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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No thanks.

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

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

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

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

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

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If you’ve paid attention to some of 2010′s biggest launches, you probably noticed one thing they had in common.

List Control
Product Launch Formula 3.0
Video Boss
Outsource Force

All these guys had a little link at the bottom that said “Powered By Kajabi” and until now, not too many people knew what that was about.

Today, FINALLY, answers!

Kajabi has already changed the way John Reese, Andy Jenkins, Frank Kern, Trey Smith, and Jeff Walker marketed their biggest products this year. After looking at this puppy, I think it’s going to change the way EVERYONE markets online. And after you watch the video linked here, it’ll probably make a convert out of you too.

Not too much to say here because you need to see this to appreciate what it can do, so go see this for yourself NOW!

If your still here because you’re wondering if Kajabi is actually AFFORDABLE, (which it is) it’s free to try for two whole weeks. But it’s a limited time deal for the trial, so best to go NOW.

My only question now is this: Why are you still reading this?  Push-button internet marketing is free for 14 days when you check Kajabi out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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There are several things that make me proud to be a member of YTB and ZamZuu. I mentioned Flags4Vets just before Convention. The company has also been a part of Feed the Future in years past, which provide toys, computers, musical instruments, and other gifts to children. We also can’t forget Passport To Giving which provides a steady stream of income for non-profit organizations who no longer have to beg for money.

This fall YTB and ZamZuu will expand its community service to help even more people in the form of security services for the average person. We know all too well about nut cases who poke and prowl the internet for your personal information and end up posting it publicly for everyone to see. While the information age we now live in can be a huge benefit – there is a segment of society who is suffering for whatever reason – and in their own dysfunctional way, they believe that victimizing others will make their pain go away.

While these people may or may not take responsibility for their own wellbeing and happiness – there IS something YOU can do to protect yourself and your family from this ugly segment of society.

That’s why we have a special interest in what ZamZuu will roll out as a new premier identity theft recovery product called the Entrust America ID Recovery Plan. In the event of an identity theft, the covered member is assigned a certified “Rush ID Recovery Specialists” from Entrust America who performs all the recovery and restoration work on behalf of you, the victim.

Most other plans on the market today merely offer assistance and expense reimbursement, and the victims are forced to do their own recovery. Don’t be fooled by slick marketing tactics, partial solutions and fine print exceptions that protect them, not you.

Last year, as many as 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.

We know how nasty and foul these perpetrators can be – but there is a way for you to remain in control and have peace of mind. Entrust your identity to local, regional, and national police associations and law enforcement (who also use THIS product) with Entrust America who fully recovers the victim’s identity, repairs the damage done, pursues the perpetrator, and takes legal action on your behalf.

The second product ZamZuu will launch is something we believe every parent needs in this day and age. Personally, I have no problem with people coming after me – but when it comes to my family that’s an area that’s so far out of bounds I can’t even put it into words. (And you know me – I have a way with words.)

KidZafe by Zamzuu helps you protect your kids from predators, bullies and sexting and helps you protect their privacy and reputation on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and on the mobile phone.

I could go on for days writing about this – but the mind doesn’t see in words – it sees in pictures – and I want you to get the full impact of what’s at stake here as a parent and what you can do to protect those you love. The video embedded below is powerful – especially if you’re a parent of young children. What I really like about this product is that it doesn’t force you to hide or lock up your children from the scum that may be after them – but it will warn and help you protect them. It puts you back in control of the information they now have at their fingertips.

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I know I’m on vacation this week, but I wanted to post a quick thank you for all the Birthday wishes yesterday. My e-mail and my Facebook page were covered with well wishes and it’s a real honor to have such good friends who take the time to send their comments and wishes – especially on a day like yesterday.

It was a really good day. My wife made my favorite dish, lasagna, and the kids decided that “everybody needs to play games on their birthday”, so that’s exactly what we did. To see a birthday through a child’s eyes is really something.

Absolutely adorable!

