The key to success in any business relies a large part in your ability to market your product or service. Often MBA students spend years studying marketing as it encompasses and relates to nearly all business operations. If you own a small business you know the value of marketing, even if you do not have an MBA or a specialized MBA in Marketing.

One thing I found helpful in our company was to thoroughly outline what steps we would take to market our products and services. Our company is a franchise company, which specializes in mobile car washing. Although our company which generally provided services with only a few actual products, this marketing outline will help you design an over all marketing strategy for your company. You need one, even if you are a small company and one-man or Woman show.

It helps to draw on past experiences and to think on things, which worked in getting new clients. Ask yourself where have my best clients come from, because obviously you would like to get many more of those. Here is a sample outline we used; yours will be different of course but if you print this out and then make comments in the margin, then redesign yours to fit your specific knowledge, expertise and business model you will be able to use this as a launching board to designing a World Class Marketing Manual.

MARKETING MANUAL

I. FREE PUBLICITY

A. Newspaper

B. Radio

C. T.V.

D. Cable

E. Newsletters, email newsletters

F. Publicity Stunts

II. FUNDRAISERS

A. Credit Cards Pre-Paid

B. Give aways and fundraising events

1. Social Booster Clubs

2. Churches

3. Non-Profit Groups

4. Student Groups

5. Service Clubs

C. Walk-A-Thons

D. Bike-A-Thons

E. Dollar Distribution

F. Co-Offers (Other Businesses)

G. Publicity

H. Marketing Opportunities

III. FAX, E-MAIL MARKETING

A. Fax Lists and E-mail lists

B. Fax On Demand

C. Fax Etiquette and the Law, Do Not Registries

D. Sharing Faxing and servers

E. Sharing Lists

IV. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A. Membership Drives

B. Neighborhood Watch Programs

C. Red Ribbon Week

D. Internet Virtual Stores

E. Door Prizes

F. Open Communications

V. PROMOTIONS

A. Car Wash Clubs, Customer Discount Clubs

B. Fleet Sales and Corporate Discounts and Programs

C. Ride Share Programs

D. Corporate Employee Program

E. Coupon Books

F. Gift Certificates

G. Good Fax Letters

H. Detail Direct Sales Coupons

I. Bingo Certificates

J. Ladies Day

K. Run For City Council or sponsor a small business candidate

L. Contests

VI. CO-OP

A. Types Of Businesses

B. Domino’s Pizza

C. Car Clubs

D. Kinko’s

E. Other Franchises

F. Leads From Franchisor

G. Distribution

H. Reasons And Savings

I. Potential Contacts And Referrals

VII. SALES

A. Franchisor

B. Teams

C. Methods

D. Mail

E. Phone

F. Faxing

G. Rainy Days

H. Competition

I. Direct Sales/Telemarketing

J. Competition

K. Contract Selling

L. Employee Sabotage

VIII. ADVERTISING

A. Yellow Pages

B. Newspaper

C. Radio

D. Newsletters

E. Programs

F. T.V.

G. Cable

H. Signage

I. Flyers

J. Distribution

K. Key Chains

L. Pens-Pencils, refrigerator magnets

M. Word Of Mouth

N. Press Releases

Source by Lance Winslow

To many people the answer to this question would be a resounding “YES”. Are marketers really concerned with the welfare of their customers, or are they more concerned about the ‘bottom line’ of the organization they represent? I read of one example of an official in the Swedish office of Coca-Cola who says her goal is to get people to drink Coke for breakfast instead of having orange juice. Is that in the best interest of the consumer?

A change is coming, and has already started, in how consumers and organizations must view the marketing profession; a more ‘holistic’ approach towards consumers is required. In that regards companies must consider all aspects of their relationship with the consumer, not just their own goals.

Many may ask “is there a place for ethics in marketing?” In discussing concerns that consumers and advocacy groups have with the apparent lack of concern for consumers’ well being, we must address the challenges that marketers have to ‘self regulate’ and become more socially responsible. This really is no different than what would be expected of each of us: In an organized society it is the responsibility of all to behave ethically. One concern within the marketing industry is that if marketers do not change their ways, and become more socially responsible, they will become subject to more government controls.

The ethical relationship between marketing and the consumer is a key to the success of organizations. Consumers expect to be treated fairly and with respect. Consumers expect that the service they receive from organizations will be reliable, responsive, trustworthy, understanding, and that they are really receiving something of value. They do not want ‘lip service’, unrealistic promises, or misleading offerings. Consumers do not want to be sold products that are inherently bad for them. The ethical implications for marketers are great in meeting these expectations. As more people join the marketing field, especially in the increasingly popular ‘information marketing’ arena, these issues will, and should be, some of the first issues that need addressed.

