The StoryConnect Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/storyconnect-the-podcast StoryConnect features interviews with marketers, communicators, CEOs and other leaders at cooperative and independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and municipal power providers. The goal of the podcast is to help listeners discover ideas to shape their stories and connect with their customers. It is produced by Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved caa9c21d-4f21-55fd-a3d5-e643b66d1321 yes en Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:14 -0500 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:01:25 -0500 http://www.pioneerutilityresources.com/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/VkJWXF8iVRg-e3cJMZ9RoF7LGV1SVCEtRPX0PWsAWrk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS83MThk/NTVjNzc4ODhlMmI3/ZmViMGQyYmY4NGEz/YWM3YS5qcGc.jpg The StoryConnect Podcast http://www.pioneerutilityresources.com/ episodic Pioneer Utility Resources StoryConnect features interviews with marketers, communicators, CEOs and other leaders at cooperative and independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and municipal power providers. The goal of the podcast is to help listeners discover ideas to shape their stories and connect with their customers. It is produced by Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect features interviews with marketers, communicators, CEOs and other leaders at cooperative and independent broadband companies, electric cooperatives and municipal power providers. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership Stephen V. Smith No No Fiber Cup Champions: How Team Midwest Scores with Esports Sponsorships, With Candy Riem 373 373 Fiber Cup Champions: How Team Midwest Scores with Esports Sponsorships, With Candy Riem full 2fb28c06-af0c-4c67-adf2-de81b743dc25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c512e4d From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

]]> From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 869 From cross-branding and tournaments to a local college team sporting the utility's name on its arena, Michigan's Midwest Energy & Communications plugs directly into a high-bandwidth internet subscriber audience. Candy Riem shares how Team Midwest turned an esports sponsorship into an effective broadband marketing story.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Discovering Key Metrics for Broadband Providers, With Erika Nelson 372 372 Discovering Key Metrics for Broadband Providers, With Erika Nelson full 07d7c6f9-ab55-4d47-8fc7-9a4b4ff5b155 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d72b6b2 Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success. 

]]> Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success. 

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1214 Erika Nelson of Lynxx Networks talks about the KPIs broadband providers should be paying attention to. From market share and ARPU to digital analytics and customer reviews, Erika shares how her team uses data to guide decisions and measure success. 

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Incentives That Build Stronger Teams, With Shelly Hansel 371 371 Incentives That Build Stronger Teams, With Shelly Hansel full 63d586ba-2cac-4650-85fb-a1262e770fcd https://share.transistor.fm/s/710c28b7 Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.

]]> Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1347 Shelly Hansel, public relations director at SCTelcom, discusses creative ways cooperatives can incentivize employees and strengthen company culture. From referral bonuses to “Going the Extra Mile” awards and even monthly half-days off, Shelly shares how recognition, trust and leadership at every level help build a team of people who want to stay at the company for decades.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns The Power of Strategic Partnerships, With Chris Townson 370 370 The Power of Strategic Partnerships, With Chris Townson full 9e49e0f0-bba6-442d-8526-d79ef1383d4b https://share.transistor.fm/s/294aa7cd Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.

Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.

Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1320 Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.

Recorded live at the Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Turning Data Into Direction: How ECE Fiber Turns Metrics Into Momentum, With Ty Houglum 369 369 Turning Data Into Direction: How ECE Fiber Turns Metrics Into Momentum, With Ty Houglum full 00dddfa2-0be2-45a7-9ae4-8dfb04ec6503 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a8ae6e00 KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious.

Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious.

Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 950 KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn’t have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious.

Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Improving Your Writing Style with Planning, With Christina Sawyer 368 368 Improving Your Writing Style with Planning, With Christina Sawyer full b0a07845-c199-4e4b-bd8f-a94ce3bb0fc6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ec7b6573 A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1133 A blank page can be scary—unless you already know what you’re writing. In this episode, Mt. Wheeler Power’s Christina Sawyer shares how using AI to brainstorm story ideas at the start of the year gave her more time to research, write with confidence and even inspire other utilities through the Ruralite share package.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe The Keys to Connecting With Kids, With Joey Clift 367 367 The Keys to Connecting With Kids, With Joey Clift full a1d79f81-384f-453f-8f85-12436f627180 https://share.transistor.fm/s/61cdb960 As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026.

