Before YTB, I was living the American Dream – or so I thought. The “reality” was I had been bumbling through a number of companies that left me high and dry. Any illusions I had about the corporate world were quickly being shatter. Family Golf ran out of money and was bought out by an Asian group who promptly fired everyone. Anicom got caught cooking their books – was shut down by the FTC and the founders imprisoned. ISP lost its manufacturing contracts to the internet for the territories I covered. iAutomate never reached the internet dominance it aimed to achieve and was downsized. And my last stint with Hi-Fi Buys eventually ended in bankruptcy court.

The American Dream of getting a good education and finding a J.O.B. was a carrot I wasn’t willing to chase any longer. My discontent over the lie about working for someone else had me frustrated and looking for options when YTB came knocking.

Three guys – Coach, Scott and Kim turned me onto the idea of being in business for myself. They offered my first products I could offer and sell as an “independent representative”. Harv Ecker and Bob Proctor soon followed in my journey who showed me other income streams. All of the streams they create are “passive” – meaning I don’t have to be there to generate income. Guys like Mike Dillard taught me the value of branding myself. If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you’ve heard that name before – and many have bought Mike’s Magnetic Sponsoring courses. Mike’s primary business teaches the value of something called a “funded proposal”.

Coach, Scott and Kim taught the value of building a business within the YTB business, but I also like what Mike calls it.

“You, Inc.”

I became a student of “You, Inc.”. While everyone knows I’m tied to YTB, now ZamZuu – my brand is “Just Picture It Now”. With this brand, I now own a well visited blog with various tools and affiliate products that create income. I also own a list of subscribers that now reach thousands each and every week. Auto-responders within our newsletter create a steady stream of income that work on auto-pilot. Articles on this blog also create a steady stream of income with well ranked organic links. Articles I’ve written years ago continue to produce income almost every month. Those are the passive income streams that Ecker and Proctor taught me.

“You Inc.” provides me the option to pursue opportunities that interest me such as writing, up-in-coming technology, and pay-per-click income that keeps my brand diversified, fresh and profitable. I pick and choose who and what I promote with incredible flexibility and versatility. This diversity has enabled me to stay with YTB far longer without any worry of the outside forces attempting to tear it down. The economic meltdown of late 2008 and 2009 and the hit the travel industry took forced many to make changes. The needless “YTB bashing” that goes on about their “model” being something other than viable or legitimate has forced others to make changes as well.

Me? I was diversified enough that income actually increased while millions all over the country were being laid off, downsized or scrambling to find other sources of income which had dried up.

I’ve always been an independent thinker. I never would have gotten involved with YTB in the first place if I wasn’t. I saw right through the hype and trash talk about pyramid schemes that we often see from those who haven’t any experience to speak of. I’ve heard it said that if somebody tells you what they think – take it with a grain of salt. If someone tells you what they’ve experienced however – you better listen.

What I’m about to tell you may sound shocking to some – controversial to others – but it rings true for me. Based on my experience in the corporate world, the bickering and fighting going on by traditional travel agents who have seen commissions either diminish or completely vanish and the Directors in YTB who built large organizations who are now with different companies – I’ve come to this conclusion.

True independence and success comes from multiple opportunities and various streams of passive income.

Last week YTB announced its new Director level and enhanced compensation starting at 250 active IBC’s. The new level also provides additional guaranteed income with fully paid medical and life insurance paid for by the company. I didn’t write about it here, but I did put it in last weekend’s newsletter – because it’s news. Honestly, when I heard about the new level, I was surprised at me first initial thought’s. When I did put it out on my newsletter to my subscribers, it was uncomfortable.

Then, earlier this week I was asked to pick either YTB or my other “ventures” and my gut reaction was shocking – even to me.

As good as the Directors program is and as much as it provides to individuals and their families – it’s not the right goal or option for me.

I’m an “Independent Representative” not a “Director”.

How do you like them apples?

I got into YTB to create my own independence. Over the last 6 years I’ve built and now utilize several profitable income streams. It’s enabled me to survive the chaos and the slandering where others haven’t because they were counting on a single source. Directors who built large organizations are now gone because they relied on one company. Travel Agents have been bickering for years, or are out of business doing something else because they rely on one stream. Even I was forced to jump from company to company for years because I relied on a single revenue streams before I found YTB.