A new foundation for marketing and the ethical implications of marketers targeting specific groups or segments of consumers is needed. Companies have targeted specific segments of consumers that they feel will provide them with the greatest returns, sometimes to the exclusions of others. Some consumers feel that marketers do not care at all about what happens to them once they purchase a product and that this caveat emptor, or ‘let the buyer beware’ theory of marketing is, and must, rapidly be dismissed.

Markets must become more concerned with the needs and wants of the consumer, but they must still keep in mind the overall goal of the company. This unfortunately creates a conflict between the priorities of the marketer, the needs and wants of the consumer and the goals of the organization (Profits), and is the basis for much of the confusion and concerns about ethical marketing practices. To overcome the challenges that this presents organizations, and to some extent consumers, all involved must take a more holistic, or all encompassing view of the marketing process. Ethical decision making for businesses will require them to take an “enlightened self interest” approach to serving the consumer, to insure that there marketing practices are ethically sound.

Consumers also must bear some responsibility to become more self aware and informed about the products they purchase and use. For those with the ability to make rational choices, consumers must take actions and research the products they buy; they must develop an awareness of their needs, as opposed to their wants, and make appropriate decisions concerning the directions their consumptions take them. If consumers expect organizations to treat them with respect, and provide a level of service consistent with their needs, they must do their part.

Service is really the art of offering a consumer more than just the product they are purchasing. Part of that offering is to provide consumers with the assurance that what you are marketing to them is based on ethically sound principles: Do organizations treat their customers with respect? Are they honest and forthright in their communications with consumers?

As awareness of consumer rights increases, and advocacy groups increase pressure on organizations and governments, the priority that organizations must place on the ethical implications of their marketing programs will only increase. In the service industry the relationship between the consumer and the service provider is all that matters. If the consumer perceives that they are being treated unethically they will go elsewhere. But, not only will they leave, they will take with them as many others as they can. The risk that organizations face by treating their customers/clients unethically is too great to let this happen.

Source by James Stephenson

A Social event contriver can support you in taking charge of the events but you may still demand your friends around at some point in this time. You sure need a committee of friends for your wedding here. This can be made up of your very close acquaintances that would support you to have a remarkable wedding.

To start a committee of friends for your wedding, name your closest friends in a list. Communicate to each of your friends that you are counting on them to make your wedding day worth remembering. As a member of a social organization, you may not find it hard to get other members to become members of your committee of friends.

Before you conclude on engaging a committee of friends for your marriage ceremony, you need to determine what purpose they will play in the wedding. The wedding concept you have will influence the duties of your friends.

You may decide to set up your wedding planning committee of friends to assist you in the following areas: Assist you with finance, decorate the wedding for you, provide supplies needed, joining the bridal group in uniform and engaging in other necessary activity. It is important to note that your committee of friends is a potential wedding and event planner for you.

However, you do not have to rely on a committee of friends completely because they may disappoint you. What I have in mind is that there are some times when our human efforts cannot take care of certain undesirable events in our lives. Apologies could be made by your friends in the course of the wedding preparations.

Hence, you must have an alternative plan for successful wedding.

Source by Sunny William

In today’s age of internet marketing, banners and posters might seem a little outdated. But you will be surprised to know the amount of publicity these traditional marketing tools generate. Among them, roll up banner stands are probably one of the more convenient and easy modes of advertising. With proper design and frame, they can catch the eye of even the most uninterested person and generate curiosity. They are reusable and mobile, making them one of the most widely used printed marketing tools.

This article will give you some information on how roll up stands can be effectively used and also their advantages and disadvantages.

Design and Content

If you want to use roll up banner stands for advertising, you will have to get your design, content and graphics spot on. People are more used to television commercials, GIF animated image containing emails, pop-up ads, SMS, etc. A recent study revealed that out of 10 people who cast their eyes over a banner, only one will read it properly, two will scan the headline and the other two will only look at the pictures or the pattern. The other five move on because they do not find the advertisement interesting.

Make sure you add some attractive pictures in the roll up stands that you use. But do not go overboard and add pictures out of context of what you are trying to promote, just to generate curiosity. Consumers expect providers to be honest and forthcoming with their offerings. Use some catchy lines to attract people, preferably a humorous one. Everyone appreciates a good laugh. Before penning down the content, think for a moment from the point of view of a consumer. Write what they want to hear, highlighting the positive points and advantages.

Advantages of Roll Up Stands

There is no limitation to what you can print on roll up banner stands. Today, technology has improved so much that you can print even photographic images on plastic sheets used in these roll up stands. Also, the print will not fade with time. The size of the banner is also not a constraint as stands of varying sizes are available and you can choose the one that suits your banner.

Another advantage of these roll up stands is the flexibility in their usage. As the name suggests, these stands can be conveniently rolled up and stored when not in use. Transporting them is also very easy as they are light weight and easy to carry. They can be set up on any flat surface. The same banner stands can be used for multiple events also. All you have to do is to remove the existing banner and attach any new banner you want. Obviously, the size of the new banner must match with the size of the stand.