]]> As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026.

]]> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:13:59 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1845 As a writer on shows like Paw Patrol, Spirit Rangers and Cocomelon Lane, Joey Clift shares some of the keys to reaching the youngest audiences. Joey will be a speaker at StoryConnect 2026.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Connected Senior: Digital Literacy Program, With Bill Gerski 366 366 Connected Senior: Digital Literacy Program, With Bill Gerski full 670e2fe2-87c9-4f22-843d-9bfd06518074 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fcd801c8 From teaching 95-year-olds to stream their favorite shows to connecting the 5,000th home to fiber, Beacon Broadband proves inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Bill Gerski shares how their Connected Senior Program bridges generations and the ways other Utility Pioneers can replicate the success in their own communities.


Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> From teaching 95-year-olds to stream their favorite shows to connecting the 5,000th home to fiber, Beacon Broadband proves inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Bill Gerski shares how their Connected Senior Program bridges generations and the ways other Utility Pioneers can replicate the success in their own communities.


Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1418 From teaching 95-year-olds to stream their favorite shows to connecting the 5,000th home to fiber, Beacon Broadband proves inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Bill Gerski shares how their Connected Senior Program bridges generations and the ways other Utility Pioneers can replicate the success in their own communities.


Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Creating Staff Energy Influencers, With Jodi Henderson 365 365 Creating Staff Energy Influencers, With Jodi Henderson full f75da0b8-96c2-49cb-8cad-62b8f245cba3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/54843452 What if every staff member at your utility felt confident answering energy questions? In this episode, Benton PUD’s Jodi Henderson shares how its Empowered program turns staff into energy pros through training built on employee needs. Find out more about the program at bentonpud.org/empowered. 


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> What if every staff member at your utility felt confident answering energy questions? In this episode, Benton PUD’s Jodi Henderson shares how its Empowered program turns staff into energy pros through training built on employee needs. Find out more about the program at bentonpud.org/empowered. 


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1434 What if every staff member at your utility felt confident answering energy questions? In this episode, Benton PUD’s Jodi Henderson shares how its Empowered program turns staff into energy pros through training built on employee needs. Find out more about the program at bentonpud.org/empowered. 


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Stories That Stick in the Capitol, With Andy Barth 364 364 Stories That Stick in the Capitol, With Andy Barth full c0d0062c-2721-4755-9328-c495fb1ddb72 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1402349b When you walk into a legislator’s office, will your story stick or slip away? In this episode, Inland Power & Light’s Andy Barth shares how utilities can move beyond numbers to craft stories lawmakers care about.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> When you walk into a legislator’s office, will your story stick or slip away? In this episode, Inland Power & Light’s Andy Barth shares how utilities can move beyond numbers to craft stories lawmakers care about.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1993 When you walk into a legislator’s office, will your story stick or slip away? In this episode, Inland Power & Light’s Andy Barth shares how utilities can move beyond numbers to craft stories lawmakers care about.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Turn Comfort Into Conversations: Let’s Go Over the Line, With Asia Cline 363 363 Turn Comfort Into Conversations: Let’s Go Over the Line, With Asia Cline full 74807ed1-0883-4fa1-b5e3-53b14b62d7a9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf6b6fea Getting lineworkers to relax and share stories isn’t easy—unless you’ve got a mic and a clever idea. In this episode, Mason PUD 3’s Asia Cline shares how her award-winning staff podcast, “Over the Line,” opens conversations, builds trust and keeps internal communications fresh.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> Getting lineworkers to relax and share stories isn’t easy—unless you’ve got a mic and a clever idea. In this episode, Mason PUD 3’s Asia Cline shares how her award-winning staff podcast, “Over the Line,” opens conversations, builds trust and keeps internal communications fresh.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1794 Getting lineworkers to relax and share stories isn’t easy—unless you’ve got a mic and a clever idea. In this episode, Mason PUD 3’s Asia Cline shares how her award-winning staff podcast, “Over the Line,” opens conversations, builds trust and keeps internal communications fresh.


Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Branding Beyond the Logo (Sometimes There Are Superheroes), With Casey French 362 362 Branding Beyond the Logo (Sometimes There Are Superheroes), With Casey French full 01312273-5aee-4e79-838d-008893e13562 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd1343ed Casey French, marketing and PR director at CASSCOMM discusses how branding goes beyond a logo to include community engagement, co-branding, locally produced video and creative mascots, like their superhero, “Gigabolt.”

]]> Casey French, marketing and PR director at CASSCOMM discusses how branding goes beyond a logo to include community engagement, co-branding, locally produced video and creative mascots, like their superhero, “Gigabolt.”

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1279 Casey French, marketing and PR director at CASSCOMM discusses how branding goes beyond a logo to include community engagement, co-branding, locally produced video and creative mascots, like their superhero, “Gigabolt.”

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Personal Branding for Introverts, With Goldie Chan 361 361 Personal Branding for Introverts, With Goldie Chan full 60a6653b-8908-4958-9ace-e77b41b2ab81 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f2b9b2d In her recently published book, “Personal Branding for Introverts,” Goldie Chan outlines how to remain true to yourself, while taking strategic steps to improve your network and reputation. Goldie previews the book and her session at StoryConnect 2026 in this episode.

Link to purchase the book: https://a.co/d/85WjjJa.

]]> In her recently published book, “Personal Branding for Introverts,” Goldie Chan outlines how to remain true to yourself, while taking strategic steps to improve your network and reputation. Goldie previews the book and her session at StoryConnect 2026 in this episode.

Link to purchase the book: https://a.co/d/85WjjJa.

]]> Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1700 In her recently published book, “Personal Branding for Introverts,” Goldie Chan outlines how to remain true to yourself, while taking strategic steps to improve your network and reputation. Goldie previews the book and her session at StoryConnect 2026 in this episode.

Link to purchase the book: https://a.co/d/85WjjJa.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Calix ConneXions ReaXions 360 360 Calix ConneXions ReaXions full 254af7de-09be-4589-aa85-8880dd2c0220 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8e878a85 In what's become an annual tradition, hosts Megan McKoy-Noe and Andy Johns share the mics to discuss major takeaways from last week's Calix ConneXions conference. Ding!

]]> In what's become an annual tradition, hosts Megan McKoy-Noe and Andy Johns share the mics to discuss major takeaways from last week's Calix ConneXions conference. Ding!

]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:20:22 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1276 In what's become an annual tradition, hosts Megan McKoy-Noe and Andy Johns share the mics to discuss major takeaways from last week's Calix ConneXions conference. Ding!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Megan McKoy-Noe When Your Slowest Speed Is a Gig, With Jeff Chrzanowski 359 359 When Your Slowest Speed Is a Gig, With Jeff Chrzanowski full 159ee2e5-c882-4227-9cd6-c298bd4b0189 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6eba8455 HTC has consolidated its broadband speeds to two plans: 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps. How did it get there, and what are the advantages of simplifying its speed packages?

]]> HTC has consolidated its broadband speeds to two plans: 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps. How did it get there, and what are the advantages of simplifying its speed packages?

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1175 HTC has consolidated its broadband speeds to two plans: 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps. How did it get there, and what are the advantages of simplifying its speed packages?

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Engage the Next Generation of Co-op Members, With Lydia Walters and Chris Alexander 358 358 Engage the Next Generation of Co-op Members, With Lydia Walters and Chris Alexander full 03a9c7b3-80fa-4baf-9ab1-da42abb86ebb https://share.transistor.fm/s/8cbc6323 The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi band together to go beyond Youth Tour with their Learn. Grow. Experience. initiative, including Cooperative University.


Notes: Filmed at CONNECT.

]]> The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi band together to go beyond Youth Tour with their Learn. Grow. Experience. initiative, including Cooperative University.


