Perseverance is key to success. Service comes before self. Most importantly, "don't hit reply all." These are just a few adages found in the rhyming lines of San Ramon's new poet laureate, Elaine Betts.

British-born Betts was named the city's poet laureate on Feb. 23, and will be speaking at city-sponsored events this year. As a volunteer for the city, she plans to promote the arts, and poetry in general.

One of Betts's goals is to coordinate workshops for senior citizens who would write memories and stories for a book project. "[Seniors] have such tremendous stories, and I think frequently people don't listen to them, " says Betts.  She already has the book title picked out -- "Senior Moments" -- and says sales profits may be contributed to a senior charity.

Another potential poetry project could be made by promoting a poetry contest among teenagers, says Betts.  

San Ramon's laureate wrote her first poem at age 8 but, until about three years ago, she rarely shared her poetry with others. She made an exception for friends and family who were going through tough situations: "Poetry can be a great way to release emotions," says Betts. Today Betts enjoys having her poems heard, which motivated her to apply for the poet laureate position.

Although Betts clearly has a creative side, she's a business woman by day. Betts owns a consulting business, "Go Far Consulting," where she works with start-ups and sales teams to create top performing professionals.  

Her business know-how shines through her poetry. To date, she's written 36 poems about business, which discuss everything from the importance of mentors, time management, goals and sales tips. She even wrote a poem about using the telephone. She hopes to publish all of these poems later this year in a book aptly named, "The Poetry of Business."

Writing on the theme of business comes naturally to Betts, as that's her trade. "I've just always been an entrepreneur at heart," she says. Before she went into consulting seven years ago, she worked in financial services. She met her husband while working in the pharmaceutical industry, and has a formal education in microbiology.

Betts grew up in England, but has lived in the San Ramon Valley for 14  years, longer than anywhere else.  "I love the valley's whole community, there's something very special here," says Betts.

When she's not writing a poem or working at her consulting business, she's listening to music or playing soccer with local moms.