I mentioned Tuesday that YTB always has a number of blockbuster announcements during Coach’s Birthday Bash. Word has started to get out about some of the upcoming releases and the company isn’t wasting any time in getting out the good word.

Not only is the company gearing up for its annual Birthday Bash next week on January 11th – but a date has been set for another ZamFest party the last half of January – from the 17th to the 31st. (Also found on www.ZamZuuTV.com.) The theme for this party is geared around better health. With the New Year, we’re all thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. For many, that resolution centers on better health. To kick off the New Year, ZamFest is throwing resolutions out the window and focusing on solutions. We don’t just talk about improving our health; we’re actually doing it.

The company will close out the month with Carnival for a Winter Warm Up Sail-A-Thon January, 27 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Central with some great deals to Europe and the Caribbean in 2011 and beyond. More information can be found here, or on BandBVacations.com during the week of the event.

Speaking of Carnival – sales are up. We know that because YTB Travel Network’s commission percentage went back up to previous levels. (You can find the percentages in your Travel Portal.) All the doom and gloom last year from the peanut gallery (minus the “pea”) was nothing more than hype. They never can figure out which way is up or even accurate. We however, told you sales were on the rebound, and based on this commission percentage increase – we were right on mark. Regardless of right or wrong, it never would have happened if our Agents didn’t take responsibility on their own and give a little more love to a great cruise line that has taken very good care of us over the years.

We didn’t whine about it – we actually did something about it to rectify the situation so that everybody wins. That’s the YTB way.

And lastly, you’ll notice a change in our air, car and hotel products.

Back when we first started with YTB, I remember a bidding war between Priceline and Travelocity for the privilege to host these products on our sites. Priceline was a good vendor for us then, but Travelocity wanted it more. A bidding war broke out between the two and what ripped Priceline off our sites and slid Travelocity in was a better deal for the Agents.

After a four year relationship with Travelocity, Orbitz has now taken over the huge influx of air, car and hotel bookings made through YTB Travel Network.

Orbitz Worldwide has replaced Travelocity Partner Network as the provider of air, car and hotel products and is now the exclusive provider for these commodity products on the YTB Travel Network booking engine. YTB Travel Network has also negotiated a contract with Orbitz Worldwide that, effective February 1, 2011, will include a commission on airline bookings while continuing the elimination of a service fee. Please see the updated commission rates in the Commission section of the My Account tab in the Travel Portal.

Commissions earned on air, car and hotel products will now be paid based on the date of consumption, not the booking date. The date of consumption is defined as the date of completed travel. Nothing new there – as it’s in line with how the rest of the industry pays.

Customer Profiles was a huge factor for years for the field and it looks like Orbitz came through for us here as well. The initial launch of the Orbitz Worldwide Customer Profile is coming in February 2011. The new profile feature will provide the ability to use a basic customer profile that will store the customer name and credit card. Later this year this feature will be greatly enhanced. The new functionality will allow:

• Storage and use of TSA-relevant information (including birth date) for booking
• Storage and use in booking of multiple credit cards
• Storage and use in booking of loyalty program information for Air, Hotel and Car

Other new features supplied by Orbitz are marketing and promotion which will also be rolled out during the year.

The Orbitz deal utilizes the NeatAgent application tailored specifically for traditional bricks and mortar travel agencies. According to their website “These traditional agencies provide comprehensive travel services for their clients in person or over the telephone and represent more than 60% of today’s travel distribution”.

In other words – when you read the hype from traditionalists – just know they use it too. Just tell them “Thanks for sharing” and get back to work. (An idea they may want to consider to rectify their own dismal existence.)

Speaking of traditionalists – they never dreamed YTB Travel Network would even see 2011. We were supposed to be long gone according to them. (Wishful thinking at this point.) YTB Travel Network is alive and well and as long as they let us – we’ll continue play the role of thorn in side. (It’s their choice after all – not ours.)

The way I see it – looks like YTB Travel Network is packing more powder to shoot more cannon balls across their bow to let them know we have absolutely no plans of going away.

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Happy New Year!

Time sure does fly – don’t it?

Hope you had a wonderful holiday break. We sure did, but missed the first white Christmas in Atlanta in over 118 years! (Who knew?!)

We’re ready to hit the ground running going into 2011. (First order of business is thinking “2011″.)

We love this time of year – because it’s full of optimism and hope. All these new beginnings – and if you’ve been with YTB like we have all these years – you know what’s right around the corner.

Coach’s Birthday !

And you know Coach – he’s always got something up his sleeve – some big announcement – blockbuster upgrade – new initiative to get the year started off just right.

Last year for example, we were all going “Zam-who?” – but it didn’t take long for both the name and the concept of shopping online to catch fire.

So what’s in store for 2011? Honestly – your guess is as good as ours, but when you’ve been around for as long as we have, you know there will be blockbuster announcements to kick things up another notch.

Save this Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2011. The company will host a webcast that will knock your socks off! It will keep the excitement of the Holiday season going. You’ll here all about the amazing new things coming to ZamZuu in 2011.

Don’t miss our first BIG webcast of the year with Coach and Scott Tomer! On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Coach and Scott will be unveiling some of the biggest announcements in the company’s history. We’re talking new bonuses and NEW products!

