The StoryConnect Podcast

What can rural broadband communicators learn from improv and storytelling?

When Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative wanted to get into the broadband business, they created the Wave Rural Connect brand. How did they do it and what are the advantages of building a new brand?

Riverstreet is offering a broadband only package under the Opti-Fi brand. How is the brand being recieved? This episode also includes a discussion about tactics for online ad tactics.

Updating one of the year's most popular episodes, Scott Meyer of Innovative Systems shares summer quarter viewership numbers showing which channels are the most and least popular rural viewers.

NineStar Connect has launched "The Idea Co-Op" for business startups, remote workers and other people in need of work space. How did the make it a reality?

RocketFiber has used social media platforms such as Instagram to present a fun and engaging brand. How do they approach these channels?

NDTC was honored with a Marketing Excellence Award for its newsletter. Tammy Reierson discusses why it was the right time for NDTC to reinvest in print.

Nex-Tech was honored with a second runner-up finish as part of NTCA's Marketing Excellence Awards for Marketing Campaigns. Dustin Schlaefli discusses the telco's decision to embrace OTT over linear video and the ways he communicated that to customers.

Consolidated Telcom was honored with a second runner-up finish as part of NTCA's Marketing Excellence Awards for PR Campaigns. Rhonda Fitterer discusses how the telco created an outdoor movie tour of it's service area.

PTCI is about halfway through their transition away from video service. Through "Streaming Care" and other efforts, they are working to help customers make the switch. Streaming Care details: https://www.ptci.net/digital-tv/streaming-care/

NTCA is making some changes to it's Smart Rural Communities program. Josh Seidemann discusses the changes and drops a few hints about succesful applicants. NTCA Smart Rural COmmunities Page: https://www.ntca.org/member-services/programs/smart-rural-community

Duo County Telecommunications just underwent a rebrand itself as Duo Broadband. Eric West discusses their strategy and lessons learned along the way.

Triangle Communications' emphasis on storytelling helped them win runner-up for video advertising in NTCA's Marketing Excellence Awards. How did they do it? Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgrdweap3dw&t=2s

YK Communications recently won an NTCA Marketing Excellence Award for it's bold decision to build a campaign around "poop emojis." What went into that decision and how has it been received? https://fiber.ykc.com/?fbclid=IwAR2yWSEakgPNX6R5x1e7fXKKbKntszRQ69v7yi0PyX03KnoTkk3EcSS0R4Q

Since Peoples implemented online chat on its website it's become the perferred method of customer service for some customers and employees.

HCTC has been hosting Lunch and Learn for years in an effort to educate customers about various technology topics.

PRTC has recently overhauled their local channel by adding new shows and improving quality of its programming.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has partnered with Troy Cable to bring broadband to many of it's members. How does the partnership work and why was it the right move for Wiregrass Electric?

Lisa Cope, CEO of Ben Lomand Connect, and account manager Gena Barry discuss Network Support Services, a consortium of companies supporting rural broadbad providers with call center, engineering, marketing and other services.

Sandhill is exanding to two areas outside of its traditional footprint. How has the cooperative identified opportunities and readied itself to expand.

Jason Shelton has recently taken the helm as Loretto's general manager right after the company had been acquired by another telco. How has Loretto communicated with its customers and employees about these changes?

HTC's service area includes what some experts have identified as the poorest county in Tennessee and the poorest county in Kentucky. How did HTC bring fiber to both?

ATMC is using a rolling grant program to connect difference-makers in their community. Along the way, it's generating positive PR for them.

Innovative Systems has released data showing what television channels are most popular among 60,000 rural viewers. Scott Meyer outlines some of the surprises. Email ScottM@innovsys.com for the latest quarterly results.

Alliance Communications has run promotions instructing members how to cut the cord on video and phone service. What's behind those efforts?