Five years ago – I made a very important decision.

I declared my Independence.

I had no idea what laid ahead of me. I found that it wasn’t always a walk in the park. I’d also make my share of mistakes along the way.

But you know what? I wouldn’t trade a second of it because I’ve learned more about myself and business in the last five years than during my entire adult (working) life combined. I have a much better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I know what fires me up, and what bores me to tears. I’ve also expanded and grown farther than I’ve ever thought was possible before. My self-worth and self-confidence in what I’m truly capable of doing has awakened from its long overdue hibernation.

I dream like a little kid again.

It’s been a wild ride that’s far from being over. There’s still far more I want to be – do – and have.

When I made this declaration public, the support which opened up was incredible. Teachers, mentors, and friendships came out of nowhere to offer insight and leadership. People who actually cared – actually offered something worthwhile – actually wanted me to succeed.

That’s not to say that critics didn’t show up along the way. Those who tried to intimidate of shame me into submission – back to the old way of thinking. Fortunately, I’ve found that most critics are also cowards. The vast majority never revealed enough about themselves or provided any value to be any real significance. Always telling me what was wrong – never how to correct it or solve it.

Being independent requires being solutions oriented – not problem oriented.

This past weekend, Scott Tomer released a video on what Independence Day means to him and why we should all declare our own independence. I didn’t actually catch the video until after the July 4th holiday, but it struck a cord with me – and I agree with him one hundred percent.

I remembered the freedom that declaring my own independence meant to me five years ago. How liberating and strong it felt. How it gave me new life and renewed confidence in myself.

There’s one little caveat here that may help you put this declaration of independence into the proper perspective. Neither, Scott nor myself will tell you that making this declaration means that you walk into your bosses office tomorrow and quit. It took me a year and a half to feel comfortable and place myself in a position of telling my former employer I was out of there. What I did do however was work extra hard (much like a second full time job) to replace the income I was making during my “day job” doing what I really wanted to do.

See, your declaration is merely the beginning.

Think of it this way. Our Founding Father’s signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – but the declaration was only the beginning of the Revolutionary War. True independence from Great Brittan wasn’t achieved until 1783. Nor did the Colonies go at this alone. They had help from the French, Spain and the Dutch Republic.

Your own declaration will also take some time and some help from others to come to fruition. You may not know how or where it will come from – but you’ll never know until you make a declaration of your intentions – your own independence.

Then the answers and the help from others will come.

Sure, you’ll experience some defeats. You’ll also question yourself at times. You may even feel like giving up. True independence takes sacrifice and determination. A new way of thinking – doing – and being. But if you really, truly want it – it’s there for you.

Deep inside, you know you really want it. What’s stopping you? The truth is – nothing other than your own “stinkin’ thinkin”. What you don’t see now will be revealed to you. What you don’t have now will be given to you. But you have to first make the decision – a declaration to yourself and others that this is the direction you want to go.

I still make this declaration almost daily, even five years later. Some day’s it’s easier and more meaningful than others. Because I know and trust that it works if you do. I’ve seen and experienced too much after all this time.

So what do you say? When are you going to get up – stand up – and never give up? It all starts with one simple step.

Declare YOUR Independence.

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Back from vacation and into the full swing of life once again. As I get older and our kids grow, I appreciate the family time we spend together more and more. My sister’s youngest son graduated High School last week – so most of the family was together for his milestone. He’s also a Baseball State Champion which was won the day we arrived in Virginia.

I was talking with her three boys about how much their Coaches have meant to them over the years playing sports. How they not only taught them how to play the sports they participated in, but lessons learned in sports were woven into life. I’ve known Coach’s like that myself while playing organized sports.

The last sports Coach I had was for golf. I swear, I had every Tom, Dick and Harry trying to tell me how I should hit the ball and play the game. Thing is, none of them were much better than I was. It wasn’t until I actually started working with a Golf Pro that my game got better. I spent years as just another golf hack – and when I picked up a Coach, I worked my way down to a 5 handicap – and the game as a result became much more enjoyable.