Don’t miss it! A special evening with Coach and Scott will air via www.ZamZuuTV.biz on Tuesday, January 11th!

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Years ago YTB Travel Network launched a newsletter called “The Travel Compass”. It’s a weekly publication that got off to a slow start when it was first released but found a rhythm after a few months. “The Travel Compass” has been a regular read going on four – maybe five years now.

I’ve never been with a company that communicates so effectively. Not only can I count on the information being in my in-box at the same time each and every week – the information is timely and relevant. We model our own newsletter after this type of publication.

Last week, ZauZuu launched a new daily publication called ZamZuu Pulse. It’s a daily, short piece that contains relevant and valuable information that not only gives an inside scoop on what’s going on with the company – but highlights the upward trend the company is currently experiencing.

For example :

During our recent ZamFest event over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the companies sales skyrocketed. Looking at just two of the four Affiliate shopping networks that we partners with, sales tripled when compared to the same shopping days one year ago. That’s TRIPLED to over $264,000 in retail sales for those two networks alone.

Or how ’bout this :

Most experts agree that the average person in this industry sells or recruits somewhere between 2.6 and 2.8 people. In September, the first full month of the Free Revolution, ZamZuu had six new Free Agents for every new Broker. In November, that figure was eight to one – nearly three times the industry average.

It’s this kind of communication that everyone in the company can use and benefit from. It takes just a couple minutes and it helps you stay plugged in and motivated – giving you a “pulse” on what’s going with your company.

I’d highly recommend this piece as part of your daily routine – so if you’re not getting this submit a support ticket in you back office and make sure you get it. You’ll be glad you did.

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Shopping for that perfect holiday gift?

What do you get for the person who has EVERYTHING?

What about the person that’s SO hard to shop for?

Have I got a stocking stuffer for you!

It’s that time of year again! Carnival Cruise Gift Certificates are available NOW through December 31, 2010.

Gift Certificates are a great way to save now, and cruise later. It also provides an opportunity for you decide on your own what cruise you might like, or even when you want to go over the next 18 months.

It’s your cruise right?

All Gift Certificates can be upgraded to ANY cruise of choice. Simply pay the difference. We have a certificate valid for a 3-4 day for two, but want to take the entire family on a 7 day this spring. The Promotions Department at Carnival will be extremely accommodating for any upgrade and use what you have to fulfill your dream cruise.

We’ve sold these certificates the last couple of years and they’re a HUGE HIT for just about anyone.

• Parents, Relatives & Close Friends
• Teacher & Administrator Holiday Gifts
• Holiday Party Giveaways
• Chamber of Commerce Luncheons
• Retirement gifts for years of service
• Great alternative to year end cash bonus!

Certificates range from 3 – 8 day sailings and are valid for 2 guests sharing a stateroom and start at just $518 for both guests!

*This price is for a 3 day cruise certificate on selected ships only, in an interior category 4A stateroom for Fall sailings only (9/1/11 – 12/16/11) and does not include Government Fees, taxes or gratuities. Ocean view and balcony certificates are available at an additional cost. Full payment is due at the time the certificate is sold.

Certificates will be customized with the name of the person buying the gift. Recipient can pay to upgrade the certificate for higher cabin categories, additional days of cruising or for travel outside of the Fall travel period. No minimum purchase required. Certificate is valid for 18 months unless otherwise required by law.

Regardless if you’re a seasoned cruise veteran like us, or a first timer, a 100,000 ton cruise ship could be the most unique stocking stuffer your special someone has ever seen.

Bon Voyage!

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We heard about this back at Convention last month, and it’s arrived on our ZamZuu sites.

ZamZuu Services.

We mentioned a couple of the new services less than a month ago – right after Convention. Promoting how valuable these products are was fairly easy when the subject matter is family safety and personal identity.

If your thinking that these services are just another product offering or market that YTB has recently decided to get into – think again. Those of us who’ve been around for a while have heard Coach talk about this market for quite some time. If you recall, he made his fortune as a Rep with a company called A.L. Williams. (Now Primerica.)

A.L. Williams set out to transform the life insurance industry. They originated the “Buy Term and Invest the Difference” philosophy which encourages families to purchase affordable term life insurance so they can get the protection they need at a price they can afford and have more money to invest in their family’s future.

Today the Primerica generates $80 billion in life insurance annually.

These types of services not only work well in our industry, A.L. Williams did more business than all other traditional models COMBINED during it’s height.

ZamZuu Serivces are state-of-the-art services and products that insure, educate, and protect you and your family’s current and future well being. Just look for the ZamZuu Services ad to start shopping. (It’s the second store in the middle of the page.) It’s the new home of ZamZuu Insurance plus great new products like EduNation, KidZafe and more.

It’s a whole new product offering adding even more value as a one stop shop. Check it out today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Before I begin with the Convention update, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all the e-mail, Facebook messages, and phone calls I received in the last 24 hours. If I haven’t gotten back to you yet, I will, but please keep in mind my inbox is flooded right now with gratitude and appreciation from others who feel the same way. I’ve also had another huge rush on subscribers because of yesterday’s update. If you’re looking to get on the newsletter yourself, (and are already a member of YTB and ZamZuu) you can fill out your information here and get on our mailing list.

