You just might exceed you’re wildest dreams!

Before I get started on today’s topic – I wanted to thank everyone for the birthday wishes last week. I was flooded with over one hundred posts on my Facebook wall, got several calls, and personal e-mails as well wishing me a happy birthday. It’s AWESOME having so many friends who take the time to think of you. I had a wonderful week with my kids who were off from school for spring break and we enjoyed our time together. They’re now back for the last haul, straight through till the summer break.

While I was off enjoying my family time, ZamZuu had a product launch last week, that perfectly illustrates the pure power of Network Marketing for any business who opts for this model as a distribution channel. I’ve seen this happen over and over in this industry and it’s probably the biggest reason why businesses choose MLM for their products. During my tenure with YTB and ZamZuu, I can rattle off products or services right off the top of my head that have been successful. This particular launch with a brand new company tops any that I can recall right out of the gate.

Here’s the timeline:

Last Tuesday afternoon, ZamZuu sends out an e-mail to all Store Owners and Free Agents announcing a new coffee line called GanoVia Gourmet Coffee. The e-mail described the features, advantages and benefits of the new product – with a special introductory promotion for anyone wanting to give it a try. Within minutes, Facebook pages exploded with links, tweets announced this new coffee line nobody’s ever heard of, and blogs started promoting the new line of coffee. Even Anti-MLM Zealots put down their “hateraide” to promote it for us. (Who knew?!)

[Side Note: The "hateraide" bit - from my oldest nephew and told him I had the perfect application for it.]

As a result, without spending a single penny in advertising or promotion for this new line of coffee – GanoVia Gourmet Coffee sold out of their inventory within 24 hours from massive sales produced by the buzz in cyber space and word of mouth exposure from ZamZuu Site Owners and Free Agents.

That my friend is the power of Network Marketing in action. Exactly why a business would choose MLM as their preferred distribution model.

I’ve seen this work many times over – both in the travel industry with YTB Travel and from the ZamZuu shopping sites. The first I really saw of it in the shopping sites was with the insurance quotes the company offers. The company was blown away not just by the quantity of quotes it garnered – but in the quality of the leads generated by the ZamZuu sales force. The woman of ZamZuu have absolutely fallen in love with Gina Alexander handbags and the owner, oddly enough name Gina Alexander, absolutely adores our company. For myself personally, and from running into so many discontents and bizarre behavior out on the internet I’m a personal fan of KidZafe which gives me the added peace of mind as my own kids begin to surf the internet.

All different products – all different industries – but they all not only work in the MLM model but thrive in our business model because referral marketing is by far the most powerful form of advertising there is.

Anyone who doesn’t get that really needs to have their head examined.

While GanoVia is scrambling to replenish their supply of coffee – you better believe they’re tickled beyond words how much coffee they sold right out of the gate. Can’t think of a better way to launch a product – especially when you’re not out of pocket for advertising with all sales go directly to your bottom line.

It’s a model that began 125 years ago with another unknown called “The California Perfume Company”. If you don’t recognize the name, they changed it in 1939 to something you probably have heard of – Avon. Models like ours last frankly because they work just as well today as they did back then.

In closing, the next time you see an individual underestimating the power and reach of Network Marketing – just know it happens in business too. Not everyone realizes (or in some cases admits) how powerful it really is. For any new or existing business wanting to get instant exposure from a massive sales force – without the risk or budget of an advertising campaign, MLM is certainly the way to go.

In the case of GanoVia Gourmet Coffee it exceeded all expectations.

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I’ve seen a ton of upgrades and website enhancements during my tenure with YTB. Quite honestly, I’ve lost count how many times our sites have been updated with new looks, technology features, and a wider array of product offerings.

Not to diminish anything the company has done in the past, because at the time it was released it was big. However, what I saw yesterday afternoon with a new look, technology improvements, social connectivity and user friendly design of this site tops anything the company has ever released.

Welcome to the new ZamZuu.