The true value for me in YTB are all the income streams – not the Directors program. The position lands me right back where I was 6 years ago and doesn’t provide the current options and streams I’ve been able to create and build on my own.

It’s not that I’m upset or angry with YTB. To the contrary – I couldn’t have dreamed of a better vehicle to start my journey. YTB has been a wonderful experience for me and was the first company to provide multiple streams. I had never been with a company with so many possibilities prior. Likewise, the Director program is a first of its kind. The medical, life and guaranteed income benefits not only rival but are the envy of the corporate world. With benefits like these – the company has every right to attach reasonable conditions for that privilege.

It’s their company and they make the rules.

But as good as it is and as much as I wanted it – along the way I found my own true independence and own income streams where I make the rules.

The world has changed. Likewise, the internet and technology continues to evolve and change at a rapid pace. It’s exciting – it’s fresh. The internet offers up endless possibilities and an abundance of opportunities to market and promote whatever I want. It didn’t really occur to me until I was asked to make a choice between my own business here on the internet and the one I run with YTB. Without realizing it until this week – I’ve successfully generated a brand that’s more valuable and meaningful on my own.

I don’t know what’s going to happen over the next couple of days guys. While my gut reaction was instant and sure – I told YTB that I had to think about it. But my gut has never been wrong. It’s a message from the Divine. There may be an applicable resolution to all this that I can do both – and I’d like to do both. I love YTB – and I especially love the people I’ve been able to help. Thousands rely and count on me each and every week to inform and mentor them. I’m not looking to steal anyone or trash YTB in any way. That’s selfish and unprofessional.

Overall, YTB has been far too good to me and I’m incredibly grateful to them for showing me the path to my own independence and freedom.

But I also own this blog and my list of subscribers which provided me the freedom and flexibility to speak my own mind and provide my own path.

I’m at complete peace with anything that may come my way. If I can survive horrendous economic conditions and needless trashing of a company I promoted wholeheartedly – I can survive anything.

That my friends is real – true independence.

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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One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from two of my favorite people I truly admire and respect. One is Neal Boortz and the other is Harv Ecker. Both men are incredibly intelligent and extremely successful. The quote I’m talking about, you’ve read here before.

“Don’t believe a word I say – unless you can verify it on your own to be true.”

That lesson is one that has proven to help me uncover the pure crap I see and read on the internet. Admittedly, I’ve had great fun over the years with screen names over on scam.com and anti-mlm zealots like John Frenaye as I’ve exposed their bizarre behavior, twisted perceptions, and limiting beliefs. Because I’m successful in doing so, I get to live “rent free” inside their heads day after day as they attempt to poke and pry at me in frustration.

Admittedly, I still enjoy it when something they’ve said or done comes my way – and is just too good to pass up. It just sits there on a silver platter waiting for me expose just how desperate, sloppy, and dysfunctional their brainwashed minds really are.

Case in point: John asked one of the commenters to contact me the day before yesterday – and someone actually did.

John – bless his heart – attempted to warn everyone that they can get a better “cash back” deal from Bing.com over ZamZuu. This stems from years of ranting and illusions that YTB Travel is more expensive for consumers than any other Travel Agency. Yet, I routinely beat out all of my competitors with our group cruise bookings time and time again.

Sorry…I’ve got ample bookings with several groups that prove this to be true, and they can blather till the cows come home – it’s not going to change my superior pricing.

Now John’s banking on perceptions about Bing.com and the power that name appears to wield. Their cash back program would sound like a formidable foe for anyone who doesn’t know how these types of programs actually work – nor takes the time to verify pricing for themselves. While John actually talks a good game about “savvy shoppers” he’s banking on “low life’s” that read his dribble in an attempt to change their perceptions. For example, while the comments section went on and on about Wal-Mart and Best Buy – none of them actually took the time – or even considered that neither Wal-Mart or Best Buy were even offered as a “cash back” store through Bing.com.

Yet both are offered through ZamZuu for cash back. Why?

