Today, I wanted to give anyone interested a heads up on a service that I think is not only important, but primed to make the smart entrepreneurial mind and marketer money.

If you’ve done any research at all in this arena, you should know that Mobile Marketing is on the way up. If you don’t know about Mobile Marketing – what it is – and how it’s poised as the next boom, do your own independent research on the subject and you’ll certainly see what I’m talking about.

The smart players certainly will, while the pretenders won’t bother.

One of the first things you can do concerning this research is hop on a free webinar tonight provided by my company, YTB International. There’s no question this company knows marketing. It’s one of the biggest powerhouses I’ve ever been a part of in my professional career. It’s made some serious money for the seasoned marketer, and it’s taught the not so seasoned marketer (like me before I hooked up with them) how it’s done.

A few weeks back, at their National Convention, the company announced the launch of a new product called Z Mobile. A week later, it was live and running. At this point, everyone is on the same level playing field in finding out what this service is all about and what it can do. The webinar tonight will cover the features, advantages and benefits of this service for both the end user and the Representative who wants to market the service.

Here’s the real kicker. If you see an opportunity to market this service, like I do, you can sign up as a Rep with YTB and sell this product for no money down, and no annual fee. It’s absolutely free. The company did the same thing 10 years ago when they broke into the Travel industry selling travel websites. Within 5 years of marketing this Travel Company, the Representatives who sold the sites amassed a massive amount of home based travel agents. As a result, it enabled the Travel Company to become one of the top fifty host agencies in the country. Some, (certainly not all) attained great wealth by joining the company as a free Rep and selling these turnkey Travel Stores.

There was one glaring flaw back then when the company took the travel industry by storm.

It ticked the existing travel agents in the industry off. (A few are still incessantly whining and crying about it to this day.) Some were simply stuck in their time warp or fantasy and wouldn’t adapt. While others never dreamed that a simple marketing system with no real travel experience to speak of would really work. Within time, they realized how wrong they were in underestimating the power of our marketing system, and resorted to pulling out every trick in the book to regain control – including lawsuits designed to destroy the company. Some to this day still lay claim that it’s an illegal pyramid scheme – stating incorrectly that the Reps who sold the sites had to pay to participate.

Fact is, it did work. And while some of the chapters in that story over the last ten years have been mired in bickering and fighting to regain control of their industry, YTB Travel Network is still around and still selling travel. (And still in the top 50) I’m a proud Travel Agent myself to this day.

Now here’s the beauty of this new product and service that YTB has just launched with Z Mobile. There’s no real player right now in this industry. You’re not going to hurt somebody’s feelings, or tick someone off for taking business away from them like we did to the Travel Agents. It’s all virgin territory and the market is wide open to blaze your own path and your own marketing story. The Rep position is still free, just like it always has, but you’ll be selling to an end user that’s a little more business minded. (Unlike the travel agents I’ve seen bickering on the internet.)

True, this product is for the “early adopters” at this point in the game. The way I look at it, it simply gives me a little more time to wrap my arms around this product and the potential it has to change the way we market and communicate with clients and customers.

Also, true that there is no guarantee that Mobile Marketing will be as big as some are predicting. It costs you nothing to take a look, and it costs you nothing to become a part of the company to find out. If it does take off – great. If not, well – nobody who signs up for free loses out.

If you want to change your financial picture, you have to change what you’re doing and thinking. If you’re not where you want to be right now financially, then you’re current form of thinking and doing simply isn’t working. (If it was, you’re circumstances would be different.)

I know that may sound a little in your face – but sometimes the truth happens to be just that – in your face.

I’m not here to mock you, or make fun of you. I’m here to help you. I’m here to give you a dose of reality. Which is a lot more than I can say for some of the “experts” I’ve seen on the Internet.

Hop on tonight’s webinar and at least check it out. There’s no high pressure and we’re not even going to ask for your name, nor have you subscribe for a link. It’s open to anyone who wants to take a look. The smart players (who are the actual people we’re looking for here) will find a way to contact either me or someone else who invited them to find out more and get started.

Oh, and if you miss any part of it, it will replay every hour on the hour all night. It all starts at 8:00 pm Eastern, 7:00 pm Central, 6:00 pm Mountain, 5:00 pm Pacific.

I sincerely hope you like what you see. Not only in the product but in the company and the way we market. It’s been a real game changer for me over the years – and it could be for you too.

But only if you take that first step and find out more.

See you tonight?

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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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Happy New Year!

Time sure does fly – don’t it?

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

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

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

Coach’s Birthday !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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.

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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It’s that time of year again – CLIA’s annual World’s Largest Cruise Night!

Every year in October, Travel Agencies from around the country round up clients in hotel rooms, office buildings, and even homes to promote what we’ve always considered “the best vacation money can buy” – a cruise. For Agencies it’s a great way to get a jump on sales for the coming year, and clients have an exciting vacation to look forward to.

CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) came up with the idea six years ago and both cruise lines and travel agents have fallen in love with the idea as a way to boost sales in what “was” traditionally the slowest month for travel sales.

Today, CLIA, cruise lines, and travel agents all come together in the month of October to make this time of year the single biggest cruise promotion of the year. Last years event generated $45 million in cruise sales and nearly $6 million in new commissions for travel agents.

This year, YTB Travel network teams up with “The Most Popular Cruise Line in the World” to bring both savings and cruise upgrades which are available on virtually all “Fun Ship” departures through December 2011. Carnival will not only be offering the Best Available Upgrades on the majority of their sailings, but up to a $200 onboard credit per stateroom for all Carnival Magic Europe voyages booked on October 13.

