We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stacy Cook. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stacy below.
Alright, Stacy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
Navigating the intricacies of workplace technology can be a complex task, and the choice of operating systems and productivity tools can significantly impact efficiency and collaboration. In my previous role at a predominantly Windows and Office 365-centric company, I, as a Mac enthusiast, encountered numerous challenges that extended beyond personal preference.
While I initially believed the transition would be seamless, I found myself grappling with issues ranging from team chat functionalities to document compatibility. The seemingly minor inconveniences, such as difficulties in converting documents and limitations in collaborating with colleagues using Google Docs, gradually accumulated into a source of persistent frustration. These challenges not only affected my overall quality of work but also influenced my mood and stress levels.
This experience underscored the importance of considering the native platforms within a workplace. It became evident that the choice between Windows and Mac is not merely a matter of personal preference but a fundamental aspect that shapes the workflow and collaborative processes within a team. Just as one considers language proficiency when hiring, acknowledging the significance of native platforms is essential for fostering a productive and harmonious work environment.
In conclusion, the lesson learned is that the alignment of technology preferences with the predominant systems in a workplace is crucial. Even when an individual asserts that platform differences are a non-issue, it is prudent for employers to recognize the potential impact on productivity, mood, and overall job satisfaction. This consideration is integral to creating an environment where teams can collaborate seamlessly and efficiently, ultimately contributing to the success of the organization.
Stacy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Stacy Cook Career Summary https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacycook/
Embarking on a journey marked by a steadfast commitment to technological innovation, my career in the digital landscape commenced at In:House:Design, where I served as the Director of Web Development from January 1990 to January 1995. Leading a dynamic team, I oversaw the creation of bespoke websites and applications in Lexington, KY, ensuring timely delivery and surpassing client expectations at the very cusp of the invention of the internet all while attending the University of Kentucky full-time.
While in academia, I became the Computer Lab Administrator at the University of Kentucky Microlabs from January 1993 to January 1995, managing the largest computer lab on campus and addressing diverse technical issues on networking, printing, Unix, Next, Windows, and Mac operating systems. After this time, I also played a pivotal role in establishing a robust customer service department for Mikrotec for the entire eastern half of Kentucky, overseeing software distribution and support for dial-up modems. I laid the foundation for efficient operations before transitioning to a role as a New Media Developer at Mikrotec from January 1995 to January 1997. Working with very high-end client corporate websites including Mark Cuban’s Broadcast.com, Bulleit.com bourbon, and many more.
During my tenure as a Web Developer at Host Communications / Total Sports from January 1997 to January 1998, I was instrumental in client relationship management, resulting in the generation of substantial revenues. Managing websites like FinalFour.Net, NCAAChampionships.com, UKAthletics.com, UKSports.com, UTSports.com, BIG12sports.com, BreedersCup.com, QuestNet.org, Rawlings.com, HoopItUp.com, TexasFootball.com, ISPAConference.com, ExperienceiSpa.com, IFWTO.org, TexasSports.com, USCSports.com, NATOnline.com, TexasStore.com, Limo.org, MarchtoMarch.com, ToyotaGolfSkills.com, NCAAFootball.net, MAACSports.com, OVCSports.com, PolksPearls.com, GolfSkillsChallenge.com, and HostCommunications.com
Following this, I entered the startup realm, taking on the position of Vice President of Development at iHigh.com from January 1999 to January 2001. In this capacity, I played a key role in the establishment of a standardized high school sports statistical LIVE state reporting. Specifically, my contributions involved the development of custom live stat software designed for real-time box score entry. Additionally, I led the creation of SchoolToolz, a comprehensive Content Management System (CMS) tailored for every high school in the USA at the state level, and served as the iHigh.com national portal. This initiative aimed to provide a centralized platform for high schools across the nation, further enhancing iHigh.com’s position as a leader in high school sports coverage and statistical tracking.
In 2002, I began on an entrepreneurial journey by founding Edit-X, serving as the CEO until July 2012. Overseeing key partnerships and spearheading the development of Edit-X software, I achieved remarkable success, with flagship projects like FinalFour.net receiving 14 million hits in the first year and 20 million the next in the single month of March. 40 million views in March 2003 before the rights were purchased by CBS. To ensure seamless website performance, we integrated with AT&T for server mirroring and load balancing. Managing over 300 monthly subscribers and building thousands of websites, Edit-X was the first CMS to integrate content management and an e-commerce shopping cart without custom integration before WordPress existed.
Next, I assumed the role of Director of Search at Global Personals, the largest privately held dating company worldwide, from August 2008 to May 2013. In this capacity, I was responsible for over 13 search team members, managing an annual Google Ad spend of over 4.5 million and a 1 Million SEO budget, overseeing more than 13,000 websites, several of which were top 300 Alexa sites, and managing millions of pages and users monthly. Additionally, I developed my own AI language model before AI was well known. During this tenure, I also served as a consultant to World NetMedia & RK NetMedia.