Wal-Mart has a contract with a company called LinkShare and Best Buy has a contract with another affiliate company called Commission Junction. As big and bad as Bing is (say THAT ten times fast -”Big Bad Bing”) they can’t rip that contract out of the hands of either network because each “network” is both bigger and better than Bing could ever hope to be. To show you the power of these affiliate networks I found a couple stores that are offered on both ZamZuu and Bing.com.

Old Navy for example offers 7.5% cash back with ZamZuu – but only 4% through Bing.com. Banana Republic is exactly the same with 7.5% through ZamZuu and only 4% from Bing.com.

Then there’s Ghiada. John, once again clueless – proclaims the customer earns nothing back, but the percentage to share with the pyramid is greater through ZamZuu. That’s the lie that’s been embedded into his brain – reading crap from others who make this kind of stuff up to cover their own failures and insecurities about MLM. We’re greedy “middlemen” who are out to pick his pocket.

The goof never even took the time to check – did he?

Because of John’s fascination with girdles, he must be in dire need of one of those Slimvest’s for guys to turn that beached whale look into something more slimming. I did a price comparison for him on the Slimvest and look what he would have found if he stop “talking” and started actually “doing” for a change. He could buy it direct through Ghiada.com for $89.95 – or – he could save himself $20 instantly with ZamZuu with the “pyramid” price of $69.95.

Those greedy pyramids! What a rip! Instead of getting “cash back” in the form of a check – he gets an instant 23% savings with ZamZuu. The HORROR!

And because he’s too brainwashed and stupid to even check – he doesn’t have enough cash on hand to buy a company like Jerome Hughes did with Ghiada – which in turn makes him even more angry and bitter. Furthermore, who would you use for his spokes model? Ainsworth?!

To be fair, and all poking at John’s expense aside – ZamZuu isn’t the be all and end all for everything “cash back”. Bing.com and others will beat out ZamZuu on several stores, just as ZamZuu does with Bing.com. Neither company can be the best for everyone on everything. (So you can save your next blathering rant on your blog with a list of stores Bing.com beats out ZamZuu there Johnny.)

How did I spot John’s obvious mistep so easily? A large portion of the ads on this blog are offered through Commission Junction. Each time someone clicks one of those ads and purchases one of the 30 or so banners that rotate here, I get paid. I also have accounts with LinkShare, ShareaSale, and Google Affiliate Network. I’ve tapped into a very successful affiliate network over the years, and have been a student of this type of marketing for years. John? Not so much. It’s obvious that once again he’s playing the part of “expert” on yet another subject that he knows nothing about.

I understand the power and leverage “networks” like these bring to the table. Most people do and the flock to them trying to get in front of the money shift that’s going on here on the Internet. But for some bizarre reason when you add “marketing” and it becomes “network marketing” – all of the sudden it turns into a scam. For people like John, it suddenly becomes dirty and sleazy. So much so, that John would rather pay full price at Wal-Mart rather than get a couple of bucks back through a free program like ZamZuu at Wal-Mart because he’s angry, bitter, and frustrated over what he thinks MLM has done to HIS industry.

Truth be told – he can’t get past the few pennies that will trickle up to Coach. Instead, he’ll give it to a guy like Bill Gates because Bill’s company isn’t tied to MLM – even if it costs him more money to do so. That’s the real issue here folks. In John’s little world MLM is dirty – it’s cheap – and it’s sleazy. There’s no reasoning, there’s no middle ground, there’s nothing but bitterness, anger, and resentment over a company and model he can’t control or eradicate.

Oh he’ll give you plenty of lip service to the contrary. All you’ll get is more deflecting in an attempt to cover up his obvious lack of understanding and sloppy articles riddled with holes.

And to think I once considered this guy intelligent. It’s the only reason I picked him out of a crowd of no name cowards to debate. How sad to see “debate” turn to “desperation” by misleading people with lies and bizarre reasoning in an lame attempt to cast a shadow of doubt and fear in others. Relegated to blogging about a company and a model he knows nothing about even after the intense obsession the last three years.

He never considered it would last this long. YTB should have been long gone based on the limiting beliefs that crowd and block logical – rational thinking. The longer YTB lasts – the deeper the frustration and feelings of being a victim penetrate.

