How to Prevent an Infection: Do Your Part to Reduce the Spread of Infection

The H1N1 virus is highly contagious. Because this virus is still spreading rapidly around the globe, the onus is on everyone to act immediately, in order to reduce the spread of infection. Infections can be prevented, if proper precautions are taken.

Your health and that of your family is extremely important, particularly at a time like this. There is a shortage of doctors and nurses to care for patients, all around the world. There is also a global economic decline, which may in turn, limit health care dollars for those who need medical care.

You can and should show your love for others, by assuming the responsibility for your own health, as well as that of others. Why is this so important?

People can become infected quickly, when an infection runs rampant. They may not even realize that they have been infected and may pass it along to others, unknowingly.

If even one person stays healthy, because of the precautions that you or others have taken, then your efforts will not have been in vain. There are many things that you can do in order to stay healthy and to keep other family members, friends and strangers well, too. Most of them are relatively simple.

Take a moment of time for your health and it will show your love for others too.

Consider the following suggestions:

If you are ill, stay at home until you are symptom free. If you become ill while at work, go home immediately. Always wash your hands well, using soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer, to help reduce the spread of infection. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, if you think that you may cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze directly into the sleeve over your elbow, rather than directly into your hand. Disinfect surfaces that you and others touch, in order to avoid cross infection. See your doctor immediately, if your condition becomes worse. Avoid visiting people and places, where there is known to be a high level of infection. 

Always show your love for others, but avoid hugging and kissing in excess, to prevent spreading infections to each other.

Be healthy and stay happy. Love is helping others to stay healthy, so teach them how to stay infection free too. Thank you for doing your part!

Factors to Consider for a Career in Pediatric Nursing

A career in pediatric nursing: When love is not enough

For registered nurses, a career in pediatric nursing can be like having an ongoing celebration with children. Warm, fun-filled and brightly decorated pediatric wards show pediatrics at its best, particularly when the pediatric nurses host Christmas parties for their young patients. Planning and participating in Easter or Halloween parties for hospitalized children, can be fun, too.

Pediatric nurses know that children have wonderful imaginations. This opens the door for ongoing, creative play or other activity with them, even while they require nursing care or when they are bed bound.

Children on pediatric wards are usually either bubbling with vibrant, happy energy and excitement or they seem to be very ill. There is seldom a middle road. Their health status can be totally unpredictable and go from one extreme to the other, in a very short time. As soon as children are physically able to do so, they jump out of bed and return to being as physically active as possible, even following serious accidents, surgery or illnesses.

Pediatric nurses know how to nurse children, as well as how to nurture their lives and creative minds, to their full potential. They are able to understand the developmental needs of children, as well as their medical problems and how to treat them.

Pediatric nursing is a wonderful occupation for those who love nursing children of all ages.

Be aware that just loving children is not always enough for a pediatric nurse, because for those who are working as registered nurses on a children's ward or in a children's hospital, this career choice can be extremely demanding, frustrating and difficult at times, too. Emotionally, it can be heart rendering, particularly when a child who a pediatric nurse has already grown to love passes away.

If you are considering a career in pediatric nursing, start thinking seriously about how you cope with working among children of all ages, from a wide diversity of cultural backgrounds. Observe healthy children at play. Compare them to children you know who are ill. Consider taking training in high school as a baby sitter or a child counselor.

Many children on pediatric wards have sustained childhood injuries or have been born with birth defects. Some of them are seriously ill or dying. There may be children who are experiencing severe pain. Some may have suffered severe trauma, contacted serious infections or need life threatening surgery. Others may have behavior disorders, mental or medical problems like childhood diabetes, seizures or genetic problems. Many need to be isolated to prevent the spread of infection to others.

Pediatric nurses cope with a high volume of parents who must spend time with children on pediatric wards. Counseling them effectively requires a high level of inter-personal relationship skills. Taking care of children on pediatric wards requires the cooperation and assistance of other family members including siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, as well as teachers and friends.

Be aware that some parents may feel threatened by the possibility of the loss of their children's affection, when pediatric nurses have to take over the nursing care of children. At times, social agencies must become involved, because of the seriousness of difficult home situations that children live in. The mothers and fathers may be single parents with a multiplicity of social concerns like tobacco, drug and alcohol abuse problems that must be resolved before children can return home after hospitalization.