It’s amazing how we think nothing of being coached for baseball, golf, or any other organized sport – but when it comes to life most of us will take advice from anyone that offers. Problem is, our circle of influence is quite often no better off than we are. (Sometimes even worse off.) I think I’ve always known this was true, but I don’t think it really sunk in until I went to a T. Harv Ecker Seminar several years ago.

It was so obvious: You can’t expect to learn and grow from anyone who hasn’t already accomplished it themselves.

I have to be honest. In the early years of YTB, I built a team and made it to Coach’s Corner via a Coach. While my love of travel and the passion I had naturally attracted people to me – I was not equipped at the time to build a business. My Business Coach at the time had never been involved in MLM himself, but he was a very successful business mind who worked with several Fortune 500 companies.

It was during that time that I saw and experienced firsthand that Network Marketing was really no different than any other business. The exact same principles applied to both.

Once I got to Coach’s Corner, I actually knew a lot of people who were trying to make it and couldn’t seem to get over the hump. They craved the mentorship and insight that someone like Coach had to offer. But they were just like me – they didn’t have the mindset or the tools necessary to achieve this goal without the proper guidance of a Coach.

While all this was announced last week while I was on vacation – I’m pleased to report that this “problem” has been corrected. For those of you who couldn’t get on the call a week ago or requested the information again, here’s a quick recap of what went down last week:

Introducing “Coach’s Way” – The 2020 Vision for your Life!

The program that many of you have been looking forward to has come to fruition! Coach’s Vision for teaching and helping others find success in life begins this August, and you can register now for a special price. Simply click the ad for “Coach’s Way” in your Rep Back Office. It’s $50 for the month of August, (which is actually a real DEAL if you look into other Coaching and Mentoring programs out there) and if you get three personally sponsored participants to join, too, you’re not paying next month for Coach’s Way. You simply don’t pay for every month you have at least three active participants in the program. (And you better believe Coach will teach you how to reach that level.)

Don’t wait to register, however. The price for this program will go up to $100 at Convention, so join now if you’re at least thinking about it. There are additional components to this program that you’ll receive, but Coach and Scott are saving that for the Convention in July. (They GUARANTEE you’ll love what you hear.)

The first mentoring session from Coach will be held LIVE on July 28 at the 2011 Convention, and only those in Coach’s Way will be able to attend. Details regarding location information and time will be announced closer to the event. Please Note: The first mentoring session is open to everyone in Coach’s Way, but Convention activities do require a 2011 Convention admission ticket.

Remember – if you want to be in Coach’s Corner or become a Director in this company – you need to listen and learn from those who have actually done it. This nonsense of listening to those who have never been there before simply doesn’t cut it – or you’d be there by now.

If you’re serious about getting out of the rat race and achieving the time and financial freedom you’ve always wanted – you need to hook up with a Coach – someone who can teach and guide you on how to do it.

Also, I mentioned what a deal this program is. I’ve seen (and actually spent personally) thousands on Coaching programs. By no means am I knocking these other programs. I credit my Business Coach I worked with in part for my rise to Coach’s Corner several years ago. Sure – he had a limited knowledge of MLM but he did know Business and that’s what Network Marketing actually is – a viable business model.

Just like my golf  game – a Coach was the best  investment  I could have made to reach new levels that I truly wanted but could never achieve. If you’re  not where you want to be right now – and actually think you should be there  by now, somethings got to change. If you continue doing the same old – same old, you’ll continue to get the same results.

If you’re  way isn’t working – you need to try Coach’s Way.

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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We’ve been writing our weekly newsletter for the last three years now for YTB and ZamZuu business owners. It’s been one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done. The compliments and appreciation we get from subscribers means more than we can truly express. What started out as a team newsletter has spread throughout the company. Today, we send broadcasts reaching thousands of YTB and ZamZuu subscribers.

