We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donna Werking a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Donna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
Let me explain. When I entered my first job that I considered a “career”, I worked endless hours and sometimes 14 consecutive days in a row. I was young, ambitious and eager to show everyone that I could do it all. Over time, not only was I working tirelessly for someone else, but in this case, not recognized for the work I was doing. What I did gain was a larger workload with more hats to wear over the three years, but no increase in income.
In 2009, I left my old job and I launched my own free-lance consulting/marketing business. I had established a solid community and client reputation at the former job. These clients referred to me as “The gal who gets things done.” When I went off on my own as a freelance consultant, I had no problem getting clients. In 2015, I launched Northern AZ Social, LLC – a full service marketing agency. Over the years, I have personally grown in my area of expertise in all ways; becoming more efficient with time, adopting new processes, creating new strategies, managing a team and building a desirable culture for both my team and our clients.
So when I’m asked if I’m happier as a business owner, the answer is absolutely YES! A part of ownership is being a leader and a problem solver. I have only grown through any challenge. I am rewarded every day because my efforts are now rewarding me and my team, 100%.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you tell us what sets you apart from other marketing agencies?
I am most proud that my agency has endured the test of time through economic impacts. No matter the climate, we have retained many of the same clients since our inception in 2015. I am proud to say that our reputation is our calling card – our clients find us, we have never needed to seek out client.
We treat each client as individuals and do not push canned models onto the client that may not suit their needs. I like to say that we customize the strategies to fit their needs and their budget. We are flexible and we truly listen to their needs and as they grow, we grow and evolve with them.
Can you share a tip for other entrepreneurs getting started?
My agency has turned down partnerships with businesses because they were not ethically or morally aligned with our standards. We desire to work with businesses that embrace a positive culture and allow for the agency to work freely to achieve goals.
It’s a team effort and you must trust each other to reach those goals. I’ve learned “No” can be the most important word when onboarding new clients. You can’t help everyone, it will save you from hardships down the road.
Can you tell us why you are successful in your industry?
Most importantly, it’s identifying who you are as a company and sticking to the model.
What is the most common business mistake you’ve seen through the years?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NorthernAZsocial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northernazsocial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthernAZsocial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnawerking?original_referer=
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnawerking
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ExtZy01NeFX0BXVpzJM9Q
- Other: Blogger – http://northernazsocial.blogspot.com/ Alignable – https://www.alignable.com/prescott-az/northern-az-social-llc-digital-traditional-advertising-social-media-marketing-agency

