LIFE IS A PONY CANTER


Think of life as a Pony Canter. If you start small and take easy galloping steps, you can accomplish anything you want. The desire to succeed comes from within. You must take life head-on, with all the challenges that may come your way. If you take the small easy galloping steps, you can plan and prepare a way to get through those challenges, and not around them. There is great joy in getting through a situation, knowing you did everything you were supposed to do. Not cutting corners or finding the easy way out.

Riding a pony with canter takes a great deal of patience, and you must be consistent. Don't rush life, life is a journey. Making that pony gallop faster won't get you what you need any quicker. You can miss out on great opportunities and the important things that life has to offer. Success comes from patience, waiting for the right opportunity, with the right people in your corner.

Everyone can ride the same pony, but can you do it with canter. Can you take an idea, act on it, and build it into something great without cutting corners? Do you have those important pieces of life's puzzle; patience, commitment, determination, and most of all faith?

What is your life like? Stop and take a look in your inner mirror. Decide what you want out of life and how you plan to ride the pony.


Prinscilla Moore
Global Virtual Assistance

Ready, Set ,Go

I know that you are wondering how ready, set, go has anything to do with you. Well I have been an athlete pretty much all my life and I have participated in many sports and they are all based on you being prepared for that certain moment when either the whistle blows for you to start, the buzzer sounds for you to start and end play. Well that is how we should be looking at our lives, our whistle now is the alarm clock and when it is sound that most dread from day to day. Then it gets worse if you work in certain environments you have whistles and buzzers that are sounding all the time to tell you when you can start working, or when you can take a break and even when it’s time to go home. It’s funny when you think about it, in your case you dread that whistle, alarm clock or buzzer going off, what if an elite athlete had the same mindset, his chance of being successful would be very limited.

As an athlete I looked forward to the whistle blowing and to start the game, or entity I am involved in. Why not live your life like an athlete, he or she has prepared for the event and is very excited about the outcome that will come only after the whistle blows to get everything started. There have not been to many cases where the athlete was late to the starting line or whatever the event is, not being ready for the tipoff to start. Can you say the same when you buzzer goes off in the morning and the game begins are you prepared or better yet are you excited about what’s going to happen over the next 24 hours, in most cases you dread it, you can’t wait until the whistle blows to end the day before it even gets started. Seriously folks, is that anyway to live you life, and remember it’s your life and you can live it anyway you want, if you desire to be happy and live life full of excitement and adventure, you have the ability to be in the small percentage of individuals that live life on there own terms. Or you can be like the majority that lets life dictate to them when they have to get up, when they can go to sleep and even when they can vacation.

The only one really in control of your actions and reactions are you, not the job you are currently in or even the situation you are in currently, smarter people than us have had to make this same decision, I want freedom, and I am willing to pay the price to get it, will it be easy, don’t kid your self, but is it worth it. If you go back to the title, to become an elite athlete that earns millions of dollars, adored by many if you ask them is it easy, they will probably tell you the same thing it is not easy, but it is worth it. What would it be like if you could dictate your terms, your rules of engagement, well you can if you are willing to make a few changes in your life, first you must believe in yourself and understand that whatever it is that you desire, you can obtain it. After you get in the right frame of mind you must put together a plan of action that you feel will get you to your goals the fastest and most efficiently. The final and most important part of your transformation in most cases are your associations, it is difficult at first because you are still a little resistant to change, but when you really sit down and think about it all you need to is create the right relationships, the right associations and let the ones that are not adding value go. There is an old saying find someone that has what you desire, find out what they did to achieve it and you truly have a roadmap to your success. Sam Walton once said, there’s really, nothing new under the sun, so why reinvent the wheel, someone, somewhere probably has already done what it is that you want to do, so find them and see what it is they have done and duplicate it. Remember tomorrow the whistle will blow in the morning ready or not, why not be ready with a plan of action that will make this day the best day you can make it.

Your next chance to change will be

January 19, 2008

Walsh College Troy

3838 Livernois

Troy MI 48007

9:00-12:30 PM

For Information on RSVP

www.ThePowerToBeFree.com
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A dozen deductions for your small business

Small-business tax rule No. 1: Don't mess with the IRS.

But that doesn't mean you should cheat yourself. Take every legal deduction you can. Here are a dozen that even savvy small-business owners and entrepreneurs sometimes forget:

1. Home office
Concerned that claiming a home-office deduction is tantamount to sending an engraved invitation to an Internal Revenue Service auditor? Don't be, says Jan Zobel, author of Minding Her Own Business: The Self-Employed Woman's Guide to Taxes and Recordkeeping.

"I don't agree that chances of getting audited are greater with a home-office deduction," says Zobel, a San Francisco Bay-area tax expert, who specializes in serving the self-employed. In her own practice, she has prepared more than 400 returns a year for the last 25 years. And while at least half of her clients claim a home-office deduction, only one home-based entrepreneur has been audited.

The key here is that you use the term "home office" the same way the IRS does. The tax agency says it must be a space devoted to your business and absolutely nothing else. Deducting the den that houses the family computer and serves as a guest bedroom won't fly with Uncle Sam.

"If you only have one computer and you have a child over four, the IRS is going to be pretty certain that the child is using the computer," says Zobel. "And the burden of proof is on you."

The deduction, however, isn't limited to a full room. Your home office can be part of a room. Just how much of the space is deductible? Measure your work area and divide by the square footage of your home. That percentage is the fraction of your home-related business expenses -- rent, mortgage, insurance, electricity, etc.-- that you can claim.

2. Office supplies
Even if you don't take the home-office deduction, you can deduct the business supplies you buy. Hang onto those receipts, because these expenditures will offset your taxable business income.

3. Furniture
When your office supplies are more than just pens and paper, you have another tax-cutting opportunity.

Office-furniture acquisitions provide a couple of choices. Deduct 100 percent of the cost in the year of the purchase or deduct a portion of the expense over seven years, also known as depreciation.

To take the whole cost in one tax year you'll use the Section 179 deduction (named for the part of the tax code where the law appears). Recent tax-law changes have made this deduction even more attractive. For the 2006 tax year, a business owner can expense up to $108,000.

If you choose instead to depreciate the desks and filing cabinets, you can't simply split the cost into equal portions over the depreciation period. Instead, you must use an IRS chart to make separate calculations each year.

Which is better for you? Anticipate the times that your business will need these deductions the most. Both options are reported on IRS Form 4562.

4. Other equipment
Items such as computers, copiers, fax machines and scanners also are tax deductible. As with furniture, you can take 100 percent up front or depreciate (this time over five years).

5. Software and subscriptions
The recently increased Section 179 provides another tax break in this area of business expenses. Previously, a company had to depreciate the cost of computer software over three years. Now, off-the-shelf software a business buys can be fully expensed in the year purchased.

The rules for deducting business and industry-related magazine subscriptions weren't changed. You can continue to take the total costs as a full deduction in the year spent.

6. Mileage
If you drive for business, the IRS wants to give you some of your money back. But Uncle Sam loves documentation, so keep a notebook in your vehicle to record the date, mileage, tolls, parking costs and the purpose of your trip.

At the end of the year, you have two choices. You can total the mileage and add in the tolls and parking to calculate your deduction. Once you have your mileage total, multiply it by 44.5 cents for your 2006 deduction. For 2007 business tax purposes, the rate goes to 48.5 cents a mile.

Or you can measure your business usage against your personal driving and deduct that portion of your auto-related expenses, says Zobel. Remember to include gas, repairs and insurance.

If you are leasing, include those payments. If you buying the car, factor in the interest on your loan and depreciation on your vehicle.