Pediatric nurses require a high level of competency with regard to nursing skills. They need mathematical accuracy for the calculation of medications and intravenous therapy. They must be gentle and kind, as well as able to relate well to infants and children, of all ages. Pediatric nurses require a high level of patience coupled with commitment, care, compassion and concern for children. They must love children and be child-parent educators at heart.

For those registered nurses who enjoy mothering children, pediatrics can be a wonderful place to work on a regular basis. It is difficult not to love the children one has nursed. Many children grow up loving and remembering their pediatric nurses.

Children thrive on love and attention from pediatric nurses. Many young patients are beautiful children who are interesting, cute and fun to take care of, even though they can be mischievous, fussy or cranky, when they are lonely, hospitalized or ill.

If you have had previous experience with children, pediatric nursing might be an excellent career choice for you. If you have not, it is a good idea to spend some time working or volunteering with community children's organizations, school programs or day care centers, first.

In other words, learn how you react to children and how to interact with them.

To pursue a career in pediatric nursing, you will need to take basic training as a registered nurse at a college or university. There are many possible areas of specialization in pediatrics, if you wish to continue to a higher level of skills and training. For instance, you might be interested in specializing in pediatric cardiology or oncology.

As a student nurse, you can request to do an extended module on pediatrics, if this is your area of career preference. Offer to spend some spare time with long term patients on the pediatric ward. Some of them may not have parents or families. Others may live outside the immediate vicinity. Young patients often have extra needs, that student nurses can help meet.

Talk to other registered nurses who have previous or ongoing pediatric experience. Most of them will tell you that they really love their work. They will also be able to talk with you about the many pros and cons of pediatric nursing.

Pediatric nurses are in demand globally, so consider the possibility of pediatric nursing outreach. Do Internet research into global pediatrics projects, issues and concerns, as well as children's programs. Spend quality time with severely disabled or handicapped children.

Consider becoming a pediatric nurse instructor. 

Pediatric nursing is an excellent career choice for any registered nurse, who wishes to work in a family physician's office, a children's hospital or on a pediatric ward of a general hospital. Pediatric nurses often work as school nurses or children's summer camp nurses.

If you want to become a nurse practitioner, obtaining pediatric experience is important. For new nurses, note that seeking higher levels of pediatric nursing education and skills will extend your nursing career horizons, as well as increase your ability to care for and nurture your own children and grandchildren, in the future.

Be prepared to wear colorful, thematic scrubs that are fun to wear. Become part of the creative, playful and imaginative pediatric world and enjoy being a child at heart, again. Know that you are going to love being a pediatric nurse.

Love for children may not always be enough, but it is a good place to start your career.

Recipes: Cajun Fried Fish

How to have a successful Cajun fish fry

Having a cajun fish fry can be a lot of fun, whether it is for a large group of people or for a small number. Cajun spices are tasty, but they can be very hot!

Begin by choosing your own cajun spices or plan to use a prepared cajun spice mix. If you know it might be too hot for some people, plan to mix it with some extra flour.

Prepare for your fish fry by filleting several, different kinds of fresh fish like pickerel, perch, pike or trout. Frying different kinds of fish allows your guests to get to know the difference between them. Some of your guests may already know what kind of fish they prefer.

Depending upon how many people you are inviting, plan to serve approximately three to five pieces of filleted fish to each person. Some of your guests may want more. Prepare your fish fillets, by washing them well first and then cutting them into portion size pieces. 

Using a deep fryer, begin to heat canola oil. 

Beat eggs together in a large bowl. Dip the fish portions into the beaten eggs and then, place them on a plate.

Prepare a mixture of flour, salt, pepper and various cajun spices in a large plastic bag. Place several pieces of fish at a time, into the flour mixture. Shake the bag in order to coat the fish well.  

The canola oil is ready, when it is almost smoking hot. Carefully place the portions of fish into the hot oil and allow them to brown. When they are ready, take them out and place them on a large platter. Sprinkle the fried fish with vinegar.

Serve your fish fillets as finger food along with hot French fries.

Enjoy your fish fry, knowing that your guests will too!      

How to Make Candied Citrus Peel: How to Make Candied Orange Peel

Candied orange peel is something unique and special that any ingenious cook can make. It is easy to make and quite tasty. Children love the taste of it, too.  

Candied peel can add a wonderful, different and unique flavor to cakes or cookies, at any time of the year. It may not be something that you can purchase in your local grocery store, even though there are other, different kinds of candied peel that you can buy, particularly around the holiday season.

