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know what I was talking about and be able to add value beyond what clients could get by booking direct.
So, I set out to personally visit the vacations I was recommending, and in the process developed some great relationships with the on-site staff so I could give my clients the extra TLC that made for great memories. Then I committed to building my business with the best company out there: one that had such a great reputation that customers kept coming back. I determined to know all I could about them and focus all of my efforts there. As result, that loyalty (and business volume) provided extra benefits for my clients, as well as leverage should I need to request an extra favor for them as well. While that strategy has paid off, one other event confirmed I was in the right business, and if you come to my seminars, you’ll hear me tell a story that had a profound impact on me: My in-laws were considering a 30-day Polynesian Isles cruise, and wanted their kids’ opinion about it. It wasn’t that they didn’t have the money, as Dad had saved and invested well during his 45 years at Lockheed. They were just being careful — that’s what many post-Depression children grew up doing, right? We all told them to go. After all, how often does everything work out that you can leave home for that long? So they went, and had a fabulous time. (After their return, we asked Mom how she liked it and she joked, “Well, I did get kind of tired of steak and lobster every night!”) However, she noticed Dad’s walk wasn’t very steady at times, but thought it might have been attributable to some rough seas. It must have been a forewarning though, as not long after they returned, Dad had a stroke and never was able to travel again. Sadly, he died a few years ago. Mom said that the memory of that vacation is more precious than the diamond earrings he gave her for Christmas as it was something they shared together. So why am I so passionate about helping others create amazing vacations memories? Because we never know how many are left to us to enjoy, and each one needs to be great. Our futures are always unpredictable, but most will agree that the highlight reels of our past usually include times spent together on great vacations with those that we hold dear. And there you have it: the real reason. My wish is that you will have dozens of great holidays in your future, and my team and I will do everything in our power to ensure that each one is an incredible entry in the “so glad we did that” vacation memory book. —Carol Shaddix
It’s hard to beat a good pound cake! If we meet at an event, likely you’ll be offered a slice of pound cake or some homemade chocolate chip cookies. Both recipes have been in the family for decades, and they are my go-to when I’ve needed something for a potluck or to take a meal to someone. I like this recipe because 1) it makes a lot (three 8-inch Bundt pans), 2) it freezes well, and 3) most importantly: it tastes great! Simple Classic Pound Cake
Ingredients
• 3 sticks of butter • 4 1/2 cups of sugar • 6 large eggs • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tsp of vanilla • 4 1/2 cups of flour • 1 tsp of baking powder
Directions
1. Cream together 3 sticks of butter while slowly adding 4½ cups of sugar. 2. Beat for 10 minutes until light and fluffy (this is the secret!) 3. Then add 6 large eggs, one at a time, beating just until incorporated. 4. In a separate bowl, combine 1½ cups of buttermilk with 1 teaspoon of vanilla. 5. In another bowl, combine: 4½ cups of flour and 1 tsp. of baking powder. 6. Add milk mixture alternately with flour mixture. Beat gently only until all of the ingredients are combined. 7. Pour into three 8-inch Bundt pans. 8. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until cake tests done.
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Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
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