And if your company's office is at your house, you get a bit more of a break. You can deduct the entire business-related mileage, from the minute you pull out of the driveway until you return home, says Gary W. Carter, author of J.K. Lasser's Taxes Made Easy for Your Home-Based Business: The Ultimate Tax Handbook for the Self-employed

If your business is not home-based, your mileage meter starts at your first business-related destination and ends at your last. You can't include the drive to and from home, says Carter, a CPA and professor at the University of Minnesota. In this case, try to schedule several business appointments on the same day to allow you to take the mileage between stops as a tax write-off.

7. Travel, meals, entertainment and gifts
Good news, small-business travelers. You might as well stay in a nice hotel, because the entire cost is tax deductible. Likewise, the cost of travel -- air, rail or auto -- is 100 percent deductible, as are costs associated with life on the road (dry cleaning, rental cars and tipping the bellboy).

The only exception is eating out. You can deduct only 50 percent of your meals while traveling. So stay at the Ritz and eat at Wendy's.

Once you get home, your on-the-job meals aren't deductible -- unless you bring along a client to talk business. In this case, you might consider splurging on a fancier meal because then you can write off half such work-related dining costs.

The 50-percent deduction limit applies to most other client entertainment expenses, too. But a direct gift to a client or employee is 100 percent deductible, says Zobel, up to $25 per person per year.

8. Insurance premiums
Self-employed and paying your own health insurance premiums? These costs are 100 percent deductible.

This break primarily benefits proprietorships, but there are limits. The deduction can't be more than your business' net profit. And it's not allowed if you were eligible for other health care coverage, including that offered by your employed spouse's medical plan.

Did your spouse work for you last year? Then, says Carter says, you can get the full medical premiums deduction on your return. As an employee, your spouse's premiums are 100 percent deductible; if you and the children were on her policy as dependents, so are those costs.

Two caveats: 1) Your spouse's employment must be real, not in name only, and you must offer coverage equally to any other employees. 2) Failure to meet these requirements could result in a lawsuit, an audit or both.

You also can include some of the premiums you pay for long-term care insurance for yourself, your spouse or dependents.

9. Retirement contributions
Are you self-employed and saving for your own retirement with a SEP-IRA or Keogh? Don't forget to deduct your contribution on your personal income tax return.

10. Social Security
The bad news: If you're self-employed or starting a small business, you have to pay double the Social Security contributions you would as an employee. That's because federal law requires the employer pay half and the employee pay half. Self-employed workers are both, meaning the total will equal 15.3 percent of your net profits.

The good news: You can deduct half of the contribution on your 1040.

11. Telephone charges
You can deduct the cost of the business calls that you make for business from home. When your bill comes in, circle the business-related calls, total them up and keep a copy. At the end of the year, tally your 12 bills and deduct 100 percent.

The IRS assumes that you will have a phone in your house anyway, so Zobel cautions that regular fees and charges don't count toward your deduction. But if you have a second line installed and use it only for business, all of these charges are deductible.

12. Child labor
"It's always good to employ your kids," says Carter. Depending upon how much you paid them, they might be able to avoid income taxes. Plus, there is no Social Security tax when you hire your child who is 17 or younger and you can deduct the salary as a business expense. This break is available, however, only if you operate as a sole proprietor or as a partnership in which you and your spouse are the only partners. If your business runs as a corporation, then it, not you, are considered the employer and the corporation is not relieved of the tax liabilities.

Make the money go even further. Have your child contribute to a Roth IRA, says Carter. Not only have you gotten a nice tax deduction from the salary and trained your youngster to save, you've also help establish a nest egg for his or her future.

By Dana Dratch is a freelance writer based in Georgia.

The New Year is hear what have you done

The first thing I would like to do is to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New year. Look at the title and take a second to think, what you have done in the 120 hours that have transpired since the start of the New Year. The answer is important to you, for a multitude of reasons; most New Years Resolutions as we like to call them are won and lost at the starting line. Well the starting line for you happens to be January 1, 2008, and you have to be very cognizant of what you do or do not accomplish on a daily basis. The reason I am asking you to back track and see what you have accomplished in the previous 4 days would be to make you start being accountable for you time, everyday counts when you are trying to make a transformation from who you are presently into the person you want to be. It is a proven fact that most resolutions are lost within the first week of the year and once the average person regresses once they feel they have lost it for the entire year and that does not have to be true, remember everyone makes mistakes, people smarter, richer and more sophisticated than us have regressed from time to time, so do not beat yourself up that you did not hit your desired goals within the first week of the month, or better yet you probably are still in the process of starting to implement your plan for the New Year.

This is just a little encouragement for you to stay focused on what it is that you want to accomplish in 2008, someone will do it why not you. The most important part I have found in hitting and exceeding your goals, would be to have small to moderate milestones that you reward yourself with, don’t be a taskmaster to yourself and get down when things do not go according to plan, as a matter of fact expect things to get in your way and you will be ahead of the game. A quick little test that I like to give individuals, you sat down and wrote your goals and if you are like most you put them somewhere that no one else can find them or see them, what if you put them in an area that people can see them. The reason I tell people to put your goals out there is that you may find that one someone that might hold you to your word, they can or will on a regular basis question you about how you are doing in respect to your goals.

This can do wonders to keep you on track; you can only motivate yourself so far in the beginning so building a solid team that you ask to assist you in reaching your goals is almost mandatory for you at the beginning. The test is to see if for 30 days you enlist 1-3 of your friends and or coworkers in on your plans or goals and see if that helps you or hurts you in obtaining what it is that you want. Be sure to select the most ambitious in your group, giving your goals to a nay-sayer will hurt you more than it can help you, in the beginning you need to insure that you have the most support you can find, so select wisely and see if that can assist you. The breaking of bad habits are a two-fold process, the first is to implement a plan to break your bad habit and second is to replace your bad habit with a new habit and implement it for 30 days, so think about it you are only really 30 day to a new you.

P. S. I am willing to be on your team and help you in you reaching your goals in 2008, I will need for you to send me a written version of your goals and a time to contact you weekly and I will check up on you every Friday. I am committed to you living the life you deserve, the question of the day, are you committed enough to do what it takes, remember success leaves clues what clues have you seen.

Darrick H Scruggs

www.michiganytb.blogspot.com

313-790-3680

Big Michigan YTB Contest

Use this contest to encourage your team to build! You should be pumping up the "50 Day Explosion" for the next 50 Days! You can use this energy and momentum to help you get your first Dream Bonus. Just a hand full of RTAs, excited about the contest, can get 5, 10, 20 new energetic people on your team. Ultimately getting you a $10K bonus in a couple of months.


Remember the definition of POOR is Passing Over Opportunity Regularly! Let's take advantage of this opportunity!



As you all know, I am here to help. Don't be a stranger...


Copy and paste the info below and make sure that every person on your team get's this info.

Good Afternoon,

Great News! You have an opportunity to participate in the "50 Day Explosion!" This is a contest for the Top Power Team Builders over the next 50 Days. In addition to the income you earn from YTB, you will receive a cash bonus directly from my pocket! :-)

Prizes:

1st Place $1000

2nd Place $ 500

3rd Place $ 250

Requirements:

You need a minimum of 25 new RTAs in order to qualify.

Contest begins January 4, 2008 and ends on February 23, 2008.

Winners will be announced and prizes will be given at PowerBall 2008!

Be sure to RSVP for PowerBall 2008 ASAP.