Do you remember the different kinds of peel that usually go in Christmas cake? One of those is candied orange peel.

How can you make candied orange peel from scratch?

First, you will need fresh oranges. January and February are excellent months to make candied peel, particularly candied orange peel, because the oranges have thick peels, at that time of year. These peels are easy to remove. So begin by purchasing oranges that have a thick peel. Peel the oranges and enjoy eating them.

Save the orange peel in a plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to candy the orange peel, chop it into small pieces, using a sharp knife. Rinse the pieces of orange peel well  with fresh water.  Because oranges are sprayed with insecticides or fungicides, it is a good idea to boil the peel in water and drain it several times, before attempting to candy it. After boiling the orange peel, rinse it thoroughly again and set it aside.

Now, place a small pat of butter in your pan. Allow it to melt and then add a cup of sugar. Do not allow it to burn. Let it come to a full boil and then, add the orange peel. The butter should keep the orange peel from sticking to the pan. Stir continually, until all of the moisture has disappeared from the pan. The peel should be well coated and soft. It should also taste candy-like. Remove the candied peel from the heat and allow it to cool.

When the candied peel is cool, place it in a container that can be sealed. It will store well in the cupboard or the refrigerator. Note that other kinds of citrus peel candy well, also and can add other, wonderful flavors to your baking.

There is an added advantage to candied orange peel. It contains Vitamin K, which is a blood thinner.

Enjoy your new candied peel in your baking.Your family and friends certainly will!  

Guide to Creativity for Non-artists: How to Become a Creative Photographer

How to become a more creative photographer presents a challenge, particularly for those who do not perceive themselves as being artists. Creativity does not always come easily for non-artists, but even an amateur photographer enjoys a challenge.

Here are some secrets professional photographers may offer amateur photographers.

Begin to see everything as representing a possible subject to be photographed, at some time or in some place, by you. Do not relegate that task to an artist; instead be one.

Learn to play with your camera or cameras regularly, as that can be fun. See it as your new toy, one that you can enjoy or share with others. You still have that child in you, who loves to play.   

Begin to discover your inner, creative genius. You might suddenly discover that you have a unique style of artwork or find a new area of interest. For instance, perhaps photographing children at holiday time, is your specific area of creativity. It just needs to be developed further. Or, maybe you are better at wilderness photography, so go exploring.

Attempt the impossible in terms of photography, but do not do anything that might put you or anyone else in danger. In other words, mountain climbing may not be your niche, but shoreline photography might be truly exciting to you. Your bird watching hobby could be turned into a bird photography project.  

Start to dialogue regularly with other amateur and professional photographers. 

Join a photography club, if there is one in your area. Find out what others are attempting to accomplish in terms of their own artwork. Learn why they are doing what they are doing and discuss what you are trying to do with them. 

Everyone loves to learn little tips on photography, every now and then.

Be aware that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. People always love to look at something that is truly beautiful, so strive for beauty in your artwork. Seek a higher level of creativity and perfection in your photography, at all times.

Be challenged by what you see others as having already accomplished. Commend them for their efforts because it probably did not just happen. They had to work at being creative, too. Strive to exceed them in terms of your own creativity.

Do not claim the photography of others, as your work. Instead, become known for what you can accomplish, in terms of your own creative genius.

When you are weary or are becoming frustrated with your efforts at creativity in your artwork, take a break. You may see things differently later. Even a change in lighting can lead to a more creative effect in your photos. Try dawn, dusk and night pictures or take photos in the rain. (Keep your camera dry!)

Do not discard or destroy any of your old photographs. Instead, use them for comparative purposes. You will soon learn what you can do differently or better, the next time. You may also be able to edit them. Learn some new editing skills and you will be amazed at how different even a mundane photograph can appear.

Do not force others to view your photographs, all the time. If your work exhibits true, creative genius, others will invite you to share your photos and your creativity secrets with them.

Do not waste money on purchasing expensive, professional, photography equipment, unless you are seriously interested in creative photography. Use what you already have. You may discover that buying a more advanced camera, tripod or computer program may prove to be a good investment for the future.

Remember to catalogue your new works. Keeping a diary or a notebook will show a record of your artistic accomplishments in the field of creative photography. Before long, you will see yourself as being an artist and you may be recognized as one, too. Your hard work will not have been in vain.    