Notes: Filmed at CONNECT.

]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 914 The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi band together to go beyond Youth Tour with their Learn. Grow. Experience. initiative, including Cooperative University.


Notes: Filmed at CONNECT.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns What Metrics Are Broadband Marketers Watching?, With Tim Gilford 357 357 What Metrics Are Broadband Marketers Watching?, With Tim Gilford full c114a955-045b-4dc9-ad42-44b7ba4b7398 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1cc8ca1b Data-driven marketer Tim Gilford shares which metrics and data points he’s watching in order to track progress and make strategic decisions.


Special Recording: Live at the NTCA Sales and Marketing Conference

]]> Data-driven marketer Tim Gilford shares which metrics and data points he’s watching in order to track progress and make strategic decisions.


Special Recording: Live at the NTCA Sales and Marketing Conference

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 847 Data-driven marketer Tim Gilford shares which metrics and data points he’s watching in order to track progress and make strategic decisions.


Special Recording: Live at the NTCA Sales and Marketing Conference

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns How Can Artificial Energy Intelligence Help Tell Your Story?, With John Huneycutt 356 356 How Can Artificial Energy Intelligence Help Tell Your Story?, With John Huneycutt full 78c653f2-f5fe-44e1-b8e3-c492c9ba2e23 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fcc02a0 Who is LIAM.Ai, Union Power’s Virtual Energy Specialist? John Huneycutt shares how his utility responsibly taps artificial intelligence to energize efficiency tips.


Filmed LIVE at CONNECT.

]]> Who is LIAM.Ai, Union Power’s Virtual Energy Specialist? John Huneycutt shares how his utility responsibly taps artificial intelligence to energize efficiency tips.


Filmed LIVE at CONNECT.

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1103 Who is LIAM.Ai, Union Power’s Virtual Energy Specialist? John Huneycutt shares how his utility responsibly taps artificial intelligence to energize efficiency tips.


Filmed LIVE at CONNECT.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Subscriber Study Shows Shifting Attitudes About Satellite Internet, With Scott Meyer 355 355 Subscriber Study Shows Shifting Attitudes About Satellite Internet, With Scott Meyer full 3e7f75e4-9b5b-4e9f-94c4-8384b8035258 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0df8ae00 Innovative Systems’ annual Rural Subscriber Study asked participants new questions about LEO satellite providers indicating growing competition for rural ISPs.


Recorded Live at the 2025 NTCA Sales and Marketing Conference

]]> Innovative Systems’ annual Rural Subscriber Study asked participants new questions about LEO satellite providers indicating growing competition for rural ISPs.


Recorded Live at the 2025 NTCA Sales and Marketing Conference

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 792 Innovative Systems’ annual Rural Subscriber Study asked participants new questions about LEO satellite providers indicating growing competition for rural ISPs.


Recorded Live at the 2025 NTCA Sales and Marketing Conference

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Are you Saving Time by Design?, With Danny Weston 354 354 Are you Saving Time by Design?, With Danny Weston full f4b57e00-520a-4034-8316-28408cd26ff6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c991647 Good storytelling design doesn’t care what platform you use. Listen to Danny Weston's four design principles to strengthen the way you show your story, and hear how he saves time by design.

Learn how to link content in Adobe InDesign: https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/linked-content.html 

]]> Good storytelling design doesn’t care what platform you use. Listen to Danny Weston's four design principles to strengthen the way you show your story, and hear how he saves time by design.

Learn how to link content in Adobe InDesign: https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/linked-content.html 

]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1726 Good storytelling design doesn’t care what platform you use. Listen to Danny Weston's four design principles to strengthen the way you show your story, and hear how he saves time by design.

Learn how to link content in Adobe InDesign: https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/linked-content.html 

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe From Bribery to Battleships: How to Gamify Staff Storytelling, With Patrick Wood 353 353 From Bribery to Battleships: How to Gamify Staff Storytelling, With Patrick Wood full 03c8c779-e5f7-4b68-9487-8123e26b2ecc https://share.transistor.fm/s/69eef2e1 B-4 you C-2 staff storytelling, hear Patrick Wood share how Co-Mo Connect uses fun to figure out what hits, what channels miss and how to tell if the battleship is on the board at all.