Contact Darrick Scruggs

www.michiganytb.blogspot.com

313-790-3680

To Be or Not to Be its truly all up to me

I was asleep and this topic came to me, I was tossing and tuning and my wife was getting frustrated about me not being able to sleep. I told her I had something I needed to write down before I could rest well. Well it really just dawned on me, that my success and lack of it all really depends on me. The reason I say that with such amazement is that for the first time I truly believe it and better yet I know what I need to do today, tomorrow and so on to obtain what it is that I truly want. Individuals always say it, but do you really mean that you know what you want. It is as clear as the sun is on a sunny day. I want freedom, freedom not only from debt, but from the constraints of having to live by everyone’s rules. I know that I can and will change the rules for me; I want and know I can do it for others, but you must first believe that the rules can be changed.

The rules are always made up by someone, have you ever wondered who made up the 9-5 rules for employment and that it takes exactly 40 hours for everyone to get a said task completed. There are rules for all of us to follow, but why do you have to be like everyone else, lets start living out of this box that we all so carefully trying to stay in. Well these rules are changing daily, but not as fast as I would like them to, so I have decided to create my own rules, my own playbook. It will not be that thick and it will not have a lot of details in it. I will be able to tell you this before I even write a word in it, every page will have something on it that I like and want to do. Sounds nice, and most that are reading this will say, yeah that sounds nice, but you are different you have your own business, you can dictate your terms better than me, well at one time I was in your shoes and had to listen to my knuckle head boss and decided I could lead me better that he could to the promised land. My life will be lived on terms that will give me first and foremost freedom, by the end of 2008 or towards the beginning of 2009 I will work only 9 months a year and vacation and or do nothing for 90 days a year.

What would it be like to have 90 days a year off, no I am not including those days that most call a vacation the weekend. I will have 90 days 3 entire months off every year, not including weekends which most look forward to starting on Monday. It can and will happen, why you might ask, well I know and truly believe it can happen and I am implementing systems and structures to insure that it will be possible. My goal is to make more in less time, why not someone else is doing it why not me, why not make more in less time and have more time with the one’s you love or doing things that you like to do. All it takes is a plan, and for you to implement the plan that can give you the life you deserve instead of the life you have. I have talked to my partners and we have 30 day,60-90-180-366 day goals and benchmarks we need to hit to insure that not only will I have and enjoy my life at the end of this year, but my partners as well. It is a very good feeling to have to know that if and when I hit my goals every month, my life is becoming easier and easier.

My plan is my plan, what’s yours, are you really serious about making a change in your life, if you are I am committed to helping you, the first thing you need to realize, it is simple, but not easy, it will be hard, but very rewarding. It is your life do you think you are worth it. Act as if you are fighting for your future, your happiness and well being depends on your actions today, not tomorrow. If you acted with this in mind daily, weekly, or monthly you probably would have a different mindset, your actions would be decidedly more action oriented. Let take a pop quiz, if you had to grade your success or lack of success on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best where would you rate your 2007. I would rate my 2007 a 2 that means I have a long way to go, where would you rate yours and what is even more important what are you going to do today to insure that rating will be a 10. In closing I would like to say that 2008 will be a year to remember for me, I have some outrageous goals for January, and then it’s off to the races from there on. What do you have planned for January, better yet and even more important what do you have planned for the next 7-10 in January, everyday counts. Procrastination is the biggest dream stealer that I know, stop putting off your life till tomorrow.

Living Life on your terms starts and ends with you, are you ready to do something different, success is available for everyone, but most will never achieve even a portion of the success of others due to fear of failure, failure is a very real part of success, the more you fail, the more chances you have of success.

Sincerely

Darrick H Scruggs

Your Freedom Coach

313-790-3680

www.Thepowertobefree.com

thepowertobefree@gmail.com

Will 2008 Be a Repeat of 2007?

This is a question we should all be wrestling with because 2008 is fast approaching all of us. The question you need to ask yourself is what will be different in 2008 that will give you a different result than you have had not only in 2007, but in the previous 3 or 4 years. In most cases we are really in a circle, that just strangles repeats itself over and over again. The mistakes, the lack of income, the lack of a plan, this was a problem for most in 2000 and is a problem for them in 2007 as well, 2008 can and will be decidedly different if we want it too. I am here to assist you in making 2008 the breakthrough year you have all been waiting. I recently conducted a seminar and we had a dynamic guest speaker named Ken Brown (www.Kenbrowninternational.com) and he would repeatedly say that you need to write this down or this is some good stuff here. Well the stuff here may not have the same power that Mr. Ken Brown said it with, but this is some stuff you need to write down, and take notes on. One of the best antidotes he gave was that (Success Leaves Clues) well if it leaves clues what clues have you been following or finding recently? If we are honest with ourselves our clues have not amounted to much and they probably have come far and few between.

Why you might ask, well you need to see who’s in your immediate circle, the people you consider your closest friends and or your confidant. What is the medium income of this group, if the group is not making money, or even motivated to go forward then the clues you will see and hear will reflect this? We need to respect our time and our associations, what means more to you, your friends and how they will perceive you when you are on your quest for success or are you like most too worried that you may rattle a few feathers with you changing for the better. Success can be achieve by all but most never take a real stab at it, they are too worried about failure, they are too worried about making mistakes, too worried about what could go wrong, or the dreaded what if’s of the world. Well every day, every hour someone is living and achieving life milestones that they previously thought were unobtainable, why not you.

Achieving your goals will make you uncomfortable, it will make you question your sanity at times, but what of true value has not come with some sacrifice. I use myself as an example, most only see the exterior or the end results, but as they say in show business if you only knew what really goes on behind the scenes, well 2007 was a great character building year for me. It gave me the confidence that no matter what happens I can overcome it, the greatness and the success I crave for is right around the corner. I just need to stay focused on my goals and truly prioritize what will give me the greatest return on my time and energy every day.

This will be a 3 part series that I will give you success clues and tips that will propel you in 2008 to a status where you will question why did it take me so long, what was I waiting for, if this was all I had to do then why didn’t someone tell me sooner. Stop worrying about the past, it is dead and gone, never to rise its ugly head again. Live in the moment and you will be thoroughly surprised at what is possible. Tips for this lesson will be

1. Take a close look at your circle, the 5 that you associate with, the 5 you would think as your advisors so to speak and ask them, what are there plans for 2008, better yet do they have any. If the answers are not on the level you feel that can help or assist you in achieving your goals in 2008 you need to create some new associations ASAP. Time is of the essence here, 2008 will be here in less than 48 hour. My mother and a good friend of mine told me that whatever way you start the year that is going to be a great indicator of the year to come.

2. Second and most important, you have time, write down what you want to accomplish for 2008, don’t worry if you have never achieved it before, that what goals are for, they are for you to have a visible reminder of what you feel that you can accomplish. In 2008 there will be more Millionaires created than ever, on the flip side, 2008 will probably see more financial disasters than ever before, foreclosures will continue to rise, Bankruptcies will go through the roof, it’s kind of funny when you think about it, in the same 365-366 days that someone will become a Millionaire, someone will loose it all at the same time, we all have the same amount of time, which side do you want to be on. Be specific in your goals, create a yearly income and personal goal and then break it down month by month. If you are not used to writing goals, my advice to you would be to just figure out what you would like to do in January that will possibly give you a different result than you got in December. Try to see if you can find one new person that can assist you in your quest for success. Read one book, it seems hard, but the average reader reads at 200 words per minute, so even if you read below average you can take 30 minutes and read 5-10 pages a day. Even with as little as 5-10 pages a day x 30 days you are at 150-300 pages in January, most books are between 150-200 pages.