Roll up banner stands also come in a variety of designs. There is the normal aluminum casing and the aluminum support structure with black plastic ends. Although simple, this design is very elegant and goes very well with any banner color that you choose. These days, even plastic banner stands which come in different colors are available.

Source by Barbara Jane Radcliff

The customs followed by Sikhs during their wedding ceremonies are more or less similar to those practiced by the Hindus.

Pre Wedding Rituals

Like all other weddings, shopping is an integral part of a Sikh matrimonial. Sikhs begin their shopping for the wedding with the purchase of Rumalla Sahib – a set of four pieces of cloth that are beautifully embroidered and are used to cover the Granth Sahib. In a Sikh wedding, a lot is spend by the bride`s maternal grandparents and uncles on clothes and jewellery. They also host a meal during the wedding ceremonies.

Kurmai or Engagement:

The engagement ceremony or kurmai is usually a family affair. The bride’s family visits the groom’s house with gifts that include sweets, clothes and jewellery. The bride`s father gifts the groom a gold ring, a gold kara (bangle) and gold mohre (coins). Later on, these coins are strung into a black thread and given to the bride. She wears this around her neck and it is akin to the mangalsutra which is worn by Hindu women. But amongst Sikhs, this thread is worn by brides only during special occasions.

Chunni ceremony or the wedding veil:

After the engagement, it is time for the groom’s family to visit the bride’s house. For this ceremony, only close relatives and friends of the bride and the groom are invited. The groom’s mother and aunts give the bride a phulkari (traditional embroidery of Punjab) chunni. In this ceremony, the groom’s mother applies mehendi or henna on the palms of the bride. She is also given jewellery and clothes. Till sometime back, Sikh weddings were a long drawn out affair and after the engagement or Kurmai, the bride and the groom were confined to the house till the actual wedding took place. However, the trend has changed now and this period of confinement is just a day. Maiyan (when the bride and the groom wear just normal clothes to look brighter on the wedding day) signals the beginning of the confinement among the ladies of the household singing songs to the beat of dholkis (drums).

Vatna Ceremony:

The vatna ceremony takes place just a few days before the wedding. In this ceremony a paste of turmeric, sandal, cream and rosewater, called ubatan, is applied on the bride’s body. Under the shade of a bagh (a piece of handmade cloth with phulkari embroidery), the bride is scrubbed clean. Bagh is a piece of hand-made cotton cloth with phulkari work. A similar kind of ceremony takes place in the house of the groom as well.

After that, Mehendi is applied on the hands of the bride and other girls of the family too apply mehendi, which is followed by singing and dancing.

The Wedding Day:

A Sikh wedding usually takes place before noon.

On the wedding day, the groom’s sister-in-law (bhabhi) and other female relatives go to a gurduwara and fill a gharoli (earthen pitcher) with water. The groom uses this water to take bath. A similar ritual is performed at the bride`s house as well. After taking bath, she is made to wear the chura that constitutes of 21 red and white bangles. Then she adorns her bridal attire, which is a heavily embroidered salwar-kameez or lehenga-chunni

Meanwhile the groom’s side gets ready to leave for his bride’s house or where the matrimony ceremony has to take place. He usually wears a brocade ashcan (long coat) or a suit. When everyone is ready to leave, the groom’s sister-in-law (bhabhi) applies surma (kohl) in his eyes and the groom gives her money as a token of love.

The baraat arrives at the bride’s house or the location of the wedding amidst singing and dancing. The family members of the bride welcome the baraat. This small reception is called milni. A raagi (professional bard) recites the holy verse. Gifts are exchanged by the members of both families. After that, the groom is taken inside and this is the time for the bride’s sisters and friends to engage him in a session of teasing.

Then the actually wedding ceremony takes place. The families of both the bride and the groom assemble at the gurudwara. Raagis (professional bards) sing asa di var or the morning hymn. The couple is made to sit in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. The priest first recites the various obligations of a married life. After that, he sings the hymns of marriage from the holy book. During lawaan, the groom and the bride hold one each end of the scarf, which is usually of pink color. The bride is led by the groom around the Granth Sahib. After the fourth round, the groom and the bride are pronounced as husband and wife. All those who are assembled bless the couple and give them gifts and shagun. A big and lavish feast follows the ceremony of lawaan.

Source by Sukhpreet Kaur Sawhney

Hi, we are back again with more promotional plans. Our ’50 Promotional Plans’ have been compiled to help retail businesses reach out to their target market more effectively. Since there are so many creative promotional models out already, retailers can use the best fit to get the maximum visibility, better cost-effectiveness, improve branding and achieve greater sales.

We had previously discussed promotional ideas such as Happy hours, Free trials, Customer care, Complimentary products, Group discounts, Cross promotion, Motivational offers, Fun offers, Group offers, Free service, Spares with product, Selling attractive packages, Freebies, Free shipping, Referral schemes and Block renewals. These promotional ideas were well received by our readers and now we are back again with the next 15 schemes for you.

