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February 2018
Welcome to News and Notes! After the bold start to the year, it seems things have calmed down so I can focus on deeper work. I hope you'll find that my blog posts are more directly related to problems you face as a small business owner.
I'm best known for my work in helping clients create and maintain their WordPress websites.However, there is much more I can do to help your small business technology! Are you looking for technology that works together and with you? I can help you sort through and figure out what works for you and your specific business. Would you like a better understanding of the technology you use so that you can make changes or hire an assistant? Together we can work through your current systems and write up a guidebook. Are you still using technology you don't like because the thought of migrating is just too much? I can help you evaluate new systems and figure out a migration plan and process. Contact me to get started.
There's also my new project, pen at work, which provides thoughtful ways to manage the chaos of your daily life. Last month I released my first worksheet, which is available at a special introductory rate through the end of this month! That's a separate monthly newsletter landing in your inbox on the last Tuesday of each month, please subscribe if you're interested!
If you're overwhelmed and want to unsubscribe from this monthly newsletter simply follow this unsubscribe link.
Technology moves rapidly so without further ado, let's jump in!
In this edition you'll find:
I hope you find this newsletter interesting and helpful for you and your small business. Please reply and let me know what you think. Thank you.
![/penny]()
ps Once again: here are direct links to unsubscribe or update your profile. They also exist at the bottom of this newsletter. Thanks!
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Links that interest me
This month's topic: UPDATES
Why? This Security proverb from the EFF: The best time to update your software was yesterday. The second best time to update your software is today.
- Software Updates and Why They're Important (eff.org)
- An Introduction to WordPress Security (sucuri.net)
- Security Tip (ST04-006) Understanding Patches (us-cert.gov)
- The Why of Software Updates
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Recent Blog Posts
When I was browsing through the titles of new publications at NetGalley, Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy caught my eye. I knew I’d not read of these women before, I had no idea the amazing and delightful story I was to discover.
Among technology disasters that can plague your business, having your website unavailable can create high stress. It's easy to move into panic and crisis mode unless you have a plan. Here are steps you can take today to help lower your stress
By late January you're jaded from hearing all the latest trend reports with long lists of the things you suddenly need to change so your business is successful this year. You like your technology, why should you care what's making the news as trendy?
I first wrote about passwords in 2011. What's changed in the past seven years? What is important for you as a small business owner?
Everyone is talking about the security threats Meltdown and Spectre. Now I am too. What do these processor vulnerabilities mean for you as a small business owner? Do you need to replace everything and buy new software?
Last week, as I completed my yearly review, I came face to face with the fact that much of my work isn't exactly deep work. That's not to mean that it's not important. It is. This work is essential for my clients; it's why they hire me.
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New Project: pen at work!
Last summer, my world was turned upside down. It was then that I made unexpected discoveries of strength and resilience. This new project, pen at work was born of those experiences. I will teach and share the methodology I use to find order in that chaos known as life. There will be worksheets, tutorials, tools, and eventually workshops. Want personalized attention? Yes, I will continue to offer one-on-one consulting.
Purchase my first worksheet a planning grid for s special introductory price through the end of February.
pen at work: prioritize · evaluate · negotiate, a PEN is all you need.
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WordPress updates of interest
As always, there are updates! Is it important that you read the change logs? No. However, it is important to keep your WordPress system up-to-date. There are often new features that slip-in which can improve how you work. If you have questions or are worried about updating, please contact me!
- Wordpress is at 4.9.4, this maintenance release was updated on February 6, 2018. It addresses severe bug that appeared in maintenance release for 4.9.3. These updates include fixes for Customizer changesets, widgets, visual editor, and PHP 7.2 compatibility.
- WooCommerce is at 3.3.1 and was updated on February 6, 2018 and fixes a few theme-based bugs. Version 3.3, considered a minor release, there are some big changes including a revised orders screen, improved stock management, improvements to image size, and greater theme support and customization.
- Yoast SEO is at 6.2 and was released on January 23, 2018. This release brings more multi-lingual features and includes security hardening.
- Jetpack is at 5.8 and was released on February 6, 2018. This update brings new features to premium customers and also includes lazy loading of images, streamlined code requirements, and more.
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