About This Blog
Sara Lancaster here. Thanks for visiting the No. 2 Pen blog where I share examples of business websites with sharp website content.Project Hound
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Posts Tagged ‘About Sara’
Introducing the Saucy Dipper
Sunday, May 30th, 2010
I recently launched a new blog called the Saucy Dipper. As the name implies, the site will talk about everything relating to sauces and dips, plus a bit of talk about bacon…because everything tastes better with bacon.
I’ll still be blogging here at No. 2 Pen every week, but if you’re interested in recipes and food humor, check me out over there as well.
Oh, and I’ve started a Facebook group called Lovers and Sauces and Dips Unite. All are welcome, especially those who have their own recipes to share.
Happy dipping!
Talking Goals, Tips, and Blogging with Tracy Doerr
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Last week, Tracy Doerr, a fellow Blogathoner, interviewed me about my experience blogging. It was great fun to sit down and think about what I’ve learned thus far. A big thank you to Tracy for the opportunity.
After completing the questionnaire, I thought I’d ask her a few questions of my own, since I think her Q&A idea is such a great one. Here’s what I learned about Tracy… (more…)
Costa Rica Relaxation Makes for Brighter Business People
Saturday, May 15th, 2010
Today, the fifth and final day of my short series on marketing tips from around the world, we’re visiting Costa Rica. Pura vida!
Marketing tip #1 – Take time to notice something special: Squirrel monkeys
While in Quepos, Costa Rica, at the Manuel Antonio National Park, my husband and I lucked out and saw a group of squirrel monkeys – something rarely seen in this part of Costa Rica. (more…)
Everything Tastes Better with Curry, Even in Marketing
Friday, May 14th, 2010
Today, stop four on our series of posts about marketing lessons I learned while traveling overseas, we’re visiting Thailand. Here you’ll see why ongoing education might just be the best tool to becoming a better marketer…and you’ll get to taste the best chicken curry of your life.
Marketing tip #1 – Take a class: Thai cooking
While in Chiang Mai, Thailand, my husband and I took a Thai cooking class. Yum.
There’s no time like the present to sharpen your skills. Attend writing classes, sales trainings, and social media seminars to stay on top of your marketing game. While there, do a little business networking for added benefit. (more…)
What China Taught Me About Marketing Strategy
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Welcome to the third post in our week-long series of posts on marketing lessons I learned while traveling the world. In this post, I take you through China and talk about my reflections on creating and maintaining a marketing strategy.
Marketing tip #1 – Strategy matters: Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden
Anren Jie, a government official during China’s Ming Dynasty, is the mind behind the Yuyuan Garden. You can bet that he took his time to design and construct this masterpiece, which he did so that his parents would have a serene place to enjoy during their old age. It’s clear that every tree, every rock, and every walkway was placed with intention.
The same goes for marketing. Think strategically in every marketing tactic you undertake to ensure your business stands the test of time. (more…)
What Do a Starfish, Rocky Shore, and Lighthouse Have in Common?
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
A starfish, rocky shore, and a lighthouse all have Aruba in common. Even more specifically, these three items help me to think about marketing in new ways.
This is the second of five posts covering marketing lessons that I took away from an overseas trip last year. Hope you enjoy.
Marketing tip #1 – Don’t confuse a fish for something else: Starfish
Yes, it’s called a starfish, but this sea creature is actually an echinoderm much like a sand dollar.
In marketing communications, it’s important to know the difference between copy that sells and copy that’s overtly self-promotional. Sales copy is written for the reader where as self-promotional copy is written for the writer (the company). Now that you know the difference, focus on writing sales copy.
Marketing Tips from Around the World: Panama
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Last year during the Blogathon I wrote from an apartment in Panama City, Panama, where my husband and I chose to wrap up a ten-month trip. While blogging for the Blogathon again this year, it’s been tough not to think back on those days overseas.
In light of my commitment to blog every day in May and my nostalgia for travel, I thought I’d combine the two. What better way to reminisce than to think about the marketing lessons I learned while traveling?
First edition: Panama
Marketing tip #1 – Take the best of what’s already been done: Red Devil Buses
10 Easy Marketing Tactics You Will Have Fun Doing
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
As small business owners, we often thing about marketing in terms of huge time commitments and expense. But not all marketing tactics need to feel like a chore.
The following list of 10 easy marketing tactics are things I’ve tried and would recommend to any of my clients. Bottom line: Have fun marketing!
- Find a buddy to break the ice. I have found Moby (the beagle) to be a great way to meet other dog lovers in the park and on the street. No, I didn’t get a dog to meet clients and partners for the No. 2 Pen, but being a pet owner has its advantages. Thanks, Moe!
- Keep in touch with your customers and fans with an e-newsletter. A newsletter allows you to share all the great things you are up to. And since your newsletter recipients subscribed to receive it, you can count on the fact that they want to hear from you. There’s no better way to market. No. 2 Pen has a newsletter. Are you on this list? Sign up here: No. 2 Pen Quarterly Sign Up. (more…)
Curious Absence of an Exclamation Mark
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
I mentioned in my post “Twitter Brings Back the Exclamation Mark” that I use the exclamation mark more than ever. After watching a Seinfeld repeat I realized that I’m becoming more and more like Elaine (I always thought I was like Jerry).
Here’s proof that a “relationship can be affected by punctuation.”
An Experiment in Business Networking
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Over the last few months I’ve been networking like crazy in an attempt to meet new people and to find new partners for No. 2 Pen. Because our clients are from all over, most of our business is done via phone and email. It’s been refreshing to meet face-to-face with so many professionals. (more…)