1) Senior Citizen Discounts: Special discounts for senior citizens, a gradually increasing segment with specific needs, is a great idea. In fact, there is a site entirely dedicated to this segment – seniordiscounts.com. Through senior citizen specific schemes you can promote any product or service that senior citizens may need and build a whole new market segment. For example Super Religare Wellness had a scheme where it gave 10% off to all senior citizens. Even Ayurcare offered special discounts to senior citizens for its therapies and detoxification programs.

2) Discounts to Niche Customers: Select the target segment you wish to focus on – say, a particular membership card holder that suits your profile – and offer them a discount. For example, a top end restaurant providing discounts to Club Mahindra holders would bring exclusive focus to an attractive, new segment.

3) Tie-ups with Banks: A tie-up with banks to provide special discounts for customers who use their bank cards at your retail outlet provides access to many potential customers at negligible cost. Several banks are ready to do this.

4) Early bird customers: How about early bird schemes where customers get special discounts for buying early? Such schemes prod customers into buying early to avail the discount. From travels to wellness centres and even corporate training programs, early bird incentives are always a great way to promote your products and services. Wild Frontiers, an adventure travel site offered a 5% discount for early bird registrations while VITS Wellness Centre, Andheri offered a limited period special discount for early bird couples.

5) Reward the customer for his efforts: Reward your customer for the efforts they put in for their own good. ‘Fitness First’, a fitness centre, rewarded its customers for losing each kilogram, with a Rs. 500 discount for each kilogram lost.

6) Use short codes effectively: Let your customers participate in an on-the-spot contest, and in the process get their mobile numbers too. Give a freebie or a discount to whoever participates in the contest. Subway used this scheme by asking customers to enter a contest: Subway gets the customers contact details such as mobile number and email id while customer gets discounts or freebies.

7) Special Event promotion: A special event such as an anniversary, festival or a special day like Valentine’s Day is a great time to offer a promotion scheme. Give a special discount to anyone who registers or buys on occasions such as Children’s day, Mother’s day, Father’s day, Teacher’s day etc. For example Gold’s gym offered a special discount for couples who joined the gym on Valentine’s day and Big Cinema gave away free tickets for women patrons on Woman’s Day.

8) Price guarantee: When real estate prices are falling and people do not buy because of uncertainty, a promotional scheme that offers to pass on the price benefit in case of lower prices in the future, drives sales. A limited period offer for those who book during the period, protects those from future price fluctuations. Aparna Constructions in Hyderabad has offered such a promotional scheme in view of the uncertainty in the real estate market to assuage fears of the customers and provide them with a window of opportunity to invest.

9) Surprise gift: Offer a surprise gift along with a service. Getting something free in the most unexpected of times always remains etched as one of the most memorable experiences for customers. It does not matter whether it is a small gift or a big one, what matters is that you have made the customer feel like the lucky one. For example Jaipan sells a combo package of home appliances such as a vacuum cleaner, toaster, blender and roti maker and throws in a a surprise gift!

10) Social causes: If your service has a social element to it, offer a promotional pricing with it. For example, Times Matrimonials, offers a discount for those who wish to advertise in their matrimonial column without a dowry requirement (or without a caste and religion bar). Similarly they offer discounts for senior citizens and widow/widowers and differently abled customers.

11) Environmental cause: A environmental cause like energy efficiency could focus on a specific scheme targeted at its customers. For example the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in India had called for a specific segment, the BPOs, to provide a star rating for BPO buildings for energy efficiency. To promote the scheme, the Bureau has announced a waiver of a hefty registration fee of Rs. 1 lakh for the first 100 applicants!

12) Buy more, get more: Buy 1 item get 10% off, 2 items and get 20% off and 3 items and get 30% off. The more you buy, the greater the discount you get. ‘Allen Solly’ offered this deal in Chennai for its menswear and women’s wear sections. Similarly Bombay Dyeing did this for its bed sheets!

13) Old for New: This is an attractive scheme especially in times when consumers are buying more. Every thought of replacement comes with the problem of what to do with the old. Big bazaar has launched a scheme where the customer can take the old and exchange it for new stuff. It takes care of two problems for the customer – getting a new product and getting rid of the old.

14) Establish a strong relationship with your customer: To find out who is buying your products and to establish a relationship of trust with them is what all retailers wish to do. Ranbaxy offered an innovative promotion scheme of a scratch card + SMS for its medicines. When customers buy medicines, they are provided with a scratch card that has a unique code, which must be SMSed to Ranbaxy. When the customer purchases the same medicine three times and SMSes the unique code each time, he gets a PIN, which he can use to get the fourth medicine free. Ranbaxy also provides the option to the customer of receiving reminders on taking the medicine – a nice way of being in touch with the customer and reinforcing the thought that you care.