YTB and ZamZuu just keeps going. That my friend is the best revenge and the best way to make guys like John look like the goof he really is. The louder the mouth, the easier it is to do.

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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Because we’ve expanded and diversified our business with the launch of ZamZuu, I’m finding myself doing a lot more surfing on the internet for products I both want and need.

While ZamZuu business owners can be considered “early adopters” and part of the $155.2 billion that was actually spent online last year, according to a Forrester study released just last month $917 billion worth of retail sales last year were “web-influenced.” Meaning; far more people (at least for right now) are using the internet to do their research on the internet, and then heading out to the store to make their purchase. That’s 67 percent of the online population, and I’ve seen studies that claim 75 percent.

Let’s face it, after the economic meltdown we had in late 2008 and 2009, now more than ever, saving money is the new green. It’s a big reason why ZamZuu has been welcomed with open arms in our company. Cash back puts green back in our pockets.

We’re not the only ones who have caught on to this paradigm shift. The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) also released a report in early April which reveals advertisers spent a record high of $6.3 billion during the fourth quarter of 2009, in an attempt to attract surfers. That’s a new high for a single quarter in Internet advertising revenues, which reached $22.7 billion for the year in 2009.

Nearly half of that revenue is being paid in search and display-related advertising. Think Google AdWords – those little three line ads you see along the right hand of the search page. I recorded a CNBC special report a few weeks ago entitled “Inside the Mind of Google” which reported that Google made $4.3 billion in PROFIT from Google AdWords alone. Another report just last week quoted that Yahoo! saw its first quarter profit more than double from last year, driven by growth in online advertising and lower operating expenses.

It’s abundantly clear that money and revenue is shifting right now away from print, radio and television to the internet. Why? With E-Commerce, the whole transaction takes place online, making it very easy to track and measure. The ROI also skyrockets because advertisers don’t pay per impression or how many eyes actually see the ad, instead only pay for those who actually click on the ad.

Here’s the problem, and I think you can relate: When I Google something to research and compare pricing for a product, more times than not, my first page results aren’t based on the lowest price – but who paid the highest price for ad placement. With more and more money being thrown at internet advertising and the amount of revenue it generates for all of the top search engines, I don’t see that changing any time soon.

In fact – it could get worse as more companies catch on with all out bidding wars breaking out to capture their share of this consumer shift.

So how do you make sense of and sift through all this advertising to find the best deals?

One solution I’ve been introduced too is a very cool app called MyShoppingGenie. It’s completely free to install and its sole purpose is to help you navigate through the vast array of information found when doing a search to find products based on price. By searching on any of the major engines available the Genie appears as a navigator that pulls up not only the stores that offer the product you’re looking for, the price their selling it for.

For example, our son Brain is into Pokemon and wanted the new Heartgold version for his DS. We did an internet search and up popped the Genie with a “compare” button. Within seconds I had a price from Wal-mart of $30.54, CD Universe with $39.95, and Dell, Best Buy, and Toys R Us with a price of $39.99.

From here it’s easy to see that all I have to do is log in to ZamZuu and go directly to Wal-Mart to make my purchase to either ship it or order a site to store for pickup.

All in a fraction of the time it use to take me with a regular search or going from site to site looking searching at individual stores.

While that’s great – it gets even better. Check this out.

Because I’m giving this app away to my list of clients and customers who either book travel with me, or shop with me through ZamZuu, my app is “branded” with a ZamZuu logo and a link that goes directly to my ZamZuu shopping page. When they find the right price, and it happens to be one of the 700 stores we have within ZamZuu, getting cash back for that item is now a simple click away. (Download the app and see for yourself.)

Now think about this…people search on average 88 times per month. Each time they do that search now, my ZamZuu logo appears each and every time they search. No e-mailing, no calling, and no paid advertising – it just shows up every time they do a search on any of the major search engines.

If that doesn’t get you thinking about possibilities it gets even better.

You know all that money we talked about – the $917 BILLION in sales that was generated via searches, and the $22.7 BILLION in advertising revenue being spent for clicks from those searches last year? Each time my customers click one of the ads when comparing prices it generates revenue from the free app that I gave away.