It hasn’t been until the last few years that I’ve really understood the word “Giving”. Sure I’ve been brought up to tithe 10% of my income and I’ve always heard that it’s better to give than it is to receive. This blog and newsletter has been a labor of love for those who want a firsthand perspective on what it’s like to be in YTB and ZamZuu. I’ve given of my time, my experience, and my talents and the appreciation, rewards and opportunities that have come back to me have been simply amazing.

I am humbled – I am grateful – I am constantly amazed how I’ve been able to reach so many people and touch so many lives.

Thank you!

Now on to convention!!

Question for you…How do you like FREE?

Truth is you’ve got to have something wrong with you if you don’t like to receive something for free.

Now, add the ability to earn extra income by getting something for free.

How does THAT sound?

Well, welcome to the new ZamZuu!

The ZamZuu e-commerce site, which previously sold for a $249.95 set-up fee and a monthly hosting fee of $49.95, can now be given away for free. Those who accept this generous gift from you will earn 30% of the commission made from products and services sold on their very own FREE e-commerce website.

But it gets better. That e-commerce site is linked to you as a “broker” (more on that in a bit) and YOU also earn 30% of the commissions earned off the site you just gave away! (Talk about a win – win!)

Some of the best things in life are free! Take Google for example. How much does it cost you to search on Google? (Uh – Hello?! It’s FREE!) Yet, Google generated $23.6 BILLION in revenue last year and their stock is trading at over $462.00 per share – and it’s FREE! Google accomplished this with no advertising (all done by word of mouth) with a very clean, easy to use website that’s free for anyone to use and enjoy.

Remember how AOL got their start and became the most dominant ISP in the land when the internet first started its massive growth? AOL gave away free setup CD’s didn’t they? They flooded the market and quickly surpassed GEnie, Prodigy and CompuServe in the mid 1990′s when dial-up was king. At AOL’s height, they had over 30 million members. (And that’s before everyone even had a computer!!)

It wasn’t until broadband came into the picture that AOL fell behind the curve and lost it’s appeal. (AOL and dial-up then became known as “Always Off Line”.)

We can come up with dozens of other examples – but you get the idea – free is not only very popular but is so attractive people can’t resist giving it a try.

Right now MILLIONS of people are flocking to affiliate sites like Commission Junction, LinkShare, Google Affiliate Network, ClickBank, and even eBay in an attempt to capture slice of the boom that is going on right now in e-commerce. (All free as well by the way.)

Wake up folks – online shopping has DOUBLED in just one year – from 6% to 12% – and it’s expected to exceed 20% over the Christmas shopping season.

But have you ever tried to manage all those sites and links on your own? And how do you know what people are going to buy? We can tell you from experience; it’s not as easy it sounds. It’s time consuming; it’s also hit and miss trying to promote all those products. (And unless you have a very targeted niche and demographic – very few hit the nail on the head.)

With a free ZamZuu e-commerce web site – just hand out sites and let the consumer decide what they want to buy. Everything’s managed for them – hundreds of stores with thousands of products, tracking, and commissions from one very easy to use (and manage) site.

And did we mention it’s free? (Just in case you missed that…)

But wait! There’s more!

How do you give away free sites enabling the average person to earn 30% of the commission earned on their sites? You become a “Broker” – something you’re now qualified for as a ZamZuu Business Owner. Because you own the license off the sites you give away – you as a “Broker” earn an additional 30% of the commission earned off all the free sites you give away.

Free “Agents” earn 30% – while the “Broker” who holds the license also earns 30%.

Simple right?

So how does someone become a “Broker” rather than a free “Agent”? (Because we know the wheels are turning with possibilities at this point.) A license to hand out as many free sites as you want costs (oddly enough) $49.95! Yep, the same price it costs as a ZamZuu Business owner.

The choice is yours. You can give away 1 or 1000 sites – it makes no difference to us. But the more you hand out the more likely you’ll be generating significant income from sales off those free sites as a Broker. For example :

• 30% of $10 per month from 1 free site is $3 (per month).
• 30% of $10 per month from 100 free sites is $300 (per month).
• 30% of $10 per month from 1000 free sites is $3000 (per month).

So – how many sites do you want to GIVE away for FREE?

It’s your chance to give someone a free e-commerce website to generate income of themselves – OR – “teach them to fish” as a “Broker” to leverage THEIR efforts and make a whole lot more.

If they’re not sure – no worries – they can upgrade from “Agent” to “Broker” at any time!

Over the next few weeks as the company rolls out other products and services that were announced this past weekend in St. Louis, we’ll update you both here and on the newsletter. Some you may have already heard about what’s coming. For the purpose of time however (and an opportunity to write other articles about this fine company and the people involved with it) we’ll save that for another day.

Besides – I’ve got a ton of e-mail I need to respond to right now!

Right now – I want you to focus on what I do and that’s “giving”. (You have something of value to give now right?) Give it a go – and see what happens. My bet is the rewards are greater than you could even possibly imagine!

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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