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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Five years ago – I made a very important decision.

I declared my Independence.

I had no idea what laid ahead of me. I found that it wasn’t always a walk in the park. I’d also make my share of mistakes along the way.

But you know what? I wouldn’t trade a second of it because I’ve learned more about myself and business in the last five years than during my entire adult (working) life combined. I have a much better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I know what fires me up, and what bores me to tears. I’ve also expanded and grown farther than I’ve ever thought was possible before. My self-worth and self-confidence in what I’m truly capable of doing has awakened from its long overdue hibernation.

I dream like a little kid again.

It’s been a wild ride that’s far from being over. There’s still far more I want to be – do – and have.

When I made this declaration public, the support which opened up was incredible. Teachers, mentors, and friendships came out of nowhere to offer insight and leadership. People who actually cared – actually offered something worthwhile – actually wanted me to succeed.

That’s not to say that critics didn’t show up along the way. Those who tried to intimidate of shame me into submission – back to the old way of thinking. Fortunately, I’ve found that most critics are also cowards. The vast majority never revealed enough about themselves or provided any value to be any real significance. Always telling me what was wrong – never how to correct it or solve it.

Being independent requires being solutions oriented – not problem oriented.

This past weekend, Scott Tomer released a video on what Independence Day means to him and why we should all declare our own independence. I didn’t actually catch the video until after the July 4th holiday, but it struck a cord with me – and I agree with him one hundred percent.

I remembered the freedom that declaring my own independence meant to me five years ago. How liberating and strong it felt. How it gave me new life and renewed confidence in myself.

There’s one little caveat here that may help you put this declaration of independence into the proper perspective. Neither, Scott nor myself will tell you that making this declaration means that you walk into your bosses office tomorrow and quit. It took me a year and a half to feel comfortable and place myself in a position of telling my former employer I was out of there. What I did do however was work extra hard (much like a second full time job) to replace the income I was making during my “day job” doing what I really wanted to do.

See, your declaration is merely the beginning.

Think of it this way. Our Founding Father’s signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – but the declaration was only the beginning of the Revolutionary War. True independence from Great Brittan wasn’t achieved until 1783. Nor did the Colonies go at this alone. They had help from the French, Spain and the Dutch Republic.

Your own declaration will also take some time and some help from others to come to fruition. You may not know how or where it will come from – but you’ll never know until you make a declaration of your intentions – your own independence.

Then the answers and the help from others will come.

Sure, you’ll experience some defeats. You’ll also question yourself at times. You may even feel like giving up. True independence takes sacrifice and determination. A new way of thinking – doing – and being. But if you really, truly want it – it’s there for you.

Deep inside, you know you really want it. What’s stopping you? The truth is – nothing other than your own “stinkin’ thinkin”. What you don’t see now will be revealed to you. What you don’t have now will be given to you. But you have to first make the decision – a declaration to yourself and others that this is the direction you want to go.

I still make this declaration almost daily, even five years later. Some day’s it’s easier and more meaningful than others. Because I know and trust that it works if you do. I’ve seen and experienced too much after all this time.

So what do you say? When are you going to get up – stand up – and never give up? It all starts with one simple step.

Declare YOUR Independence.

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Back from vacation and into the full swing of life once again. As I get older and our kids grow, I appreciate the family time we spend together more and more. My sister’s youngest son graduated High School last week – so most of the family was together for his milestone. He’s also a Baseball State Champion which was won the day we arrived in Virginia.

I was talking with her three boys about how much their Coaches have meant to them over the years playing sports. How they not only taught them how to play the sports they participated in, but lessons learned in sports were woven into life. I’ve known Coach’s like that myself while playing organized sports.

The last sports Coach I had was for golf. I swear, I had every Tom, Dick and Harry trying to tell me how I should hit the ball and play the game. Thing is, none of them were much better than I was. It wasn’t until I actually started working with a Golf Pro that my game got better. I spent years as just another golf hack – and when I picked up a Coach, I worked my way down to a 5 handicap – and the game as a result became much more enjoyable.