While our publication is designed and written for existing members of YTB and ZamZuu only, there are those who have subscribed under false pretenses. Opting to lie about their identity under an assumed name and e-mail address with the intent to play “Mall Cop”. After the California Settlement was reached two years ago, I was contacted by the Home Office with a list of “violations” from the Attorney General’s Office in California.

The AG had incorrectly charged that our publication was being used as a “recruiting tool” which was most certainly expressed by overzealous critics who desperately wanted to have my publication shut down.

After seeing so many desperate and childish stunts which feed Zealots uncontrollable obsession over YTB, we were well prepared for such an outlandish accusation. We set up our newsletter to verify our members with a valid ID and website address. We also used a double opt in feature to ensure that everyone who signed up actually verified with us they did indeed want our publication.

No shenanigans on our end.

These precautions were two fold. One, I wanted to make sure that everyone receiving this information was actually in YTB or ZamZuu already. And two, I fully expected the trolls to sign up – which they did – and were promptly deleted.

While their first attempt under real names and e-mail addresses were banned from our system, the sleaze then resorted to lying. Finding a YTB member in their local area that mirrored a location close to their own IP address, these parasites sucked off the other site owners ID and website address with a newly created gmail.com account and presto! Success in having our publication diverted to their inbox anyway.

Pretty elaborate scheme don’t you think? That’s the kind of bizarre behavior I’ve come to know while they pretend to be this noble, honorable “Mall Cop” for pour, unsuspecting souls. Truth is, they’re as dirty as the day is long.

A quick fix for the entire Attorney General debacle was a report of my entire list of subscribers with valid ID and website address, verification IP address, minus the user last name and e-mail address. The report clearly validated all subscribers were already in YTB and opted in under their own free will. A letter explaining that it was highly improbable that I was “recruiting” existing YTB website owners based on this report was also sent to the Home Office.

Not sure if it was the last time the AG or the Home Office ever heard about these “violations” again, but I certainly haven’t.

Interesting how morals, ethics, and honesty have no place for an obsessed Zealot that has to be right. When it comes to justifying their perceptions and perpetrating their fears and misconceptions to the general public, all this ethical stuff is mere window dressing they like to hide behind. It’s not just my newsletter they’ve infiltrated either. They’ve signed up as free Reps with the company, have become Fans of every Facebook page YTB or ZamZuu has, and have subscribed to every YTB and ZamZuu publication and newsletter they can get their hands on in order to feed their uncontrollable addiction.

With the latest settlement with the Attorney General in Illinois behind us, a new push by these imbeciles is once again in full swing. Obviously, they’re a bit upset that YTB was able to come to an agreement with another Attorney General and we are able to continue our business model. That’s what normal adults do – come to an agreement. Critics however have resorted to intercepting a new round of private correspondence, making its way to the internet with lists of supposed “violations” to say “see I told you I was right”.

While it’s clear that these correspondence are designed for “members only” – it’s upsetting the owners of these publications. Therefore, I’m offering up a list of items or precautions that you should implement in order to protect your publication and our fine company.

First, you need to accept that there will be sleazy little liars who will do and say anything in attempt to save face or to justify their position. Its part of the game they play. While I certainly don’t agree with it, getting upset and frustrated about it gives them the power and the control. You can take every precaution you want, and they’ll find a way to gain access. They’re that desperate for information and they need something they can spin against you and the company.

Second, most systems have a double opt in feature – use it. With the current CAN-SPAM Act that is in place, it’s not just jerks you want to protect against; it’s the FTC. Signing up someone to your mailing list is a practice we’ve never used. If your information and content is the quality it should be, you’ll get plenty of subscribers the right way. Every single subscriber we have has verified with our system they want our publication.

Third and I know this kind of sounds obvious – but put a disclaimer on your sign up page and in your publication something to this effect:

This newsletter is for information purposes for existing Website Sellers and Website Owners only.
It is not to be used as a recruiting tool for anyone outside the YTB company.

