Storyconnect The Podcast

You've got data, but are you using it strategically to strengthen your stories? Hear how Brianna Wall leverages analytics and existing data to be strategic with her communications plan and storytelling. Learn more about Oklahoma Electric Cooperative at https://okcoop.org. 

When Stuart Gregory and Carrie Binns wanted to make an impression and grow Bulloch Solutions’ brand in new territories in south Georgia, they thought outside the carton — er, box. By converting an aging fiber splicing van into an ice cream truck and opening a general store in the lobby, they are engaging members and potential customers in new ways.

Whether we're writing, networking, making a presentation or just socializing with friends, connecting with other humans in real ways is vital. Ginger Johnson, who spoke at NRECA's Connect conference, shares her ideas on why those connections matter, what they look like for different people and how marketing and communication professionals can learn to make those connections everywhere. Connect with Ginger at https://gingerjohnson.com.

From lineman tales to water heater relationship advice, the Central Connection Podcast uses humor and relatable hosts to make waves. Co-host Tiffany Trueblood shares how staff engagement plays a key role in the co-op’s latest communication channel.

Are you generating Pink Power? Since 2011, lineworkers at Baldwin EMC in Alabama have worn pink hard hats each October to educate the community about different types of cancer. They even have a PINK BUCKET TRUCK (name TBD). Learn how you can wear pink to share your story.

As Utility Pioneers, we want to say yes to everything. But often, saying yes to one thing means saying no to something else. Brianna Wall shares how she sets deadlines, takes time before accepting new tasks and weighs the benefits of a project to better manage her time.

Elizabeth Brown, marketing manager at Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, shares ideas on how community involvement can be a competitive edge, especially when it comes to engaging young people in your youth programs.

Taylor Holland dishes out tips for improving your video work, from planning and preproduction to software and postproduction.

In a rare double-Andy podcast, Andy Henderson outlines a text messaging campaign that took his telco's Google review score from the 2s to the 4s.

The relationships between staff on the front line of your operation are critical — and sometimes difficult. Tim Gilford shares ideas on formal and informal ways to build strong connections among CSRs/MSRs, techs, marketing and sales team members.

With her background as a television news journalist, Melissa Lanzourakis has a strong understanding of how to shoot good video. As online video trends continue to evolve, she shares new tips for shooting better video.

Author and speaker Erick Rheam discusses how people who like public speaking — and those who don't — can improve their skills to be a better communicator. Learn more about Erick and his book at erickrheam.com.

Mary Miller shares ideas from her panel on how broadband providers using ideas like those presented in Donald Miller's StoryBrand framework can gain a competitive advantage in marketing and in understanding the customer journey.

After the pandemic made a virtual business meeting possible, one utility transformed its annual member meeting into the Bright Futures Fund Run, a way for community members to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library childhood literacy campaign.

Retirements and competitive hiring makes storytelling critical for staff retention. How can you introduce new team members to your culture and keep them happy? Kathryn Green shares her co-op's onboarding process, which turns the first few days on the job into memorable moments.

Whether you’re writing a story or creating an image, prompts are key tools to help you effectively work with artificial intelligence. Kyle Allwine shares how he uses prompts to deliver different versions of original content and strengthen his storytelling.

Central Georgia EMC has deployed 18 smart mowers to save money on a landscaping contract. Seeing the autonomous mowers working on the grounds started community conversations and further positioned the co-op as a technology leader for electrification and smart products.

Jones-Onslow EMC uses its "Flippin' The Switch" podcast to build community around its brand by sharing a mix of community stories and discussions of utility-related topics. Learn how they do it and how the podcast fits into the overall communications plan. Tune into "Flippin' The Switch" here: https://joemc.com/news/podcasts-2Podcasts recorded live at StoryConnect are sponsored by Meridian Cooperative.

Stories have a tendency to change when a lot of folks are sharing them. It’s a big game of telephone, and phrases may shift the further you get from the source. Hoosier Energy Member Relations Specialists Kyle Coulson and Justin Thompson share why the G&T created their roles to help streamline and strengthen consistent storytelling in Indiana and Illinois.

Podcasts recorded live at StoryConnect are sponsored by Meridian Cooperative. After receiving NTCA's Smart Rural Community designation, LightStream co-branded it with their own brand everywhere to underscore the value of their service.Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2023.