel.

It’s a shame that in every instance above, those who took a stance to support and help YTB Travel Network, were promptly slandered and attempts to shame them into submission was the order of the day by a bunch of overzealous Anti-MLM zealots who couldn’t handle an opposing view or perspective.

Makes me wonder if this new entity Sixth Scott who will now handle our travel bookings and travel support knows this and that’s why I can’t find any information about them?

I have to admit here that I’ve not had time to properly research this Sixth Scott company. An initial search on the Internet and a couple of phone calls turned up virtually nothing about this LLC. Maybe – just maybe, this could be done on purpose? An LLC is easy to form. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that these guys want to focus on expanding business, and not get mixed up with a bunch of crazed lunatics who I can assure you will have the spare time and most certainly spend the energy and resources to get to the bottom of who these folks are.

I however have a number of businesses I need to run – and frankly don’t have the time.

I’m willing to bet however – the overzealous crowd will make it a top priority because it produces a fear that YTB Travel Network and guys like me will continue to sell travel to the general public.

I’m also looking at the fact that this move is like all the slandering and brain washing that’s been done for the last four years has been completely washed away. We’re right back to where we were prior to the fall of 2007 when YTB Travel was taking the industry by storm with all the perks and vendors they’ve always had.

For those of us in YTB, this new partnership will have plenty. It will completely separate the marketing program we have from the travel program – enabling our marketing arm to focus on marketing (what it does best), and leaving the travel aspect of the business to industry veterans and experts.

Along with a sleek new look to the web site, with all the bells and whistles including group access, we’ll gain access to even more travel vendors including all the major cruise lines, tour operators, hotels, airlines and charter organizations, and best in class package deals at higher commission percentages.

We’ll also have a new specialized, in-depth training, that can show you exactly how to be successful – even if your new or have limited experience in the travel industry. The new entity will also help market your business, when to sell what, how to use CRM and client data, as well as sales techniques to create a more profitable business.

Industry perks will also be back in full force with IATAN accreditation just like before. (As always, reserved for those who actually earn it.) Access to FAM trips, inaugural cruises, and ship positioning cruises where available are all a possibility. A new A-list program will also be introduced in the near future for those Travel Agents who produce the travel required.

Yep, there’s no question this is great news for someone like me who loves travel and loves to promote travel and gets paid for doing just that. All the handcuffs and limitations the industry attempted to saddle me with because they can’t comprehend or get past the word “recruit” has now been washed away. As with any position or opinion, there will always be a different side. Thing is, I adapted and survived because like Sixth Scott – I understand good, basic business concepts.

That my friends is something that you can’t shame into submission, can’t slander with false claims and outrageous predictions, and can’t destroy simply because you’re too stubborn or too stupid to realize a legitimate, long term business model.

Consider this a reset – a way to go back to the future and show the entire industry how good and dominant a travel company can be.

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Our family spent this past weekend in the mountains. The fall colors were magnificent. Every little mountain town was packed with people who were enjoying the fall festivals and fairs surrounded by gorgeous fall color and cooler temperatures.

Festivals and fairs are a huge part of the fall program. YTB is getting into the action starting tonight @ 8:00 pm Eastern, 7:00 pm Central and runs through Midnight on Thursday, October 20, 2011. You can check it all out on ZamZuuTV.com.

This year we’ve got more than just e-commerce deals – we’re combining it with travel for some spectacular savings during CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Week. You can join a local party which are being held all over the county – or you can simply log into ZamZuuTV.com and check things out from the comfort of your own home. You can also text the word ‘ZamFest’ to 58203 for a chance to win great prizes.

New to ZamFest this year are travel deals. In years past, we’ve always separated the two events, and you may already know about CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Week. Just about all the cruise lines are offering great specials and attractive offers this week. YTB is highlighting two in particular with MSC Cruises and Holland America. You can find more information about CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Week and specific vendor promotions here. Information for Holland America’s sale can be found here.

Globus is also offering a really good deal this week, where you can save $800 per couple on all 2012 Europe air-inclusive vacations. More info can be found here.

Make sure you check out our Doll Jeanie Sharpless while on the webcast. Jeanie will offer up an incredible perspective and help you pick just the right cruise experience during the ZamFest webcast. And since we’re also talking Europe and Globus, YTB Founder Coach Tomer makes an appearance with his wife to share experiences from their recent travels in Europe. Both will be fantastic insider experiences.

If shopping is your pleasure – we have deals for you on that as well. Here’s a list of national companies we’ve been able to contract with for Zamfest this week.

