You know what I love about YTB? They’re always one step ahead and cutting edge. Masters at spotting hot markets and finding a reliable product to sell that makes us money. They’ve been doing it for 30 years which started back in the A.L. Williams days. And just like YTB turned travel on its ear – A.L. Williams did the same thing with insurance way back when.

Today, if you’re not doing e-commerce and reaching out electronically – well, you’re just plain sunk without much hope of succeeding in this modern age.

I’ve heard rumblings about this new shift in marketing for about a year now. A vast number of “Marketing Guru’s” that I subscribe to have been telling me that mobile is the next big “boom”, and we better get our feet wet. When it gets the attention of the likes of Jay Conrad Levinson – you better make note.

Speaking of Mr. Levinson, if you’ve never heard of that name, find a way to read some of his books. The guy is absolutely brilliant. And when I say “Marketing Guru” – I don’t mean just “Network Marketing”.

Mr. Levinson has been contracted to work with the likes of Wells-Fargo, Citicorp, Visa, Viacom, BF Goodrich, Honda, Club Med, Rolling Stone, Montgomery Ward, Nissan, Mercedes, Volvo, and Holiday Inn. His book “Guerrilla Marketing” is a must read for anyone who needs to promote a business or product.

Any-who – back to mobile, and why I like Z Mobile.

Take this new business I just came under contract with this past week. I just got a Sales Report for the Fall of 2010 and Spring of 2011. During that time, the territory did a whopping 1450 of what they call “events” in the territory. Now these “events” are actually set up in more of a “B2B” fashion because they’re held inside a business – but it services more like a “B2C” which sells to the clientele inside that business.

I mentioned that my knowledge and experience with YTB would serve me well in the new business model. Over the last two weeks I’ve had another run on subscribers to our YTB Newsletter because of Convention and the word of mouth from current subscribers talking about how good it is. (Thank you, by the way.) My thinking was that I could do another newsletter with this new business venture when promoting all these events we’ll be scheduling and doing.

I’ll still do e-mail, but I’ve run into a bit of a wall – or more accurately, a “firewall”.

See, if these new subscribers enroll via their work e-mail address the company firewall may block my communication letting customers know when and where we’ll be. Sure, the subscription is a double opt in, just like the one I have for the fine folks of YTB – but the company may only allow what they would consider “work related” communications as acceptable and block communication like mine.

Problem is, these customers actually look forward to seeing us walk in the door. One of my sales guys has been with the company for 10 years and knows these people by name. While out in the field yesterday, I told customers that the company was under new management and the first thing they asked was “Where did Michael go?” After clarifying that management was new and not their representative, that’s when communication opened up and I discovered that this “firewall” might be an issue.

Have you ever had one of those problems that you’re trying to figure out a solution for and you just can’t come up with an answer? Then, all of the sudden, like the clouds separate, the heaven’s open up, and a ray of light from God himself beams down the answer.

That was me yesterday.

I was talking with Michael, my representative, about this “firewall” issue. While he agreed is was a problem, neither one of us could figure out how else we could reach this customer base to market and promote our product and schedule during the conversation. It was only about an hour home, but it was killing me so bad, that it felt like days.

Then, just as soon as I walk in the door, I checked e-mail and there’s a flood of Facebook notifications from the YTB groups I participate in all talking about Z Mobile being launched ahead of schedule. I also flashed back to earlier in the day when I first met our contacts for my new business and realized that they had smart phones sitting on their desks. I even pulled mine out to show them that the new site I launched was mobile ready.

At that point – I kind of felt like God was whacking me back upside the head for not seeing the answer all along. Thing is, Z-Mobile was something that was presented as a product I could sell, not really a product I would use for my own business.

I know. “Duh!!” right?

Truth is – it’s a perfect solution that will solve a real problem I have with this new business. It will also put me light years ahead of my competitors in the same market. Why buy from them, when they know I’m going to be showing up with better product and service via the communications I’ll be sending out?

That, my friends is how you become a product of the product. While I certainly won’t be tipping my competitors off to my new found mobile wepon, it will be a useful tool for some of the businesses I currently service – providing more value and making everyone more money in return.

