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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moron…

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Sorry I haven’t been around much lately. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to write before now, but writing has taken a back seat to business the last few weeks. Business has been going much better than expected right out of the gate, although it’s consumed a lot of my time and energy. It was important to me to set new standards and procedures right away, which has been welcomed by everyone that has seen both the old and new version of this business and management team. The new look and feel of the business has really paid off in spades.

When I first wrote about this business, and how optimistic I was about this new venture I mentioned how YTB (or any MLM really) was the perfect proving ground to change ones habits and thinking from being an “employee” to “business owner”. So much of what I was introduced to when I joined YTB wasn’t actually developed for MLM, but for traditional business. It was only adapted into the MLM model because it was sound business.

The lessons learned and the habits created over the last six years with YTB have made this transition from MLM to traditional business a piece of cake.

Don’t misunderstand me. There’s a lot of hard work involved. When my head hits the pillow at night, I’m exhausted. I don’t have a set schedule (like some 9-5) and practically work all hours. That being said, there’s still a nice balance of work and family time. For example, when the kids come home from school in the afternoon, I still take breaks to get them snacks, ask how their day was, and work with them on homework. After they’re in bed, I’m cashing out the daily sales, placing orders, preparing the lineup for the next day’s events, and responding to customer and employee e-mails.

Some of the daily tasks might have been different with YTB, but the work ethic and drive was instilled in me over the years because of MLM.

I also remember a time when commissioned sales intimidated the hell out of me. I never thought I was very good at it. One of those limiting beliefs I had about myself that just never served me very well. Sales always equated to being pushy for some reason – and that’s never been something I’ve been comfortable with. It wasn’t until YTB that it became a sheer numbers game of just asking and collecting an answer. Then it began to click. Not everyone gets (or wants) what you have. While most spend time trying to convince the wrong person for all the wrong reasons, I simply offered up features, advantages and benefits and collected an answer.

As Jerome Hughes has always said – “Tell me “Yes” – Tell me “No” – but tell me quick, I gotta go.”

I also liked what Rick Ricketts has always said – “I get up every morning and look for people who are looking for me.”

This idea of trying to convince family and friends is probably the biggest load of bull I’ve ever heard about MLM. It’s not that you shouldn’t ask, but if they simply don’t want to – your time is much better spent looking and asking someone else who will say yes. It’s not that I, Jerome, or Rick are any better at recruiting than anybody else.

We just asked more people.

In addition, when you have the right mindset and attitude, the right circumstances and people fall right into place. Part of my responsibility with the new business is new business development. I’ve since recruited someone who will focus on that aspect of the business in the coming months, but it’s my responsibility to get that ball rolling. One of those new areas is an entire county that was always part of the territory but never worked. A large task for sure, that I really wasn’t looking forward to cultivating. (Especially when I’ve got so many other responsibilities that I’m trying to manage.)

While out pounding the pavement in another territory, I got a lead from one of my other customers. I come to find out that this new lead happens to be in the very county I’m responsible for cultivating. While traveling, I make an immediate call to the new lead to introduce myself. Turns out, this new lead not only wants what I have, but thinks others could benefit from our services as well. There’s a meeting with a small group of 30 or more coming up in September that this new lead would like me to come out and do a presentation for if I wanted to.

If I wanted to?

Are you kidding me? The chance to present my business and services to 30 plus who could not only use my services but benefit from it in one fell swoop? It was just the shot in the arm I needed to get this new county and territory off the ground – and a lot quicker and easier than I had ever imagined.

I have no idea is you believe in or even know about “The Law of Attraction”. Most, I would hope have at least heard about the movie “The Secret”. I’ve heard both pro and con from others concerning this idea about attracting what you want into your life. Those that are pro know like I do that this “law” is an actual “law”, just like the “Law of Gravity”. You really don’t need to understand it or even except it – but it IS a law all the same. It works whether you want it to or not. It works whether you understand it or not.

Some of my readers are Faith based and “The Law of Attraction” actually parallels faith and belief. It’s not that I don’t have faith in God or a higher power – but my logical mind grasps the scientific aspects that everything we see, feel, and experience is “energy”. Some consider it “new age” or a “gimmick” and that’s fine. Truth is, there’s nothing “new age” about it. The idea and concept has been around for thousands of years.

Having this one person show up in my business out of the blue when my energy and thought levels have been so extreme and positive just adds more proof to me that we are all connected by this energy.

That energy stems from the fact that I’ve attained practical – real world business experience through YTB and MLM. It’s gone past the point of just knowing what to do and how to do it. It’s become habit for me after all these years.

I’ve tried reading books, attended seminars, even tried starting a few businesses prior to YTB without much success. Little did I realize that YTB and MLM would provide the tools and the habits necessary to get my MoJo on and find true business success.

If your serious about changing your circumstances and creating your own future and success in business, you need to not only take a serious look at MLM, but take MLM seriously – not just some hobby. There’s a wealth of information – and a ton of successful, motivated individuals who are more than happy to share and help you along the way. Take it from someone who not only knows, but has experienced it.

It’s real – it’s true – it’s practical. More so than any college course, seminar, or some know it all who thinks he or she has all the answers.

Want Business MoJo? Find a good MLM.

