You best stay out of the kitchen.

Being one of the more visible YTB blogs on the internet, I have my share of readership. Most readers are supporters and enjoy my insight and information about our company.

I also have my share of detractors. Some I would safely say detest my existence for one reason or another. If you’re in the public eye, you can’t be everything to everybody and there will always be those who don’t agree with you. What makes my sort of activity and exposure dangerous is when emotions enter into the mix.

Emotions have too many variables. You can’t expect emotions to remain constant over time or from one person to another. Each individual perceives and reacts to each situation differently. Logic and facts however always have a base or a core that remain constant. One of the things we’re finding through our journey together with YTB is that the facts of our business model are able to withstand the misconception, half-truths, and lies that we see from those who use perceptions and opinions as their core defense.

As expected, John Frenaye took exception to my article on Friday and boldly laid claim that I’m the one who “spins”. He added that his blog was more “legitimate” and his was the only viable option where people had to ability to “judge for themselves”.

He’s also a tad upset at what he’s deemed a “personal attack” and eventually, “my lies” will catch up with me.

My – my – my. How easy it is to dish it out.

It’s interesting to me how quickly this group pulls the “personal attack” card when challenged. I’m not sure if they think they’re too pure, or we’re to take pity and look the other way when their blatant misrepresentations about our people, our Founders and our company are created by their hands. I hate to break it to this group – but they leave some enormous “stinkers” out there on the web. Their activities have left some laughing, and others appalled. We DO know right from wrong, ethical from unethical, what is morally right and what’s morally bankrupt.

To illustrate how bold and brazen John has become over the years, we’ll reference one of the most legitimate and honorable sources I know – our court system. What was forwarded to me last week clearly illustrates why our Home Office made the decision to turn down his requested interviews and why others have come to the conclusion that John can’t be trusted to “report” anything concerning YTB in an unbiased or accurate manor.

Case in point: This was written by John last week on his blog:

Of course, back in August of 2009, we reported on the story where Coach had a ramshackle home and was able to convince a church to make the repairs in return for a lease. But Coach reneged on the lease and got his home fixed for free.

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t call his post entitled “Once Upon a Time” an actual “report” but ironically – a “Fairy Tale”. If you strip away John’s “report” and look at the court documents which are linked in the word “TRUTH” it reveals John’s elaborate web of deception – not Coach’s.

Yes – John’s the one deceiving the flock – pouring Kool-Aid if you will. The “truth” shows that Coach and Chris “donated” the parcel in question to the church for a Minister and his family use as a parsonage. More troublesome; the word “lease” never even appears in the actual court documents, although conveniently inserted by John in his – “report”.

True, the home needed electrical upgrades to meet code, and a gas furnace needed to be converted to propane. There was never any lease however, and Coach and Chris never received a penny for their generous donation to the Church and its family. Consequently, the court concluded:

“the parcel here in issue and the house thereon qualified for exemption during all of the 1998-assessment year either because it was in the process of adaptation for exempt use or because it was actually used by the Church as a parsonage for Rev. Casey.”

I know I’m going out on a limb, but you be the judge here. Which do you find more “legitimate”? John’s “Once Upon A Time” fairy tale – or – documentation from “The State of Illinois“?

What’s so astounding to me, is the man doesn’t appear to understand how anyone could possibly question his “reporting” as wrong or even inappropriate. To question anything he says or does is challenged with a very coy rebuttal and continued claims that HE is the most fair and unbiased source concerning YTB in the land. According to John, he’s proven how Coach has a long history of deception and he’s proud that his flock agrees that Coach should be thrown in jail for doing what he did to this church.

And yes, that type of arrogance is frustrating – even for me.

We can’t forget another court ruling regarding YTB’s business model and claims of an elaborate pyramid scheme that wasn’t just dismissed but tossed out as “redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter“. Again we find John and others on the wrong end of an argument calling the absurd complaint “powerful”.

Here’s how the Honorable Judge Murphy described the complaint:

“The First Amended Consolidated Complaint, filed July 15, 2009, is an ungainly monster of 39 pages containing 133 paragraphs (many of which have subparagraphs) that likely does not pass muster under the familiar federal “notice pleading” standard.”

True to form, John “disagrees” with the court’s ruling, and makes no apologies for his position or opinions. John falls right in line with the type of hideous and outrageous accusations Counsel tried to pull in its second go around, after the first complaint was dismissed. Their answer to the problem – a bolder, more brazen attack.