After seeing all the comments and wishes from you, I felt compelled to return my thanks for thinking of me as well. You’re a good group of friends and your thoughts and comments mean more than you’ll ever know.

I am grateful for having you as a friend. Thank you!

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Would you like another clear cut example that “word of mouth” works?

Yeah, I know – I’m preaching to the choir here, but this type of documentation and research can be very useful when talking to prospects about owning their own home based business. It appears that market research firms Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that people are more likely to recommend brands they follow as fans on Facebook and Twitter. Likewise, these same followers are more likely to buy from the brands they follow.

The study was conducted with 1500 consumers and here are the hard numbers:

• 60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since becoming a fan or follower.
• 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow or are a fan of.

With now over 400 million Facebook users on the internet these days, one might conclude that there’s an opportunity to be had here.

What’s even more interesting is that these users now actually expect business to have a presence in these mediums. The comments found in the release are very telling:

• “It’s EXPECTED that a company have some digital face – whether it’s on FB or Twitter I don’t know – but they need a strong electronic presence or you doubt their relevance in today’s marketplace.” Female 50-54
• “Either they are not interested in the demographic that frequents Facebook and Twitter or they are unaware of the opportunity to get more exposure in a more interactive method.” Male 35-39
• “It shows they are not really with it or in tune with the new ways to communicate with customers.” Female 18-24.
• “If they’re not on Facebook or Twitter, then they aren’t in touch with the “electronic” people.” Female 55-59

Clearly, Social Media has come of age, and those that embrace this medium have found a market that’s not only able – but very willing to recommend (aka “promote”) for you.

Those of us who’ve work in Direct Sales and Network Marketing (and do it the right way) have known about this phenomenon and how it works first hand. It’s really nothing new. You hook up, provide useful information that benefit them, and the next thing you know all sorts of people are purchasing based on a simple recommendation. There’s no need for heavy sales pitches or arm twisting when done the proper way.

In fact, anything heavy or over the top turns more poeple away can be the death of any online business in this environment.

Just relax, and be…well…”social”. Sounds obvious I know, but it’s the first step in building a long lasting relationship that will build trust and loyal fans and followers. Be part of the community and without much effort at all, you’ll find yourself climbing up the social media ladder – which in turn leads to exposure – credibility – and eventually sales.

Studies like this prove that Social Media not only works, but it’s now required if you want to build a viable business in this day and age.

Kind of puts a whole new light on the new ZamZuu marketing campaign launched less than three months ago doesn’t it? ;-P

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If you’ve been wondering when you’d be able to post some of your Deals and Steals specials on your Facebook wall, the wait is officially over.

Yeah-yeah-yeah, I know…YTB’s no longer in the “Travel Business”. Well, somebody forgot to tell the Home Office. ;-P

Typical of YTB and one of the reasons why they’re still around: YTB see’s opportunities to expand and grow business. Its probably the single biggest reason why I absolutely love this company.

This type of integration is such a piece of cake for the end user. It’s so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. See a deal that someone else might like? Want to share it with others? With one simple click of an icon up pops the link with comment box to share on your wall or via a private message to whom ever you’d like in your network.

If you need to jazz it up a little, or input some of your own information, that can be done as well in four different areas. (If there’s any doubt concerning what I’m talking about here, just click on the link and it will bring up a picture of each area.)

First is the comment box, which we’re all familiar with and use to doing if you’ve linked to any type of file or video in the past. From what I’ve seen, most people stop there, and that’s all well and good – but did you know you can do more?

• You can insert your own heading above the link
• Insert your own description under the link
• And of course – you can change the thumbnail picture to one that suits you best

After that, all that’s needed is a quick click on the “share” button to post it to your Facebook wall.

Sharing with family members, specialty groups, or close friends is now just a few simple clicks away on the most popular social networking site on the internet. Promoting your travel business has never been easier than this.

Just one more feather in YTB’s cap that shows how innovative and cutting edge this company really is.

Thanks YTB!

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