It won’t keep the pin heads out – but it will protect you in the event a pin head tries to play “Mall Cop” and claim you’re trying to recruit the general public or violating any rules.

Forth, and I know you’re not going to like this – but either turn off the “forward to a friend” feature or make sure your subscribers know that it’s only to be sent to existing team members. We’ve never used the “forward to a friend” feature for this reason: There may be some really good content that your subscriber wants to share with team members. Those team members however, may not want or feel the information is necessary. An issue we’ve had for years are folks who forward our publication out to team members and the team member unsubscribes the subscriber who sent it – because they don’t want it. (An unsubscribe link is also mandatory with current SPAM laws by the way.) Disabling this feature keeps complaints to a minimum because it’s only going to folks who actually subscribed.

An alternative for team members is having them forward your opt in link and have team members subscribe on their own. What you’ll find is an open rate that extraordinarily high, and a complaint rate that is practically non existent.

And finally, look over your data. We were able to spot our unauthorized troll by looking over our data. When Aweber changed their pricing along with their terms and conditions on us about a year ago, we had to upgrade. While we were upset at first having to pay more for exceeding 2500 subscribers, the new system and reports it offered showed just who was clicking what.

Low and behold, we found that one edition of our publication that was ripped off and posted publicly on a Zealots blog had over one dozen clicks from a single subscriber. A dozen clicks on the same link? Maybe two or three, but that amount raised a red flag. While the subscribers ID matched his website, and the IP matched where he lived – we found this subscriber based in Annapolis, Maryland had two subscriptions. One with a legitimate, unique domain, and the other with a Gmail account. The high click count came from the Gmail account – so we knew who was real and who the liar was.

It took me no time at all to delete the overzealous little twit.

If you have a newsletter and send correspondence to your team, I realize that you’re doing your team a service. I know all about offering news, support, training, mentorship, and positive reinforcement. It does have value and is a worthy and important part of being a true leader. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to acknowledge those traits because they’re so jacked up on hateraide. They simply can’t get past this idea that all you do is recruit and pick the pockets of poor unsuspecting souls. That’s the mantra rattling around in that empty space where a brain should reside. While they have no practical experience to base this limiting and false belief on – trying to change it is a complete waste of your time and effort. Just realize that they own that belief and you don’t have to.

So there you have it folks. Take it from me. These idiots have done it to me dozens of times and to no avail. Follow these simple steps and you not only protect your publication from being squashed, but you protect our fine company as a whole.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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One of the events I’m grateful for in my life is finding YTB. When I signed on some six years ago, I started on a wonderful transformation. Changing from thinking like an employee to thinking more empowered as business owner.

I don’t know why they don’t teach this kind of stuff in school, I really don’t. Simply by opening up the door to YTB provided an amazing amount of information, training, and support that I never even knew existed. It’s  changed my mindset, my attitude and my self confidence dramatically.

Truth is, YTB is one of the most empowering and gratifying choices I’ve ever made. It ranks right up there with all-time great choices I’ve made, such as my sobriety, my wife, and my two adorable children. Like those life changing experiences, I wouldn’t trade YTB for anything – nor is there anything anyone could do or say that will diminish that.

An item that has impressed me most about YTB, is how they can pick market shifts and trends. Honestly, I’ve never really sat down with them to discuss how they come to the conclusions they do, or how they pick where to focus attention. However, because of my own independence created by YTB, I learned how to spot market shifts and trends on my own with my own set of tools. By using the knowledge acquired through learning and training, I not only know how to spot trends, but now can tell you how much money is being thrown at it in an attempt to capture market share, and how much money is there for the market to capture.

This site has been a great resource to see what’s on peoples minds and what interests them. For example, when I see search terms and hits, Google and other tools can tell me what that search term is actually worth for someone wanting to purchase PPC (Pay Per Click) advertising.