So which do you find more legitimate? John’s statement, or Judge Murphy?

From John’s point of view, it’s YTB that is “crafty” and “sly”. The only reason why YTB is still around is due to changing our model or living on the very edge of the law. Regardless how much change or how close we “appear” to be, it’s still the right side of the law. YTB’s model has never required “payment for the opportunity to recruit others” from day one. You may not agree with that – you may not understand that – and you may never accept that. But because yours is only “opinion” and not “fact” – you do have to continue to deal with YTB.

Finally, John recently found out that the law is the law, and everyone (including him) must abide regardless of opinions or perceptions. The creation of a fake Zam Zuu fan page to mock and poke fun at our company violated ZamZuu’s trademark causing a confusing similarity. His defense – a space between “Zam” and “Zuu”. (And no, I’m not kidding.)

John, you don’t just stink – you absolutely reek of lies, deceit and a perception that the laws of this land simply don’t apply to you. It’s a double standard that I will not turn away from and I will not make any apologies for in calling you out. We all make mistakes (even me) but there comes a time when you have to stop blaming others or being a victim and take personal responsibility for your own actions.

You are in the public eye and there will be those who will disagree and oppose you. There will also be those who will hold you accountable for your actions. If you don’t like it, either toughen up or stop what you’re doing and go back into hiding.

As it stands right now – you have proven to me, our company, and several outsiders who have no beef one way or another with YTB that you should not be trusted due to your attitude and your actions documented above.

For every action, there is a reaction. So if you don’t like my reaction, stop acting the way you are!

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That life is boring at YTB. ;-P

I apologize for not getting something out sooner – the kids had early release the last two days and we had projects planned. I also have a business to run and don’t have the vast amount of time in my profession that others apparently have. I have however been trying to sort out fact from fiction from various sources I know and trust via phone since the latest episode of “Days of YTB” has hit cyberspace.

Before we get started…I think it’s appropriate for the proper background music due the nature of what’s happened this week. For your listening pleasure, I’ve resurrected an oldie but goody that I’ve used before when there’s so much talk about YTB.

Apparently there was a mass exodus of wackos over the last 36 hours that have put out some pretty outrageous stuff. As usual, those of us who have a firm grasp on the situation are left to clean up the mess. Due to time restraints, I need to warn everyone that I have not read – but merely heard some of the rumors I’m about to squash. Therefore, please understand that some of what I might comment on – may not have ever been written in the vast space we call the internet – nor can I reference just who said it.

The following is a list of what I have heard and what I know to be true.

YTB’s CFO, John Clagg has resigned effective February 2nd. I’ve heard of various scenarios on how this came about. Some reasonable and some outlandish. The reasonable would consist of being burned out. With what the company has gone through since the California Law Suit was filed the day before the 2008 National Convention, and a new CEO who has a keen eye on the companies bottom line – it’s understandable that it would drain anyone.

Another reason I’ve heard is that John saw the writing on the wall – meaning, YTB isn’t going to make it.

Please…

One, the company has secured a $650,000 loan based on the expectant sale of the former home office located at One Country Club Drive. Which is odd – because it’s been widely publicized for years on various boards and blogs that YTB doesn’t have any assets to speak of. (Who knew?)

Two, it was announced on a company call yesterday, and corresponding documentation will be available to the field of some 300 $1000 Quick Start Bonuses will be in mailboxes across the country today. The ZamZuu e-commerce platform announced at the Coach’s Birthday Bash in early January has provided a much needed stimulus package for the field. When the field is making money, the company is making money. The enhanced commission structure enables the average person to attain a bonus, and that builds momentum.

You certainly don’t need to be a CPA to understand that cash flow isn’t the current problem at this point in time. (Still tight, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.)

An interesting observation from some time ago – I remember the exiting CFO being chastised by critics as “unqualified” for the position. It’s rather convenient that the ridicule and lack of qualifications are quickly tossed aside now that John has decided resign. I just love how folks can play both sides of the fence when a new position appears to benefit them. Happens with Directors too. All of the sudden these liars, scammers, and cheaters suddenly turn into Saints simply by leaving the company for another.

It would make any John Kerry supporter proud.