In May 2013, I took on the mantle of Chief Executive Officer at Vero Beach Marketing, where I led the company from Vero Beach, Florida, providing tailored digital marketing solutions to clients across industries. Specializing in digital marketing training, SEO, PPC, social media management, mobile development, and email campaigns, I have worked with a distinguished clientele, including AccuWeather, Luther Auto, Twin Vee, and several of the top 10 realtors (specifically the #1, #2 and #3 realtors by sales) in Indian River County at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida, Sotheby’s International, Premiere Properties, Remax, and more. I was the single marketing person from start to finish for ChowCab, a food delivery service until they company sold to Bite Squad and similarly Sea Turtle real estate brokerage until they sold to Sotheby One InternationaI, also managed Google Grants for numerous non-profits, at one time managing 1.3 million a month in Google ad spend. Notably, I personally developed the corporate website for business.accuweather.com, which is still live to this date.
Simultaneously, as the Managing Director of Vero Vine since March 2013, I have overseen all aspects of the platform, fostering community engagement and showcasing the best of Vero Beach through positive news, personal stories, and local resources. Vero Vine boasts 24,598 weekly email subscribers, 2,667 monthly business manager subscribers, and 1,800 weekly event manager subscribers, sending over 100,000 emails monthly. Vero Vine also hosts the largest online events calendar for Indian River County. Furthermore, our sister community, Vero Beach Foodie, recently celebrated reaching 30,000 very active members as of November 1, 2023. Vero Beach Foodie is the largest local foodie group on the East Coast. Both platforms operate as non-profits, providing free marketing and advertising for all Indian River County businesses.
Continuing my journey, in October 2023, I assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Starling Support, a groundbreaking company dedicated to empowering businesses in the dynamic realm of digital advertising. Leading the company from Vero Beach, Florida, I have been instrumental in driving its mission to ensure the success of agencies, business owners, and marketers. Starling Support is the first-ever support company to offer premium Google Ads support. The journey at Starling Support has been marked by key achievements and initiatives, including the introduction of the “Optimizer Handbook,” a comprehensive guide to Google Ads optimization. This book, accompanied by a companion product known as the Download Bundle, offers clients invaluable resources for precise Google Ads management. Spearheading innovative solutions and establishing support partnerships, I have focused on a client-centric approach, emphasizing success as a priority. The initial support ticket for Starling is now offered free of charge, allowing potential clients to experience premium Google Ads support without financial commitment. This comprehensive journey underscores my commitment to advancing in the digital marketing landscape, contributing innovations, and ensuring success at every step. The main goal of this new venture is to spread my wealth of knowledge beyond my local and national community and help marketers save money and improve their skills worldwide. We just recently sold a copy of the Optimizer Handbook in Spain.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Absolutely, my Goog Reads…
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1875301-stacy
A journey that spans classic novels to cutting-edge business insights, my reading list has been a compass guiding my professional trajectory. George Orwell’s “1984” instilled a sense of vigilance in navigating complex landscapes, while Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” offered profound wisdom on personal destiny. In the realm of business strategy, Dan Brown’s “Angels & Demons” and Malcolm Gladwell’s “Blink” provided perspectives on critical thinking and decision-making.
As I delved into the intricacies of consumer behavior, Martin Lindstrom’s “Buyology” became a gateway to understanding the truths and lies behind why we buy. Larry Bossidy’s “Execution” instilled discipline in getting things done, a principle echoed in James C. Collins’ “Good to Great,” which explored the transformative journeys of companies and by far the most influential. Meanwhile, David A. Vise’s “The Google Story” delved into the technology success shaping our era.
In the realm of personal development, Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” became a cornerstone, fostering effective communication. Shifting gears, John Grisham’s legal drama in “The King of Torts” captivated, showcasing narrative power. This was most mesmerizing.
The fantasy realm, as portrayed in Raymond E. Feist’s “Magician: Apprentice,” broadened horizons, while Haemin Sunim’s “The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down” provided a serene counterbalance in a bustling world.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building Social Communities the Organic Way
The journey of building an audience on social media for Vero Vine and Vero Beach Foodie was a unique venture, driven by a genuine passion for community and a commitment to creating something of value. In contrast to previous corporate experiences where the focus was solely on accumulating numbers, this endeavor was about organic growth and establishing authentic connections.
The fundamental shift in approach was to build communities with a pure intent, offering something valuable without any underlying agenda. There were no charges, no corporate motives, just a genuine desire to create spaces that people found meaningful. This proved to be a critical departure from traditional corporate strategies, where the emphasis was often solely on the accumulation of users, and these initiatives frequently fell short.
In the case of Vero Vine and Vero Beach Foodie, the journey was characterized by a commitment to organic growth and the development of communities that could sustain themselves. The initial phase required active seeding, hard work, and engagement with the community. However, the pivotal moment came when the communities reached a tipping point, allowing them to evolve and grow autonomously.
This experience holds a valuable lesson for anyone looking to build a social media presence. The key is to create something larger than oneself, a community or platform that provides genuine value. While the initial stages may demand dedicated effort and engagement, there comes a point where the community gains momentum and begins to thrive on its own. The lesson is clear: focus on building something authentic, and the audience will naturally follow. It’s a testament to the power of genuine connection and community building in the realm of social media and online platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://verovine.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/vero_vine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeroVine
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacycook/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vero_vine_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/veroviner
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/verofoodie/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/verofoodie/ https://verofoodie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/vero_foodie/ https://www.youtube.com/c/VeroBeachFoodie https://twitter.com/verofoodie?lang=en
Image Credits
Tamara Darress at Glitter Glam Studios