15) Attractive add-on charges: A nominal Re. 1 charge for a normal service such as making charges for jewellery attracts customers – even more than a free service campaign. Reliance jewellery recently offered a Re. 1 making charges scheme on jewellery bought at their stores.

50 Promotional Plans First 15

Source by Raghavendra Prasad

As a human, we are guaranteed to do ONE thing during our lives no matter what: we will love. Love is a timeless emotion that can be exciting, deep, passionate and even unwaveringly loyal. But there are also bad things about love: it can cause wars, pain, suffering turmoil.

That’s why, as Christians, we should learn about God’s eternal Love. If we do, then we can do our best to TRULY love people during our lives. Our love can be selfless, instead of selfish. The best place to learn about God’s Love for us is the Bible.

In the Bible, we see that God loved us so much that He gave up his only Son for our sins and us. If it weren’t for this eternal, unconditional act of love, we wouldn’t be saved. Praise God and read the Bible verses below to get a better, more fuller understanding of love!

# 20 – Psalms 42:11

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

The most important message contained in this verse is this: we should not be in despair. Psalms 42:11 tells us that we have no reason to be in despair or cast down. We, people who love and worship God, are saved. We praise Him because He loves us and he gave up His only Son for us. We should rejoice in His love!

Therefore there is no reason for us to be sad! Any time you experience sadness or depression in your life, all you need to do is remind of yourself of God’s undying love for you.

# 19 – Proverbs 5:19

Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

When reading this verse in Proverbs, you must take a step back to truly understand the big picture. It teaches us about being satisfied with our chosen partner in life. We should be satisfied with by the love of this person, as an infant is kept satisfied by its mother’s milk. If the wife loves the husband and the husband the wife, then it is a recipe for happiness.

So remember, when you choose your partner, you should be satisfied both mentally and physically. This should be a person that you respect loves you back. If it is, then you will always be happy in his or her love.

# 18 – Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Sin, strife and negativity are borne out of hatred – this is always the case! But, as this verse in Proverbs tell us, LOVE “covers” of these sins. Love, goodness and happiness will always conquer hatred, evil and sin. That is why every one of us should fill our lives with as much goodness as we can.

Love will heal us, so we should look to God’s love whenever we are in need of healing, support and guidance.

# 17 – Proverbs 13:24

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

If you love your children, you should always endeavor to teach them, even if this means punishing them from time to time. You would be doing them a disservice if you “spared the rod” and didn’t punish them when they did wrong. If you love your family – teach them what is right and good in whatever way you can.

As a parent, it can be hard to scold a child that you love so very much (more than yourself, even). But you must be strong! Teach the child what is good and what is bad – even if sometimes that requires chastisement. They will be better for it.

# 16 – Proverbs 17:17

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

This verse from Proverbs is a little confusing – both a friend and a brother should know love. However, it is a friend’s nature to show love at all times. A brother’s love is different from a friend’s, however. Even though he should love at all times, he should always strive to fight for and protect his brother, even though he may face adversity while doing so.

Therefore, a brother’s love is MORE powerful… even though he might have to endure strife and hardships to protect his kin.

# 15 – Song of Solomon 1:2

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

The Song of Solomon is full of colorful, passionate language about love.This verse is a simple celebration of love at its most basic expression – the kiss! The kiss can unite lovers, families and friends. It is universally understood as an expression of love. Love between two people can be more exquisite and enjoyable than all other earthly pleasures!

# 14 – Song of Solomon 4:10

How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

This is yet another verse in the Book of Solomon that celebrates the simple beauty and joy of love. Although there are many different kinds of love, they all share a similar core that brings us joy. How lucky are those who are able to love God, family and friends!

Love is compared to many pleasing things throughout history: a wine, a flower, a sound or a smell. And even though we can get wrapped up in the poetry of love, we must never forget what a serious, passionate emotion it can be.

# 13 – Song of Solomon 8:6

Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

All of us should be able to wear the love we have in our hearts like badges of honor on our sleeves. Love can be passionate – so passionate that it feels it will outlast even death itself! And although love can inspire jealousy that feels as cruel as torture, it is always worth the risk!

You should be proud of the unconditional love you have for people. It is an amazing thing to have. Every time we love someone we are honoring God’s love for us. Be proud!

# 12 – 1 Corinthians 13:4

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

This verse in Corinthians reminds us that by giving to others we can express our love. Charity, a common expression of love, represents some of the most important things about the thing called love. It is kind, long, it does not envy and it is not concerned with itself. It is completely selfless – a perfect expression of God’s undying love for us.

We should be reminded here that love should be selfless. If we love someone, we should not care to receive anything in return, even if that is something we desperately want.

# 11 – 1 Corinthians 13:13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

This verse in Corinthians reminds us of what we should hold dear in our lives: faith, hope and charity. However, it emphasizes that charity should be the most important. Charity helps others and it is a completely selfless expression of true love. It is the best way to spread the love of God to the people of the world!

