We recently had the chance to connect with Donna Werking and have shared our conversation below.
Donna, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important aspect of your business. You either have integrity or you don’t. Integrity is something that’s instilled during your youth, and in business, it should be threaded through your brand, your team and the core of your operations.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My professional career began as the Director of Corporate Sales & Partnerships for a professional sports team. The experience paved the way for my career in marketing. After three years, I free-lanced for 5 years as a consultant and I quickly identified a growing demand for digital and social media marketing. By 2015, Northern AZ Social, LLC was born, and has evolved into a premier, full-service agency that specializes in traditional, digital, and social media marketing. In 2021, Northern AZ Social, LLC was named 10 Best Social Media Agencies in Arizona. My talented team and I are recognized for their customized programs for a multitude of clients across northern Arizona. In 2022, we were named TOP 3 marketing agencies in Arizona by SocialAppsHQ and I was also featured on PBS’s Road Trip Nation as an Arizona leader in the marketing industry.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My family decided to move when I was 15 years old. I decided that I didn’t want to change schools for the fifth time, so I stayed in Delaware. They moved back to Arizona. I eventually graduated and received an academic and volleyball scholarship at Delaware State University. I did eventually find my way back to Arizona but it was early on that I realized if I needed anything in life, I was the only one who could make it happen. I never looked back, embraced my independence, and have been working ever since.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
My entire youth was complicated as we never had stability, however, those experiences made me resilient in many ways. I had a strong work ethic, and failure was not an option. These hardships kept me motivated, and I believe it’s kept me humble. I truly feel these hard experiences contribute to my success today. Success is my reward for never quitting.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
You don’t need a college degree to be successful. If you’re intelligent, willing to learn and work harder than others, the world is yours.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
My accessibility, action and ability to problem solve. Every client is treated equally and all of our clients have my cell phone number. I’m not just their marketing representative, I’d like to think they’re invested in our friendship, too. We are all busy in life, but I make great effort to respond promptly to their needs. They hired my agency to help them reach their goals. We would not be fulfilling their needs if we are not entrenched in their business. We must be as invested as they are. It’s not just a job, it’s their livelihood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northernazsocial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Northernazsocial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnawerking
- Twitter: https://x.com/donnawerking?s=21
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northernazsocial
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC8ExtZy01NeFX0BXVpzJM9Q
Image Credits
Photos by Alex Miller, Northern AZ Social, LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