I’m generating revenue coming and going. Granted, at this point there are more searches right now than buyers, however, as the shift continues to evolve over the next few years, I’ve giving my customers a very easy and accessible format to capture more sales when they buy and get cash back through my ZamZuu site.

This opens up a whole new market, and it’s no longer based on what I want to sell, but what my customers actually want to buy from 200,000 stores, liquidators and product manufacturers, including over 1,000,000 coupons and special offers. I’m not only buying and getting cash back from Omaha Steaks through ZamZuu, but finding incredible coupons for additional savings on the “deals” link. (Ronda LOVES the coupons she’s found on both national and local stores saving us a TON of money from this app.)

###

In closing, you at least need to check out this app and see how it works for yourself. Heck, it’s free for goodness sake and it’s going to help you turn the tables on the big search engines who are only thinking about how much money they’re generating from paid ads when you’re searching for products.

If you by chance you see another revenue stream and a very viable option in branding your ZamZuu business, just “reply” to my newsletter and I’ll not only answer your questions, but help you set this free app with your own ZamZuu logo and link to capture a bigger piece of this internet boom.

No pressure, and no hard sale. You both see these numbers and want in, or you don’t.

Just let me know if you want to capture a slice of this boom.

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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Miss me?

Yeah, I know – I promised that I would get back into the swing of things at the beginning of the year with regular posts here. I was doing just fine until YTB launched ZamZuu and Shazam! – I’m off promoting this cool new product launch that’s half the price and twice the fun for entrepreneurs. It’s also a ton of fun showing customers how to get a free account to start saving money from hundreds of stores they already know and trust.

Quite honestly, you’ve got to be brain dead not to see this thing. Shopping with hundreds of brand names stores on their websites and getting cash back when you do just for going through ZamZuu?

What’s not to get?

It’s free for customers to join. Stores pull from a nationwide inventory or regional warehouse. Most have the option of site to store for easy pickup. (And no shipping charges!) Just about every stores will also e-mail weekly sales right to your in-box if you subscribe off their sites – and you should if you’re a regular shopper. Frankly, I prefer far less clutter – and will use the new ZamZuu Dealz fan page as a central location to find great “dealz” – rather than scanning through hundreds of store e-mails. (I’ve signed up with some stores and get an e-mail a day – which honestly is a bit much.)

Here’s the biggest no brainer for me. It will never – ever – ever be more expensive for any of my customers going through ZamZuu than it will going direct to the store. Just can’t be done – they’re going to the same site stores and see the exact same products and prices anyone else does.

Customers who are smart enough to go through ZamZuu instead of going direct however – get cash back on every purchase made through ZamZuu. Something that can’t be done by going direct.

Back around Christmas, our office computer died. I had no idea what was available these days – nor did I have any feel for how much prices have come down. It’s been years since I even thought about buying a new desktop. What do you think is easier, hopping in the car and going from store to store or hopping on my laptop to do a Google search for “desktop computer”? As it turns out, one of the big box stores that are on ZamZuu had a sale for case, keyboard and mouse for only $229. At that point, I didn’t need to shop any longer. (Would you for that price?) I logged into ZamZuu and went directly to the store which was saved as one of our favorites – ordered the exact make and model I found earlier for exact same price and requested to pick up at the local store 10 minutes away.

After completing my order, I got confirmation of the order and information that I would be notified when it was ready.

Wanna know how long it took to complete the order?

Ten minutes later, I got an e-mail “Your order is ready for pick-up”. As I hit “print” and headed upstairs to go grab the confirmation needed off the printer, I just had to laugh at how easy that was.

But it gets better. Remember, this was back before Christmas and the height of the Christmas shopping season. As I walked into the store, I checked to my left to see long lines of customers waiting to check out – as I headed to the right – towards Customer Pickup. There I found heaven.

No lines.

I handed my confirmation to the friendly Associate, she hand me the product, paid in full and I was walking out the door within minutes of placing my order online.

The entire process from search to pick up took no more than an hour to complete.

And I got cash back from ZamZuu for doing it!