In closing I would like to say that taking 7 hours a week to improve your is well worth it, you may think that you do not have the time, but you do, act as if you life depends on it, I know mine does so I wake up every morning with a purpose, and a goal I try to achieve that day. Do you, if not start today and see what a difference a made up mind can do.

Part 2 February , 2008

Darrick H Scruggs

CEO

The Power TO BE Free

www. ThePowertobefree.com

PERSISTANCE LEADS TO SUCCESS

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

PERSISTANCE LEADS TO SUCCESS

It was my junior year in high school and also my first year ever touching a football. The courage it took to step on the field with guy’s twice my size ultimately brought me to where I am today. I stood at 5’10 145 pounds just finishing my 6 year career in the marching band. As I think back, I really did not know what I was thinking when I told myself that football was my new hobby or what I called my new “extra curricular activity”. I guess the peer pressure and the ridicule from my peers had a lasting effect on me, but everything inside of me wanted to prove to them that I could play football.

Once I finally got on the field (the practice field), what kept me fearless was the realization that the guys lining up across from me were my friends from the neighborhood. Unfortunately, that did not stop them from laying punishment on me in addition to helping me endure some of the worst pain that my body has ever experienced. As the year ended, I grew tired of lending my fresh equipment out during each game, which by the way left me almost bare without any equipment on by the fourth quarter. Furthermore, getting playing time only when we were down by 35 or more, was just as embarrassing as being known as the “human equipment room”.

By my senior year, after intense training and a disciplined eating habit, I returned with a vengeance and quickly became a key starter on defense. My teammates and I finished the season 0-8, but our record did not match the amount of talent we had on our roster. Being from a city that had a “bad reputation of breeding athletes with negative characteristics and low work ethic”, the chances of any college scout or coach coming to recruit me was very low. It was ONLY by chance that I came across a coach from Ferris State University (Division II) who gave me an opportunity to play college ball. One year later after my freshman year at Ferris, I transferred to Michigan State University football and landed a spot on the team roster. As a result of persistence, hard work and natural athleticism, I eventually locked a spot on the second team defense (considering I walked on and was behind an All Big Ten canidate). As of today, I am continuing my football career at the professional level playing Arena Football while still aspiring to play in the NFL. The many playing opportunities that were given to me are of high value. I would have never thought that I would be playing side by side with the same All Americans I envied while I was in high school nor did I think I would playing against great players in the Arena Football League.

As I look at top ranked University of South Florida’s roster and see how a majority of their players did not receive a single Division I scholarship, I speculate all the possible stories they may own. In addition, the USF football team has also helped produce three future 2008 first round picks who will finally receive all the benefits of their hard work and drive to better themselves as an athlete. There are many over rated athletes, but there are even more over looked athletes who desire for an open door of opportunity. We at DAASH ( a online recruiting business and academic assistance for athletes) know what an athlete needs because we are the athlete and athletes are us. Now standing at 6’2 260 pounds I am not just the President of DAASH Athletic Enterprises, Inc., I have been where many athletes want to go and have overcome many difficulties while getting there, now I am creating a way for more athletes to receive the exposure they deserve.

Eze Ejelonu

President/ CEO

DAASH Atheltic Enterprises
http://www.daashathletics.com/

Picture Perfect

Can anything really be picture perfect, in reality it can only look that way? The Mona Lisa a world renowned painting that has sold numerous times for Millions of Dollars has notable flaws. The reason I write this is that people need to understand that nothings going to be perfect, Microsoft has the greatest collection of minds possibly ever assembled and they understand and even expect to have a certain number of problems with every launch, remember nothing ever going to be picture perfect. I conduct seminar and promote entrepreneurship and this is the one of the biggest reasons why most never take the first step, due to most wanting everything to be picture perfect. Well what if there is something wrong, is that good or bad, for me it’s something good, do to that fact that to even have something wrong I have attempted something. Expect things to be imperfect, its OK, nothings going to be picture perfect, but proceed anyway and I know without a shadow of a doubt things can be improved if first and foremost you at least do something, if there is nothing ventured, there can’t be anything gained.
Now we come to the conclusion that we need to first do something what’s next, well what about putting a realistic timeline toward your goal or project, this is geared toward starting a business, but can easily be used in other areas of your life, if you wanted to go back to school, do a project around the home, build a better relationship with your loved ones or any other items that you have put off do to the fact you were afraid that you either did not have the time or things would not turn out exactly the way you planned it. Well, let me burst your bubble now, its never going to be as good or as bad as you think it will be, I am working on building a business in a different state, never been before, and really do not know a lot of people in the state, but I am going forward anyway, will there be problems, yes, but it’s OK and I welcome the problems.
The problems I incur will be R & D for me, but if I never start and wait until I get comfortable and everything aligns right, I will never start the business. Trust me you can find a million reasons on why you will not be successful and if you let your fears and doubt run your life business or personal life you will always loose. Take your life into your hands today and do something that you have always wanted to do, I am not only talking about your business, but in your life period. See how it feels to just spontaneously do something; your life does not have to be so rigid and structured. I live life day by day, with a plan in mind, a goal I want to hit, but I am very flexible, very forgiving to myself for the mistakes or problems, I know I will incur.
Most beat themselves up for not being picture perfect from the start. Remember perfection is something that we shoot for but really never obtain. If you shoot for the stars and you hit the eagle did you win or loose, in my eyes you win do to the fact that you did something. I recently had a meeting with a gentleman I respect, and he talked about people are plotting and planning since Christmas is coming, well we all now that Christmas and the holidays come every year, its not a surprise, why wait or put of doing something that can literally change the way you live your life until after Christmas, its coming every year whether you are ready or not, so go out and take your life by the horns and live the life we all deserve. Santa will not come and give you what you want, it will not be under the tree, no matter how many presents you unwrap. The only you will be able to get and achieve what you want is to start pointing the finger back at you. If you ever looked closely when you point a finger at someone, one is pointing at someone else, one is pointing up and 3 are pointing right back at you. In closing shoot for the stars what if you miss what’s the worse thing that can happen.

If you are looking to achieve something within the next 12 months that you realistically feel is possible and willing to look at the glass at being half full. You need to give me a call; I am looking to create freedom for as many individuals that are willing to do something different. I am not saying I have the cure for cancer, but I do have the cure for the doldrums we call life, I feel life should be lived at full speed. If you are looking to be a bad boy or girl for the next 12 months and break the monotony of the system you are in, willing to live on the edge for a little while you need to give me a call. Remember Freedom is available for all, but all are not willing to do what it takes to obtain it.

Darrick H Scruggs

www.michiganytb.blogspot.com
313-790-3680 Cell
313-999-1183 Cell
P. S Your future starts today, not tomorrow, leave the curse of the Procrastinator in the box

When you arise (Is it a blessing or a curse)

When you arise in the morning what's on your mind, are you excited about the day at hand or are you more concerned about the fact that you were woke up by the sounds of your annoying alarm clock. Is this really what life is all about, you wake up only to dread the next 8-10 hours of your day. The only thing you really are excited about throughout the day are breaks, lunch and quitting time.

Really is that what your life has evolved to, from elementary, high school, college, and now your profession everyday is chore, it's a job you are not looking forward to at all. Well when I rise in the morning I can't wait for the day to come, I am upset when night comes, due to the fact that I am limited to what can be done, but excited about rising in the morning, excited about the new tremendous possibilities that are in store for me in the coming hours.

Why just exist, why let life dictate to you your terms of existence, fight back and you become the dictator, and you say that my life will be exciting and full of vigor, why because you say so. You can look at life as if the glass is half full like I do or you can join the 90% of the population and look at the glass as half empty, its your choice either way and guess what were all looking at the same glass.