Boyah!

~~~

UPDATE: Speaking of my new business. It took me a bit to wrap my head around this idea that YTB might sue me for getting involved in this new business. I know it sounds bizarre, but the self-proclaimed “expert” in all things YTB, John Frenaye, is apparently warning that this could happen in his latest round of nervous twitching. Knowing how brainwashed and unenlightening John actually is, it’s my guess that John is under the impression that my new business venture is another MLM or Network Marketing company.

Therefore, I’ll be recruiting everyone to come aboard.

Fear not however. The spiked Kool-Aid John has been drinking for years leads to this belief that once involved with MLM or Network Marketing, you become what’s known as a “lifer”. Meaning it’s the only option guys like me would even consider or get involved with. According to the Zealot creed, it ruins anyone who gets involved, making us unworthy and unclean for the “real business” world.

From my experience, MLM and Network Marketing is a perfect proving ground to discover practical real world experience in business. Truth be told, there are more similarities than there are differences. While most everything I mentioned in Thursdays article could be applied to MLM, the business I was actually writing about isn’t MLM or anything of the kind.

While I’m impressed that John considers me this huge “recruiter” – that’s not part of the current business model I’ve ventured into. It’s a simple sales and management opportunity that presented itself that I decided to invest my time and money in. There’s no need to be “diplomatic” or have a care in the world over any speculation of being sued. Like the Class Action that’s being thrown out of court more times than I can count – any lawsuit aimed at such a claim doesn’t have a prayer.

In other words: Sorry John, I know how desperate you are to remain relevant and riveting in this charade you’re hanging on to. However, you’ve just shown everyone yet again that you’re nothing more than an ignorant, nervous twit who doesn’t have a clue.

The time to step away from the Kool-Aid is long overdue.

Idiot.

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!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

If an employer told you that you’d be working from 8:00am in the morning until 9:30pm at night – most would baulk at the thought of and 13 hour plus day. Yet, when you own your own business there’s a completely different take on such a long day. Instead of being long and dragged out, it’s exhilarating.

That’s been the general consensus surrounding yesterday’s vendor workshops. Vendor workshops in the morning, Coach’s Way mentoring in the afternoon, and a very special KidZafe training at night. A day jam packed with learning, expanding and growing.

A couple years ago, I wrote a review on Chris Andersen’s book called “The Long Tail”. In a nutshell, and you can review via the link, the book describes how companies like Amazon, once known for selling just books, have expanded their product offering into smaller niche markets to increase sales for their bottom line. Amazon is still best known for their books, especially with Kindle sales now exceeding paper books, but the vast assortment of ancillary items that are sold continue to grow.

The model has proven to be so successful you have companies like Wal-Mart who now offer just about everything under the sun via WalMart.com for shipping either to homes or site to store.

ZamZuu appears to be following this model as well with specialty niche markets. With the companies vast diversity that includes men, women, African American, Latino, White, and Asian the company continues to find products each demographic can sell too. Best example I can see at this year’s convention is the new Suklaa line of cosmetics.

I often tease that when Ronda got involved with Mary Kay before we found YTB that I really liked the model, but there was one big problem. I don’t do makeup. Apparently, I still don’t know anything about makeup – because I had no clue that the current Chae Organics line available through ZamZuu isn’t designed for “women of color”. The new Suklaa line however is – and it’s been a very welcome addition for the “women of color” at this year’s Convention.

The highlight of the day however, was the Coach’s Way Mentoring Program offered up yesterday afternoon. I was amazed at how I pulled up my Facebook page late last night and how many people posted the quotes and life lessons that came from that session. Being a student of life and business, many of the quotes were familiar, but what impressed me most was how intently everyone was listening and soaking up the information heard. They were also students of life and business.

In closing – and speaking of Coach’s Way. We just got word that if you couldn’t make it to this year’s Convention, and in Coach’s Way – there’s a special link for a live video feed in your back office to watch the General Session today. I know it’s nothing like actually being there, but you can get the news and announcements as it happens.

Very cool feature and a welcome asset for those that want to be mentored by a Millionaire.

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!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Temperatures are expected to hit 100 degrees in St. Louis as a long list of vendors showcase their products to YTB and ZamZuu Convention goers in the America’s Center today. A small handful will be conducting seminars this morning for both shopping and travel. Most of the seminars on the shopping side will be new products. Others on the travel side will be old favorites who have been with YTB Travel Network for years.

I really like how the company gets the newer guys up in front of our people with these vendor workshops. Obviously, not all the vendors present could do a workshop, but some key vendors with a definite niche market will be introducing themselves this morning in St. Louis.

This year’s theme is Calling all Heroes.

See, truth be told – Network Marketing is about helping people. The more people you help mentor and achieve success, the more successful you become as a result. These people who lay claim to MLM’ers who pick people’s pockets and bottom feeders for the top echelon of the organization don’t have a clue about the true value or purpose of this industry.