But the cash back is merely an added bonus to an already smarter way to shop. I wrote about how we shopped this year for Christmas, ordering everything on-line and having the kids Christmas presents sent to the local stores in Pittsburgh for my parents to pick up. Talk about a stress free Christmas! And as an added bonus – there was absolutely no way the kids could “peek” this year – because they were all hidden 600 miles away!

I do have to caution you on one drawback however. Because we didn’t realize how much we bought for the kids – we had to strap them to the roof in order to get all the presents inside the van to get home.

Note to self: If anyone takes that literally, we have found the poster child for “brain dead”.

Moving on…

Fact is, we live in a digital age now. The internet changed all that. If you don’t think so, just try to find a single big box store that’s not online these days. Everybody’s got a web site for a reason. It’s easier – faster – and far more convenient for the customer. It’s also extremely cost effective for the stores and can do nothing but increase profits for retailers.

I’ve had a couple of inquiries of late on where this number of $950 billion spent in retail in the last quarter of 2009 came from – while only 3% of it was spent on-line. (Video below) I’ve been so busy that I have not even bothered to research or ask about that number myself. However, if you’re looking for numbers and something that you can document, I’d highly recommend eMarketer. I did a piece on them back in June of last year and if it’s documentation you’re looking for about on-line shopping – this would be the company that I would look to for a number like that. The documentation sighted there will provide the most comprehensive study found anywhere regarding e-commerce and it’s growth over the next few years.

You can predict the future by looking at it’s past. Look at what YTB did with Travel? Took a bunch of “Average Joes” and sold over $1 billion in travel in 8 years, all because of the internet.

You’ve gotta like the odd when it comes to everything else!

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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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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This past weekend, I was introduced to a company called Aisle 19, and if you are like me, you probably went “Aisle who?” I never heard of them either, but after checking out the movie, it looked interesting. There really isn’t much out there concerning this company or concept so I figured a review was in order to help those of you who may have been invited, (the only way you can join by the way) to provide some information and answer some questions.

Aisle 19 is somewhat like the Discover credit card. You should know how that works. For every purchase you make; you earn a certain percentage as “cash back”.  The difference in Aisle 19 is it’s not a credit card, but a gateway you pass through in order to earn this “cash back” bonus with over 600 retailers. Percentages will range by retailer from 1% up to 20%, but by going through this gateway in Aisle 19 you are automatically qualify and are connected directly to the online stores you know and trust. Some names you may recognize are NFLshop.com, Barnes & Noble, Gap, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, K-Mart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Staples, Sony….

You get the picture.

In addition, Aisle 19 is a good place to find those special deals, kind of like the Sunday paper, but every day. When I logged in this morning I found an exclusive Aisle 19 offer to receive 20% off the list price of any one item with Borders. The offer expires 1/31 and is good for everything from books and music to movies and kids. Another offer from Target includes free shipping with orders over $50.00. It’s a great place to start your shopping experience to save money.

What’s the cost for something like this? Nadda. There are no additional fees, no setup fees, and no activation fees. There are no inflated prices on shipping or product sales. Product prices and shipping costs through Aisle 19 are the same at the merchant’s web site and sometime even lower with Aisle 19’s Daily Deal specials.

All you need is to be invited by someone else.

So what’s the problem? I honestly couldn’t tell you. For someone like me who’s been buying online for a number of years, it’s really a no brainer. (Seriously) I mean, it doesn’t cost me a thing to join, I shop with retailers I already know (and trust) and I get “cash back” if I arrive at these stores sites via the Aisle 19 web site.

That being said, there are probably some questions, and I’ve seen some out there that I hope I might be able to answer for you here.

• Where is Aisle 19?

Aisle 19 is on the internet. I have seen questions out there believe it or not from people who physically went into the store and looked for an Aisle 19 in the store. (If you’d like to search for them, be my guest, but they will remain nameless here.) Aisle 19 is the online shopping portal or gateway that you can now use to save money and earn cash back.

• How do you make sure you get credit through Aisle 19?

Simply start shopping by going to Aisle 19 first, and then click the store of choice through Aisle 19. Stores will have no way of knowing how you got there without going through Aisle 19 first.

• How do they know it’s me?