How to Improve Your Writing Using Writing Courses:

Everyone who writes seeks to improve his or her writing at one time or another. Many writers are self-taught while others learn more easily by taking writing courses. 

The title to this article suggests an academic or scholastic approach to writing which may entail enrolling in a writing course at a high school, college or university. Perhaps you want to do just that. Not everyone desires to go back to school or has the means to do so. You should not let that stop you, if you are serious about wanting to become a better writer.   

There are many viable options for prospective writers, including people like you, who want to improve their writing skills. For example, you might be able to take a writing course in a specialty area of some kind. These courses are available through organizations, private institutions or educational facilities. They may also include online schools on various levels. Note that there may be some initial cost involved, but many Internet courses are offered free of charge, as an incentive to encourage potential writers.   

In our era, everyone should be able to read and writer properly and must start somewhere. The problem of illiteracy is resolvable. The availability of online education courses to overcome illiteracy is a plus!

Now, it is easier than ever to learn how to read and write properly. Motivation to improve your writing using writing courses lies in the realm of personal and individual preference. Everyone has different thoughts and ideas about what he or she would like to pursue in terms of writing or writing courses. For example, perhaps you are a person who wants to write science fiction, but you do not know where or how to start. Maybe your preference is for writing poetry or children’s literature. Perhaps you want to write a cookbook, your autobiography or an historical novel. Maybe you would prefer to write how to guides for teaching purposes.

First, try to determine what kind of writing you want to be able to do. Look at various samples of writing. Note that most new writers will not be able to write like Shakespeare immediately, but there are people who may prove to be gifted writers. Read extensively and see how other writers write.  Try writing something that interests you and see what happens. You may succeed without taking any courses, but if you find that you are struggling to write, begin to look further and find out what is available in terms of writing courses. Seek writing courses that are specific to your realm of interest because trying to write about something that does not interest you will be more like hard work, than a passion or the love of writing. Know what you want to pursue and go after it.

Find knowledgeable writers and ask them where and how you can improve your writing skills. They may be willing and able to help you get started. Perhaps you know someone who is willing to tutor you on an individual basis or to help you as you begin take a writing course.

Most important of all, keep writing. Save what you write and catalogue it. Later, after you have taken a course or two, you may go back and have a chuckle or two.

Find some writing competitions and submit your work, even though you have no idea how you stand in relation to other writers. You may be pleasantly surprised. Or, you may be instructed to take a writing course in order to improve your skills. Always be open to suggestions and learn through practice.

Are you happy writing? If not, why not? Keep a record of what frustrates you, in terms of writing and see if you can find a way to resolve the problem through taking writing courses. You may decide to go further and obtain a degree in writing or journalism.  

Try writing a new writing course for others. That will present a challenge to you and help you to identify your own areas of difficulty. You may go from being a writing student who is struggling, to an accomplished writer of courses on how to improve your writing skills and improve your own writing skills, at the same time.     

Learn how to publish your writing online using the available writing and publication tools to your own advantage or to help others learn how to improve their writing. Writing tips and courses are invaluable and yours might be too.

How to Lead a Healthier Lifestyle: Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

How to lead a healthier lifestyle and to maintain that healthy lifestyle, throughout your life is a million dollar question with many possible answers, depending upon where you live in the world.

Be aware that what appears to be the answer to the question of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle in the western world, may not be the same answer that is accepted in the eastern part of the world, much less the north or the south.

The question of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle is unique for you, in that only you can answer this question in terms of how it pertains to your unique situation and your particular part of the world.

When does a healthy lifestyle begin? 

A healthy lifestyle begins before the moment of conception and continues throughout one's entire life. There are both common denominators and differences in different areas of the world with regard to how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Where the four parts of the world come together is where the major common factors are, although they may not be evident immediately. In other words, each part of the world will have some thoughts, ideas and practices with respect to how to maintain a healthy lifestyle in common with other parts of the world. 

What do different parts of the world have that is not common to all of them?

These concepts would be central to the question of how to maintain a healthy life style in one part of the world, but not necessarily anywhere else. Remember that in every part of the world there is always innovative research, new knowledge and pertinent information about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle that appears on the horizon. 

There is also knowledge about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle accepted in every part of the world, but there are specific concepts only pertinent to a particular part of the world. There is knowledge about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle that is tried, tested and true, for each part of the world. Other realms may not be willing to accept that knowledge; nor are they forced to do so. 

