Wordless Wedneday - 9/10/08

A few years ago we went back home to visit my family in Kentucky and stopped for a "historical" visit to Abraham Lincoln's birthplace.

For more Wordless Wednesday photos head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom!

Melissa

Wordless Wednesday - Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat ride at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL

When my kids were younger this used to be one of their favorite rides at Universal Studios...now, that they are older rides like the Hulk and Spiderman are more their speed!

For more Wordless Wednesday photos be sure to head on over to

5 Minutes for Mom!

Melissa

Wordless Wednesday - The Venetian

The Venetian (Las Vegas)

This picture is from last summer (check the date/time), and even at that time of night is was still 104 degrees, what's up with that?

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom!

Wordless Wednesday - 7/23/08

Last summer we went to The Grand Canyon and to Las Vegas for our vacation...while driving up to the Grand Canyon we pulled over to see "Montezuma's Castle".

Check it out...it is so cool (well...no, not really, it was like 110 degrees that day, we walked by, took pictures, then ran back to the car for the a/c) to see it up close!

For more Wordless Wednesday photos head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom!

Happy Trails,

Wordless Wednesday - 7/16/08

My sister just landed in Ireland this morning, so in honor of her DREAM vacation here's a picture of the beautiful Irish coast.

For more Wordless Wednesday photos head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom!

Make it a Great day!

YTB's Statue of Liberty (update 7/7/08)

If you haven't heard about this yet, check it out...it's only 3 1/2 minutes and well worth your time!

NOW IS THE TIME...

Is that cool or what?

See you at Convention,

Wordless Wednesday - 7/9/08

Think Vacation, Think Bora-Bora, Think "RIGHT NOW would be nice!"

For more Wordless Wednesday photos head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom!

Relaxing,

Wordless Wednesday - 7/2/08

Universal Studios Orlando newest attraction - The Simpons "Krustyland" - just opened this summer!

If you've ever been to this theme park you'll know that this was formerly the "Back to the Future" ride and is actually set up the same way and same type of ride on the inside...so if you get motion sickness, beware!

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5 Minutes for Mom!

Back from Vacation,

YTB is reaching towards #1

YTB Ranked #26 In Travel Weekly Power List! Not Bad considering 5 years ago no one even knew who we were.

While we know that most of the BIG NEWS is being saved for the National Convention in August the Travel Weekly Power List is out and YTB is Ranked #26 overall, and tied for the LARGEST GAIN of everyone on the Power list with $414.5 Million in Travel Sales.

Watch us continue to grow...why don't you come and join us?

Travel Tips & Ideas #1

Travel Within Your State

With the economy like it is right now and gas prices on the rise one way you can save money this summer season is to TRAVEL WITHIN YOUR STATE.

Every state/location has some fascinating adventures within hours of you. Do a little research online to find interesting facts, tours, and activities for you and your family.

Each and every state has a web page that has a link for “tourist activities” or a “things to do” section. Click away and find new things to explore.

We like to get away from where we live, but most of the time we only travel between 2-5 hours to go to our destinations. This saves on gas, travel time, and also allows us to show the kids cool and exciting things in our beautiful state.

It is a great way to show your family that time away is important, and also allows you to be creative about what you are doing. Go to some parks, beaches, outdoor adventures, historical monuments, and other points of interest.

Getting away doesn’t always mean traveling long distances…sometimes the best get-aways are in your own neck of the woods.

Check back every week as we seek out some new Travel Tips and Ideas here in Mel’s World Travel Biz.

If you have any great travel tips or ideas that you would like to share with us drop a comment here or send me an email at mashburntravel@bellsouth.net and we see how you were creative with your travel adventures.

Enjoy the Journey,

If you are looking to book your Summer Travel click on Mashburn Travel to go directly to our booking engine...check it out and see if we can save you the most money this summer!

How to Add Value to Others

Every day I read a daily devotional from John Maxwell (Leadership Guru) called "Leadership Promised for Every Day". This one was too good not to share...I truly believe that if we are going to grow our at home businesses that we should also grow as leaders. So, here goes...

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, taching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people."

~ Matthew 4:23

When people think about you, do they say to themselves, "My life is better because of that person?" Their response probably answers the question of whether you are adding value to them. To succeed personally, you must try to help others. That's why Zig Ziglar says, "You can get everything in life you want if you help enough people get what they want." How do you do that? How can you turn your focus from yourself and start adding value to others? You can do it by:

1. Putting others first in your thinking.

2. Finding out what others need.

3. Meeting that need with excellence and generosity.

(Failing Forward)

I'm Ready to Be There for YOU,

Wordless Wednesday - 6/18/08

Here's the view from my chair on Marco Island as the sun begins to set!

For more Wordless Wednesday photos be sure to check out 5 Minutes for Mom!