Cookies, and we’re not talking Mrs. Fields here. Cookies are computer speak for tracking. It’s not spyware or any type of virus, just a way to make sure that the purchases you make all link back to you. Cookies used by Aisle 19 and it’s network of stores are completely safe and they are enabled by default with most browsers.

• Do all purchases qualify for cash back?

Virtually every “item” you purchase through Aisle 19 qualifies for cash back. Aisle 19 cannot, however, give cash back for taxes, shipping, or any portion of a purchase that is paid for with non-Aisle 19 provided coupons, gift certificates or a store credit. Specials and coupons CAN be combined to maximize your savings. (Unless otherwise stated by the retailer.)

• How do I know I’m saving as much as possible?

One way is to shop from the stores that offer the highest cash back incentives. Simply click on the ALL STORES tab in Aisle 19 and then select the Cash Back pull down. Aisle 19 will then show you which stores offer the highest cash back incentives from highest to lowest. Another way is to always start by checking out the Daily Deals on the main page. Aisle 19 does all the work for you by searching all the specials, deals and coupons that stores are currently offering. This saves you the time of clicking from store to store to find what deals are available. Many times these deals are not available when shopping from the stores directly so by coming through Aisle 19 you get discounts that are often not available to the general public. You can also word search for items in the daily deal section to see if what you are looking for happens to be on sale.

• How soon will I receive my cash back?

On or around the 20th of every month, your cash back check from the previous month’s purchases will be cut and mailed to you. There are special incentive stores that will provide instant cash back for you at the time of purchase. Kind of like an “instant rebate”, and simply take the cash back you receive off the total price.

• What are the shipping policies?

The same as the retailer’s web site. Because you will be shopping on the retailer’s site you will have to check their shipping policies. Some stores like Sam’s and Wal-Mart will allow you to order on-line and pick your merchandise up at the local store. (Cool huh?)

• How safe is my credit card information?

100% secure. When you check out at any of the merchants used, you are on the safest possible connection, a Secure Socket Layer (SSL). Credit card security is of the utmost importance to Aisle 19 and something they look for when partnering with a retailer.

If you’ve been introduced to Aisle 19, I hope this gives you a better idea of what this program is all about, and answer some of the questions you might have had. Personally, I like the idea and it fits in very well with what I’m already doing. It also gives me added incentive to shop for more products online for additional savings of both time and money.

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Can you believe this past weekend? One of the most memorable weekends I’ve experienced in a long, long time. It’s hard to think of another time I’ve been more pumped.

The anticipation started weeks ago, as it usually does this time of year. Even with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. As each day passed, I knew the long wait was almost over. By the time Friday rolled around I was making calls and surfing the internet trying to find any information I could, reading both the pros and the cons. Sure there are critics (aren’t there always?) making all kinds of predictions, but what do they know? By this time you should know that I’m a believer, have been for years. There’s very little (if anything) anyone could do to sway me away from what I love and what know to be true.

When Saturday arrived I was thought I was ready, but the incredible bombshells that came that day had me thinking about both the possibilities and how it could help us advance. While I knew we would be prepared, I didn’t know exactly what plays were going to be called. By this time, I had very little concern for what the oppositions was going to do. While my mind wondered what was ahead of us coming from California, I still felt confident and honestly didn’t have any doubt.

What transpired was nothing short of spectacular. It had me on my feet, giving out high fives, and bringing the passion back to the surface, pumped and ready to take on anyone who opposed us. (That includes any trash talkers from Baltimore!)

Things really didn’t settle down for me until Sunday night and I had a chance to let it all sink in.

Pittsburgh’s one step closer to it’s 6th Super Bowl ring, hosting yet another AFC Championship game at home!

What did you think I was talking about, YTB’s World’s Largest Tailgate Party?

That was good too, and honestly can’t get past the irony of the two events. How this weekend upset a lot of people both in the field of sports, and in the travel industry. While there were some that have been speculating who would come out victorious, and who would be a cake walk, (Arizona anyone?) it looks as if nobody really knows what’s going to transpire, or could posibly predict what’s going to happen.

That’s why they play the game.

I honestly have not had much of a chance to surf around and see what “critics” are talking about, (been enjoying my weekend watching football instead of wallowing in mud) but from what I’m gathering right now, some may be missing a couple of key points. (Like that’s anything new.)