While there is a rumor of massive trading from our Directors due to this news, I’d hardly consider 29,300 shares massive. While John did resign on February 2nd, it was well after the closing bell on Tuesday. (3:00 Central time) I’ve never really understood just why this type of rumor persists with our Directors. I just chalk it up to ignorance and a way for critics to create more drama. Day traders have a ton more fun with this stock than any Director. Due to the timing of our CFO’s resignation and how suddenly (although not surprising) the resignation developed – nobody had any chance to benefit one way or another from this news. Based on the volume, between the verbal resignation and the release of the 8K – the numbers certainly don’t indicate insider knowledge.

Current CEO Robert Van Patten will fill in as interim CFO of the company until a replacement can be acquired. Mr. Van Patten is well equipped to fulfill the roll as CFO for YTB International, and has been in charge of much larger corporations in the past. His leadership is the largest reason why YTB has been able to acquire – all be it small – profits the last two quarters even with revenue down in 2009.

Another rumor floating around is that Ron Head, YTB’s Master Distributor has been terminated. While this may be the case after a thorough investigation – at present any word of termination is premature. Ron has I’m sorry to say been suspended due to possible cross recruiting.

If I’m getting e-mails and calls from every Tom, Dick, and Harry about the next “Big Thing” I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of carrots our Directors are seeing. How much greener the pastures are – how well everyone BUT YTB is doing in this economy – or all those “special positions” reserved for “true leaders” in the industry. I’ve seen and heard some real WHOPPERS in regards to rumors about what’s going on with YTB – including one I’ll mention later – that aren’t created by critics of MLM – but other MLM companies to lure people over to their company.

Attaining a Circle of Champion Director from YTB is a HUGE feather in the cap of any company because – as we all know – YTB created massive amounts of income for those who went to work. So much so, it caught everyone’s attention. Especially in an industry that understands and wants “recruiters”.

A personal note here – and this has nothing to do with Ron or any specific Director who has since left YTB for “greener pastures”. I have yet to hear of see any of YTB’s former Directors leave and actually stay with the next best thing they left YTB for. Several Directors that I know of have been with several different companies since leaving YTB and I can’t think of one (NOT ONE) who is currently better off today than they were the day they left YTB. Nor, with the exception of Corr, who just launched his new venture this week, is currently with the same company they moved on to.

That’s not to say they won’t be able to find another home. For some, I sincerely hope they do. It should be noted however that all of the fanfare up to this point has been nothing more than a passing fancy for every single Director who has left YTB for the next big thing.

Another very curious rumor floating around was that Coach, Scott and Kim were forming another MLM. Honestly, I just can’t wrap my head around this one. Critics, I could understand – they’ve always thought that our Founders would eventually call it quits. Some speculated retirement on some remote island with all our $50 checks in tow – while others speculated another industry entirely to rape and pillage. I’d expect that kind of stupidity from them.

It appears that rumor has also been squashed as Coach has been appointed the newest Master Distributor of…

Wait for it…

YTB.

Sigh…Coach will be recruiting again and honestly, it’s what he does best. I realize that frustrates some, and I know the fears and phobias surrounding the word “recruiter”. People slap that word on me all the time – and truth be told – yes, I do recruit. I recruit for Carnival, Princess, Sandals, Collette, Delta, Air Tran, Holiday Inn, Avis, Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, and YTB. (Among others, but you get the idea.) We all recruit in some form or fashion and I fail to see what the concern or deal is when it comes to word “recruit”.

I can only hope that at some point in time they come come to grips with their “issues”. But don’t expect me to own that type of stupidity and fear just because it makes someone angry or bitter. The heightened outbursts and emotions I see reflects more about them, then it ever will me.

In closing, for those of you in YTB for reasons only you have a right to decide and place judgment on – don’t lose your focus or the sight of your dreams. Many of you got into YTB to sell travel and/or e-commerce. Others have found a new spark in the e-commerce platform that has triggered bringing people into a very promising opportunity that like travel a couple years ago was attractive to the masses.

If you’re like me, you see all the deposits waiting to turn into cash when these vacations are consumed this summer. Like the company, you need to think long term and tighten up to stay in the game in order to capitalize on the deposits your sitting on. Others saw checks in the form of cash back this week for doing what you already do – shop. More of the same is coming on the 11th when the residuals for being a business owner are sent out not only for your own shopping but all those who shopped on your sites.