Why this is Right for YOU!

Sit down, grab a cup of coffee, get your journal and pen handy, and check out this video about "Why this business is RIGHT for YOU!!".



Let me ask you a question...What are you waiting for? Now is the time!

Email me (click here) and let me show you what do to get your business started TODAY (yep, your web site is up and running in 5 minutes, really!)

I can't wait to hear from you,

Take Two Minutes to Watch This...

Take TWO minutes out of your day and watch this video!

This is why I do what I do...I would love to tell you all about it too!



Enjoy the Journey,

YTB International (YTBLA) Approved for Trading on OTCBB

WOOD RIVER, Ill., April 17 --YTB International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: YTBLA) ("YTB" or the "Company"), a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada, today announced that its Class A Common Stock has been approved for quotation on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (the "OTCBB"). All existing market makers will move to the OTCBB within the next 30 days. The Company's Class A Common Stock will continue to be quoted under the ticker symbol "YTBLA."


YTB is a leader in the travel services business and has operated in the travel services industry for 25 years. The Company recently reported its third consecutive quarter of profitability, with total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 increasing by 177% to $141.3 million, compared to $50.9 million for the previous year.


The OTCBB provides access to more than 3,300 securities, includes more than 230 participating market makers, and electronically transmits real-time quote, price, and volume information in domestic securities, foreign securities and ADRs.


"We are excited that the Bulletin Board has agreed to quote our Class A Common Stock, as it confirms that YTB International meets the strict filing and disclosure regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission," stated Scott Tomer, Chief Executive Officer of YTB.



"Quoting our stock on the Bulletin Board dramatically increases the number of investors that can freely trade our stock. We believe that this will help to increase the liquidity and visibility of our stock in the financial markets."


About YTB International
Recognized as the 35th largest seller of travel in the U.S. in 2006 by Travel Weekly, YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for home-based independent representatives in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

Success Magazine Article - Part 1

Direct Selling Offers Flexibility and Financial Freedom
Erin Casey May 5, 2008

If you want to spread your entrepreneurial wings but have little or no business experience, don’t have a product or service to offer or are simply looking for a proven system for success, direct selling might be the ideal opportunity.

For more than 100 years, direct selling companies have offered independent representatives the ability to purchase products at wholesale prices and earn a profit by selling them at retail prices. Most direct selling companies also allow representatives to earn commissions for introducing new sales reps to the business. This business model relies on independent contractors, rather than traditional advertising, to spread the word about a company’s products or services. The word-of-mouth marketing approach works for several reasons: Consumers appreciate the personal service, the convenience of shopping from home, and the comfort of buying from those they know and trust.

Jim Cramer, host of CNBC’s Mad Money, is bullish on direct selling, especially during a slowing economy. “Direct selling is a great model…with high gross margins, low capital intensity, lots of free cash flow,” he said on a recent show. “It’s a fragmented industry with gigantic room for growth. The top 15 players only account for about half the market.”

Amy M. Robinson, Direct Selling Association Vice President of Communications and Media Relations, points out that, while many people seek additional income during lean economic times, “in all honesty, direct selling is hot because it’s a fun, convenient way to shop that people enjoy. So, poor economic times or not, people find direct selling to be appealing. Great products, personal service and income potential are elements of direct selling that make it a strong economic contender at all times.”

“People motivated to get started in direct selling typically share certain attributes,” she says. “Most seek supplemental income, either short-term or long term. The social aspect also is appealing for those who love to meet new people and many enjoy buying products and services they already use—at a discount.”

With a direct selling business opportunity you can: Join an industry where business is booming and there’s always room at the top. Direct selling, sometimes referred to as network marketing, is a $32 billion industry in the United States and a $110 billion industry worldwide. The millions of individuals building direct selling businesses determine for themselves when they want to move up the career ladder and exactly how high they want to climb.

In the next post there will be more information on how, exactly, to do that...

KC Chiefs partner up with YTB

Chiefs, YTB launch innovative rewards program allowing fans to become a Chief for a Day, win pre-game sideline passes or VIP status. Left to Right: Ken Blume - Kansas City Chiefs Director of Development,J. Kim Sorensen - President and CEO of YTB Travel Network, Bobby Bell - Pro Football Hall of Fame,Russell Wolf - YTB Corporate Consultant.

YTB Travel Network Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of YTB International Inc., is partnering with the Kansas City Chiefs to administer the football team's online and fan-based travel through the Chiefs travel Web site, http://www.chiefstravel.com/, the organizations announced Tuesday.

Chiefs fans can book their travel through the Web site, which will offer multiple entry opportunities to win game day packages, tickets to a luxury suite, autographed memorabilia, the opportunity to become a "Chief for a Day," a cabin on a Chiefs celebrity cruise and more.

