I have known Noelle for over nine years and worked with her for three of those nine years. You knew she was someone you could go to bounce ideas off of and to get guidance when you couldn’t see the correct path. Noelle is one of the most dedicated and determined professional women I know. She never sees a project as unattainable and will strive to make that project a success. She brings her experience from her personal trainer background and working with individuals to achieve their personal goals to her professional career where she works with the individual clients and employees to meet the goals of the project. I couldn’t be prouder of Noelle for starting her own social media company she enjoys her work and it shows in all of her projects.

Sharon use to be one of my clients during the time I worked with Noelle. Sharon continually supported and provided ideas for new marketing strategies to enhance her customer programs. She enjoys working with people and was appreciated and respected by everyone for her demeanor and business acumen. I enjoyed working with her tremendously.

Jenna Villarreal- Marketing Manager

I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with two of the two pillars of Wapatoome. Noelle Stehling served as an Account Manager on several high profile projects with me during my Mazda tenure, and Sharon and I worked side by side.

After several frustrating instances of mismatches with other Project Managers, Noelle dove in and rescued not only the projects, but the account. I quickly came to recognize her innate ability to sift through the clutter and find the gems we were both seeking. She came to every discussion prepared, organized, and full of ideas.

It’s rare to find someone in marketing who is genuinely more concerned about creating an excellent solution than “managing the client”. Though her background wasn’t in wholesale automotive marketing, her thirst for knowledge helped her quickly evolve from an advocate into a trusted and essential consultant. I hope I am lucky enough to get another opportunity to work beside Noelle.

The fact that Noelle and Sharon have joined forces in Wapatoome is serendipitous, to say the least. When I first met Sharon, she headed up Mazda’s owner retention program. Her knowledge of owner communications is unparalleled in the business, as time and increased exposure has taught me.

Sharon is a consummate team player, who recognizes that success can only be measured within the confines of the group’s accomplishments. She never let the others in our group flounder – her expertise drove us to better cooperate and made us all strive to create better products and processes. Her perspective provided the acid test to ensure our projects were ready for prime time.

Sharon eventually progressed to serve as a leader in the customer relations group. I’ve never seen anyone as legitimately interested in concern resolution as Sharon. Her empathy for our customers was sincere, and her approach to problem solving was creative and timely. Her concern was also evidenced by the care with which she supported those in her purview.

Collaboration, in its best sense, is a mechanism by which a team grows, projects flourish, and success is shared. Noelle and Sharon exemplify this philosophy. I have no doubt that they will continue to bring their A game to each new venture, and that their future clients will come to count on them as the consummate professionals they are. I wish them the best of luck.

Brad Holt- District Parts & Service Manager at Kia Motors America

www.fionacorrigan.com

www.visionship.net

The retail owner began her own line a few years ago and had two stores on Balboa Island for customers to shop. It was time she expand the business and move forward with an online presence to reach out to customers all over the country. This project started out small with the design and build of her online store. Product shots, a complete photoshoot and marketing materials were created to begin a grassroots approach to launching her Amore brand.

In the coming year, Amore will expand the marketing efforts using social media as a way to broaden the brands name and products.

www.loveamorestyle.com

“Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it.” Robert Frost

The start of a new year and most everyone talks about committing to making changes and having new goals for a better tomorrow. How many people actually follow through and accomplish their goals? How many actually remember their goals?

Robert Frost’s quote above unexpectedly created the goal for Wapatoome this year. The goal is very simple, share stories, thoughts and opinions that are real, genuine, fresh and true to the Wapatoome family.

2011, if you are going to talk, talk openly and honestly. Don’t fill up empty space with nonsense, fill up space with substance!

Happy New Year!

Noelle

When I meet someone who does not have Facebook I am very suspicious of them. Why? Are they lying and really don’t want to become Facebook friends with me? They don’t have a computer or know how to use a computer? They feel it is an huge invasion of privacy, yeah, like they are sooooo important! Or worse, they are not comfortable or interested in embracing technology and getting involved. No matter the reason, I find I start taking a few steps back.
Facebook is not perfect and people can have their complaints or concerns about information being shared but the bigger picture and purpose of what Facebook is all about…..and I quote, “To get the attention of clubs, because they are exclusive and fun and can lead to a better life.” LOL, that line cracks me up! I ran far from the sorority drama after witnessing my college roommate enslave herself to the pressures of getting accepted and approved and popular. I had the better end of the deal, make friends with the frat boys and have a sorority roomie and get invited to any party. No pressures and no contest!

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See the movie and take a few friends and family members. After all, it really isn’t about Facebook, it’s about life!