Check this out…

Looking for a concert great theatre experience or sporting event this year? TicketsNow is your connection to all the fun and excitement of live music, theater and sports. TicketsNow is an event ticket resale marketplace where fans of live entertainment buy and sell tickets. The marketplace provides safe and convenient access to hard-to-find event tickets. This week, find the best tickets at a discount. Use the code ‘ZAMFEST’ when placing your next order for 10% off. With TicketsNow, it’s on. This special sale lasts through October 31.

Take advantage of huge savings for a limited time online at Brookstone. Use promo code ‘ZAMFEST2′ now through 10/22/11 and get 20% off site wide at Brookstone. (Some exclusions apply, see their site for details.)

Looking for lighting fast Internet speeds? Do you want the ability to roam with your Internet connection? Or how ‘bout making the leap to VoIP? We’ve been using Clear products for the last two years and LOVE it. It’s fast, reliable, and they’ve got fantastic customer service. Receive 15% off your order with code ‘coach’ October 18 – 20, 2011.

Try out a new restaurant this fall and save with Restaurant.com. Save 60% off most purchases with code ‘ZAMFEST’! October 18 – October 20.

InkGrabber: October 18 – 20th enter code ‘ZAMFEST’ and get 10% off your order!
(Excludes OEM Items)

And of course, we can’t forget our ZamZuu partners. These folks launched exclusively with ZamZuu and that’s how they got their business launched. Word of mouth advertising from thousands of ZamZuu faithful really help their bottom line. Ask any of these companies and they’ll tell you, you can’t find a better ROI than a company like ZamZuu.

Chaé Organics is making this Zamfest extraordinary by letting you have access to all open stock items at 50% off! Enjoy organic, ToxicFree® products for every aspect of your life. Choose from household cleaning supplies, a full pet care line, basics for babies, advanced high performance skin and body care as well as hair care for any texture and color! During ZamFest, when you order from Chaé Organics you will get a FREE gift. We’ll enclose a quarter ounce (0.25 oz) Vitality Serum and VitalEyes, a combined value of $18.00. Chaé Organics always covers your cost of freight with a free gift!

Personalize That: Receive 20% off your order! Use Code: Fall into Savings

Crystal Memories: Receive 20% off! No code required; order online through a ZamZuu
Shopping Site

pH Perfect: Ionizer – The best deal ever at only $750! Normal Retail Price: $949! While supplies last.

ZamZuu Nutrition: Receive four for the price of one! Stock up on the best daily nutrition product available through our ZamFest promotions.

Ganovia Coffee: Great Package! Get one bag of Ganovia Classic Black, one bag of Ganovia Arabica Black, and a pH perfect water stick for $49.99! (The pH perfect water stick retails for $69.99 alone!) Call in to order at 618-216-4322. Just ask for the Ganovia and pH perfect stick combo!

Tune in beginning tonight on www.ZamZuuTV.com @ 8:00 pm Eastern 7:00 pm Central. If you happen to miss it, no worries. We’ll be rebroadcasting every hour on the hour until October 20 @ Midnight Central time.

Enjoy your savings!

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When I started my new business back in August, one of the requirements was insurance. The company required me to either upgrade or add outright general business liability, property, and bodily injury. All totaled, the insurance required with my new company is worth more than $1.4 million.

We went with our current carrier for home and auto right out of the gate – just to get the coverage we needed. We questioned however if the coverage was adequate or if the rates were competitive.

After all the dust settled from getting our new business off the ground, we decided to shop around for better coverage and rates. One of the candidates happened to be a neighbor of ours. She knew us personally, and she had just made a switch to another company that had been attempting to recruit her for some time. We were blown away by the rates, the assortment of coverage, her attention to detail, and the personal attention we received.

When she came by the house the other night with a hard copy of the new policy, she provided a handful of business cards and asked us for referrals.

I couldn’t help but laugh at how her sales process worked. How ironic that if she had done the same exact thing with some MLM or Network Marketing gig, it would have been “unethical” or “hounding” us for even asking for referrals.

Because she works with a “traditional business” nobody thinks twice about this type of marketing and promotion.

I then started to drill back over the last year and thought about all the business we had done with neighbors who were introduced to us either because we knew them personally, or because they were introduced to us by other neighbors who hired them and were pleased with their work.

I thought back to the new roof we put on the house last year that was completed by a neighbor of ours. He doesn’t do a lick of paid advertising, and he was actually recommended to us by another neighbor who had their roof done by the same neighbor. All of his business comes from referrals.