By the way you realize they too got cash back checks this week from their own shopping experience with ZamZuu right?

Call them up…ask them if they think this works.

I got to tell you, it’s a much better alternative than searching the internet right now, trying to get a feel from a bunch of cowards who don’t have the guts to put a real name behind what they plaster all over the internet or talk about on the phone.

Because I had another post scheduled for today, it’s been bumped to Monday. I think you’ll like it and it drives home why ZamZuu is right on mark and why big name companies are going to a model just like ours to sell their product or service. You don’t want to miss it!

Hope to see you again on Sunday in your e-mail box with this week’s wrap up and the Just Picture It Now Newsletter.

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I’m guessing I’m showing my age here – but you can’t bring up Princess Cruises without “The Love Boat” Theme running through my head. Truth is, the show was partly responsible for me wanting to work in the travel industry. The show certainly portrayed a very glamorous lifestyle that I wanted to be part of.

Little did I know at the time what the future had in store for me with an opportunity like YTB.

Several years ago YTB came up with this idea of hosting a “Sail-a-thon” on the Internet to promote both key partners and destinations for our customers. The field loves it because it gives many an opportunity to host a party at the house. Partners love it because it costs them nothing. They simply piggy back on the technology and infrastructure YTB has invested in – giving them an opportunity to promote from a single location to thousands. YTB has been hosting these “Sail-A-Thons” for years with several companies and since they keep on popping up every couple of months – everyone involved sees value in the events.

Cruise nights aren’t new however. CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association) actually came up with the concept five years ago with the “World’s Largest Cruise Night“. Hundreds of Agencies still get together in a collective effort each year in October to promote the joy of cruising to clients.

All YTB did was modernize the concept, making it easier for clients to become informed and educated, while at the same time saving Cruise Lines some serious money by reaching the same number of clients (if not more) from one centralized location over the internet. Most recently, YTB partnered the webcast with Facebook to make it even easier for YTB Agents to send a simple link to friends and clients to enjoy specials and promotions on the worlds most popular social networking site.

Adding Facebook into the equation makes it interactive, an element that was missing with a simple webcast. When YTB tried it for the first time with Carnival back in November, we had no idea the power it possessed and how much fun it could be. Thousands of people posted their favorite cruise pictures and some even won prizes! (Like yours truly. ;-P)

Thursday night, Princess Cruises gets into the act with a new twist called Trivia Night. The hour long broadcast will ask six Trivia Gold questions about Princess and/or Alaska to give viewers a chance to win prizes by answering the questions. In the meantime viewers also become educated on the value of cruising – and more specifically why Princess Cruises is the premier cruise line when it comes to an Alaska destination.

For example, a 7-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise is followed by 5-nights on land featuring 1 night at McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, 2 nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and 2 nights at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. It’s the only cruise of it’s kind. Princess has invested millions into these lodges and you won’t find these type of amenities from any other cruise line.

This cruisetour offers the ultimate vacation for the entire family, ensuring you see all the best of Alaska by land and by sea. You just can’t get that with any other line. 

As an added incentive to “come aboard”, Cruise customers will see some great prices for all destinations with the following benefits:

• Up to $100 onboard credit per stateroom
• Reduced deposit of just $100 per person
• Coupons worth up to $325 in onboard savings

The entire savings package can be found right here, and you can pull up a direct link to Princess Cruise Lines here to investigate and price out your next Princess Cruise.

The Sail-a-Thon should be a lot fun. From what I saw, Facebook fans enjoyed interacting with each other during the Carnival Sail-a-Thon a few months ago.

Technology – aint it grand?

Hope to see you there and of course some of you will be singing it with me until then…

Love, exciting and new
Come Aboard. We’re expecting you.
Love, life’s sweetest reward.
Let it flow, it floats back to you.

If you’re too young to remember the song that’s okay. Just remember to join us tomorrow night!

Hope to see you then!

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As I think back to my early childhood, there are a couple of events that I can recall. One of them was watching Armstrong land on the moon. The other was a year prior. The day Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. I think one of the reasons I remember the faint flicker on the television, was because the news interrupted the celebration of my fourth birthday.

April 4, 1968

I don’t really recall anything else growing up as a child concerning the Civil Rights Movement. The now famous “I Have A Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial was 8 months before I was even born. Nor did I have any knowledge of the type of segregation or prejudice that existed in our Country. It wasn’t until I reached my Middle School and High School years that I became aware of the Movement as a history lesson – not experience.