See, this is a result of what happens when companies pay attention to current trends and hot features of the day. Technology, especially on the Internet, is constantly changing and evolving. What’s really cool about a site like ZamZuu, is that you can implement certain features and redesigns like this on a regular basis to keep customers engaged.

There are many new features with the new site. The new look is much easier to navigate, by redesigning categories, keeping everything is what’s known in site design as “above the fold”. Let’s face it, people are lazy and scrolling down a long page just doesn’t cut it. Now, just about everything can be found without the need of scrolling down a single inch. (Trust me, it’s a very important feature – more important than you think.)

Another new addition is the shopping cart within ZamZuu.com. Now, customers can shop and purchase products within the same shopping experience. This in turn will increase the average amount of cash back for customers. (The more they buy – the more they save.)

On a promotional front as either a Free Agent or Site Owner with Zamzuu there’s a very cool feature that personally I’ve been waiting for.

Twitter and Facebook integration.

Now Free Agents and Site Owners can link directly to hundreds of stores with a simple click of a button. See a special sale at Macy’s? Tell your Facebook family about it with a link directly to Macy’s through your ZamZuu site. They get cash back, and you get a commission.

How easy is that?

I’ve got about 1000 friends on Facebook, and a portion of them are also partners in YTB and ZamZuu. They’ve already gotten the hang of this feature, and they understand what a real game changer this is.

There’s still a bit of cleanup to be done, and more stores to add over the coming weeks. While the links are correct in the Facebook integration, the API pulls a generic description for ZamTek for example. (Easily changed manually at this point however.)

There are a couple bugs to be fixed – which is inevitable when a release like this is offered to the general public. Then the company will focus on the next upgrade.

Another upgrade you ask? Yes, another upgrade for the YTB Travel Network sites with much of the same functionality as our new ZamZuu sites.

Can you imagine?! The travel site upgrade was supposed to be released in two weeks during Funshine. However, with all the work being done with the ZamZuu sites, and the new partnership with Orbitz, Funshine has been postponed until the travel upgrade is ready for launch. If it’s anything like this ZamZuu launch – I can pretty much promise it will be worth the wait.

And to the folks at the Home Office who worked on this ZamZuu upgrade. Hot damn! This is a nice upgrade!

Many thanks to you for your hard work – and especially for implementing the features the field wanted most.

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Before we had kids – Ronda and I went on a number of Valentine’s Week cruises. Our last cruise during this week was in 2003, when Ronda was pregnant with Brian. An eight day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Legend.

If you think cruising is romantic – you really should try it during Valentines. There’s nothing like it. We would do it again in a snap, but with the kids in school now it’s just not an option – for now. Oddly enough, leaving a bowl of food and water in the corner while we whisk off on another cruise getaway doesn’t cut it according to Ronda.

Let’s face it. It’s cold outside and we’re thinking of some place warm. With the way this winter has hit everyone with snow, it’s probably more prevalent than in years past.

BandBVacations.com, YTB Travel Network, and Carnival Cruise Lines can help you out with those winter blues with a Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon right from the comfort of your own home.

Carnival and YTB was the first to offer this type of free webinar several years ago – and they’ve been a huge hit with clients, agents, and Carnival. I’ve lost count on how many we’ve done with them – but it’s super easy to do for them, and super easy for you to participate. Just hit our booking engine tomorrow night.

It all starts at 7:oo pm – 6:00 pm Central. YTB Travel Network President Kim Sorensen will also be interacting on Facebook with trivia questions and posting cruise pictures on his fan page. The broadcast will re-air each hour during the evening, so if you miss it at 7:00 pm, you can catch it again at 8:00 – 9:00 – 10:00 and 11:00.

This is a great time of year to be booking a cruise for the summer. Carnival has an Early Saver program that can save hundreds on the cost of a cruise.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic will operate a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing Oct. 28, 2011.

These European cruises will be going fast on this brand new ship – so if you’re looking for Europe, you’ll need to do it now.

