-
Melinda Stone
- Female
- San Clemente, CA
- United States
- Share
- Share on Twitter
- Share on Facebook
- Blog Posts (55)
- Discussions (1)
- Events
- Groups (4)
- Photos (8)
- Photo Albums
- Videos (1)
Melinda Stone's Groups
-
Society of Socialpreneur…
22 members
-
Business Advertisements
37 members
-
OC Internet Marketing Me…
37 members
-
Online Marketing
75 members
Melinda Stone's Discussions
Welcome to Orange County!
Gifts Received
Melinda Stone has not received any gifts yet
Latest Activity
Profile Information
- What is the name of your business?
- Welcome Express Inc.
- What is your website URL?
- http://www.OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com
- Where is your business based?
- Orange County, CA
- What is your name? (We prefer your full first and last name but you can use either, or even a nick-name.)
- Melinda Stone
- Describe your business (product, service, quirky things you want to include, etc.)
- As the Premier Welcome Service for OC Newcomers since 1986, WelcomeExpress.com has been the "Go To" resource for ALL Orange County, CA residents seeking community info. Now, two decades later, our new "Know Before You Go" online service is more useful than ever! Since 2006, residents have been using our "Local Search" to save time & gas while researching local businesses & organizations at OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com.
- Who is your customer?
- Businesses who want to capture the lucrative newcomer market advertise with us and the OC newcomer benefits from our service.
- How did you come up with the idea for your business?
- The original concept of a welcome service started in the Pioneer days with welcome baskets being delivered as new wagons joined the wagon trains. Fast forward to the 21st century, the same warm welcoming concept is now delivered to newcomers via a huge Official Welcome Package of Community Information & Gifts from local businesses, along with comprehensive online resources.
- How long have you been in business?
- Welcome Express was founded in Huntington Beach in1986 by a former Welcome Hostess. I was a satisfied advertiser of Welcome Express & owner of another business when the founder decided to retire. So I purchased the business from her late 2002. Welcome Express has grown to be the Premier Welcome Service in the area.
- What's been your greatest moment so far? (i.e. Signing your first client, getting the big order, some great PR?)
- Our greatest moment must be defined in the plural. The most gratifying moments of our business occur when we receive the onging feedback which regularly comes to us from Orange County residents who tell us how valuable our Welcome Package has been to them in their time of need --as they connect with their new surroundings.
- What was your biggest mistake?
- A common mistake with small business owners-- a few bad choices in relying on the wrong individuals. Fortunately we have created alliances with some of the most reliable and creative people one could wish for, and for that we are grateful.
- What was your smartest move?
- Growth from our original concet. In 2006 we launched Home At Last in OC -- a newcomer drectory and relocation guide -- and expanded our reach from the newcomer market to the RELO market. In 2007, we revamped all our websites, moved into Web 2.0, and launched the online OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com -- your source for Everything OC!
- What are your business plans? (i.e. Expansion, franchising, selling for a gazillion dollars?)
- Yes, all of the above! (grin) www.HomeAtLastRelocation.com is available for Licensing in other areas. We are also available to train others to start a welcome service in other areas. Our biggest need for OC expansion is to find individuals interested in helping us grow more in the North OC areas.
- Are you a member of any OC-based associations, networking groups, etc?
- Orange County Association of Realtors, Southern California Relocation Council, Womens Council of Realtors, Welcome Services International, San Clemente Good Ole Girls, SC Downtown Business Association, numerous Chambers of Commerce, Linked-In, Merchant Circle, OCEAN, OCEC, Voice My Biz, Mega MeetUp, Orange County Internet Marketing & an ongoing list of others too numerous to mention.
- Are you willing to answer questions about your business from other small business owners?
- Yes
Melinda Stone's Photos
Melinda Stone's Blog
Make Business Sense of the Census
Orange County business owners, have you received your Census questionnaire yet? It shouldn’t be long now until you can take part in this historic event and be counted. Make your voice heard!
The U.S. Constitution requires a national census every 10 years and has been conducted each decad
… ContinuePosted on March 11, 2010 at 10:47am —
Pets Don't Go Wild on Spring Break
Prepare your Pet for the Holidays with a Pet Sitter or Boarding Kennel
Spring Break is quickly approaching. We look forward to reconnecting with family and friends or taking a much needed break from our busy lifestyles . But with travels in the near future, have you thought about what you
… ContinuePosted on March 8, 2010 at 2:19pm —
Don't Miss the Networking Event Of The Season!
7th Annual Orange County Chamber ‘Mega’ Business Expo/Mixer Event Set For March 24, 2010 at OC Fair & Event Center
Networking Event Of The Season – Orange County’s Largest Mixer® VII Unites Local Businesses, City Cham
… ContinuePosted on March 1, 2010 at 1:00pm —
Serving the Least, the Last, & the Lost in Orange County
Orange County weekend events should include community service.
The mission of The Orange County Rescue Mission is to “minister the love of Jesus Christ to the Least, the Last, and the Lost of our Community through the provision of assistance in the areas of guidance, co
… ContinuePosted on February 26, 2010 at 10:00am —
Orange County Business Owners Find Answers
How do we reposition the company? How do we survive long enough for it to make a difference?
If these questions intrigue you as an Orange County business owner, then the “Pilgrim on the 405” newsletter is the perfect place to find the answers.
Here is som
Posted on February 16, 2010 at 4:31pm —
Comment Wall (4 comments)
- At 10:17am on May 29, 2009,
Kristine King said… - Melinda,
Please email me more information.
Thanks,
Kristine
- At 4:01pm on May 21, 2009,
Hank Mondaca said…
- Hi Melinda,I am interested in learning more about your marketing tool....please contact me at hmondaca@gmail.com. Thanks!
- At 1:07pm on February 13, 2009,
Judy Rose said… - Hi Melinda,
Thanks for inviting me into your network. I'm glad you enjoyed my blog post.
Judy
- At 10:58pm on July 31, 2008,
Bill Ennis said… - If your target audience includes consumers, there's no better place to market your services than Welcome Express and the OrangeCountyResourceGuide.com. Melinda's team has a lock on the best marketing tool for new and relocating residents to Orange County!
About
Badge
© 2010 Created by ocmetro.com business network