Darrick H Scruggs
313-790-3680
Future YTB Director
www.ytb.com/dscruggs36

Travel Weekly's 33 Most Inflential YTB

Travel Weekly Names J. Kim Sorensen
One Of 33 Most Influential People
In The Travel Industry



Travel Weekly, in an article dated 11/20/2007, has named YTB Travel Network CEO, J. Kim Sorensen, to its list of the 33 most influential people in the travel industry. The article states that the "most influential" list is filled with people who have veered from the status quo and succeeded so spectacularly that they have influenced the course travel is taking in 2007, and will be just as influential in 2008.
"I am truly honored and humbled to be included on this list," said Kim. "Especially since YTB is not about me, but about the great team and the huge network of representatives and referring travel agents that were willing to take a chance on a new way to sell travel. I speak for the entire company when I thank Travel Weekly for recognizing the huge potential of YTB."

Travel Weekly's 2007 Power List named YTB the nation's 35th largest seller of travel and the 11th largest agency for primarily leisure travel for the year 2006.

Click here to read the Travel Weekly article entitled:

Club 33: The most influential people
in the travel industry

Learn How YTB can help you Travel to Hawaii Free

Ideas to make your Hawaii Travel Free

There are numerous items that you can do to make your Hawaii travel free, what if you created a travel club and you designated Hawaii as the destination of choice. You could become a travel agent through YTb.com for less than $500.00 and receive a significant travel commission. I have talked to some travel agencies and asked if I could put together a small group maybe 5-7 couples what type of commission would I receive, well much to my surprise they all the travel agencies stated that if I could put this type of group together they would be willing to either significantly reduce the cost of the trip, I mean the all-inclusive to where it would have been pennies on the dollar.

The way you can make it easy to manage create a free Google Email account and a subsequent free Google blogger site, all this can be set up in minutes and best of all it is 100% free of charge. If you really want to get creative you can go to Amazon, Adsense with Google and other affiliate programs, attach them to your site and create an additional revenue stream. You are in business now and you can go to YTB.com signup to become a RTA and start to earn thousands of dollars in commission. Questions that might arise in your mind, well most of my friends can’t afford a trip like this, well what if you created a Travel Club. This can be done by going to the State you are located in Local website and finding the Business and Economic development department and inquiring about how to start a company in the city of state you reside in.

The process is very simple, if you are timid about trying to do it yourself, you can call your local CPA, or accountant that prepares your tax papers and they should be able to guide you through this process. After obtaining your business name you can go to any bank and open a business account. This will create the legitimacy you need to market your business. After you create the business account, the Google email account, and Google Blogger, you are ready to start to market your business. You can order 250 free business cards at Vista print and you now have an additional marketing tool a business card. If you look at all that I have told you and the cost associated with being to go to one of the Premier Vacation destinations for free, the cost is very miniscule. Once you have all this established which can be done in most states in less than 48-96 hours you can create a very inexpensive Meetup.com site. This will give you the exposure you need to attract like minded individuals that want to travel to the destination of your choice, the great thing about this site is that you can have exposure to almost 90,000 individuals that may be interested in travel. The best part about it, would be that you could meet at different locations IE restaurants, libraries or even your home if you felt comfortable the cost will still be 0. This is the end of Part 1

Part 1 of 2 on how you can easily Travel to Hawaii for Free

If you want to learn how I will travel to Hawaii in 08 for Free you need to call me.

Darrick H Scruggs
www.Michiganytb.blogspot.com

THAT DAY, THAT DAY

That Day, That Day

This is the day when nothing you do is right, it seems as if you can do nothing right. You wake up late, you get pulled over for speeding, You get into it with your significant other. Your car which you just purchased seems to be having mechanical problems, you get the picture. That day where nothing seems to go right, you are just in a bad frame of mind and you want let the world know that you are having a bad day. What is that going to do, nothing but create more negative Karma in the world. Well what if we use “That Day” as a tool for future lessons for your business.

As you see, I have mentioned nothing about business so far. Well there will be what I will graciously call them “Character building days” in business. These are days when you are supposed to have things are supposed to happen and it does not, so what, it is not the end of the world and in most cases it is not going to put you out of business, there will be days as the entrepreneur we all aspire to be will have that will “Test Us”. I will let you know now that I have not ever mentioned that being a entrepreneur was going to be easy, but I said is was simple. The reason I say is that it is simple is that you probably already have had a role model or someone to imitate. I once read a book by Sam Walton of the Walton Empire and he said it very simply, “there is nothing really new under the sun, we can just put a different spin on it”. We all probably have had someone before us be successful in said field.

For the purpose of this article I will use my success in Network Marketing, everyone’s dream is to hit that level of leadership, whether it be a Regional Manager, Diamond, or in the organization I love YTB a Director. In most cases there has been someone that has hit the level of success that we all desire and we can use them as our roadmap to success, we are not like Roger Bannister and have to do something that has never been done before. The one caveat I would like to stress is that we can’t have success in the Burger King franchise model, “You can have it your way”, the success of the leaders I mentioned are roadmaps to your success, that path have already been trail blazed, why reinvent the wheel if you do not have too.

The key in your success is to do what works, success can’t be done in the usual “Cafeteria Style” we all do, then we will be the first to complain this does not work. “Cafeteria Style” lack of success I call it, will be that you have a road map for success, but you somehow in your mind feel there is a detour or shortcut in the system or directions that can get to your desired goal faster, in most case you will be dead wrong. If your up-line tells you that you need to have 1 Home introduction weekly and you need to talk to a minimum of 5 new people a week then by golly that is what you need to do, I mentioned in the start of the letter about the “Character Building” days or “That day” you will have in life, well you will have the same in this great business of Network Marketing, you will have no-shows, cancelled orders, dropouts or falloffs as we network marketer like to call them. So what, someone else today is signing up the next superstar in the network marketing world, why not you.

If you want to find a proven system that can take you to your desired goal of
Director where your life can be on auto-pilot, you need to give me a call, today, not tomorrow. Christmas is coming what if you became a Power Team Leader and signed up 6 new RTA’s before Christmas what would that do for the happiness of your holidays. 6 new RTA’s as a power team leader means you have made $ 1750.00 that will be a great Christmas for most, It can and will happen to someone that has that burning desire inside of them that they will be successful no matter what, why not you.

www.michiganytb.blogspot
For more great information on Network Marketing

Michigan-Ohio State What's so Important

Michigan-Ohio State what’s so important

The big game is over, Ohio State has won again, I am a true blue Michigan fan, and I know all the stats of Michael Hart, Henne, and the rest of the bunch at U of M. I may even bleed Maize and Blue, but in the grand scheme of thing does it really matter. This not a knock on anyone that went to the game, watch it on TV, and even made a rather hefty wager on the event. The reason why I use this as a topic is that we usually get more excited about something that is happening in someone’s life other than ours. Why is that, if Michigan won would that have changed your life, probably not, since Ohio State won again what has happened, probably nothing, but now you have to find something to get excited about now, what is it going to be.

Well I have a clue, what about your life, why not plan your life the way you do, for your favorite TV show, I mean I can’t count how many times I have had to reschedule appointments due to get this American Idol,( again someone else living there dreams and shooting for the stars not the Millions of devoted fans watching, Simon earns 50 million a year telling people how bad they are and we tune in week after week) Dancing with the Stars, or maybe its 24 or Cold Case. Have you ever researched what the actors make on the made for TV dramas, some make what we make in a year, per episode. I like watching a good game like the rest of you, I have my Michigan Jacket, of course hat, jogging suit, socks and all the other Michigan gear I can pay for, but there is one big difference between me an you. I understand the best way I can give back to Michigan is to become a great success and give back to the University. In the grand scheme of things which one do you feel the University of your choice would appreciate more, your undying devotion to watching the game or your extreme generosity in donating a new wing to the University of your Choice. As for American idol why not just make enough money and go watch it live, stop being on the sidelines, lets get in the game we all call life.