It’s amazing how we think nothing of being coached for baseball, golf, or any other organized sport – but when it comes to life most of us will take advice from anyone that offers. Problem is, our circle of influence is quite often no better off than we are. (Sometimes even worse off.) I think I’ve always known this was true, but I don’t think it really sunk in until I went to a T. Harv Ecker Seminar several years ago.

It was so obvious: You can’t expect to learn and grow from anyone who hasn’t already accomplished it themselves.

I have to be honest. In the early years of YTB, I built a team and made it to Coach’s Corner via a Coach. While my love of travel and the passion I had naturally attracted people to me – I was not equipped at the time to build a business. My Business Coach at the time had never been involved in MLM himself, but he was a very successful business mind who worked with several Fortune 500 companies.

It was during that time that I saw and experienced firsthand that Network Marketing was really no different than any other business. The exact same principles applied to both.

Once I got to Coach’s Corner, I actually knew a lot of people who were trying to make it and couldn’t seem to get over the hump. They craved the mentorship and insight that someone like Coach had to offer. But they were just like me – they didn’t have the mindset or the tools necessary to achieve this goal without the proper guidance of a Coach.

While all this was announced last week while I was on vacation – I’m pleased to report that this “problem” has been corrected. For those of you who couldn’t get on the call a week ago or requested the information again, here’s a quick recap of what went down last week:

Introducing “Coach’s Way” – The 2020 Vision for your Life!

The program that many of you have been looking forward to has come to fruition! Coach’s Vision for teaching and helping others find success in life begins this August, and you can register now for a special price. Simply click the ad for “Coach’s Way” in your Rep Back Office. It’s $50 for the month of August, (which is actually a real DEAL if you look into other Coaching and Mentoring programs out there) and if you get three personally sponsored participants to join, too, you’re not paying next month for Coach’s Way. You simply don’t pay for every month you have at least three active participants in the program. (And you better believe Coach will teach you how to reach that level.)

Don’t wait to register, however. The price for this program will go up to $100 at Convention, so join now if you’re at least thinking about it. There are additional components to this program that you’ll receive, but Coach and Scott are saving that for the Convention in July. (They GUARANTEE you’ll love what you hear.)

The first mentoring session from Coach will be held LIVE on July 28 at the 2011 Convention, and only those in Coach’s Way will be able to attend. Details regarding location information and time will be announced closer to the event. Please Note: The first mentoring session is open to everyone in Coach’s Way, but Convention activities do require a 2011 Convention admission ticket.

Remember – if you want to be in Coach’s Corner or become a Director in this company – you need to listen and learn from those who have actually done it. This nonsense of listening to those who have never been there before simply doesn’t cut it – or you’d be there by now.

If you’re serious about getting out of the rat race and achieving the time and financial freedom you’ve always wanted – you need to hook up with a Coach – someone who can teach and guide you on how to do it.

Also, I mentioned what a deal this program is. I’ve seen (and actually spent personally) thousands on Coaching programs. By no means am I knocking these other programs. I credit my Business Coach I worked with in part for my rise to Coach’s Corner several years ago. Sure – he had a limited knowledge of MLM but he did know Business and that’s what Network Marketing actually is – a viable business model.

Just like my golf  game – a Coach was the best  investment  I could have made to reach new levels that I truly wanted but could never achieve. If you’re  not where you want to be right now – and actually think you should be there  by now, somethings got to change. If you continue doing the same old – same old, you’ll continue to get the same results.

If you’re  way isn’t working – you need to try Coach’s Way.

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I’m the type of person who believes that you can find both lessons and inspiration from just about anywhere. All you have to do is be aware of what’s going on around you. Movies for example are used primarily by most for pure entertainment. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong from the escape that movies provide – we all need that too. But like life, too many of us aren’t aware of the messages and meanings that can really aid us in our own journey we call life.