Just think of what the world would be like if more people were charitable! It would be a kind, loving place and no one would have to fear. And although there are many very giving people in the world, not all of us are all of the time. We should work more often to be this way!

# 10 – Colossians 3:14

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

This verse in Colossians that teaches us again about the importance of charity – it is the selfless expression of love that we should show the world as faithful Christians. Through charity, we can improve the lives of others without asking for anything in return!

Sometimes it is hard to put this into practice. If we are charitable, then we are not receiving anything in return. We must think about what God and Jesus would do during our days. Would They worry about receiving? Or would They give? Just like Jesus gave up His life for our sins?

# 9 – 1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

This verse in Peter means that if we are repentant, loving Christians… we should try to show love to others. By being charitable, we can show others and God that our love is pure and meaningful. Do your best to make the world a better place when you repent for your sins.

It might not always be easy, but it is best for your life and the lives of others if you are charitable and repentant. Volunteer, be selfless and always put others’ needs before your own.

# 8 – 1 John 3:16

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

This verse is telling us that we should use God’s ultimate example of unconditional love – Him giving up his only Son for our sins – as guidance in our own lives. If God was able to give up His Son for us, we should be able to provide for our brothers and sisters in a similar way.

Every day of your life doesn’t have to be full of extravagant, love-filled gestures, but we should always remember that the least we can do is to treat people with kindness. If God’s Son gave up His life for us, we can act least be nice to our fellow man.

# 7 – 1 John 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Once again, this verse from the Book of John instructs us how to treat the other people in our lives. If we can attempt to love others even a fraction of the way God loves us, we could make their lives and ours better.

That is why keeping God at the center of our lives can improve so much! Our lives can take on a whole new meaning if we try to love our brothers and act like true Christians. We should be filled with love – not hate!

# 6 – 1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Whenever we are truly, deeply in love with someone we shouldn’t feel fear. There is no fear in love – only passion, understanding, and kindness. Fear results in torment, misunderstandings and heartbreak. When we love God and others, we should be faithful in that love.

If we are in love with someone, the worst thing we can do is FEAR. We must let ourselves be consumed by the love. Some people fear change or commitment, but we shouldn’t. Love is a pure, amazing thing. Humans are imperfect and things can happen, but the act of love will always be the same.

# 5 – 1 John 4:8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

This is an extremely important verse in the Book of John. This verse tells us that God IS love. If God is love, and we desire getting closer to God, we should learn to love more deeply and more fully than ever before.

This might be the most straightforward Biblical advice on love in existence. If God is love, then love is good (like God). It is also pure and holy. This is why when we feel love, we need to remember it is sacred. It should be treated with respect – and so should our fellow man.

# 4 – Song of Solomon 8:7

Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

This verse in the Song of Solomon so eloquently defines love – it cannot be drowned and it should be one of the most important things in our lives. Take this to heart when you think about your love for God. This love (and God) should be at the center of your life.

If it is, then you can be strong during times of strife. You can survive against the raging waters and not drown.

# 3 – John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

If any of us were to lay down our life for our loved ones, we would be emulating the greatest act of love of all: Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. If we could put our loved ones first in our life, we could get that much closer to God.

This is never easy to do, but we should always strive to do it. Just think of how a mother would feel about her children: she has an undying, unconditional love for them. If we could express a fraction of that love to more people, we could improve so many lives – even souls.

# 2 – Song of Solomon 2:16

My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

This simple verse in the Song of Solomon summarizes love famously – if you love someone and they love you, you will be in a world so wonderful, as if sweet smelling lilies surrounded you. Now, the real world isn’t fantasy, but true love is real. And when you love, your world can be so much better.

Each one of us has a different mental of image of what love it like – you might think of sweets, flowers, perfumes, silks or passion. But love is a universal language. No matter what it means to each of us, we all feel the same love!

# 1 – Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

This final verse about love from the book of Ephesians is one of the best verses to read when you’re curious about the love in any relationship that you are currently in. It applies to every single one of us and we should take it to heart. Husbands should love their wives and wives should love their husbands – it is simple as that. Relationships can be complicated, but if we can keep unconditional love at the center of our hearts we can make our lives, and the lives of others, so much better.

So learn to love God more deeply and more truly if you want to become closer to Him – if you need help understanding, please read more on GodVine’s online Bible!

Source by Sara Reyes

Before I will start the talk about the net security it’s better to scatter the most stable myth concerning Internet anonymity. No, I do not want to say that people think it is impossible to get any information about a person through the Internet. I mean the next proposition: “I don’t need anonymity because I have no “dark” deals. It must care the hackers…” And now think: is it good when strangers know your home address and want to enter your home without your permission?

They always follow you wherever you go and they try to find out all about you. I’m sure you won’t be happy about it. So, tell me, please, why the majority of Internet users does not care about their security in the Net? Besides, recently more and more resources provide a man with different information according to home location. For example, a lot of US informational business projects do not show the most important data to people outside USA. Is it not fair? Not half! Today we’ll try to correct this unfairness. If you know IP address of a computer you can know a lot of things about its users.