I always think about that flicker on the television this time of year. How peaceful Dr. King was. How violent others were. And yet, how he was able to change history. Two score and six years ago, there was a peaceful march in Washington to speak up and say:

“We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation.“

Nineteen sixty-three was not an end, but a beginning. There was neither rest nor tranquility in it’s pursuit. Because of one man’s undeniable dream, others followed long after he was gone to produce a true American Triumph for this Country. 

I took some time to read Dr. Kings “I Have A Dream” speech yesterday. How the Civil Rights Movement challenged “that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” – and realize how he had won.

At the same time I read the text, I couldn’t help but think of the prejudice and bigotry that exists for those of us who work in the MLM industry. How people I know and love are ostracized, ridiculed, and spit at with insults simply because they work in MLM. I looked at Dr. Kings words and could feel the frustration of knowing what is right and just – yet the power within him to deny the frustration and insist that there could be change.

Peaceful change.

Along with being a student of the Travel Industry the last few years, I’ve also become a student of the Network Marketing industry. What I’ve come to know without a doubt, is MLM is full of theories and myths. Theories are great, but they don’t mean a thing if they’re not practical.

Or even worse – dis-proven.

One of the best “theories” I know of is this myth about running out of people – that MLM can’t be sustained. I can’t tell you how many times this graph showing the “unsustainable exponential progression of a classic pyramid scheme” is thrown up in my face.

True, the math is correct. Also true, the theory exceeds the world’s population.

Therefore, it should also be true that we should be able to find an example of when it’s actually happened.

But where?

Not only has it never happened, an MLM that’s been around since 1886 is STILL able to sustain itself by sharing the business with friends, family, and acquaintances. You just might have heard them. They changed their name in 1939 to AVON. Then add in an Association that supports and defends the Network Marketing model that’s celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year. (Created in 1910 as the DSA.) The Direct Selling Association protects and serves another 200 companies who use Direct Sales as a model.

So why do so many use theory that’s not only never happened but proven invalid?

We often think of the fight against prejudice when we think of the Civil Rights Movement. I looked up the word last night and here’s the definition:

an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.

More times than not, that’s exactly what we see when it comes to MLM and Network Marketing. Some were shown this unsustainable graph and without any knowledge of the history behind Avon, Fuller Brush, Tupperware, Mary Kay, and a host of others, they accept it as fact instead of just a theory. Most all staunch critics or cynics of the industry merely come from prior programming like this. And because prejudice comes without thought or reason, it can be extremely difficult to extract the weeds that are now overgrown and choke the sunlight needed to help them grow.

Another word we often think of concerning the struggle of the Civil Right Movement is bigotry. And yes, I looked for a definition of this word as well.

stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own.

I don’t know about you…but boy does that strike a cord with me when you look at the insults, the spitting, the dirt digging and the childish pranks that critics and cynics have pulled over the years. If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard that I need to find another host, what a scammer, a liar, and not so proud member of the dumbass den I am – I wouldn’t need MLM.

I’d be independently wealthy.

Yes, it’s frustrating to read the words of a bigot, especially when you’re the one who has the relationship with their subjects at hand and not them. But remember these words when you see the emotional outburst and anger that are evident on the various blogs and boards concerning our company, our Founders, and our people.

In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

Some try to confuse and muddy discipline with bigotry. It angers and frustrates a bigot that their differing views and opinions have boundaries – that they can’t be heard or express their intolerance everywhere and anywhere. A big reason why I am the subject of much of bitterness and hatred they have.

I fight intolerance and differing creeds with silence. And that’s the worst thing you can do in the eyes of a bigot, because their self worth is tied to their beliefs which need to be heard in order to be valid. Otherwise, like the theories they spit out become invalid.

I’m no Martin Luther King – and I don’t have the fraction of the following or voice that he had. But I can pass his message on, especially on a day like today to help us continue the fight “that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.

For me, that includes a dream that I have a right to pursue and promote my YTB business without ridicule, insults, or slander.

Sounds like a long shot I know. But so did the Civil Rights Movement when Dr. King spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial having no idea that 45 years later his Dream would realize a true American Triumph.