I do things a little different – I’ve never bought PPC. Never had to. Six years of content and links here put me on the first page rankings for any number of search terms. One such niche I tested was the “green” or “eco-friendly” search terms that I started writing about middle of last month. When I saw these search terms, and then matched them up to the amount of money being spent on PPC and the money that could be made – my eyes bugged out. I started looking at other keywords, how competitive they are, and how much money is involved. My experience with YTB and other ventures also gave me the proper mindset to look at this as with my business cap on, not as an employee.

So, I had to make a decision. While changing the focus of this blog was an option I considered, and would be the easiest to implement because it’s already well read, well ranked, and well linked – I don’t want to give up the main focus of this site. It was started to promote YTB and Travel – and it will remain just that. So I decided to try something new, something bolder, something that I could dedicate exclusively to being more environmentally focused.

On March 1st, 2011 OurSharedEarth.com was born. Our Shared Earth is a site dedicated to finding alternatives that make cleaner, more economic sense that we all can implement – now. Healthy, green, low-impact choices are not only investments in our future, but investments in your financial well-being that save energy, water and money.

I decided to take this route because I know what works, and how to implement a brand this new site. How to acquire maximum exposure with a large following – and I know how to write content that gets traffic organically. (Pun intended) You’ll see some of the same tools found here, with some new tools that I’ve been working on that will make OurSharedEarth just as impactful as JustPictureItNow. Heck, in only two weeks OurSharedEarth’s Alexa ranking is already around 2 million. (Down from 16 million) That in itself is a feat some can’t even match in years of writing. (Because they have no clue what they’re doing or what they’re writing about.)

Now, before I go, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. In the past when I’ve ventured outside of YTB to produce additional streams of revenue there have been some that have made claims that I’m signing off – or getting out of YTB. Frankly, that’s more a wishful fantasy than it is any type of assertion. I’m a huge thorn in the side of those who oppose YTB, Network Marketing, and Direct Sales. I’m also one who’s not easily intimidated by blathering rants that attempt to shame someone into submission.

I can and do bite back when necessary and while some don’t like it or call it arrogance – I call it undeniable confidence. Many admire the way I stand up for not only myself, but others who want to get involved in MLM or Direct Sales. Besides, there’s still a small part of me that gets amusement from the way they react to what I do or say – and I like making them nervous or uncomfortable while being a voice of reason for others who want to believe in themselves and their own abilities.

Network Marketing is an excellent industry, and YTB is one of the finest companies I’ve ever had the honor of working with. Nobody (and I do mean nobody) will ever be able to convince me and my past six years of experience in this industry and company any differently. While some will moan, whine, attack and bicker – I’d simply say “Thanks for sharing” and focus my time and energy on more important subjects I can control and profit from.

That for the time being would be another stream of revenue from OurSharedEarth.com.

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

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

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We have a tradition in our house that Christmas comes out the weekend before Thanksgiving. Often, we travel this week spending time with one set of Grandparents for Thanksgiving, and the other set during Christmas.

This year, we have the luxury of hosting both sets of Grandparents at our house for the holiday. Making this the first year in quite a while that we’ll be able to enjoy our own home decorated with Holiday spirit this Thanksgiving.

And not to be forgotten or outdone – since we’re the only house in the family with a wide screen and Hi-Def to watch Football – It’s about time! ;-P

Personally, we have a lot to be thankful for this year. It’s really been a banner year for our family. We owe much of it to the tools provided to us through YTB and ZamZuu and the people who have befriended and mentored us over the years.

For us, this business is so much more than just recruiting, or even travel or retail sales. It’s about helping others to be more independent – be self-thinking – a self-starter. It’s the first company and model that truly gave us the tools and the power to succeed and the only model that empowers us to help others.

This experience has also given us self-confidence and elevated our self-worth sky high. What was once looked upon with doubt and negative self-talk – now brings opportunities that we welcome with open arms and anticipation because we know that anything is possible.

Our eyes have been opened, and our mind is receptive to a whole new world of thinking and doing. It’s always been there, we’ve always held it within us. YTB was the key we were looking for that opened the door and let in the light.