I can only speak for myself; I know that I am not currently living the life I think I deserve, so I am willing to work day and night to change it. I have stopped blaming everyone else for my misfortunes and decided to devote the next 12 months to living the life I deserve. Well what are you going to do over the next 12, if you are like most it will just be a snapshot of your current circumstances. It does not have to be that way, you are the only one that can change that, stop the dreaded P (Procrastination) word and do something about it today, not tomorrow. Life is short so you really only have a short window of opportunity to really enjoy it. We are young and dumb first, then we become older and supposedly wiser, then we truly age and start reflecting on all the mistakes we made and the dreaded What if syndrome. So whatever your current situation except it, embrace it, and make a commitment that today is the first day of my new life, the old which I lived for so many years are a thing of the past, today I will reinvent myself, I will start living the life I always dreamed of. Food for thought, someone today is buying the home of there dreams why aren’t you, someone today is taking the vacation of the lives, why not you, and today someone will become a millionaire, why not you.

So for all that believe in fairy tales and that dreams do come true, you need to attend today’s YTB meeting at 3 Pm in Farmington Hills

YTB in less than 6 years has produce many millionaires, get this they have 12 in there short existence that have done it in 12 months or less, dream a little what would you do with 1 million in the next 12 months. Someone’s going to make $1,000,000.00 in YTB in the next 12 month why not you.

www.michiganytb.blogspot.com
31800 Northwestern Hwy # 205
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
313-790-3680 if you need directions or want to start earlier.

Why I Love YTB


I love YTB. Well, let me first say that it is not due to the large checks that everyone receives from the YTB business. I am not a Dream Team recipient nor am I a Level 1 Director--yet. No other networking program that I have ever tried before has given me what YTB has given me. I have tried several network marketing businesses from Link Communications, (phones and cellular), Mellaluca, Amway, Pre-Paid Legal, and Primerica. They are all great companies. If marketed correctly they will give you exactly what you put into it. Yes, they are good companies but I never had any love for them. I love YTB!

In the past, I always just showed up. I did nothing between the meetings. If I had any conversations about the business, it was always filled with negativity. I would constantly say things like, “This stuff doesn’t work.” “I’m not good at this.” “Even though Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki say that network marketing is the best way to build wealth today…I don’t think they meant this business!” There was a load of negative tapes playing in my head and I just couldn’t hear past them.

I knew individuals personally that had made money with YTB. Yet, for some reason I never gave the business my all. Well, something about YTB suddenly clicked with me one day. YTB somehow connected with that inner voice that had been deep within me for 38 years. The volume on the negative thoughts began to diminish steadily. The positive influence of YTB began to change my thinking on a lot of things. The once tiny repressed voice began to grow in volume and resonance. It all rang true. And when it clicks, it just clicks!

I joined YTB in March of 2007, site unseen. I had no product knowledge, but I joined on the strength of two great men that were very successful in their fields. In life if you are going to follow someone at least follow someone who has what you want. These gentleman were success personified. I wanted what they had. I knew even if I didn’t succeed at the business, I would have access to the minds of these two gentlemen. That was well worth it for me. Still, there was so much more in store for me with YTB.

The process has been a journey to say the least. I have diligently called and emailed. I have worked at inspiring people. I have sincerely put effort and creativity into demonstrating to people that there is more to living than just existing. I’ve urged people to ask themselves why they would settle for just getting by when they can truly live the lives that they have always dreamed of living. I have even showed people a plan in which I reveal to them how they can achieve the success of a lifetime within a mere 1-3 years of hard work.

Objections? I’ve encountered it all. Still, objections, resistance or rejection have never deterred me. I have heard and I have likely said it all myself before. I have a little phrase and series of questions that I use when individuals give me excuses. I say, “Well, what’s the alternative? Would you rather work 30 years at one job? And that’s if you don’t get laid-off or downsized. We all realize that jobs today no longer have a 30-year lifespan. Right? So you will not even be able to obtain the gold watches and pensions that your grandparents and parents used to get. Do you feel that your future is secure? Will you just work all of your life just to work all your life until you die? Is that what you are telling me you want?” No one has ever honestly been able to say that they really want to embrace any part of those losing scenarios.

The problem for most people is that they are afraid. They fear failure. Truth be told, failure is not really failure if we learn from it. If we keep following a consistently failing path, however, that’s a very serious problem. Most of us can clearly see that business as usual today will lead the majority of Americans to a life of lack, struggle and failure. Yet, so many people continue to run like little rats on wheels. They know they’re going in circles but they’re afraid to jump off the wheel. The definition of insanity is; doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results. I know the fear that holds people back. They must push past it though. As one of the top motivational books out there advises; Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.

Let’s get back to why I love YTB. It’s not for the money. There was a YTB presentation or something that mentioned Coach. He was destined to do great things as his mother had always told him he would. He struggled and had to deal with death as well in his life. Through all of his many struggles he kept that burning desire for greatness within him. He held fast to what his mother told him on her dying bed. He could almost hear his mother whispering to him saying, “You are going to do great things in your life Son…Great things.” Thus far in Coach’s life, everything his mother spoke over his life has come to fruition. He has done and continues to do great things.

My father consistently spoke those same words over my life when I was a boy. He said, “Darrick I do not know what or how, but God will pour a great blessing on you and you will not even know where it came from!” Well, I now know exactly what vehicle God is using to pour great blessings on my life. I found it with YTB. My thought patterns have changed dramatically. Understand that it is not the monetary success that I am referring to here, though monetary success is a major component of YTB. I have seen many people who have gotten into YTB and within a few short months they have completely replaced their salaries. Others have doubled and even tripled their salaries. That is exceptional, but that is not why YTB has been such a blessing in my life.

My thoughts have changed due to YTB and with the change in my thoughts my life has also changed. It is just as Dr. Wayne Dyer says in his book, “Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life”. That’s really how it works. The voice of success and the spirit of abundance that have taken over in my life are simply undeniable and irresistible. It drives me forward. It’s that voice that comes out when it can no longer be kept down. It drowns out all negativity. It moves me to take positive actions everyday. It won’t allow me to be idle. What is that spirit? It is the spirit of success and hard work. It is a blessing from God. Failure is not an option. YTB awakened the sleeping giant of ultimate success within me and I am doing things that I never even dreamed of doing before. I’m unstoppable!

Individuals do not believe me when I tell them that I have never consistently written before. Well, prior to joining YTB, I had not written consistently. Greatness propels me forward and I just have to go with this blessing that my father told me God had in store for me. I remember it all started with an email that I sent out about the YTB opportunity. I wrote a message to tell others about what this business was doing for me and how in just a short time it had change my family’s life and my life. And “BAM!” A light flashed on. Someone called in response to my message. A few people answered my e-mails and wanted to learn how gain their financial freedom with YTB. I was and still am amazed.

Writing about YTB made me really see and appreciate the power of the pen coupled with YTB. I found a new gift thanks to YTB after writing my first few messages. So I decided to send another message and another. It was like discovering a new calling in life. I’ve found that I sincerely like to write. I have a lot to say. People need to hear my story because it inspires them to connect with their own story. What’s even more of a blessing is that people tell me all the time how much they enjoy and appreciate my message. That means more to me than words can say.