Someone not only found but took the time to compile “words of wisdom” from 40 films. Most of the clips from these films you’ll probably recognize. There are plenty of Star Wars clips, and my son knows all these quotes. (We’ve watched the entire Star Wars Trilogy countless times.) You’ll also find some very famous quotes that you may have heard at one time or another if you hang out with the right type of people. One of the reasons I like MLM – because they are aware and tuned in to this type of stuff. Although, none of these films have anything to do with Network Marketing or MLM – just life lessons in general.

Enjoy!

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One of the events I’m grateful for in my life is finding YTB. When I signed on some six years ago, I started on a wonderful transformation. Changing from thinking like an employee to thinking more empowered as business owner.

I don’t know why they don’t teach this kind of stuff in school, I really don’t. Simply by opening up the door to YTB provided an amazing amount of information, training, and support that I never even knew existed. It’s  changed my mindset, my attitude and my self confidence dramatically.

Truth is, YTB is one of the most empowering and gratifying choices I’ve ever made. It ranks right up there with all-time great choices I’ve made, such as my sobriety, my wife, and my two adorable children. Like those life changing experiences, I wouldn’t trade YTB for anything – nor is there anything anyone could do or say that will diminish that.

An item that has impressed me most about YTB, is how they can pick market shifts and trends. Honestly, I’ve never really sat down with them to discuss how they come to the conclusions they do, or how they pick where to focus attention. However, because of my own independence created by YTB, I learned how to spot market shifts and trends on my own with my own set of tools. By using the knowledge acquired through learning and training, I not only know how to spot trends, but now can tell you how much money is being thrown at it in an attempt to capture market share, and how much money is there for the market to capture.

This site has been a great resource to see what’s on peoples minds and what interests them. For example, when I see search terms and hits, Google and other tools can tell me what that search term is actually worth for someone wanting to purchase PPC (Pay Per Click) advertising.

I do things a little different – I’ve never bought PPC. Never had to. Six years of content and links here put me on the first page rankings for any number of search terms. One such niche I tested was the “green” or “eco-friendly” search terms that I started writing about middle of last month. When I saw these search terms, and then matched them up to the amount of money being spent on PPC and the money that could be made – my eyes bugged out. I started looking at other keywords, how competitive they are, and how much money is involved. My experience with YTB and other ventures also gave me the proper mindset to look at this as with my business cap on, not as an employee.

So, I had to make a decision. While changing the focus of this blog was an option I considered, and would be the easiest to implement because it’s already well read, well ranked, and well linked – I don’t want to give up the main focus of this site. It was started to promote YTB and Travel – and it will remain just that. So I decided to try something new, something bolder, something that I could dedicate exclusively to being more environmentally focused.

On March 1st, 2011 OurSharedEarth.com was born. Our Shared Earth is a site dedicated to finding alternatives that make cleaner, more economic sense that we all can implement – now. Healthy, green, low-impact choices are not only investments in our future, but investments in your financial well-being that save energy, water and money.

I decided to take this route because I know what works, and how to implement a brand this new site. How to acquire maximum exposure with a large following – and I know how to write content that gets traffic organically. (Pun intended) You’ll see some of the same tools found here, with some new tools that I’ve been working on that will make OurSharedEarth just as impactful as JustPictureItNow. Heck, in only two weeks OurSharedEarth’s Alexa ranking is already around 2 million. (Down from 16 million) That in itself is a feat some can’t even match in years of writing. (Because they have no clue what they’re doing or what they’re writing about.)

Now, before I go, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. In the past when I’ve ventured outside of YTB to produce additional streams of revenue there have been some that have made claims that I’m signing off – or getting out of YTB. Frankly, that’s more a wishful fantasy than it is any type of assertion. I’m a huge thorn in the side of those who oppose YTB, Network Marketing, and Direct Sales. I’m also one who’s not easily intimidated by blathering rants that attempt to shame someone into submission.