If Europe isn’t your thing; Carnival has 19 ports they sail out of and 23 ships that are currently sailing this year. (The most in the industry.)

If you want to warm up and get yourself out of the winter blues – this is just the ticket.

Join us tomorrow night for this Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon and book what we consider is the best vacation money can buy!

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A couple weeks ago we kicked off the Christmas Shopping Season with ZamFest. In that report, we linked to a chart provided by ZippyCart.com that expected that almost half (49%) off all holiday shoppers plan to shop online. (Up from 42% a year ago.)

Online retailers are in FULL SWING this Holiday Season to capture the increase of online shoppers. I have two folders in Outlook that collect e-mails from retailers. One for retailers I’ve spent money with online – and one from retailers I’ve made money with online. If I didn’t corral the massive amount of promotional e-mails into these folders, they’d overtake my e-mail account. The massive amount of solicitations from retailers is overwhelming as they all try to convince you that they have the best deals this Holiday Season.

While I haven’t been able to read every single promotion, I’ve yet to see one that mentions standing in line at the store during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. In fact, many of them point out that the line connected to Internet is not only shorter, but offers a larger selection, and is cheaper to boot.

To take advantage of the increase of online shoppers ZamFest is back for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Now, shoppers can take part in all the fun by joining ZamZuu for a savings spectacular without the long lines. Wearing their pajamas while shopping for deals is actually encouraged during the event when it begins at 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Friday, November 26. The company will begin posting amazing Black Friday Dealz on the ZamZuu Dealz Facebook page.

Personally, I hate shopping and this is a much better alternative for this annual frenzy. The thought of getting tangled up in the chaos of Black Friday is an event I’d rather avoid. Part of it comes from years of working in the retail industry with Gateway (before they closed their stores) and HiFi Buys (before they filed for bankruptcy.) The frenzy – the mess – the extended hours – and the attitudes of shoppers during this time of year did not make my Holiday all that cheerful or jolly.

I know there are shoppers who either camp out all night, or get up way too early to hit the stores before the sun comes up Black Friday to head out to stores. To me, that’s just nuts. Especially when you can shop online and get that same deal in just a few clicks and you’re done. No mad rush, no long lines, and no disappointment that you have to trek to another store when the display has been decimated by crazed shoppers who got there before you did.

No thanks.

Another big push I’m seeing in all these solicitations from retailers is “Cyber Monday”. A growing event over the years that’s designed specifically for Internet shoppers and everyone is getting on board to increase sales, making the most out of the Holiday shopping season. If there’s any doubt that online retailing hasn’t caught on or a significant part of a retailers overall strategy to increase revenue – you don’t need to look any further than annual event.

ZamZuu is also hosting a special Cyber Monday webcast beginning at 12:01 a.m Eastern, Monday, November 29 and rebroadcasting for a full 24 hours of unbelievable deals from ZamZuu. A great opportunity to pick up some great presents with special savings all from the comfort of home.

We did the MAJORITY of our shopping during the same weekend last year and never left the house. We found better inventory, better prices, and a much better atmosphere. (NO CROWDS) These online stores were also open 24/7 so we could shop and buy when at a time that suited us best.

Last year, we had all the kids presents drop shipped to Pittsburgh (Grandma and Grandpas) keeping the presents out of reach from prying eyes! A big plus for us as parents, and the kids where actually surprised last year. (LOL!)

Don’t miss it! These amazing deals are only a couple days away with Black Friday Dealz and the ZamZuu webcast on Cyber Monday!

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I know I’m on vacation this week, but I wanted to post a quick thank you for all the Birthday wishes yesterday. My e-mail and my Facebook page were covered with well wishes and it’s a real honor to have such good friends who take the time to send their comments and wishes – especially on a day like yesterday.

It was a really good day. My wife made my favorite dish, lasagna, and the kids decided that “everybody needs to play games on their birthday”, so that’s exactly what we did. To see a birthday through a child’s eyes is really something.

Absolutely adorable!