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One thing I absolutely LOVE about YTB is the way this company figures out a way to pay out more money to the field. If you’ve every heard Coach or Scott speak, or had an opportunity to speak with them one on one – you’ll realize that they’re “Reps” at heart. When you spend 20 some years as Reps like they did with AL Williams, the feeling doesn’t leave you.

They’re unlike any CEO – President or Executive I’ve ever seen. You take one look at them on the street and you’d never know their net worth. They look – act – and befriend you just like anyone else. Average people at best.

But there is nothing average about how they take care of the field, giving those that are motivated by sales – be it travel or team building – the Founders of YTB create every possible avenue they can think of to put money in the hands of those who want to go out and get it. If it’s too hard, they figure out a way to make it easier. If not enough are qualifying, they change it or enhance it. One segment goes down – they create another segment to compensate.

It’s always been about how much money they can pay out to the field. YTB is constantly tweaking – enhancing – making it better, easier, and more lucrative for anyone who is willing to go out and get it.

Honestly, it’s been so lucrative, that it’s gotten us in trouble. California assaulted the company with it’s hideous claim of being a “gigantic pyramid scheme” in an attempt to end the companies existence. When you pay out 70% of what cames in instead of the 10% average the travel industry pays – that’s going to garner some attention.  What do we hear all the time from the critics? “All the money is in the recruiting” right?

Well, yes – and it’s not hard to do when the travel industry pays out a max of 16% and you pay 70%. Duh?!

What’s so amazing to me is that even after the assault from California – not only did the Founders protect the compensation, but they enhanced the comp plan for new IMR’s, (Independent Marketing Representatives) cutting the requirements in half in order to get to the bonuses into the Power Team quicker. As a result, what once took twelve sales to get your first $1000 bonus – now only takes nine sales.

As a side note: For anyone who’s thinking of the 60% rule where 40% of the nine couldn’t be both Reps and TSO’s. At most three of the nine (33%) would actually qualify as both. (If that) After seeing this rule in action since the settlement, it’s been nothing more than window dressing and never been a factor in anyone’s organization. I know it can be a real chore dealing with all the ignorance surrounding Reps, Affiliates, Associates, TSO’s and IBC’s. In this case ignorance enabled the company to settle with California and agree to terms over a perceived issue that ultimately had no consequences in compensation. California nor anyone outside of the company truly knows how teams are built, nor how many are actual “recruiters”.

In this case – a critics ignorance truly is bliss. ;-P

If that wasn’t enough, Convention came and the Founders not only increased the Travel Commission Contracts, but created contracts up to 100% commission, with full life and health benefits. It’s still unmatched in the industry when you factor cost, benefits, and percentage all in one. I’m still waiting for a legitimate contender to beat these contracts. Instead, I get excuses about not being allowed to offer insurance to non-employees. Even better – that only ONE person qualifies for the insurance in the entire company. (While the income disclosure lists BOTH the Affiliate and RTA categories with individuals who exceeded $25K annually.)

For the true lovers of travel – you just can’t beat these contracts in the industry.

Let’s not forget the $10K Challenge for the newcomers and the mentoring money for the veterans who are helping them. I’ve never seen something so simple and easy as handing out one DVD a day and collecting a name and e-mail. To spend $4 in tools and training per DVD and turn it around for a profit of $29.33 per DVD just for collecting a name and e-mail address is also unmatched in business. (More about how to do that is found here.) For the mentors, there’s additional money for training, and if you do your job correctly, there are overrides on all product sales from each business center.

Are you beginning to see how much money is available for anyone who wants to go after it? These aren’t some impossible, unreachable goals here. (Unless you can’t ask someone to watch a DVD.)

Well hold on to your hats folks – because Coach, Scott and Kim did it again.

Remember the interview and article Travel Weekly wrote over the weekend about Scott and Noah Mantos up in New York? Nadine quoted Scott saying the company would roll out new features and it’s vision for the future in Las Vegas in January.

Part of that vision was announced this week on a Directors call and it’s a Christmas bonus like no other I’ve ever seen.

Some of you need more than 6 sales to earn a $1,000 Leadership Bonus because of fall off. You know, the people who bought a Business Center who quit after two months because they couldn’t figure out that it takes additional training and work. (It’s always been part of this business.) Well, the $1,000 Leadership Bonus is no more than 6 sales away. Yep, the company is going to reset everything just before Christmas so you can get a bonus.