People know and comprehend the reality of increasing globalization. 

This means that what is relevant in one part of the world, with respect to how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, will eventually become public knowledge that is accessible to the rest of the world. It may also be subject to severe scrutiny or questioned elsewhere.

In summary, let us suggest that how to maintain a healthy lifestyle means becoming increasingly aware of knowledge, in all parts of our world, starting with our own. There are no easy answers, but there are answers. Similarities and differences in lifestyle are important. 

Creating a Whole New Family Traditions: On Holiday Season Traditions

It is possible to create a new, family holiday tradition and sometimes, it is a good idea, too. 

Are your traditional, holiday season practices conducive to good health? The holiday season is full of wonderful traditions of various kinds, depending upon how or where it is celebrated. One important aspect of tradition, always involves the question of how to stay healthy during the holiday season.

Traditions evolve over time and may differ considerably, from place to place. What represents a healthy tradition for one person, couple, family or community, may not be a healthy tradition for others.

There are numerous variables found with regard to different traditions and each one can present a health-related concern, in some way. Of course, traditional lifestyles and patterns of behavior are not easy to change, but over the generations, as people become more knowledgeable and increasingly informed about the importance of their health and the health of others, changes can and do take place.

It is possible for you and your family to introduce change or to bring about a change in tradition, particularly if it leads to a positive change in your health status or that of others. 

It is important to examine the traditional lifestyles of those around you and your family, particularly where it concerns the holiday season and holiday celebrations. If or when, it does not appear there is a traditional lifestyle that is healthy in all respects including the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of it, it may be time to introduce a change.

Of course, those locked into traditional, holiday season lifestyles may object. If everyone is patient and there is justification for change, particularly for health reasons, then a relatively painless, change in tradition may be effected.

Begin by identifying the unhealthy, holiday season traditions, particularly with regard to the holiday season lifestyles of those who you know and love. You and your family can be instrumental in leading and guiding others into a more healthy, holiday season tradition. Tradition is important, but healthy lifestyle traditions are far more important, so become a leader and effect change, wherever it is needed.     

Whatever you choose to do with respect to traditions, choose something that is healthy for everyone. Maybe make a trip to the mountains and play in the snow. Find a mountain peak to climb or a new road to travel. Perhaps just stay at home and enjoy an amaryllis.

In doing so, you could be creating a new family tradition.

Christmas 2010: How to Get Into the Christmas Spirit

Helping others at Christmas

What can we do, to help those who are unhappy at Christmas? That is one way to get into the Christmas spirit.

There are many people who are unhappy at Christmas, for various reasons. Perhaps some of them are ill or are missing grownup children, who have moved away. Maybe they have lost loved ones, in the past year or the family members are far away from home.  

The most important thing we can do in order to help those who we know are unhappy at Christmas is to be there for them, if possible. They may not always show their appreciation to us, but the fact that we took the time to visit them, may mean a lot to them and make them happy, regardless.

If it is not possible to visit someone, we can do something to show that we are thinking about them. A long distance call on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, might make them happy.

Sometimes a gift of home made cookies or a plate of fudge, brought to the door of strangers will make them happy. Taking a couple of moments to talk about the weather forecast and what their plans are for Christmas may brighten their day, too. We even might be invited to share in their Christmas celebration or be able to include them in ours. 

Gifts that children make for seniors can make elderly people happy, particularly when the seniors are their grandparents. Singing Christmas carols together, might bring them joy. Sometimes, adopting a senior citizen who is alone, makes everyone happy.

Spending time creating home made decorations with others, young and old, can make a whole group of people happy. This can be fun for grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters. Grandfathers, fathers and grandsons can do things together, too. Taking a photograph of several generations might delight everyone.    

In summary, there is no end to what we can do to make others happy. In making others happy, we will be happy too. 

Remember that it is not what we do or say that makes others happy. What counts is the fact that that we care enough to meet some need of theirs. It may be just the need to be loved. Love is the heart of the Christmas spirit. For example, is there a sidewalk that we could shovel for them? Taking along some rock salt is a good idea, too. Maybe there is a Christmas tree that needs to be decorated?

If we are on our toes, we will find some way to make someone happy at Christmas. Be creative and have fun doing it!      

Planning a Family Vacation: How to Plan Your Dream Vacation

You want to travel to the most exotic and exciting place in the entire world?   How big can you dream?  