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A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that ignorance and injustice has never been something I’ve tolerated very well. It’s not that I expect everyone to know everything – people make mistakes (including me) all the time. But – I do expect people to be capable of learning. These “mistakes” are the lessons learned that helped people like Edison invent the incandescent light bulb. I’ve heard that he “failed” anywhere from 1000 to 10,000 times before he figured it out. The actual number of times isn’t important – but the concept that you adjust and correct with each mistake made to end up with success is.

It’s that type of thinking and determination that has helped YTB return to the original name – better, stronger, and with more conviction I’ve seen in a long time.

I’ve had more subscription signups to our newsletter in the last few weeks than I think I’ve had all year. I also had to create a separate category in my Outlook for the private YTB Facebook pages and the notifications that are coming in. My inbox became flooded with YTB posts. (There’s some really useful information there, and it’s always needed a special folder.)

Not everyone appears to be on the same page in sharing the excitement and passion for success that we do. Make no mistake, they certainly see it – and they know exactly what it all means. Our passion and excitement unfortunately gives them a nervous twitch.

From the day it appeared on my blog, (which I can still recall) one guy has produced an entire comedy of errors, missteps, and mishaps. This self-proclaimed “expert” decided to make it his personal mission to pick a fight with me, you, or anyone else associated with YTB. John Frenaye got more than he bargained for when he came trolling onto this blog to pick on what he assumed was just another “lowly MLMer”.

Instead of cowering or avoiding, I responded to both him and his illusions. His perceptions of MLM and YTB simply don’t match my reality or experience. I did see John’s charade as a valuable lesson in exactly what not to do, and how not to think. His so called “problems” with MLM, gave insight into what to avoid. Although by doing this you couldn’t avoid his pessimistic rants, which helps tremendously.

Although John never mustered up enough courage or strength to sit down with YTB face to face to discuss his “issues” with the company and our model, his Internet persona and constant bullying in every nook and cranny associated with YTB did provide insight for not only myself, but YTB to look at the perceptions and adjust accordingly.

I have no idea how this whole thing has worked out for John, but I don’t think it’s been all that pleasant. Nobody likes to be made the fool like I’ve highlighted and documented here. Not that it’s been a bed of roses for me either. Personally, and for others who have gone through this battle with me in YTB however, it’s been a great experience and lessons learned because unlike John, and others like him, we actually know how to learn and adjust from the mistakes we all make.

It makes us stronger, more resilient, and better than ever before.

John on the other hand, just doesn’t make them. “Mistakes” I mean. He’s still just as stubborn and bull headed as ever. Sticking to his illusions that MLM and its people are inferior to him or anyone outside of the “cult” that hasn’t been drinking the Kool-Aid.

And that my friend is exactly why this personal crusade of his and this battle that’s waged inside his head has been going on for at least the last four years. He hasn’t learned a blessed thing.

You might be thinking to yourself, “If an old dog like TravelPro can learn a few new tricks, certainly someone like John can – couldn’t he?

Not exactly.

I’ve heard it said from more critics than just John, that cynics think we MLM’ers are so caught up in the cult and drunk on the Kool-aid that our identity becomes attached to it. Without a YTB or another MLM to hang on to, we’re lost without any meaning. Truthfully, I think that concept speaks more about themselves than it does about any of us.

See, the whole idea of MLM is to teach the average person how to change from an employee mentality to a business owner mentality. The heart of MLM, what makes it tick and beat, is ground floor access to a business that will teach anyone who is willing how to become a real true entrepreneur and business owner. The problem as I see it, isn’t actually the MLM business itself, but the actual person running the business.

I look at the traditional business I came under contract with a couple weeks ago. The territory was run into the ground, and the old manager is filing for bankruptcy. If it were MLM, critics would be yammering about how the model failed. Now that I’ve been working this new business a few weeks and have done a couple P & L’s – I can’t for that life of me figure out how he couldn’t make this work – other than the fact that he didn’t know how to control expenses, and honestly was just plain lazy.

In other words, the model and the territory are just fine – it’s the business owner who didn’t put the proper time and effort into it that landed him in bankruptcy.

Network Marketing is not different. There’s a reason why the word “work” is in there – it takes “work”. This idea that you pay money and just sit back and collect checks is the most absurd notion there is in the MLM industry. You’re paid based on activity and results. No activity equals no money. To put it another way, you get out of it what you actually put into it. How it’s perceived by some as any different than any other business is a big red flag that they actually don’t know anything about business or what it takes to succeed.

For critics and cowards like John or the folks in the Class Action who have an average of 6 months of business experience among them, it’s just easier – or rather more comfortable to point the finger at MLM. They never notice the three fingers pointing right back at them.

I know commissioned sales can be a real drag – even overwhelming. It used to create its own nervous twitch inside me way back when. You have no idea how lucky you are to have a company like YTB, a product like travel to sell, and a mentor like Coach, Scott and Kim to learn the ropes and overcome that fear. And, yes, you’re even lucky to have someone like John to show you exactly what not to do and how not to think as an added bonus.

Considering where I’ve been and where I am today, I wouldn’t trade any of it in. I feel nothing but confidence and success because I knew who was right and who was dead wrong.

You too can rid yourself from that nervous twitching when you know who and what to join up with.

Ain’t no doubt about it for me.

It was Y-T-B.

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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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