We start with the theory of the nets in general and the Internet in a particular. To be definite, we begin with the rule of addressing uploaded information packets. So, when you type some address in a browser line, the request first of all is sent to the DNS server which transforms the symbol string into the set of 32 zeros and ones (0, 1) – IP address which is used for routing. If an intruder knows that address he/she can hook out a lot of information. For example, real home location. Or with the help of whois service which defines user’s provider easily by his IP address. Well, how can you protect yourself? For that reason you should hide IP address.

Proxy Server

Exploring how to hide IP address with proxy server which is something like a mediator between the user’s computer and the Net servers we have discovered the “betrayer” – IP address which can be deleted in no way because of data routing necessity. But the proxy server sends requests to the web server itself. And it gets all information in return. That’s why at first blush the usage of proxy – anonymity guarantee. But it’s not so easy. It transpired that the majority of proxies sends final user IP address in a special field (x-forwarded-for). Honestly, there are anonymous services but it’s hard to find them. But if you find such a server you can hide IP address and use the Net. By the way, you can check any proxy for anonymity on the site http://www.proxylist.com.

Anonymizers

Anonymizer – an anonymous proxy server which has its own web interface. And it’s very easy to work with it. All you need is go to the site, put necessary address in the special field – that’s it. After that server will hide IP address. Then the requested page downloads. You can be sure that you are secure.

But there are some disadvantages:

1. Download speed of pages can slow down appreciably
2. Most of them are high-priced

Nowadays it’s practically impossible to find a good anonymizer for free. Of cause when they had just appeared nobody could think about selling. Maximum that the owners could allow – to set some advertising banners. Now users do have to pay to stay unnoticed. Incidentally, there are a lot of people who stand on the fact that anonymizers are not legal and should be stopped. But, of cause, it’s flimflam because then we should also stop periwigs industry because criminals use them to change their exterior.

Now we know how to hide IP address, but there are other more effective ways to lurk. The most famous – cookies technology. Frequent, people use Cookies technology in cunning purposes. What is it? Cookie – is a symbol string (4 KB) which a server writes to the specific file on a PC of a user. This technology was developed for convenient Net working. For example, E-shop can remember a user and offer him/her to take a look over some new products according to his/her specific preferences. A special access limitation has been set to save all data confidentiality: only that server that put the data in the cookies can read them in the future. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a piece of cake to bypass it.

Think back, what do you see on almost all web pages in the Internet? That’s right, banners and visitors counters. Aptly, most of these elements are downloaded from their own servers. Therefore a visitation counter script situated on the number of sites can easily write down and read the data from the cookies. As a result a system has an opportunity to follow your web rote or to learn your web habits. And this, in its turn, is the natural lurk. Do you agree? You should Hide IP address! There are different services that can hide IP address but I know for sure just one which uses GUI interface and has no equivalents – Arovax SmartHide.

Arovax SmartHide

SmartHide is a kind of anonymizer but it has no web interface. It uses simple interface and looks like any other software that a user runs everyday. Just one button click is needed to hide IP address. You can Hide IP address for free with this software. There are a lot of services with web interface but it’s a matter of fact that they provide not all what they say. Furthermore, with the simple software like Arovax SmartHide you shouldn’t fill the fields all the time. It will hide IP address absolutely for everything including ICQ, browsers, IRC, Email, FTP, etc.

Socks

Socks technology is a secure tool that provides anonymity in the Internet. We are talking about socks-protocols. A working principle of this technology is similar to the proxy server’s one. A socks-server receives computer user’s data, sends it to the web-server and retargets returned data back. There are several serious differences, truly. First – “communication” between a client PC and a socks-server is served not by the common protocols but by the special ones (socks4, socks5, etc.) As a result user’s IP address transfer is impossible in principle. Moreover, a socks-server transforms the users’ information into requests for the accepted protocols itself. That means that no other server will guess that it sends the data not to the final user but to its mediator. It’s quite enough to download a special utility SocksCap provided by Company NEC USA, Inc. Install it, run it, choose the software which should be secured. (Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox), put in socks-server address and a port. That’s all – now you are in safe while using the browsers.

That’s all there is to it, I guess. I have presented all most famous ways which can be used in order to make a user anonymous in Internet space for today. Of cause, the situation changes all the time and new developments appear each day, that is why if you want to be protected and anonymous while surfing the Internet try to follow the latest news concerning computer security.

Source by Joseph Boyd

The student community, being young and energetic, are a bundle of inflammable material, which at the touch of a spark ignites into a large uncontrollable fire like forest fire. They, being young have no patience, are lively and malleable.