One, our Convergentware upgrade back in December plays a big role now with the Trip of A Lifetime Sweepstakes that’s been launched. As entries are populated and clients fill in their information, we’ll be able to see likes, dislikes and market far more effectively. I realize there are those that want YTB to get out of the Travel Industry, but with the $30 Million YTB has invested in infrastructure to be a dominant player in industry…well, one can always, hope, pray, or more like plead.

Two, it looks as if YTB has reached a point that we can in fact strike our own deals for FAM’s and discounted travel. To have a company roll out their own FAM’s with suppliers and vendors should tell you something. Volume creates deals, not some card you hold up on a pedestal. There are very few Agencies in this industry that can strike this type of agreement with any supplier let alone several, because most don’t have the sales to back it up. The Great Escapes should be a very clear message to you that suppliers do understand the power of numbers, and they do “get YTB”.

Working with YTB makes much better business sense, now more than ever with the economy the way it is. Suppliers and vendors only pay for what YTB is able to produce. This notion that YTB costs suppliers money in reality is the complete opposite. (Thus why you’ve only seen three out of literally hundreds drop any Travel MLM.) While Royal Caribbean is spending money with Agencies to help advertise (Co-op dollars) attempting to bring in much needed revenue, Carnival brings in the local Business Development Manager, and one sidekick from Miami who brings up some banners and conducts a Sail-A-Thon via streaming video to market cruises in one night to tens of thousands of potential customers. Far better bang for your buck, and Gerry Cahill being a “finance guy” (critics call him a “bean counter”) most certainly knows this.

Three, some can’t grasp what diversification and multiple streams of income in business is all about. Because YTB has a Network Marketing division, I’m sure you realize that most view the model from a completely different perspective than “traditional business”. You’ll notice that everyone considers American Express and Carlson Wagonlit as “traditional travel agencies”, as they should, they are number one and number two. Please note that no one has a problem with American Express also being a bank, and Carlson Wagonlit also owning restaurants. That type of diversification is completly acceptable, but if YTB decides they want to diversify, creating an opportunity to capture another income stream, just like AMX and CW, it’s blasphemy.

To be fair, it is a bit different. You need to go back to “The Long Tail” example I posted about last week. In traditional business, when CW wants to open up a TGI Friday’s for example, there is a cost or investment in opening up that restaurant. Just when CW will recover that investment is unknown and irrelevant at this point. YTB on the other hand just partnered with a company called Aisle 19 this past weekend. Aisle 19 is free to join as an Representative, free to join as a customer, and provides the ability to shop at stores you already do for the exact same products, at the exact same price you would without the program. Difference is, Representatives get a commission and customers get cash back through the program.

Because YTB and Aisle 19 involves Network Marketing, a model with a severe phobia for some, it’s going to be labeled as a “scam” or an “illegal pyramid” even though nobody invested a single dime in the program. (Just like YTB’s MLM, or Rep Opportunity by the way.)

While I’m sure there will be more written about this in the coming days, I think we’ve already his the nail on the head as to why there’s a problem for some. While critics make it appear that they have “you’re best interest” at heart, the truth of the matter is, it’s nothing more than “wealth envey” which can best be expressed by this one post from a this one critic.

I just thought of something……If YTB is now using Aisle 19 (instead of it’s own product or business or company or it’s own mall stores etc.,) then YTB itself (The Old Fart) has just become a great big distributor for Aisle 19 and all of the YTB members and all the people that the YTB members bring into Aisle 19 will be HIS/YTB’s own downline and YTB will be making money off of all of that multi-level of downline- YTB members and whoever they bring on to Aisle 19 (their customers) and whatever YTB members buy and whatever the member’s customers buy. Yikes. Is this right? This is jacked up. Have I missed something?

For the record, no, this sharp tool didn’t miss anything. He’s pretty much figured it out, although it looks like it created some smoke as the wheels began to turn. We just tapped into NFLshop.com (along with some 600 other retailers) to capture a piece of the pie, and it didn’t cost any of us a dime to do so. But because this critics believes the rich get richer instead of actually doing what the rich do to become rich, it creates fear, anger and resentment.

Oh well…

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