"Fan support at home and also on the road has been a vital ingredient in the success of this franchise over the last 20 years," Chiefs President Carl Peterson said in a statement. "

Moreover, with this new travel program we can reward our fans for that support, as each time they book travel -whether business or personal, related to Chiefs games or not -they have the opportunity to win any number of special prizes from watching a preseason game from a luxury suite, becoming a Chiefs player for a day and enjoying other fan friendly experiences."

You've Got a Friend!

If you've ever felt as though you needed guidance in regard to following your dreams, but your colleagues or friends simply couldn't provide the help that you needed, you're not alone.

There are millions of people in the world who are frustrated with their careers and who feel as though they have no one to turn to for advice - but I'm writing to you today to let you know that I am here for you, every step of the way.

The business opportunity that I would like to share with you is not an overwhelming or daunting enterprise, but since it may be new for you, I'd like to offer a helping hand. Not just any home-based business partner will do. I will go above and beyond the call of duty to help you in your new entrepreneurial venture.

After all, who couldn't use a friend in the business world?

Let me offer my assistance. Simply select the Web site below to get started and let me guide you through your first steps in a business opportunity that will change your life for the better!

Watch this quick 4-minute video The Right Place, and then check out this web site ---> Money4Vacation

This could be the beginning of something amazing!

Sincerely,


P.S. An idealist is a person who helps other people to be prosperous. (Henry Ford)

Moms Online

Moms Online: Browsing, Researching, Buying Summary

Once upon a time, marketers advertised on daytime TV and soap operas to reach mothers. Today, more than 40% of all women who go online in the US—approximately 35 million of them—are mothers who have children under 18 at home.

The Moms Online report analyzes the changing Internet habits and decision-making patterns of this all-important consumer demographic.

Moms regularly engage in parenting-related activities online, but they are also involved in other online activities such as search, entertainment and shopping.

In fact, moms rely on the Internet for purchase decisions. Upwards of two-thirds of online moms of young children research products online, so it is critical for marketers and retailers to understand the role of the Internet in their purchase decisions.

Key questions the “Moms Online” report answers:
* How many mothers are online in the US?
* What types of Web sites do they visit?
* How are moms using the Internet during the purchase process?
* What role does search play in online and offline purchase decisions?
* How does word of mouth impact moms’ shopping habits?
* And many others…

eMarketer Reports—On Target and Up to Date

The Moms Online report aggregates the latest data from marketing and communications researchers with eMarketer analysis to provide the information you need to make smart, accurate business decisions.

This article is from eMarketer.com - click on the name to go directly to the page.

Book Review - 5/2/08

Network Marketing is an interesting field to work in. It can be the life you've always wanted but it can also take a lot of work and time. Every so often I will do a Book Review here on this blog to let you know about some REALLY amazing books that I have read about this phenomenal industry.

Knowledge is POWER and I truly believe that we can all grow to be at our absolute BEST if we continue to learn, grow, and care for others. The first book I want to tell you about is probably one of my ALL time favorite books about Network Marketing and that's because it is told in a parable in which you become intertwined into the characters of the story's lives.

Let me share with you what I found about the book on the Random House web site.

Network marketing is a burgeoning field, and it can be a frustrating and difficult experience. There are many who have achieved minimal success, and many more who have made no money at all. With these discouraging figures, how can one become a member of the successful elite? Millions agree that the best way to do this is to spend some time with The Greatest Networker in the World.

John Milton Fogg’s extended parable is the story of a young man on the verge of quitting the multilevel marketing business. As he prepares to give his final opportunity meeting, he meets the individual everyone refers to as The Greatest Networker in the World. This warm and wise man takes in his young counterpart and shows him the trade secrets so he too can become a successful network marketer.

The young man soon learns that the trade secrets have very little to do with conventional marketing techniques. In fact, he has to unlearn everything he thought he knew about business. "The paradigm of network marketing is so fundamentally different and distinct from all other paradigms of business, that it requires a pretty complete shift from the way we normally view business to appreciate and understand it."

The new paradigm is built around one’s habits of thought and discovering that the secrets to network marketing success are within oneself. The values of responsibility, team building, and caring for one’s downline play a much more important role than competitive promotion and advertising. A critical skill for all marketers is the ability to teach people to teach others.

Once one has mastered the new paradigm of multilevel marketing, he needs to not only show his downline how to master it, but also how to teach those techniques to others. This leads to greater leadership within the organization, more stability, improved productivity, and as a result, long-lasting success.

About the Author
John Milton Fogg is an international speaker and the author of more than two dozen books and tapes, including The Greatest Networker in the World. He is the founding editor and chairman of Upline and Network Marketing Lifestyles magazines. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Take a minute right now and head over to Amazon.com and pick up a copy of the book, you won't regret it!