When we repaired the rotted trim on the house and had the outside of the house repainted this summer, we got a number of quotes. As you probably guessed at this point, we settled on another neighbor to do the work for us. He wasn’t the cheapest, but we felt the quality of the materials and paint along with his reputation as a quality craftsman was worth the slightly higher price.

We’ve since raved about his quality work and materials to other neighbors who now admire our new look in the neighborhood. In addition, he’ll get more business from us for a new makeover in our master bath, and a new outdoor area in our back yard that we want to have done by next summer.

The Dealership we bought our new Town and Country Limited from – also recommend by a neighbor. As it turns out, we’ll be recommending that same Dealership as well. Not only was it the easiest, most pleasurable car purchased we’ve ever made, if someone mentions our name, we’ll get a $200 referral kickback from the Dealership when they purchase.

You, yourself can most likely think of your own examples of business you’ve done with personal contacts and neighbors or business that started as a referral like this.

So what gives with this phobia anti-MLM Zealots have with Network Marketing companies doing the same thing? Why – or more accurately “how” could business like this be perceived as unworthy, unethical, or hounding someone for business?

Truth is, after reading and talking with anyone who attempts to make an exception out of MLM for this type of promotion and marketing doesn’t have the proper business background to speak intelligently about marketing.

It screams “ignorance”.

Any true business owner, traditional or MLM will tell you that this type of marketing and promotion is by far the most cost effective – and because it comes from word of mouth (or referrals) it’s potentially the most effective form of promotion there is. Having a testimonial from a third party like this is incredibly powerful and desirable from both the seller and the buyer.

If you ever hear someone complain about MLM or referral marketing and promotion consider the source. Do they have a business of their own? If they do – how successful is their current business? If it’s not – there’s your limiting belief.

Until they change or modify this belief, they’ll continue to struggle and remain unproductive and unhappy.

It’s no coincidence that the neighbors we have that are the most happy, and the most active around the neighborhood are also business owners. They get it.

And if you ask any of them – business is booming.

From the looks of it, anyone who comes in contact with them can tell that’s true. Like us, they’re driving new cars, getting improvements done to their house, and are able to spend just as much time as we do participating in neighborhood gatherings and social events.

Why? Because they know how to market and promote like just like a Network Marketing company does.

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I’ve discovered that being offline has its advantages.

Who knew?

It’s not that I miss being online, but the online world is so much different than the real world. There’s something about people hiding behind a keyboard that turns them into these egoistical maniacs and know it all’s. They can check in and check out on a moment’s notice covering a vast amount of cyber space without having to back up or support anything they say or do. There’s little to no responsibility or consequences to contend with in this vast expansion of bits and bytes.

Life – or the real world – has a completely different set of rules and consequences attached to it. There’s a level of accountability that you just can’t hide from offline. Online, it’s nothin’ to “talk the talk” – but if you don’t know how to “walk the walk” offline I would imagine you’ll find yourself in very compromising and uncomfortable positions in what I can only categorize as bizarre and irrational perceptions.

Offline, you also have the opportunity to kick the tires so to speak. A chance to look someone directly in the eye and ask the pointed questions. Instead of just the written word as a response, you can collect and record someone’s vocal tone, body language, and whether or not they can look you in the eye when they respond to questions you ask.

One of the things I’ve never been able to grasp are these folks who get all riled up over people they’ve never met, or even talked to. They form these opinions and illusions based on a perception that’s disconnected and incomplete. It’s a major reason why I’ve never given credibility to people who have some dysfunctional disdain about me. They simply can’t form a complete picture or accurate opinion about who I am and what I stand for without actually meeting me face to face.

Those that have actually met me have a completely different attitude and perception from what I’ve read here in cyberspace. Remarkably, it would completely contradict the crap I’ve read about who I am and what I do from the cowards who have never personally come in contact with yours truly.

Likewise, the cowards who spend hours yammering on the Internet attempting to shame and slander the YTB Founders, Coach, Scott, and Kim have never had an opportunity to come face to face with their nemesis either. About the closest anyone has gotten, was going to an opportunity meeting incognito. While they happened to be in the same room, there was never any real dialog because one was standing in front of the room in plain sight, while the other was hiding in the back of the room among a large crowd of faces. The result was about as effective as watching a presentation via streaming video.