It hasn’t always been easy, and it hasn’t always been pleasant. The challenges that come along have made us stronger and more determined. We stand proud for what we believe in and we don’t let anyone or anything stand in our way.

While Thanksgiving gives us a day to be thankful, we live in a feeling of gratitude moment by moment. No matter how big – or how small – our daily gratitude for all things provides a constant and steady flow of new possibilities and opportunities. Both good and bad experiences teach us and help us grow. We’re well seasoned and groomed – and the only thing that can stop us is ourselves.

Spend some time this Thanksgiving thinking about what you’re grateful for. We’d even suggest that you write it down. (We do every day.) There’s something powerful about putting it down on paper.

It makes no difference how big or small. It’s the attitude of gratitude that will attract more and more of what you can be grateful for.

Then carry that feeling with you throughout the holiday season over the next four or five weeks. Do that – and it becomes habit.

You’ll marvel at how you have a reason for Thanksgiving each and every day.

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

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

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Two weeks ago, YTB Travel Network launched a  weekly webcast available from within its travel portal. What they created was travel training news show all about travel for travel agents.

Imagine that – a program about travel. It’s called “Your Travel Blueprint” and is YTB Travel Network’s very own news show created by our Travel Department for our RTA’s and Travel Agents.

If you’re familiar with ZamNuuz – you already know the type of format we’re talking about. Your Travel Blueprint however, is produced, designed, and segmented for travel tips, tricks, and valuable insight on how to build and grow your “travel business”.

Each week, beginning Thursday at 5:00 pm Central, 6:00 pm Eastern a brand new weekly program will be aired from the travel portal for our valued RTA’s and Travel Agents. The weekly program will then loop continuously throughout the week, giving YTB agents the opportunity to catch the show at their convenience all week long.

If you’re serious about building anything you need a blueprint – a plan. Your Travel Blueprint will bring content, vendor profiles, along with tips and tricks in a fun and easy way to give agents the tools they need to build a viable and profitable travel business.

You can catch the current episode of Your Travel Blueprint right now by logging into the YTB Travel Portal and clicking the logo to watch the show. A new show will air beginning at 5:00 pm Central, 6:00 pm Eastern tonight.

No more excuses – If you want to find out what’s going on with YTB Travel – this would be the place.

Your Travel Blueprint will not replace the YTB Travel Compass, the vast amount of content found in your back office in the media center, nor will it replace the weekly vendor webinars, FAM’s and Seminars @ Sea offered in the Travel Industry. Nor do we believe that [yet another] source of travel related information provided by YTB Travel is overkill.

YTB Travel Network always has – and always will be about “travel”. I know there are a few remaining stragglers who still can’t comprehend the distinction after all these years. (Giving credence to the quote “you can’t fix stupid”.) Truth is, YTB Travel Network took advantage of the huge paradigm shift from Brick and Mortar to Click and Order at the turn of the Century. Today, four of the top ten travel agencies are internet booking engines booking nearly $50 billion annually. It should also be noted that Expedia is now king of the hill, knocking off American Express and Carlson Wagonlit from a decade long hold at number one and number two.

As the travel industry continues to evolve and change – YTB Travel Network isn’t going to sit back on it’s heals and relish in our accolades or success – finding our own company in the middle of Travel Weekly’s Power Rankings. Always new. Always innovative. Always leading the way in how travel is sold and consumed that’s relevant to today’s changing market.

If you’re serious about selling travel and building your travel business – YTB Travel Network would be the ONLY place to offer this type of training and information on a weekly basis. (AND IT’S FREE!)

Folks, no other Host Agency does this – no other agency provides so many sources of training and information for its members. It’s why we believe YTB Travel Network is the best “host agency” out there – all you have to do is apply the information that’s presented in a format that’s best suited to you.

So go check it out now – and keep up to date with all the latest industry information and upgrades that will be coming your way with YTB Travel Network.

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