But it gets better. Whenever you earn a Leadership Bonus, the sales associated with that Bonus will be locked away. No more replacing the sales that fall off from any previous Bonus. (And you know how that works when you get into the high teens and twenties.) This works exactly the same way as it currently does at 30 sales BUT NOW it happens at 6 sales. And as extra incentive – all sales made after October 31st will count toward your next Bonus. If a Site Owner makes a $99 payment and it is one of their first four payments, it will count as .25 toward the current bonus. All sales made prior to November 1st will not count toward any Bonus unless they are one of the 6 that count for your current Bonus. Those sales will count toward the $10,000 Bonus.

The program is good through the first quarter of 2010. (Maybe longer.)

That’s one heck of a Christmas bonus – because you’re in control of it!

I’ve read that Coach, Scott and Kim are evil con men. Just this week as a matter of fact in the comments section of Nadine’s article in Travel Weekly. (That oddly enough is masquerading as a “press release” because critics need more excuses to be angry and bitter.)

Sure doesn’t look that way to me – how ’bout you?

So what do you say? Make your list – check it twice, and go show someone how they can earn a $1000 bonus this Christmas!

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Do You ZamZuu?

I guess I’m extremely callous. After all these years of reading Anti-MLM Zealots perceptions, predictions, and outright exaggerations about life and how they perceive this world – I can pretty much count on the exact opposite view or perception being the one that’s accurate. As a marketer and online entrepreneur, the last few months have been rather interesting as I’ve read, watched, and gained insight to the new FTC Guidelines concerning Blogging, Affiliates, and Advertising that went into effect yesterday, December 1st.

It might surprise you that advertising guidelines haven’t been updated since 1980 – which we all know is long before most of us even had a computer in the home or at the office – let alone internet access. Needless to say, these new guidelines for the internet have been long overdue. For some who like to live on the edge – like it or not – their way of doing business needs to change or they’ll face some hefty penalties if they don’t.

What’s so astounding to me is the reaction of a few really valuable bloggers, affiliates, and marketers, and what they have done recently because of these new guidelines. All of the sudden they’re running scared – some to the point of ending their blogs and affiliate programs because they’re fearful of what the FTC might do. Why? Because they’ve bought into all the fear mongering, half truths, myths, and flat out lies about what the new guidelines from the FTC are actually designed to do.

Based on what I’ve studied over the last few months concerning these new guidelines – those of us who have been doing business ethically and properly, have nothing to worry about. A simple disclaimer that states “duh – I get paid when you purchase from this link on my blog” (or something to that effect) will cover most of what you see on a blog like this one.

Yes, I know that adds (like the ones to the right) are painfully obvious. It might surprise some that there are people who take issue with the concept of sharing a portion of what they purchased with the person who introduced them to the product. YTB and other Travel MLM critics provide a perfect example of this type of stupidity and wealth envy. The thought that I get paid commission when I simply point someone to my “Booking Engine” and receive actual money when a service or product is purchased from my site is unethical and deceptive to them.

Why? Because in their mind I didn’t do anything that warrants a commission. I didn’t “work” for that sale in the same way they’re familiar with. They call it lazy – cheap – and a scam.

Look, I’m a marketer and entrepreneur and I use various marketing materials and subscribe to various entrepreneurial publications and sites. I’m going to obviously write on occasion about these materials and publications that I like. Why they’re a benefit to me and possibly you. If you find a link to the material, publication, product, or service – there’s a very high probability that it’s an affiliate link and when you find that the benefits, services, products that I talk about will benefit you as well – if you purchase the product like I have, I’m going to receive a commission for referring you to that product.

Now I know that the vast majority could of you care less about me and what I make because every single one of us (including me) are selfish and more interested in our own features and benefits – and what the product is going to do for “me”. (In this case “me” actually means “you”, not “me”.) However, there are those who believe it would be deceptive – unethical – immoral – or otherwise fraudulent that someone would be paid for writing and promoting such products without actually telling you that they are getting paid when you purchase these products, services, publications, or materials.

So let’s just cut to the chase here, and tell you that I believe that I provide a very valuable service and product with both this blog and my weekly and monthly newsletter. While I do enjoy and find writing extremely rewarding and gratifying – simply writing without adds, products, services, and other materials in hopes that you will find value and eventually purchase them for yourself, producing income for myself and my family – this blog and newsletter wouldn’t garner the type of quantity and quality that it does because it wouldn’t be worth my time and energy.