That’s not to say that I haven’t seen an example of these so called “sponsors” leaving people high and dry after they sign up for one MLM or another. It does happen. But what I really like about this company, this year’s theme and the direction Coach appears to be taking with his mentoring program is how to do it right. How to become successful by helping others be successful. That’s how he made his millions in this industry.

The real work started after they signed up. Do it the other way – and you’ll be doomed to struggle and most likely leave the industry frustrated.

It’s a real life lesson. Think about it – have you ever met a selfish hero? Those that are selfish and only looking out for their own best interests are looked upon as arrogant jerks.

On the contrary, the most successful people in the world give of their time, their talent, and their knowledge. And we’re not just talking about MLM here. Look at the Bill Gates of the world, who donates billions. The Oprah Winfrey’s who do the same. It’s a universal trait for the most successful, financially independent people on earth.

Think about that as the awards are passed out Friday and Saturday during the general sessions. Ask yourself what they’ve given of their time, their talent, their knowledge. You’ll see plenty of it in a Juliet St. John on the recruiting side, and a Jeanie Sharpless on the travel side. It’s a major contributor to why I personally give of my time each week in the Newsletter.

That my friend is how you become a true hero not just to one or two – but to thousands of people who not only know you, but respect and admire what you do.

If there’s one thing I could impress upon you this week in St. Louis it’s that. It’s a great theme, and one I wish more people would not only understand but catch this great theme.

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!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

If you’re a regular reader of this site – you should know my views about the Better Business Bureau. Truth is, regular reader or not, the articles I wrote last year are widely read with links from BBB Roundup and Google searches from individuals questioning the validity of the BBB.

Once upon a time, the Better Business Bureau was a well-respected and viable source to gauge a company’s performance. However in recent years, the Bureau has come under tremendous fire with high pressure “pay to play” shenanigans mistakenly reserved for Network Marketing companies.

Their problems all started when the BBB changed their system in January of 2009 from a simple “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” rating system to an A to F “grading” system. Since the switch, the BBB has been exposed as playing favorites to those who pay for better grades or downgrade companies who complain to the BBB about their existing grade – which misleads the public. I’ve seen several posts on Facebook over the last 9 months about an ABC news piece that exposed their horrid tactics. When the BBB gives an A- to an organization like Hamas (the Middle East terror group) and an A+ to a skin head white racist group called Stormfront who bought their grades simply by paying the BBB for accreditation – it raises some serious heat. Anyone who saw the piece knew that the BBB themselves were on the take.

After the airing of this news piece last year, Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal sent an official demand letter to the national headquarters of the Better Business Bureau to stop using the grading system, stating the grading system was “harmful and misleading” to consumers.

Imagine that?

Since writing the articles last year, I’ve yet to see a single thread of evidence that the BBB has changed their tune. As far as I’m concerned they’re still just as shady as the day is long.

To my surprise last night, a memo came from the YTB home office about the companies poor rating the last few years being upgraded to a C+ rating. I have to admit – the first thing that crossed my mind when I read the memo was that the company had succumbed to the BBB’s pressure tactics and paid for accreditation. I’m happy to report however, that the home office DID NOT pay for this upgrade. (YTB is still listed as a Non-Accredited Company.)

So what’s with the change in grade from the BBB?

First, the company’s explanation to the BBB’s change of heart.

According to the memo that was sent out to the field, both Sandy Pippins and Casie Fuqua have been working with the local BBB chapter to clear up some of the misrepresentations the BBB has concerning YTB. Another huge plus for the upgrade in their system is the frivolous lawsuits filed against the YTB International (and other non-relevant third parties who were also named) is now behind the company. I don’t know what happened to “innocent until proven guilty” in this country – but the mere filing of a lawsuit (no matter how outrageous the suit appears to be) constitutes a failing grade with the BBB.

Anybody can file suit – but then you have to actually prove your case in the court of law to determine the outcome.

I realize there are groups of individuals who believe that deflecting on “issues” or trumped up “problems” is the way to go. The BBB grade the last few years was one of the “issues” people were warning others about to stay away. While venting makes these idiots feel better (momentarily), there’s never really any resolution or solution attained using this method. We’ve seen that example all too often from irate and irrational critics who’ve been attempting to slander YTB with what ever they can dream up. If you take a look at then, verses now – these same clowns are no closer to a resolution than the day decided to start crying about these so called problems.

YTB on the other hand is a company that focuses on solutions rather than problems. They act like adults rather than children who haven’t attained the proper tools to resolve the most elementary issues. By discussing their differences calmly and logically (instead of emotionally charged outbursts) any differences or issues are eventually resolved.