In India, the trend of students actively participating in politics began in the early 20th century, when India was fighting for its freedom. The elders being busy with their bread earning, they actively encouraged the youngsters to enter the arena of politics. Besides, they were young and would be easily enthused to join the mass movement at the drop of a hat. Political parties at that time started enlisting the support of the young students who organized themselves happily, to help one party or the other. This trend started in the early years of 20th century and continued and even expanded up to date.

However, once independence was won, it was to be reconsidered if students should be allowed or couraged to enter politics. Some sections of society now started believing that students should stay away from politics and keep to their study schedules only. While the society kept debating on this issue, the politician took the younger generation as their work cum energy tanks and this participation of students in politics has come to stay.

The present scenario in India is thus a keen struggle of political parties engaged in enlisting support of students. This obviously results in the students getting sharply divided as if they were of this political party or that so much so, even the campus elections become tainted with a touch of politics.

There is of course nothing without advantages and disadvantages, so does this involvement of students in politics. There are both serious disadvantages and may be few advantages too of students being on the centre stage of politics. Disadvantages outnumber the advantages. Firstly, while the students, have primarily entered college for studies they get distracted from their prime objective and become entangled in the dirty game of politics. The energy and time they use or waster in masterminding political moves, could well be used to study. This entry of politics in the premises of educational institutions has caused many a damage to several students. Students have got rusticated owing to their active participation in politics, thus losing their hold on studies. Politics teaches students to put an end to all rules and regulations and become rowdy and violent.

This leads to closure of institutions which again take a toll of students’ study time. The very innocent and loving appearance of children gets lost and they become rude, arrogant and disobedient. When there is too much of hooliganism entering into educational institutions, even police is to be called sometimes and there is utter disorder in the campus and even bullets find their way among the students. The disadvantages of students entering politics are numerous and destructive.

When we study the advantages of this system, they do exist but, are very few and hardly significant. Children entering the arena of politics learn the art of public speaking. They learn to be assertive and impressive. This medium is a good stepping stone to the art of leadership. The important and real advantage is that students in these prime years of life gain a lot of knowledge of politics which gives them training to enter the arena as trained politicians.

After studying the pros and cons of students’ participation in politics, the disadvantages are more damaging than the gains acquired in the sequence. For, all the advantages students gain, can as well be achieved so in other ways also and there is no need for their entry into politics.

Students must stay away from politics and retain their interest in studies which alone can help them steer the ships of their lives.

Source by Arun K

Kouksundo (also Kouk Sun Do or SunDo) is an ancient Korean practice; it was developed by Taoist monks. A combination of meditation and breathing techniques provide the very essence of the art. Kouksundo teaches us how to achieve balance with the rhythm of nature, the energies of the Universe, and our own inner energies. This in turn creates stronger health of body, mind, and spirit.

By learning and using traditional techniques directed at establishing highly optimized overall strength, one embarks upon a journey of growth, and will soon be experiencing improvement within their health and overall life. It may at first sound like big words, possibly with little substance; but in truth, the key to healthy and abundant living lies within having the body, mind and spirit run as a harmonized unit; Kouksundo was built upon this very principle.

A Look at How This Works

The breathing and meditation techniques of Kouksundo teach us to optimize the intake of life-giving Ki (or chi) energy. We learn to store it in centers (danjeons) of the body; we also learn to circulate that pure healing energy via channels throughout the body. Ki energy not only heals, but is also the source of vigor, vitality, and robustness in health.

Kouksundo teaches you how to breathe in the most natural and optimal way for your body. We are at birth equipped with the ability to breathe in this manner, and as we grow we gradually learn inferior ways to do what would best remain as it was. Learning to breathe naturally once again is a key element to lung health, and subsequently to optimizing the distribution of revitalizing energies throughout the body.

Meditation

We can learn basic meditation techniques from just about any source, and with relative simplicity too. But if we take the time to learn the more specific ways of Kouksundo to target meditation towards improving our physical and mental health, we are then taking the initiative to master a highly refined technique that is commonly used in Korea as a healing method, and has been for over 9000 years.

Through practicing Kouksundo one can gain a deeper degree of mental clarity. In daily life, with stress, work, and family issues to deal with; we often get frazzled and that’s when thoughts scatter. By using the meditation practices taught us through Kouksundo, we can learn once again to add focus and solidity to scattered thought patterns.

How Does Spirituality Apply?

On a basic level, Ki energy is the very essence of our spiritual health. And too, meditation is one of the most effective ways to promote spiritual growth.

What Exactly is Kouksundo?

Kouksundo is sometimes referred to as a martial art, and at other times as a meditation technique. The truth lies somewhere in between. When the art was in its infancy, in the mountains of what is now Korea, the practice began as a martial art/healing art combination. There came a time when it was decided that the practice would continue focused entirely upon its healing benefits (which are certainly not limited to meditation alone). This doesn’t necessarily mean that it is not a martial art though, as there are other practices considered martial arts that began as methods of self-defense, then at some point turned to evolve in another direction. They are referred to as martial arts just the same.

Source by Oankar Kundan