Several years ago, another clown was in Florida to check out Funshine. Instead of spending time with the people there, he took pictures of cars in the parking lot. Then while the owners of the cars were in training classes, he sneaked in to take pictures of the empty hallways. If I remember correctly, the pictures of empty hallways were to prove that nobody was there. (Apparently, the owners of the cars left without their preferred form of transportation.)

But alas, it did give the cowards an opportunity to say “I was there” in an attempt to add credibility and confirm their already twisted views and perceptions.

I had an opportunity myself to check out another well known “industry scammer” on the Internet about a year and a half ago. Part of the reason I went to this meeting was to see if the speculation and perceptions online matched what I saw with my own eyes. As it turned out, I had an opportunity to shake hands and introduce myself to this so called “scammer” and actually brought up the fact that they were so well known in the cyber world.

This one very pointed question opened up a rather lengthy dialog over several conversations. The contrast over what I had read and what I had gathered on my own was astounding. I had also gathered information on the cowards who were so head strong at pointing the finger at this guy. What I found out made me realize the cowards themselves had three more fingers pointing at them. In other words, these so called critics who were trying to save everybody from being scammed actually had more problems and blemished of their own that I could only conclude that the ranting and raving they were doing was nothing more than a deflection technique to make themselves feel better about their own miserable existence.

Look – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.

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

You don’t have to agree with me – but you do have to do a little more than read and post on message boards and blogs to form a legitimate and accurate perception of what’s going on. These clowns who only lift a finger to do a Google search on the internet to find opinions and perceptions that match their own illusions are a complete joke.

Instead, find somebody who has some real world experience and is capable (or at least willing) to show up in person for a face to face.

Online is a great place for introductions and connections. It’s capable of doing a lot and expanding your influence. However, if you’re not willing to unplug and venture out into the real world – you’re simply not going to get very far. You’ll quickly find yourself without any real knowledge, experience, or credibility.

While online can be great and it has its advantages – don’t mistake the online world as the real world or life experience. In order to grasp what’s really going on the only place to do that is offline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who knew?

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

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

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

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

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

What – A – CROCK!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Real quick – You know how much I’m lovin’ Best Buy right now.

BestBuy.com has just announced a very special Midnight Sale, Online Only, Starts Midnight Through 8 a.m. EST on Thursday (5/19).

This after-hours sale will feature hot deals on a variety of popular categories.

But hurry, these special sale prices will only be available for a short period of time, while supplies last!

Go check it out!

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

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We’ve been writing our weekly newsletter for the last three years now for YTB and ZamZuu business owners. It’s been one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done. The compliments and appreciation we get from subscribers means more than we can truly express. What started out as a team newsletter has spread throughout the company. Today, we send broadcasts reaching thousands of YTB and ZamZuu subscribers.

While our publication is designed and written for existing members of YTB and ZamZuu only, there are those who have subscribed under false pretenses. Opting to lie about their identity under an assumed name and e-mail address with the intent to play “Mall Cop”. After the California Settlement was reached two years ago, I was contacted by the Home Office with a list of “violations” from the Attorney General’s Office in California.

The AG had incorrectly charged that our publication was being used as a “recruiting tool” which was most certainly expressed by overzealous critics who desperately wanted to have my publication shut down.

After seeing so many desperate and childish stunts which feed Zealots uncontrollable obsession over YTB, we were well prepared for such an outlandish accusation. We set up our newsletter to verify our members with a valid ID and website address. We also used a double opt in feature to ensure that everyone who signed up actually verified with us they did indeed want our publication.

No shenanigans on our end.

These precautions were two fold. One, I wanted to make sure that everyone receiving this information was actually in YTB or ZamZuu already. And two, I fully expected the trolls to sign up – which they did – and were promptly deleted.

While their first attempt under real names and e-mail addresses were banned from our system, the sleaze then resorted to lying. Finding a YTB member in their local area that mirrored a location close to their own IP address, these parasites sucked off the other site owners ID and website address with a newly created gmail.com account and presto! Success in having our publication diverted to their inbox anyway.

Pretty elaborate scheme don’t you think? That’s the kind of bizarre behavior I’ve come to know while they pretend to be this noble, honorable “Mall Cop” for pour, unsuspecting souls. Truth is, they’re as dirty as the day is long.

A quick fix for the entire Attorney General debacle was a report of my entire list of subscribers with valid ID and website address, verification IP address, minus the user last name and e-mail address. The report clearly validated all subscribers were already in YTB and opted in under their own free will. A letter explaining that it was highly improbable that I was “recruiting” existing YTB website owners based on this report was also sent to the Home Office.

Not sure if it was the last time the AG or the Home Office ever heard about these “violations” again, but I certainly haven’t.

