Who & What is Jackalope Ranch?
Jackalopes! I’m Lisa, and I’ve always had a thing for Jackalopes. I’ve collected them since I was a kid. Postcards, stuffed plush toys, pewter figurines, plastic jackalope banks, even that silly “Jake the Singing Jackalope” thing!
What drew me to them was the whimsy. They’re mythical, mystical creatures who inhabit the Western US, sing at night, and bring good luck. As a lifelong fan of retro design, and someone who stops at historical markers and roadside attractions (“See the World’s Biggest Groundhog!”), they fit my offbeat sensibilities. I’ve always planned on naming my homestead “Jackalope Ranch,” and since I don’t yet have a literal homestead, I established my virtual homestead as JackalopeRanch.com. Welcome!
About Lisa
I’ve always been a “Creative Type.” And I’ve also always been a “Geeky Intellectual Type.” It’s a weird combination, but perfect for the many roads I’ve traveled in life!
I got started as a Social Media Coach when, after a passionate discussion of the possibilities of online branding, SEO, and relationships, a colleague asked me to help build her online presence. It was such fun for both of us… The combination of my love & excitement for the Internet, for Coaching & helping, and her almost immediate results from what we did gave me the push to offer these services to others.
Business & Management of Creative Entrepreneurial Ventures
My first experience in business was at a very young age. I was the Managing Director and Producer for one of the top Off-Loop theatre companies in Chicago, and turned it into one of the most innovative and respected theatre companies of its time.
In 1991 I successfully developed and brought to market a new consumer product. I created the product concept, drew the designs, wrote the business plan, researched, tested, and implemented innovative manufacturing processes, raised capital, and performed all functions related to a sole-proprietor start-up: customer relations, marketing, budgets, accounting, database design, purchasing, copyrights and trademarks, advertising, direct mail processing, and domestic and international shipping processes… In the process, I studied all aspects of marketing, sales, modality communications, and the psychology of influence.
Coaching & Training
I’ve been a professional coach since 1996, coaching people from all walks of life, including business professionals, athletes, artists, performers, salespeople… In late 1998 I was asked to become the Training Manager for a large Coaching and Training company to help develop and run their coaching program and train their coaches, which I did for over five years. Presently, I coach entrepreneurs, performers, and others on a project-by-project basis.
Along came the Internets!
I got my first computer in 1992, and signed up for AOL soon after. Oh, how I love the internet!!! In 1994 I became an AOL Community Leader, hosting online chats and moderating discussion boards. I taught myself HTML, and my first website was created as a non-commercial information resource for the chatrooms, has been referenced in peer-reviewed journals and linked as resource by respected medical sites (including Mayo Clinic and WebMD), and is still in existence to this day.
The interweb and how it works are what I love and what I read about, talk about, and do every day.
Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in all aspects of the online world: Web Design, Blogs and blogging, Google AdSense, AdWords, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), affiliate programs, traffic generation, BBS (Bulletin Board Systems) communications, WordPress, and Social Media. I’ve been a moderator on online Discussion Boards since 1994, building, supporting, and nurturing communities of like-minded people.
In short, what I love most and have done throughout all my careers is to help people get from where they are to where they want to be.
I’m proud to say that I’ve helped thousands of people over the years. My goal in business has not necessarily been the financial success aspect, it’s always been about the creativity of it and helping others be happy and get what they want.