Two days later than I had planned, but here is the first official post on my personal website FALEAFINE dot COM. For some it’s nothing new, but I feel very proud of myself considering how little I knew about the ‘net six-months ago. To be honest, I had solicited the services of my friend Ryan Ozawa, and rambled on in an email conveying my vision. His reply was a simple paragraph with a few directions and a heap of faith in me.
The first thing I needed to do was register my domain. Let’s back up a bit and talk about “branding.” When I first heard the term “branding” I dismissed it because I wasn’t “selling” anything, but when I took a step back and understood the concept that I was the brand the vision of this website began forming. To gain a better understanding of branding, I suggest reading “Elements of a Personal Brand” by social media expert, Chris Brogan.
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” – Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
In this case of personal branding, the name is important. Believe it or not NEENZ dot com is alive and well on the world wide web, and my paycheck name just isn’t befitting of me, therefore one would say by default I chose my last name, FALEAFINE dot COM. But in actuality, it’s probably the most recognized of all of my names in my hometown. FALEAFINE (fah le ah fee ne) is a Samoan surname which loosely translates to “house of women.”
Once I purchased my domain name, I then researched on where to host my site. An insanely social butterfly on the world wide web, Saha suggested I go with Modhosting, but in the end I went with Ryan’s suggestion of DreamHost. I have a lot of respect for Ryan’s knowledge, and besides if I hit a roadblock, his familiarity may be able to create a path for me.
One of the biggest hesitations for me was the cost of having my own website. I’ve been regularly reading Uncommon Cents, and highly suggest it if you’re at all concerned about your finances. It’s an easy-to-understand approach at making the most of your money, and if you’re living in Hawaii then it’s a must read. Lilinoe and I had budgeted for the holidays, as well as this site, however it took many conversations to convince me to hit the “payment” button. Honestly, it wasn’t that expensive, and if I were the NEENZ in my twenties I would’ve spent the same amount on one pair of shoes, so it was a wise investment.
The design of the site may continue to change simply because I’m restless in that sense.
I have retired my INFINITY blog hosted at HawaiiStories.com, and probably won’t import the posts to this website because it’s a new beginning for me. I shall continue to network on the different social media sites as Infinity Pro, it’s a rich source of knowledge.
In the coming year I will share my experiences living in Hawaii from my perspective and the journey of my life which will hopefully encourage you in some way to grab a hold of the reigns and create your own journey.
Fantastic launch! I’m glad to have been of some assistance, but the point was this: It’s all you! Great work.
aloha neenz! I twittered over your url and enjoy your thoughtful intro. I am going to follow your rec and buy those books. Congrats on the launch!
Ryan:
You’re the inspiration to the geek within me, and I thank you for your encouragement.
Always,
NEENZ.
Wow! I’m impressed by your launch, mahalo for the mention of my growing personal finance site (only by the help of others on the ‘Net like yourself will it get to the point I want it to be). You and your family always have such a great story to tell… I want to be there to hear it.
-
Ryan
http://uncommon-cents.net/
@Pua I am a fan of the “dummies” books, somehow it speaks to me. And, I’ll take that as a “self” compliment.
Welcome to my mind!
Ryan:
I wish I had stumbled upon your blog in my teens, so that by my mid-twenties I would have had a better understanding of making better choices with my finances.
You’re always welcomed in our journey!
Aloha friend!
i’m so excited for you!!! <3 i like the look! now i get to add you to my feeds and my links! you gave me something to do while i try to stay awake.
i like the web its awsome and cool.I might even come on here everyday. love amu
Saha:
Thank you you social butterfly!
Awww Amu love you too!
Looking forward to some great stuff on your new site!
wOw! i’m impressed. ur biggest fan is back homey! i’mma try to keep up as much as i can! love u!