Ideally, you want this to be your dream vacation. Your family should become excited about it, so they enjoy it too.

How do you start to plan a family vacation like this?

Begin with a well organized, but flexible vacation plan. Flexibility is important when travelling, so have a back-up plan, just in case. Now comes the task of organizing the vacation, in such a way that it makes everyone happy. Family members have personal preferences, as their dreams, thoughts and ideas can vary.

Begin to talk to your family seriously about travelling. Encourage them to find travel brochures or magazines, with information about exotic locations. Include stay at home, cross-country travel and vacation options. 

Have a family meeting to learn everyone’s personal preferences regarding destination, availability and tourist attractions. Where do they want to go? Be prepared to have an open mind. What you picture as your dream vacation, may be less appealing to teenagers. Some destinations are more appropriate for small children. 

Parents and grandparents have personal likes and dislikes, too.

Take everyone’s thoughts and ideas into consideration, remembering to plan things in which everyone can participate. Find out what activities are available for you and your spouse, your teens and small children, as well as their grandparents.  

Plan to travel as a family unit, but if this is not possible, allow for other options.

For instance, as a family, you may decide to stay in the country or take a cross-country vacation to the mountains. Consider purchasing a luxury motor home. Look at different models, suitable for everyone.

Maybe you, your wife and children prefer to travel in one motor home, while their grandparents want to travel in their own motor home. Consider purchasing a second one! Children and teenagers might prefer camping. Be prepared for a list of camping supplies.  

Perhaps your personal preference is a luxury vacation, in an exotic location. Go online with your family and find tentative destinations. Inquire about reservations. Consider flying there as a family. Maybe your parents are already vacationing in some exotic location where you can visit them.

A dream vacation, with no additional cost factor means the sky is the limit, so go for it!

Consult travel agencies with regard to travel date and time options. Find out the best season for tourists to visit certain countries. Is there travel insurance available? Are there travel restrictions? Will there be a variety of accommodations? What security measures are necessary?

Make certain that the ultimate dream vacation is appropriate for all family members. Change family schedules to accommodate everyone. Set up new school or work schedules. Consider home schooling, as a possible travel option. Decide what you need to take with you.     

Inquire about necessary immunization. Arrange doctor’s visits ahead of time, as several shots may be required. Be certain everyone is healthy and will have necessary medications.

This is just the beginning. 

Make travel plans for your pets or arrange appropriate care for them. 

Make certain that your home, vehicles and personal possessions are safe while you are away. They should be secure and insured. 

Plan a wonderful, well-organized dream vacation and you will have one.

How to Choose a Strong, Global Marketing Strategy: Understanding Effective, Global Marketing

Are you an entrepreneur who wants to go global, in terms of marketing a potential product?

Choosing a strong, global marketing strategy, presents a serious challenge to entrepreneurs, all around the world. It requires a number of crucial elements, beginning with a positive and constructive business plan.

Be positive and stay positive.

As an entrepreneur, ask yourself, if you have a globally marketable product. Do you have the production potential in terms of anticipated supply and demand? Have you worked out an appropriate, global advertising plan? Who are your prospective international consumers?

In the world of today, the power of creativity runs rampant. While almost anyone can produce something to sell, there are relatively few people, who know how to choose a strong, global marketing strategy in order to sell it. The vast majority of people have not studied marketing seriously, unless they have been engaged in business ventures.

Taking upper level, marketing courses may be a good, initial plan of action.

Undertaking a business venture on a global scale will require ingenuity, patience and perseverance, on your part. Remember that this is an open, international, playing field and every team wants to win. The competition is fierce. Can everyone win? Probably not, but you can increase your odds of winning by doing the right things.

The potential global market is huge. How to tap into it becomes the central question, one that needs to have a feasible solution with an effective, global marketing strategy, right from the beginning.

Timing in global marketing can be everything. Is your product timely in terms of its marketing or is it already obsolete?

What are the cost factors involved? Are you producing a product that is already proving to be cost effective? Will it continue in that direction?  Have you done the appropriate research? Is there more research needed in order to succeed?

Luck can be an important aspect of an effective, global marketing strategy, as some entrepreneurs seem to have the right product, at just the right time and in the right place. They succeed in global marketing immediately, while others fail.

Do you really know your global market? Trial and error sometimes indicates what is marketable, on a global level. Many entrepreneurs enter the global market, a number of times and in different ways, in order to find out what sells.