The best part of this sale is YTB and Carnival comes to YOU via the World Wide Web in a special webinar hosted Wednesday night at 7:00 pm Eastern, 6:00 pm Central to showcase the largest fleet of cruise ships available, from the largest selection of ports in the industry. A special rebroadcast will air during the evening, so make sure you log in at some point during the evening.

YTB and Carnival will feature “Best Available Upgrades” which are available on virtually all sailings through December 2011 – and when booked on October 13th, use Fare Code: PCN when booking. Carnival’s bonus offer includes the Best Available Upgrade PLUS up to a $200 onboard credit per stateroom on European sailings – just use Fare Code: OCL. The sale is valid on new individual bookings made on 10/13/10. Best available upgrade available on like to like categories (interior to interior, oceanview to oceanview and balcony to balcony). Promotion is applicable on all sailings between through 12/31/11.

Best of all this is a fun learning opportunity. Cruising is all about you. You can find adventure, culture and education or, relax the day away. Dine on fine cuisine. Indulge at the spa. Reconnect with family. Share romantic moments. All this, in the destination of your choice, for a few days, a week or more, on a cruise that’s right for you.

Do something that’s just for you. Join us tomorrow night from the comfort of your own home for the World’s Largest Cruise Night Carnival Sale event and take advantage of Carnival’s exclusive offers and special promotions.

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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Winter is always a great time to book next years cruises and summer vacations. Problem with that is you don’t get paid until next summer – right?

Travel Weekly just might have an answer for you over the next two days as they host another virtual trade show right on you computer that highlights Winter Escapes with a impressive collection of industry leaders, training sessions and trade show exhibitors.

Travel Weekly’s editor in chief, Arnie Weissmann will once again head up the next two days. This IS his baby after all, and he’s done an impressive job in finding relevant topics and suppliers who you can actually learn from in the travel industry. The show is free to attend, and you can still register from this link and make it to this event. Login details will be sent to you via email.

If you’ve been around the industry for a while, you’ll recognize some familiar names below with companies and associations who are known for offering great insight and solutions for anyone who is willing to learn.

Here’s a list of auditorium sessions from Travel Weekly’s Registration page.

A Conversation with CLIA Chairman Rick Sasso - Tuesday, Sept 21, 1 p.m
Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann will discuss the outlook for the winter cruising season with Rick Sasso, Chairman of CLIA and President and CEO of MSC Cruises. The two will discuss new ships and itineraries, CLIA predictions for winter cruising, what will motivate clients to book for the winter, and how the winter cruise client differs from summer cruisers. It’s an interactive session, and attendees will also be able to share their thoughts and questions with Sasso in this live conversation.

Unexpected Opportunities in the 2011 Winter Season - Tuesday, Sept 21, 2:30 p.m
The economic outlook is uncertain, but 2011 holds some unique opportunities for travelers, agents and suppliers alike. Join Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann; Brad Anderson, Co-President of America’s Vacation Center/Avoya Travel; Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Royal Caribbean International; Milton Hugh, Senior Vice President of Viking River Cruises and Tim Mullen, Senior Vice President, Apple Vacations as they explore what might make this season unexpectedly robust. You, too, will have a chance to interact, live, with the panelists.

Experience Starwood’s Travel Professional Program, Presented by Chris Austin – Tuesday, Sept. 21, 4:00 p.m.
Are you a Starwoodpro? Join Chris Austin, vice president of global retail, leisure and luxury sales for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and find out how you can become a Starwoodpro. Austin will take you on a virtual tour of the company’s travel professional website, www.starwoodpro.com. New for 2010 Starwood is adding destination modules to its ProLearning platform. Austin will share some of the highlights of all the available modules, explain how you can earn access to Starwood’s lowest travel professional rates, and highlight all the resources Starwood has created for it travel professional partners through starwoodpro.com.

A Conversation With USTOA & NTA Leaders – Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m.
Winter touring is a bit different from summer — different destinations, different booking windows, different itinerary lengths. Find out what how to more effectively sell winter tours with Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann, John Stachnik, Chairman of the United States Tour Operators Association and Lisa Simon, President of the National Tour Association. . Together these leaders represent the lionshare of the travel industry’s vacation package and escorted tour market. Attendees will be able to ask their questions as well in this interactive session.

Grow your business with cutting edge online tools, Presented by Debbie Maier, President, Mailpound - Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2:30 p.m.
This session will share online solutions designed to grow your cruise business. Learn how to utilize free online tools to send targeted marketing pieces to your network of clients. Do you use Facebook? Learn how to easily post consumer friendly offers on your Facebook page. Whether your client is new to cruising or is a seasoned cruiser, enhance your communications with your clients and prospective clients with personalized, custom eFlyers and eBrochures.

Finally A Social Media Solution For Travel Agents, Presented by Marilyn Macallair, Passport Online Inc. - Wednesday, Sept 22, 4:00 p.m.
Introducing Agent SociaLink… the newest most innovative means for travel agents to enter and stay in the Social Media space. To compete these days you MUST be using some social media tools. Passport Online has created Agent SociaLink to help agents populate their travel agent social media sites using a clickable database of content. The new tool provides content from a variety of sources allowing agents to pick and choose information to add to social media outlets including Twitter, Blogs and Facebook. See it live and hear about agents who are already using Agent SociaLink.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone and it’s a great way to learn and grow as a Travel Professional. Two days of education, new product introductions and even prizes that will be awarded throughout the show.

So go ahead and register. If this one’s anything like the shows from years past – you’ll be glad you did.

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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