1. Blogging is a Journey, not Necessarily a Destination


2. Domain Diet


3. Blogging and Health Concerns


4. Installing a wireless router for a veteran


5. Place the “oxygen mask” on yourself before assisting others

We wish you a Happy New Year and see you next year.

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

I have decided not to post a top posts of the year, because they are already listed on the left hand sidebar under “Popular Posts“. I have also created a “Best of” category, that will continue to be updated quarterly.

Happy 2008 everyone!

Tags: popular+posts, nextsteph, stephanie+cockerl, best+of+2007

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

First, the meaning of Stephanie, means “crown”. I would like to translate it for today’s audience into being empowered and charged to accomplish great things. One doesn’t need a crown or be named Stephanie to accomplish great things. I like to think that I am helping people to be empowered through their websites, but enough about work.

When I was born, it took my folks a week to come up with my name. Stefanie Powers, (from Hart to Hart fame in the ‘80s) was on TV, and that’s how I got the name, without the “f” but the “ph” instead.

In addition to famous Stephanies, I also want to acknowledge a few notable Stephanies who I am proud to share the name.

Stephanie Agresta, (who also has a birthday soon) I met virtually online several years ago. We have seen each other online and then finally met in person at a product launch event. I refer to her as the “Affiliate Diva” as she literally built multiple affiliate program for many companies.
Stephanie Fierman, who was recently profiled in ClickZ, I have met through a client and good friend of mine. She has a breath of knowledge in media and marketing and her insights make me think about my own marketing strategies.

Last but not least, there is a former co-worker of mine who is also named Stephanie. You can read about here in a post I did about networking.

So let’s get today started.

Tags: stephanie, stephanieagresta, stephaniefierman, stefaniepowers, birthday

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

I ordered refills for my notebook. I was tracking my package online and I realize that the package was sent to the wrong post office. I opened my e-mail to double check that I did put the right address on the form. I then called customer service and they said that there is nothing they can do.

It’s not my fault that it was sent to the wrong post office and I now have to go a mile out of my way to pay for someone’s foul up.

Tags: usps, post+office, customer+service

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

I normally try not to complain on the blog, but this is business. I was considering switching web conferencing providers because recent clients sited that they could not see everything on my screen that I was presenting. I attempted to sign up for a free trial from Web Ex. When I entered in information, credit card, etc…, the error message came up that said “System currently unavailable. Please try again later.”

I then called customer service. Customer service, then routed me to a 15 minute wait for Technical Support. When I got them, they told me to login. How can I log into an account when at that stage I am not even a customer? I didn’t have an account and she expected me to login? The more she was talking the more confused I became, so the I hung up in frustration.
So Web Ex, please fix you form. This is the kind of thing that not only cost you leads, but also has an effect on the bottom line.

Tags: webex, customer+service, landingpage, webform

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

Some popular examples of blog hosts with free web hosting include:

• WordPress


• Blogger


• Yahoo 360°

1. Register for a Feedburner Account and enable Feedflare. Feedflare enables subscribers to your blog to share blog posts by emailing and bookmarking them. For those familiar with HTML, Feedflare can also provide you with code to place beneath every post.


2. Place a feed of your blog on other sites. If you have a MySpace account or a FaceBook account, you can publish your blog’s feed in other places. Springwidgets lets you do just that. Check out the WildWE’s MySpace page for an example.


3. Write good content. I’ll tell anyone don’t post and comment for the sake of it. Post and comment with a purpose and be genuine.


4. Build a community. Make friends online (and off). Tell others about your blog (unless you are blogging anonymously). Find others who are blogging about similar topics and connect with them. Subscribe to their feeds to learn more about your neck of the blogosphere.

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

5. The first 100 impressions;

4. SEO for Webmasters Class is Launched;

3. A Chat with ClickTracks at SES NY;

2. Why do I freelance?

1. Under the Kitchen Sink

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

Most people don’t understand what they are getting into when they are starting a blog. Having a blog is not as drastic as marriage and children. Its like having your own soapbox, yet being able to have and maintain a conversation.

I understand life gets in the way, sick days, real-life social obligations, family obligations, etc. Just start simple. One can commit to posting weekly, bi-weekly , or monthly. Lately with me, its whenever the mood strikes me. Also one has to pay attention and keep up and respond to comments.

The blog designer/developer does not necessarily have the expertise or experience to write about your topic of choice. As a blog builder and developer, I admit that my writing can always use some work.

For those of you in search of inspiration and tips, Darren Rowse of ProBlogger recently had 7 Days to Rediscover your Blogging Groove.

The other option is to find a copywriter with with experience in the topic. Just make sure that they are able to convey and maintain your genuine voice in the blogosphere.

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.

1. Plan your strategy for a current or upcoming project;


2. Read a publication of choice (book, magazine or newspaper);


3. Listen to an audiobook;


4. Monologue (or mono storming) ideas and jot them down in a notebook;


5. Write your next article;


6. Write your next blog post (Ahem…)


7. Review past checklists and cross out completed tasks.

With these tips, one can put these to action when you are waiting in any scenario.

This post is from Stephanie M. Cockerl's blog, From the desk of next STEPH.