Storyconnect The Podcast

Extreme weather and the state's remoteness amplify any crisis that may come up in Alaska. That means Meadow Bailey and the Golden Valley team have to be prepared. What can other communicators learn from their preparation?

Tom DuBos reveals what it really takes to be a good salesperson and how folks can embrace sales opportunities by seeing them as ways to meet needs.

Ian Cope shares thoughts on how utilities can navigate through the wilds of social media, summing up his panel at the 2022 NIC conference.

How has utility website design changed in response to shifts in consumer technology use during the pandemic? Charlie Stanley joined this episode to discuss trends in website redesigns to meet changing customer needs.

A lot of utilities are weighing rebrands and new brands as they add broadband service, merge with other utilities or expand to new communities. Lindsey Tyson, of Meridian Cooperative, led her co-op's rebranding efforts. She talks about using a rebranding timeline, engaging staff as brand ambassadors and how to ensure a brand is used consistently across the cooperative.

Camilla Mortensen, a University of Oregon journalism instructor and editor of Eugene Weekly, defines "solution journalism" and shares storytelling tips for utility communicators from the world of journalism and folklore.

NTCA's Smart Rural Community Designation can be a powerful tool to help differentiate your telco — if you leverage it properly.

Michael Rovito, of the Alaska Power Association, explains the role of photography and finding your focus in storytelling. He’s watched Alaskan utility storytelling in Ruralite magazine evolve from a focus on utility news to shining light on more compelling stories about the people and programs connecting rural Alaskan communities. Michael’s Instagram channel, @ShootingAlaska, showcases landscapes from The Last Frontier.

Kurt Gruendling, the chair of the Foundation for Rural Services, discusses what programs are available from FRS and how to leverage those for maximum public relations value.

Chris Jones, Middle Tennessee Electric, discusses the shift from reporter to CEO, the biggest challenges for utility communicators, the evolution of utility communications and how staff can prove the value of consumer engagement to utility leadership.

Billy Weeks' Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecTqOVfKkk

Home Telecom invested in a co-working space and retail space to meet subscribers where they are.

Chellie Phillips, Coweta-Fayette EMC, has built a career by supporting her peers. As a veteran utility communicator and the author of two personal branding books, she shares ways for utility staff members to strengthen their personal stories and build strong foundations for cooperative career success. To learn more about her books and free career development resources, visit chelliephillips.com.

The best time to acquire a new broadband customer is when they move to your community. What are some providers doing to target new residents?

Jodi Sjolie has sold everything from broadband to vacuums, and she says sales has a lot more to do with listening than talking.

Many utilities are coping with change, whether they’re creating a hybrid workforce, building broadband service or connecting to members in new ways. Mark Owen, communication manager at South Central Power Company, shares how his team communicated with staff and membership about the case for change during a building and utility brand consolidation.

State and federal governments are throwing billions of dollars toward broadband funding. How can storytelling and communications help secure some of that funding for your network? Recorded Live at the NTCA Sales and Marketing Conference

Jay Sanders of Middle Tennessee discusses how the co-op is using a grilled cheese sandwich trailer and Cooperative Community Forums to reach out and listen to members.

What does subscriber experience even mean and why does a standard definition matter to the broadband industry? Naylor Gray of Calix is leading a discussion seeking to define that at the Calix Marketers Summit on May 4 in Ft. Lauderdale.

Scott Meyer joined us LIVE at StoryConnect: The Conference to share the latest trends of internet and video in rural America. If you would like a copy of the reports discussed in this podcast episode, please email that request to Scott Meyer at scottm@innovsys.com.