Anyone who’s willing to sit down honestly with YTB (or anyone for that matter) will have a completely different view with proper dialog. If you’re capable of actually learning and comprehending basic business – it’s not that hard to see why YTB or Network Marketing works. Besides, if a company can manage its way through all the mudslinging and false claims it had levied against them – there’s got to be something more to YTB than what you may have seen or read here on the Internet.

Another reason why the BBB may have upgraded YTB’s rating is the BBB, (like Steve Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus) may finally realize that they need to supply a more honest review of businesses if they want to salvage any chance of being a respectable organization. From what I hear, pay to play is a big “no no” – and with the cat out of the bag about the BBB – it’s about time they make some changes to this hideous grading system. While the apology from Cox for the BBB’s lack of proper investigation and strong arm tactics was certainly warranted – it’s really just lip service unless you actually DO something to change the way you grade and operate.

As a result, I’m somewhat torn about this new upgrade in YTB’s grade. On the one hand, I want to give the BBB the benefit of the doubt that they’re attempting to make an obvious wrong right. People do it, and companies do it. On the other hand, I also know how lazy our society has become and how a growing segment of the population don’t actually take the time to investigate anything on their own. A C+ could prompt someone to dig a little deeper and the smart one’s would be pleasantly surprised if they obtained information from sources that actually have some type of experience or logical insight.

I guess until I see some more real – honest changes from the BBB, they’re still on double secret probation. Extreme caution and other more reputable sources are still in order when it comes to the BBB for the time being. (I do however hope they can pull it off.)

Regardless of how I feel about the BBB personally – this IS another good sign that the malicious mudslinging that was thrown YTB’s way by confused and uneducated twits’ continues to be wiped away. Like the lawsuits that were designed to destroy a fine viable company – overzealous critics no longer have the BBB to use as a mud ball.

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!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Real quick – You know how much I’m lovin’ Best Buy right now.

BestBuy.com has just announced a very special Midnight Sale, Online Only, Starts Midnight Through 8 a.m. EST on Thursday (5/19).

This after-hours sale will feature hot deals on a variety of popular categories.

But hurry, these special sale prices will only be available for a short period of time, while supplies last!

Go check it out!

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!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

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”.

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!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

We had an accident with one of the laptops a few weeks ago. It was dropped by our son and cracked the LCD screen.  After hooking the laptop up to our Hi-Def set in the family room, it was a quick and simple matter of ordering a new screen and replacing it ourselves. (It’s really pretty simple.)

The new display came a week or so ago, and quickly replaced without much trouble.

Then the question occurred – what to do with the broken LCD display?

That’s when we did a little research and found the Best Buy program which came to the rescue. Best Buy has a great policy: No matter where you bought It, Best Buy will recycle it.

Most everyone has a Best Buy location close to them, and the easier it is to recycle, the more likely it is that items such as our broken LCD will be disposed of properly instead of ending up in a landfill somewhere. While out running some errands the day after we got the new LCD installed, we took the old LCD into the store and dropped it off without any hassle.

And you know what? It felt pretty good.

Then this weekend our washing machine went down. A logical and obvious choice for us was Best Buy for two reasons. One, of course is the cash back option through ZamZuu – and two, we’d be assured that the old washer wouldn’t end up in some landfill somewhere and disposed of properly.

While visiting the site we also found a way to properly dispose of an old television and broken refrigerator that’s been taking up space in our garage. While we’re having Best Buy deliver the new washer, we’ll have them take away our outdated and broken items for a nominal fee at the same time.

While I read about this program and thought it was cool that a company like Best Buy would actually do something like this – after our experience in disposing of these large items the right way – I had to write about it and tell everyone. In our opinion, it’s a much needed service – and Best Buy should not only be congratulated – but they’ve earned our business by going above an beyond when it comes to helping the environment.

For us – this is a big deal.

Oh, and one last thing – there is a catch. (If you can actually call it a “catch” – but you should know.) Things that you drop off like the LCD or a television. There’s a nominal fee of $10 to drop it off. But get this – they give you a $10 gift card in return for a future purchase in the store. Yes, I know it’s a wash when it’s all said and done – but from marketing perspective, it’s a brilliant marketing concept. I mean – where else are you going to spend a Best Buy Gift Card but at Best Buy – right?

Sure there will be those who will consider it a hassle – or even misleading – but we all know that idiots like that get their jollies from complaining over petty crap simply as an excuse to complain. Seen it for years in our own business and frankly I don’t see them offering anything of worth themselves – ever.

If Best Buy doesn’t take the item your looking to recycle, you can also use the widget we shared over on OurSharedEarth from 1800Recycling.com to find the proper service to recycle any item your looking to dispose of.

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!

Book Your Travel & Vacations With