I can and do bite back when necessary and while some don’t like it or call it arrogance – I call it undeniable confidence. Many admire the way I stand up for not only myself, but others who want to get involved in MLM or Direct Sales. Besides, there’s still a small part of me that gets amusement from the way they react to what I do or say – and I like making them nervous or uncomfortable while being a voice of reason for others who want to believe in themselves and their own abilities.

Network Marketing is an excellent industry, and YTB is one of the finest companies I’ve ever had the honor of working with. Nobody (and I do mean nobody) will ever be able to convince me and my past six years of experience in this industry and company any differently. While some will moan, whine, attack and bicker – I’d simply say “Thanks for sharing” and focus my time and energy on more important subjects I can control and profit from.

That for the time being would be another stream of revenue from OurSharedEarth.com.

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I love Football.

I’m also a huge fan of personal development. Since my family knows my interests and my passions – they got me “Get Coached” this year for Christmas.

Best Christmas present I think I’ve ever opened!

You might have seen this on TV. “Get Coached” is a set of 5 DVD’s, each featuring a celebrated and highly successful Football Coach. Each, share the secrets of their success both on and off the field.

The complete Get Coached 5 DVD Box set features one Coach who shares his success secrets on the following topics :

• Mike Ditka – “Total Commitment”
• Bobby Bowden – “God, Family and Football”
• Mike Singletary – “A Vision of Faith”
• Sean Payton -“Aim High”
• Rex Ryan – “Give It All You Got”

When it comes to sports – we think nothing of having a “Coach”. When it comes to the game of life however – it’s probably the furthest thing from most people’s minds – and that’s a huge mistake. Especially if you want to reach new levels and become successful in life and business. Each Coach has their own lessons on how you can empower yourself with the necessary tools to achieve great things.

What I find fascinating about this set is that many of the life lessons taught by these great men are lessons I’ve heard before. Much of what’s taught can be found in other books, seminars, and DVD’s. What this tells me (as it should you) is that success leaves clues. Doesn’t matter if it’s playing the game of football or the game of life – the principles found in this box set are universal for anyone who wants to achieve success.

Don’t take my word for it – here are several quotes from Amazon.com from others who have either purchased the DVD box set outright or gotten it as a gift:

These guys really get me PUMPED-UP to TACKLE ANY CHALLENGE! Each track is like your very own locker room pep talk (kick in the rear). Whenever I need some quick motivation, I just throw in one of these DVDs and instantly GET MY GAME ON! Also great for downloading to your iPod.

Not just for sports fans – these DVDs are for anyone who wants to advance their life through the guidance and experience of these highly successful, elite motivators, and winners.

This is one of the best motivational tools I have ever come across. The applicability of the messages are incredible, and the inclusion of some of the greatest football minds in the World enables the messages to be driven home with great effectiveness. This is a fantastic product that will make a great gift for the Holidays. A must see for anyone looking for motivation, both football fans and non-football fans alike. I only hope there are more DVDs of this type planned for the future!

The concept of highlighting Football Coach’s may be new – but the lessons found in this box set are timeless. I not only love the format (being an avid football fan) but it drives home that success is a strategy – not random luck.

Even more fascinating for me, was how I’ve gotten to know each of these men in greater detail. I gotta be honest – I never really liked Rex Ryan. He’s a bit much for my taste. But after watching his DVD, I have a new appreciation for what he stands for and what makes him tick. I actually understand why he is the way he is – and appreciate his methodology.

Sean Payton I’ve always liked for some reason and after watching his DVD – I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he’s accomplished as a coach of Saints. (Make that World Champion Saints.)

Like many of the other reviews I found and highlighted here, I also highly recommend this box set for anyone looking for tools and inspiration. It’s a set I’m using for my personal goals in 2011 and one that I’ll be watching over and over throughout the years. If there’s another series in the works – I’ll be one of the first in line to buy it.

If you’ve been thinking about this set for yourself – about all I can say (as taught to me from these fine men) is get yourself into the game. There is no thinking about it – and there is no try. You either will or you won’t.

Make the decision to commit and just do it.

You’ll be glad you did.

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