After seeing all the comments and wishes from you, I felt compelled to return my thanks for thinking of me as well. You’re a good group of friends and your thoughts and comments mean more than you’ll ever know.

I am grateful for having you as a friend. Thank you!

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Would you like another clear cut example that “word of mouth” works?

Yeah, I know – I’m preaching to the choir here, but this type of documentation and research can be very useful when talking to prospects about owning their own home based business. It appears that market research firms Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that people are more likely to recommend brands they follow as fans on Facebook and Twitter. Likewise, these same followers are more likely to buy from the brands they follow.

The study was conducted with 1500 consumers and here are the hard numbers:

• 60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since becoming a fan or follower.
• 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow or are a fan of.

With now over 400 million Facebook users on the internet these days, one might conclude that there’s an opportunity to be had here.

What’s even more interesting is that these users now actually expect business to have a presence in these mediums. The comments found in the release are very telling:

• “It’s EXPECTED that a company have some digital face – whether it’s on FB or Twitter I don’t know – but they need a strong electronic presence or you doubt their relevance in today’s marketplace.” Female 50-54
• “Either they are not interested in the demographic that frequents Facebook and Twitter or they are unaware of the opportunity to get more exposure in a more interactive method.” Male 35-39
• “It shows they are not really with it or in tune with the new ways to communicate with customers.” Female 18-24.
• “If they’re not on Facebook or Twitter, then they aren’t in touch with the “electronic” people.” Female 55-59

Clearly, Social Media has come of age, and those that embrace this medium have found a market that’s not only able – but very willing to recommend (aka “promote”) for you.

Those of us who’ve work in Direct Sales and Network Marketing (and do it the right way) have known about this phenomenon and how it works first hand. It’s really nothing new. You hook up, provide useful information that benefit them, and the next thing you know all sorts of people are purchasing based on a simple recommendation. There’s no need for heavy sales pitches or arm twisting when done the proper way.

In fact, anything heavy or over the top turns more poeple away can be the death of any online business in this environment.

Just relax, and be…well…”social”. Sounds obvious I know, but it’s the first step in building a long lasting relationship that will build trust and loyal fans and followers. Be part of the community and without much effort at all, you’ll find yourself climbing up the social media ladder – which in turn leads to exposure – credibility – and eventually sales.

Studies like this prove that Social Media not only works, but it’s now required if you want to build a viable business in this day and age.

Kind of puts a whole new light on the new ZamZuu marketing campaign launched less than three months ago doesn’t it? ;-P

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If you’ve been wondering when you’d be able to post some of your Deals and Steals specials on your Facebook wall, the wait is officially over.

Yeah-yeah-yeah, I know…YTB’s no longer in the “Travel Business”. Well, somebody forgot to tell the Home Office. ;-P

Typical of YTB and one of the reasons why they’re still around: YTB see’s opportunities to expand and grow business. Its probably the single biggest reason why I absolutely love this company.

This type of integration is such a piece of cake for the end user. It’s so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. See a deal that someone else might like? Want to share it with others? With one simple click of an icon up pops the link with comment box to share on your wall or via a private message to whom ever you’d like in your network.

If you need to jazz it up a little, or input some of your own information, that can be done as well in four different areas. (If there’s any doubt concerning what I’m talking about here, just click on the link and it will bring up a picture of each area.)

First is the comment box, which we’re all familiar with and use to doing if you’ve linked to any type of file or video in the past. From what I’ve seen, most people stop there, and that’s all well and good – but did you know you can do more?

• You can insert your own heading above the link
• Insert your own description under the link
• And of course – you can change the thumbnail picture to one that suits you best

After that, all that’s needed is a quick click on the “share” button to post it to your Facebook wall.

Sharing with family members, specialty groups, or close friends is now just a few simple clicks away on the most popular social networking site on the internet. Promoting your travel business has never been easier than this.

Just one more feather in YTB’s cap that shows how innovative and cutting edge this company really is.

Thanks YTB!

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