As the light within me grew brighter and brighter I asked myself a significant question. Why not write a book? I don’t want to just talk about writing a book as so many people do. I want to write it. Being a part of YTB has stirred up something very powerful within me. I’ve tasted success. I know what it means to set a goal and work for it. I know how very satisfying it feels to reach my goals. I have enjoyed the sweet taste of success thanks to YTB. It’s touching every area of my life and now I want more!

I want to share this feeling and the satisfaction of building wealth with others. I want to create something that will share the secrets of true success, help others to change the way they think, thus changing their lives in a profound and powerful way. So with that said, my first book will be done by January 1, 2008 thanks to God pouring blessings into my life through YTB. I also know that my business will blossom from this point on.

The name of my book is “Life Behind Invisible Bars”. Thanks to the inspiring story from Coach and the book, Shoot for the Stars, I asked myself why not write this book? There was nothing to lead me to believe that I shouldn’t. In fact, everything seems to indicate that I should. All the profits from the book will go to The Michigan Lupus Foundation of which I act as treasurer. I know the importance of making a decision and dealing with it. The foundation is officially known as the LNFMSF Foundation. It has been in existence for 5 years and it is growing. The year 2008 will be a breakout year for us at the LNFMSF (http://www.LatreeseFagan.org/) because I am speaking that over the foundation. There is power in that. I am also willing to put in the work and effort to make it a reality. My goal is to make Michigan’s Lupus Foundation a household name, raise funds for the foundation and to help countless lupus survivors in the process.

In closing I would like to make a special request. If YTB would be willing to sponsor a portion of the book, I will include an entire chapter devoted to my 7 months in this extraordinary business. If YTB helps me to help make this worthy project into a shining success, I will also include an entire page with the YTB information on it recognizing the company as a sponsor. This will make YTB known to a greater target market and it will demonstrate to people what I already know about the company. That is that YTB is more than just a business, it’s people helping people. That’s why I love YTB.

www.Michiganytb.blogspot.com

YTB Guru tells his secrets to success

YTB Guru

Brian McLane sinks his teeth into YTB
By Kevin Davis

Who is this Brian McLane person and how is he growing his business so quickly?

Now that is an interesting question! As the CEO of AMM GROUP, INC, Brian has spent the past 7 years as an internet marketing consultant. Helping to guide both small businesses and billion dollar companies through the challenges of internet marketing, he has established himself as a recognized leader in the industry. He has taken those skills and applied them to his first attempt in Network Marketing. "It is all about helping others to be successful, that's the secret" states McLane.

Married for 15 years with 2 wonderful daughters, Mr. McLane realizes the true successes in life have to do with time, not money. "When was the last time you went to school and had lunch with your kids? You can't put a price on that." Although he acknowledges he has been blessed financially, he attributes that success to the success of the companies he has helped. "It took me a few years, but eventually I realized that the more I helped these companies succeed, the more money I would make. It stopped becoming about making money, and started becoming about helping others. Once I committed to that philosophy, the money took care of itself."

Brian thought he was the only one that shared in that philosophy, until he was introduced to YTB. When he was first introduced to YTB by his brother-in-law, Steve Wojchowski, he liked the idea of owning an online travel agency, but did not like the idea of MLM. Having no network marketing experience and a misconception that he had to recruit family and friends to make money, he chose to not participate in the business opportunity. Little did he know, that 5 months later, that YTB was about to change his life. "Once I saw Steve having success in the business, I took it upon myself to take another look. When I realized that Steve would be retiring from the grocery business after only 7 months with YTB, I decided to take a VERY close look at the opportunity." Just 8 days later, Mr. McLane had broken every record YTB had ever seen and personally sponsored over 30 people in YTB making $7000 in that short time. The rest is still history in the making.

Today Brian finds himself committing most of his time to helping others. You will find him on a conference call, a web conference, in a hotel meeting room or even a one on one meeting at a local coffee shop. "There is no shortage of people looking to change their financial situation, so I never have nothing to do!" says McLane. "It is sometimes difficult to balance my family at home with my YTB family. My wife and kids know that I am building a future for us and understand that it takes much of my time now. It is clearly understood that when we have family time, I turn off my cell phone and laptop and give them all of my attention".

When asked why he is so passionate about YTB and this opportunity, he takes a second, gets a big smile on his face and simply says, "Where else can you make an incredible living, helping others to help themselves? It is genuinely fun. I don't consider it work. I get paid to travel, show others how to save money when they travel, and make money while helping others. How do you beat that?"

www.michiganytb.com

YTB Growing and Profitable

November 14, 2007

YTB INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES SECOND CONSECUTIVE
QUARTER OF PROFITABILITY

Company Reports Record Revenues of $39.9 Million

WOOD RIVER, Ill., November 14, 2007 -- YTB International, Inc. (OTC PK: 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, today announced its financial results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007.

Total revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 increased 203.5% to $39.9 million compared to $13.1 million for the third quarter last year. Revenue generated from online travel store sales and monthly fees from Referring Travel Agents ("RTAs") in the third quarter of 2007 was $28.7 million, compared to $9.0 million in the third quarter of 2006. Revenue from travel agency commissions in the third quarter of 2007 was $5.5 million, compared to $2.0 million for the same period last year. Also, training programs and marketing materials revenue increased in the third quarter of 2007 to $3.7 million, from $1.5 million in the prior year quarter.

Net income for the third quarter of 2007 was $2.1 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($4.4) million, or ($0.05) per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2006.

Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased 207.6% to $95.9 million, compared to $31.2 million for the same period last year. Revenue generated from online travel store sales and monthly fees from RTAs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $69.0 million, compared to $22.5 million for the same period in 2006. Revenue from travel agency commissions for the first nine months of 2007 was $13.9 million, compared to $5.1 million for the same period last year. Training programs and marketing materials revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $10.4 million, up from $2.9 million in the same period last year.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $1.6 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($6.0) million, or ($0.07) per diluted share, for the same period in 2006.

"We are proud to report our second consecutive quarter of profitability and record revenue and net income figures of $39.9 million and $2.1 million respectively. This accomplishment was achieved despite certain one-time costs incurred during the period that are related to the continued expansion of our infrastructure in order to support our growing number of RTAs and to improve our services," stated Scott Tomer, Chief Executive Officer of YTB International. "In the first nine months of 2007 alone, we have doubled the size of our RTA network to more than 134,000 RTAs, and we see no signs of slowing down. Our success did not go unnoticed. Travel Weekly named us one of the top eleven leisure travel agencies and one of the 35 largest travel agencies overall for 2006."

Mr. Tomer continued, "We have high expectations for YTB International's future and are expanding our infrastructure and training capabilities in order to handle our continued growth. Our new RTAs will need the best tools and training. To meet this need, we recently launched a proprietary Web-based training certification and testing program, 'YTB E-Campus,' designed by Dr. Marc Mancini, one of the travel industry's most highly respected speakers, educators and consultants. This training program offers our RTAs a unique opportunity to hone their skills to successfully sell travel and build their businesses."

About YTB International

Recognized as the 35th largest seller of travel in the U.S. by Travel Weekly, YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. It operates through three subsidiaries: YourTravelBiz.com, Inc., YTB Travel Network, Inc., and REZconnect Technologies, Inc.

YourTravelBiz.com division focuses on marketing on-line travel agencies through a nationwide network of Independent Marketing Representatives, or "IMRs." YTB Travel Network division establishes and maintains travel vendor relationships, books travel transactions of on-line travel agents (RTAs,) collects travel payments and licensing fees, and processes travel commissions. Each RTA sells travel through a personalized Internet-based travel Website. The REZconnect Technologies division builds online reservation systems for suppliers within the travel industry. For more information, visit www.ytb.com.