Interesting how morals, ethics, and honesty have no place for an obsessed Zealot that has to be right. When it comes to justifying their perceptions and perpetrating their fears and misconceptions to the general public, all this ethical stuff is mere window dressing they like to hide behind. It’s not just my newsletter they’ve infiltrated either. They’ve signed up as free Reps with the company, have become Fans of every Facebook page YTB or ZamZuu has, and have subscribed to every YTB and ZamZuu publication and newsletter they can get their hands on in order to feed their uncontrollable addiction.

With the latest settlement with the Attorney General in Illinois behind us, a new push by these imbeciles is once again in full swing. Obviously, they’re a bit upset that YTB was able to come to an agreement with another Attorney General and we are able to continue our business model. That’s what normal adults do – come to an agreement. Critics however have resorted to intercepting a new round of private correspondence, making its way to the internet with lists of supposed “violations” to say “see I told you I was right”.

While it’s clear that these correspondence are designed for “members only” – it’s upsetting the owners of these publications. Therefore, I’m offering up a list of items or precautions that you should implement in order to protect your publication and our fine company.

First, you need to accept that there will be sleazy little liars who will do and say anything in attempt to save face or to justify their position. Its part of the game they play. While I certainly don’t agree with it, getting upset and frustrated about it gives them the power and the control. You can take every precaution you want, and they’ll find a way to gain access. They’re that desperate for information and they need something they can spin against you and the company.

Second, most systems have a double opt in feature – use it. With the current CAN-SPAM Act that is in place, it’s not just jerks you want to protect against; it’s the FTC. Signing up someone to your mailing list is a practice we’ve never used. If your information and content is the quality it should be, you’ll get plenty of subscribers the right way. Every single subscriber we have has verified with our system they want our publication.

Third and I know this kind of sounds obvious – but put a disclaimer on your sign up page and in your publication something to this effect:

This newsletter is for information purposes for existing Website Sellers and Website Owners only.
It is not to be used as a recruiting tool for anyone outside the YTB company.

It won’t keep the pin heads out – but it will protect you in the event a pin head tries to play “Mall Cop” and claim you’re trying to recruit the general public or violating any rules.

Forth, and I know you’re not going to like this – but either turn off the “forward to a friend” feature or make sure your subscribers know that it’s only to be sent to existing team members. We’ve never used the “forward to a friend” feature for this reason: There may be some really good content that your subscriber wants to share with team members. Those team members however, may not want or feel the information is necessary. An issue we’ve had for years are folks who forward our publication out to team members and the team member unsubscribes the subscriber who sent it – because they don’t want it. (An unsubscribe link is also mandatory with current SPAM laws by the way.) Disabling this feature keeps complaints to a minimum because it’s only going to folks who actually subscribed.

An alternative for team members is having them forward your opt in link and have team members subscribe on their own. What you’ll find is an open rate that extraordinarily high, and a complaint rate that is practically non existent.

And finally, look over your data. We were able to spot our unauthorized troll by looking over our data. When Aweber changed their pricing along with their terms and conditions on us about a year ago, we had to upgrade. While we were upset at first having to pay more for exceeding 2500 subscribers, the new system and reports it offered showed just who was clicking what.

Low and behold, we found that one edition of our publication that was ripped off and posted publicly on a Zealots blog had over one dozen clicks from a single subscriber. A dozen clicks on the same link? Maybe two or three, but that amount raised a red flag. While the subscribers ID matched his website, and the IP matched where he lived – we found this subscriber based in Annapolis, Maryland had two subscriptions. One with a legitimate, unique domain, and the other with a Gmail account. The high click count came from the Gmail account – so we knew who was real and who the liar was.

It took me no time at all to delete the overzealous little twit.

If you have a newsletter and send correspondence to your team, I realize that you’re doing your team a service. I know all about offering news, support, training, mentorship, and positive reinforcement. It does have value and is a worthy and important part of being a true leader. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to acknowledge those traits because they’re so jacked up on hateraide. They simply can’t get past this idea that all you do is recruit and pick the pockets of poor unsuspecting souls. That’s the mantra rattling around in that empty space where a brain should reside. While they have no practical experience to base this limiting and false belief on – trying to change it is a complete waste of your time and effort. Just realize that they own that belief and you don’t have to.

So there you have it folks. Take it from me. These idiots have done it to me dozens of times and to no avail. Follow these simple steps and you not only protect your publication from being squashed, but you protect our fine company as a whole.

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