The StoryConnect Podcast

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...

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.

Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative hosted an Xbox Tournament to allow gamers to experience what gig broadband service can accomplish for them. With big prizes and lots of competition, the event was a massive success.

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is heavily involved in economic development in its service terroritory. COO Brad Kimbro joined the podcast to discuss how partnerships drive economic development and a few important milestones that have occurred in the Wiregrass community.

The customers were New Hope Telephone’s number one concern when NHTC made the decision to drop TV service. Marketing Manager Christy Barecky discusses how the cooperative helped their customers make the transition to finding a new service that was right for them.

Communication Specialist Cathy Black and her team at Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative moved their annual senior expo online when COVID hit, and it wasn’t safe to host an in-person event.

Sylandi Brown, marketing and communication specialist with Middle Georgia EMC, discusses leveraging cooperative identity to reach a new generation of working talent.

Rolando Benitez helps lead Carroll EMC's outreach to Spanish speaking members by providing them with materials in their native language, as well as seeking out community leaders.

Pioneer's Digital Media Strategist & Marketing Consultant Tina Potter dishes out a baseline understanding of what targeting strategies are available in digital advertising and how utilities and ISPs can use them.

Jeff Marshall recaps his session at the NIC conference, where he discussed ways that communicators can help solve problems and refine processes across their organization.

Scott Peters discusses his journey from communicator to general manager.

With a large workforce spread around remote parts of Alaska, Sabrena Combs and her team use short video casts to communicate with staff.

Sharilyn Fairweather recaps her session “What the Font?” — a look at how consistent (and inconsistent) typography represents your brand.