With Success There will be Doubters

YTB, A SCAM, A CULT OR THE REAL THING? by Peter Stilphen, MCC

I'm planning to spend my time in the coming blogs to discuss, in my opinion, the good and bad guys in the travel business especially the MLM companies, and the "card mills." This month we will concentrate on YTB. Keep in mind that the opinions shared are my own and not of any company or organization. I have researched the information provided, therefore, my comments are factual. Again, any opinions expressed are my own.

I don't know what it is about MLM companies and card mills that I like to write about. It's probably because I am the CEO of a nationally known Host Agency and am much closer to their activities than most. Most importantly, I never like people taking advantage of others for a profit unless both are on equal footing. MLM's have always been around and probably always will be. At least I will do my small part in bringing these people out from under their rocks.

You will need to know a little bit about YTB International and then we will get down to the good stuff.

YTB International, a public company since 2004 has a multi segmented business model and operates through three subsidiaries, YOUR TRAVEL BIZ.COM, YTB TRAVEL NETWORK INC and REZCONNECT TECHNOLOGIES INC.

YOUR TRAVEL BIZ is the marketing arm that establishes online travel agencies and compensates them via a multi-level commission structure. YTB TRAVEL NETWORK contracts with online travel agencies providing online booking systems, fulfills orders and pays commissions. REZCONNECT operates VACATION CENTRAL providing online booking engines and also franchises travel agencies such as in Wal-Mart stores. I understand that they have lost most of the Wal-Mart businesses. VACATION CENTRAL also claims to be a "Host Agency." If that is the truth than I'm the tooth fairy.

YTB and its subsidiaries are very controversial in the manner in which they do business and recruit consumers to sell travel as well as participate in their alleged pyramid schemes. They operate mostly outside the mainstream travel industry and are not members of the more notable travel organizations either by choice or simply due to ineligibility. YTB claims to have over 60,000 consumers signed up to which they have issued photo ID cards. I use the word consumer as opposed to travel agents because the vast majority of their base are naive consumers who constantly fall for their MLM skullduggery. To be fair, there is also a group of experienced and serious travel agents among the mix. Many of them are beginning to see the light and moving on. The others that hang in there like the possibilities that dual income potentials offer, but they are the ones who think they can become rich quickly. Like any MLM scheme, the ones at the top or the one who came in early are the only ones that stand a chance.

YTB and other similar companies are still courted by most of the travel suppliers. The reason is simple. Sell to whoever will buy your product. I can't blame them, I would probably do the same. I feel that many suppliers now see the advantage of a well trained travel agent and are now offering all kinds of resources to the serious travel agent. That is where the future lies and not filling up their fam trips with hobbyists seeking a cheap vacation. MLM and card mill members far outnumber the legitimate travel agent. We need to turn this around.

I have personally talked with YTB affiliates on the phone and at travel shows and have received mixed comments. My Host Agency and other Hosts regularly sign up the more serious YTB agents. Other YTB people live and die YTB. Trying to talk to these people is about as difficult as trying to talk someone into leaving a cult. They are totally brainwashed as this is the effect MLM companies leave with you. You just need to visit their chat rooms to see this. Others are confused and those are the ones who will ask me and others questions.

There are very few YTB agents making any money. MLM schemes have been around since the cave man and will be around until our world is gone. There have been a few successful and profitable MLM companies around such as Mary Kay and Amway but YTB is not one of them.

Here are a few facts about YTB you may want to know if you are contemplating becoming a follower.

* YTB has never made a profit since it started operations and has accumulated 14 million dollars in losses to date.

* YTB has not filed its financials for all of 2006 and to date.

* YTB has been de-listed from the O-T-C Bulletin and now shows on the so called "Pink Sheet" because it failed to file its financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

* YTB's stock has been on the rise lately due to its overzealous affiliates running up the stock price. YTB refers to these affiliates as "Gung Ho's." At the same time one of the corporate officers has been selling his stock.

* YTB revenues come mainly from selling business opportunities rather than from selling its core product; travel.

* YTB guarantees a minimum commission for recruiting even more participants.

* One of YTB's operators include a minister whose primary accomplishment is building a large church congregation.

* YTB's compensation program is tied to the promise to issue large blocks of stock at a set price much below today's market price.

In summary, multi-level marketing is not illegal. Most collapse because of potential abuses in the business structure that creates the condition of a Ponzi scheme. Many MLM companies collapse within 5 years. What are YTB's real numbers? Can YTB's current business model ever be profitable? Would regulators be concerned if YTB participants are being encouraged to form an affinity group to buy the stock? What are the legal and financial effects of promises of large blocks of below market stock into an MLM organization at $1.00 per share?

Consumers or potential travel agents looking at YTB and other MLM companies and card mills such as Pro-Travel, World Ventures, Travelwize, Coastal Vacation Club, Travelogia, VIP Travel Team and GTI should be careful and don't fall for the hype, gimmicks and high pressure tactics. If you are serious about travel seek out a reputable Host Agency and not one of these bums.

Roger Bannister Did it So You Can Too

Roger Bannister Did it so you Can Too

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.

Well maybe you can’t run a sub 4 minute mile so what, but can you become a director Level 1 or even a director level 5 yes, why because it has been done. The difficult part has been done for you. In 1954 it was a supposed fact that no one would ever be able to run under a 4 minute mile, now that seems like a long time, but 50 years in the entire scheme of thing is very short. Well since Roger did it in 1954 over 20,000 additional individuals have done it since, including high school students, what changed gravity, no it’s just that once someone sees that is it possible it gives everyone the confidence that it can be done.
Well I know that within a short period of time I will become a director level 1 then level 2, level 3 then level 5 like Judy and Ron Head, or Bill and Anne Hoffman, they did it so it is possible, did it take hard work, did it take some sacrifices yes, but if you want it bad enough you will be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to make your dreams a reality. Think to yourself, what would you do if you had $100K a month coming in month after month, what would your life be like, well I have already decided the home I will buy the car I want, the Financial planner to help me manage the money. In life sometimes you have to speak success into existence, it is not that difficult, start by telling the ones closest to you, once that happens nature takes over, it’s in the universe that he or she has a commitment to do something different, if you just persist long enough you will succeed.
Most give up quit to fast, what if Russell Simmons of Def Jam gave up when things were not easy, at one time he was 5-7 million dollars in debt without a plan to get out, but he did not give up, he did not quit, he stood strong when others laughed. The same for Phat Pharm the powers to be in the clothing industry blew him off when he said he wanted to produce a line of clothes specifically for the Hip Hop world, it had never been done before, well the powers to be, the suits I call them with the Harvard MBA’s all said it will never work, well I did some research before writing this article and he and his empire did almost 800 Million in 2006. So much for the nay sayers, don’t worry if 0 people believe you will be a director, the only one that counts is you. Become thick skinned oblivious to criticism, you will be on your way. There is a very famous saying by Henry Ford If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right. In closing I would like to ask all that think they can change their current situation, you have decided that enough is enough you need to give me a call, I am on my way to becoming a director at YTB and I want to take you along for the ride.
Your next opportunity to become a Director

Sunday November 11th 313-790-3680
2PM /31800 Northwestern Hwy Ste 205 Farmington Hills Mi 48334

www.ytb.com/dscruggs36

There is no fuss and fanfare about Bannister. When he was asked to explain that first four-minute mile—and the art of record breaking—he answered with original directness: 'It's the ability to take more out of yourself than you've got.'"