1. Do be prepared to put time and effort into your online marketing activities daily.
Keyword here is DAILY. If your a small business pla a minimum of 15 hours a week to support or have other resources to assist your online marketing efforts, if you can’t, you are not ready.

2. Do provide solutions to problems and address complaints openly online.
This is where you add significant value, especially when addressing complaints. First off, who doesn’t love drama or complaining? (I wish it weren’t so but then our reality stars wouldn’t be famous today) Don’t hide behind it, embrace it and realize that bad publicity can be good. If it is a mistake made on your behalf or you were wrong, own up to it. You will gain respect, appreciation and loyalty.

3. Do end each post with specific ‘Call To Action’.
Encourage readers to participate and engage with you otherwise they won’t. But remember to check for comments regularly and reply to expand the conversation and participation.

4. Do participate in other blogs and share in the conversations to gain exposure for new customers.
If you move to a new area you cannot expect to make new friends without stepping out and approaching others. This is why it is up to you to go find the communities and conversations and join in.

5. Don’t make it about you. It is not about YOU, it is about everyone else!
Do you have a friend that loves to talk about themself all the time, in any situation and with anyone? Annoying and frustrating right? Do you stop listening or give up trying to participate and share? Exactly what you don’t want to do online!

6. Do be creative with your headlines.
The more dramatic, direct or sensational the more it will be noticed. The best copywrighters read existing headlines to help get the creative juices flowing. Most of the time you can modify an existing one to fit your product or service. One I just saw today, “Why Most Conference Presentations Suck” How fantastic is that?

It all takes time, trust me, I am still working on #1, setting the time aside with proper planning to effectively support and participate. Don’t beat yourself up initially, you first have to crawl before you run.

Do you have a blog or are you participating in specific blogs? I would love to know and check you out!

I don’t do anything without Google.

I have become so dependent on Google for my everyday needs. What next? The Gorilla just keeps getting BIGGER!!

In todays post from Chris Lang

Google has created a social networking platform where all its online services will be merged. Google has tied it all together with the new social sharing platform, Google Buzz. G-buzz as we are calling it is creating the most powerful and user-rich experience imaginable.

Google, the giant, is now the largest social networking platform imaginable! It’s so big that Facebook and Twitter are peeing in their pants like little boys trying to duplicate it. And they can’t, because Google has been developing this quietly, behind the scenes for 10 years.

To read the full post click here.

Chris also offers up his predictions that if you have time, it is worth taking a listen so you are in the know of what tomorrow will be. Watch the video .

Do you agree with Chris’s predictions?

When I first started Wapatoome, I was in full gear, spending every waking moment networking, learning, reading and writing to grow my business. After a few months of long hours, 7 days a week, my overall well being was negatively compromised. Time to re-evaluate and make changes to balance my life. I asked myself what is it that I love, what makes me happy?

Go Sailing!

I love to socialize and spend time with my friends and I had been neglecting time with them and I have always been very positive but found that I was missing them and missing that interaction that I was becoming more agitated and my positive attitude was not longer as strong. Every Thursday, my friends go on beer can races in the harbor. It is not only a great social time for us but my interests to learn more about sailing, the excitement of racing and learning this sport re-energizes me and lifts my spirits. It was my commitment that no matter what, Thursday nights I sail and nothing comes before that. If I sail, I am better at my job. Who knew?

Cooking is Art!

A good friend of mine from back home, Rob always said that cooking is art, it doesn’t have rules, only guidelines and suggestions and that each time it can become a new creation. Which also meant that baking is science and if you screw up….well let’s just say your cake becomes a brick and no one can enjoy that! No, I did not bake that pie, it was just so big I had to show everyone!

For several years, friends would get together for dinner night. Every week a theme is determined and everyone that can come participates in the cooking festivities to create and enjoy great food. Again I was not going as much and therefore missing out on what gave me the positive energy and enjoyment to be successful in other areas of my life. I began to cook more dishes at home, experimenting with healthier options, no dairy, gluten free options, spices and paring up foods you would never consider putting together. It did not take long for me to find that cooking for me allows my brain to take a break and is almost meditative. I focus on the food and the love of experimentation with the anticipation of sharing it with friends and seeing the smiles on their faces. I have become pretty good at this craft. Pulled Pork Jack Daniels, Coconut Ginger n Garlic Chicken with Jasmine rice, Mango Salmon and ceviche are some of my best party pleasers. If I cook, I am better at my job. Who knew?

Nurture your dreams and your passions to be the best you can be in all areas of your life. What do you do to give back to yourself, to be kind to yourself?