The bottom line here is that you’re going to have to tell people upfront that you’re going to be paid or that you received a perk (free copy, or promotional piece) when you write about these products from here on out. For the vast majority of people, they’ll not only find it refreshing and incredibly admirable (which in turn adds more credibility for you) but it helps build your relationship with your readers and subscribers.

For those who have the wealth envy complex and issues with an average guy like me actually obtaining monetary compensation or a perk for writing may never understand or accept this concept or technology. You simply need to accept and understand that their fears and phobias are their own.

If you want a very good overview and explanation of what these new guidelines consist of and what they mean to you as a marketer, blogger, and affiliate the best resource I’ve found was from Jim Edwards. (Through my tax guy affiliate, Ron Mueller) Jim has a great interview with Rich Cleland, Assistant Deputy at The Federal Trade Commission. Rich and Jim will not only give you the best in depth interview I’ve found, but puts the whole FTC Guideline issue into the proper perspective.

You may find, like I do, that these new guidelines are designed to help your business and credibility – not hurt it. You’ll also find , like I have, that there is very little that you’ll need to change in order to adhere to the new guidelines if you’ve been using your noggin and practical common sense.

And no, I’m not being paid or compensated to tell you that. ;-P

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Do You ZamZuu?

In case your wondering…no you didn’t miss some secret National Convention – Funshine – or some special Birthday Bash this week with YTB. With all the news in the past week, you’d think that there should have been something to get everyone together to celebrate what’s been going on.

Think about it…last Friday we release the new Group Cruise Page with Convergentware and posted a 10Q profit. Tuesday, the company hosted another Carnival Sail-a-thon and tied the Facebook phenomenon into the mix for a very cool and creative way to promote the best vacation money could buy.

Then yesterday, the company rolled out a wish list if you will. A small group of enhancements and improvements that those of us out in the field wanted to see to streamline prospecting and provide information in various departments and topics.

To end the week long list of promotions, enhancements and upgrades we come back to a topic that has been on the mind of many for quite some time.

It’s been over a year now since we first heard about YTB contemplating a franchise model. Soon after, California slapped a $25 million lawsuit with claims of some “gigantic pyramid scheme” in with it the day before the 2008 National Convention. I’ve heard rumor that the franchise announcement was nothing more than a “ploy” to stop the impending litigation which also produced a stance from the same clowns that it would never happen. By the time a settlement was reached (something else clowns never said would happen.) the court documentation that came out verified that a franchise model was required in California because in their eyes YTB was operating an on-line travel agency franchise without registering as one.

“Defendants have operated an on-line travel agency franchise without having registered as a franchise with the California Department of Corporations, in violation of California Corporations Code Section 31005 et seq.;”

By the way, I have no knowledge of any other company ever being accused of being both a pyramid scheme AND franchise at the same time – but leave it to California to be the first to do something like this. ;-P

So, we’ve been hearing about YTB implementing a franchise model for quite some time, and for months the home office has been preparing documents, manuals, and registrations for this new development.

Today, it’s time to take one more step towards making franchise a reality.

Starting today, November 13, 2009, there will be a link to a franchise seller disclosure form in your Rep Back Office. All Reps have to do is log in, answer a few questions, and submit the form. Once YTB officially implements franchise next year, (a little more that a month and a half away) we will be ahead of the game. (And yes, I intend on registering.)

The link will only be active for a limited time. And, you won’t want to miss out on your opportunity to be one of the first to officially register as a franchise seller with YTB.

PLEASE NOTE: All Canadian Reps who might sell a franchise in the United States should fill out this form in their Back Office. Once YTB implements the franchise model in the United States, only registered franchise sellers will be able to market the YTB Affiliate opportunity.

One last clarification – you’ll only be able to register for this document from the YTB Marketing side of the business. You will not find it from the Travel Portal. Remember Reps sell Internet Business Centers – and Travel Agents sell travel. They are two separate opportunities and models.

Wait – you already knew that didn’t you? Sorry – as you were.

Actually – log into you back office and get yourself registered…

Nice job, once again YTB! Thanks for all the info and opportunity to show folks that you’re not only still around, but have plans to be around for a long – long time. It’s been an awesome week.

Got to run…there’s a newsletter to produce with a ton of new content.

C-ya!

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.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

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Do You ZamZuu?