Remember the old adage. ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.’

Ideally, with an effective business plan, global success comes immediately, but the number of times that happens is relatively limited, so be prepared to work hard at your business venture. This may mean long hours with few rewards, At first, it may mean time away from your home and your loved ones, too.

Advertising for any product is costly. Word of mouth advertising is still the most effective, marketing strategy. In other words, what one person recommends to another is important. Be aware that this can work in the opposite direction, as well. You do not need negative advertising.

Consider how you will do your advertising. Do you plan to use the Internet? Will you be doing marketing in areas of the world where there is no Internet access? There may be no television access there, either. Will there be cell phones? What other options are available to you?

Do you have appropriate contact people, who are able to provide effective communication on your behalf? Having the right people is important. You need those who will endorse your business venture, all around the world. Will they stand behind your global marketing strategy? If not, why not? Perhaps there are language and cultural barriers to consider? Are they excellent public relations people? What are their skills?   

Looking at business financing is important, as any new venture on a global scale requires substantial financial backing. Seek financial advisers, including those with global marketing experience.

Invest your time and talents wisely.

This is just the beginning, of things that you can do in terms of an effective, marketing strategy.

For instance, have you taken a trip around the world recently? Maybe it is time to do that, even if only via the Internet. Get to know your global market personally and it will help you develop an even more effective, global marketing strategy.

Suggested New Year's Resolutions for Writers: New Year's Resolutions for Freelance Writers

Writing New Year’s resolutions is extremely important for freelance writers, as in doing so, you will be able to identify new goals and set fresh guidelines. While it is true that not everyone fulfills all of their resolutions, many freelance writers seek to do just that.

With that in mind, here are some possible suggestions for New Year’s resolutions, for the year 2011.   

Write more frequently.

Take advantage of every possible opportunity to write, so that you are continually expanding your freelance writing horizons. Do not allow your efforts at writing to become dormant. Your writing style could become stagnant. You may lose interest in freelance writing, if you do not pursue a definite direction, by writing regularly.

Write about what you know.

You are an expert on what you know, not what you do not know. Let the experts write on things that you know nothing about, or accept the opportunity as a challenge and learn about something new. There is no limit to new and different things, you can learn. 

Use fewer words.

The best sentences, paragraphs, articles and books are not necessarily the longest ones. In fact, shortening what you write can make reading it more enjoyable. Using the longest and hardest words is not always a good idea. In fact, they may turn your reader away. Write so that your reader understands what you are stating.  

Use the power of impact.

There are powerful words that can touch the heart, mind and soul of readers, immediately. Use more of them and fewer of the ones that have less impact. In other words, state what you want to say with power. Strive for purity of thought, expression and word. 

Write shorter articles.

If you write, you can create short articles. That means you must get to the point immediately, in terms of what you are stating. Avoid being redundant. Find topics that appeal to you in terms of your personal writing passion.    

Follow the leading of your muse.

Every writer has a muse of some kind, perhaps something or someone who inspires or triggers his or her creative spirit. Learn to recognize your muse. Whenever your muse moves you to write, do just that, no matter what time of day it is or where you are. You may not be able to capture that inspiration later.  

Write for others, not yourself.

Whatever you magnify will become the central, largest and most important aspect of your life. Avoid ego-centrism when you write, as writing for yourself merely magnifies the self-in-you. It probably will not help or interest others and may not touch or change their hearts or lives.   

Research your topic thoroughly.

When you are writing on a topic that requires serious research, take the time and opportunity to do it right. Make certain that you understand what you are discussing. Will others be able to understand it? Document your sources correctly and thus, avoid plagiarism.

Encourage other freelance writers.

Other writers need encouragement, just as you do. It is easier for you to write, when you know others will encourage you, too. Read what they write and learn from it. Observe their writing styles and learn from them.

Do more networking with other writers.

Make a serious effort to spend more time in active dialogue with other freelancers. There are a large number of writers seriously interested in networking. Networking helps to build community and ultimately enhances the efforts of an entire group of writer’s. 

Let everything that you write, manifest the love of God and one another, at its core.

It is love that brings healing, health and wholeness to a readership. In expressing your love for others, you will find that they express theirs for you, too. Always stay positive and constructive. If you are dealing with problematic issues and concerns, offer a creative, love-centered solution.  

Remember that following these suggestions is an option that you have. Adding more of your own resolutions might be even better.