]]> B-4 you C-2 staff storytelling, hear Patrick Wood share how Co-Mo Connect uses fun to figure out what hits, what channels miss and how to tell if the battleship is on the board at all.

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1587 B-4 you C-2 staff storytelling, hear Patrick Wood share how Co-Mo Connect uses fun to figure out what hits, what channels miss and how to tell if the battleship is on the board at all.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Beyond Bridges: Closing the Technology Gap in Rural Communities, With Erma Ratliff 352 352 Beyond Bridges: Closing the Technology Gap in Rural Communities, With Erma Ratliff full 4e1bb166-376b-4739-b168-57dc065afe04 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7aad72c Have you held a rural digital equity summit for your community? Hear how Kanokla teamed up with AmeriCorps to identify local technology needs and work together to meet them!

]]> Have you held a rural digital equity summit for your community? Hear how Kanokla teamed up with AmeriCorps to identify local technology needs and work together to meet them!

]]> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1002 Have you held a rural digital equity summit for your community? Hear how Kanokla teamed up with AmeriCorps to identify local technology needs and work together to meet them!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Wildfires: Are you Ready to Douse a Crisis?, With Kelsey Bozeman 351 351 Wildfires: Are you Ready to Douse a Crisis?, With Kelsey Bozeman full 111b0d2b-bb09-495f-8769-077146531821 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fefca8a5 Oregon experienced a record-breaking year for wildfires in 2024, with 1.9 million acres burned. In response, cooperatives across the state teamed up to develop shared wildfire resources. Download a free wildfire communications toolkit from Pioneer!


LIVE:Filmed at CONNECT

]]> Oregon experienced a record-breaking year for wildfires in 2024, with 1.9 million acres burned. In response, cooperatives across the state teamed up to develop shared wildfire resources. Download a free wildfire communications toolkit from Pioneer!


LIVE:Filmed at CONNECT

]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1020 Oregon experienced a record-breaking year for wildfires in 2024, with 1.9 million acres burned. In response, cooperatives across the state teamed up to develop shared wildfire resources. Download a free wildfire communications toolkit from Pioneer!


LIVE:Filmed at CONNECT

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Voice of the Valley: How One Arizona Telco Launched a Podcast, With Bob Dahlstrom 350 350 Voice of the Valley: How One Arizona Telco Launched a Podcast, With Bob Dahlstrom full c8242eff-c60d-42c7-8fff-7112f8efaf08 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d2cd8429 Bob Dahlstrom launched and co-hosts the Valley’s Bits, Bytes & Banter podcast for Valley TeleCom. He shared the ups and downs of podcasting with our live StoryConnect audience.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> Bob Dahlstrom launched and co-hosts the Valley’s Bits, Bytes & Banter podcast for Valley TeleCom. He shared the ups and downs of podcasting with our live StoryConnect audience.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 694 Bob Dahlstrom launched and co-hosts the Valley’s Bits, Bytes & Banter podcast for Valley TeleCom. He shared the ups and downs of podcasting with our live StoryConnect audience.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Tips from 40 years of Finding Stories, With Craig Reed 349 349 Tips from 40 years of Finding Stories, With Craig Reed full 9806a05f-3e20-4228-969f-a4e4e8dd9a06 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5e7b0f04 Sometimes in his writing career, Craig Reed lucked into finding great magazine stories. Other times, finding great stories depended on effort and a strategy to look in the right places. At StoryConnect 2025 Craig shared those story-searching strategies and what to do with a story when you find it.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> Sometimes in his writing career, Craig Reed lucked into finding great magazine stories. Other times, finding great stories depended on effort and a strategy to look in the right places. At StoryConnect 2025 Craig shared those story-searching strategies and what to do with a story when you find it.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:33:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 882 Sometimes in his writing career, Craig Reed lucked into finding great magazine stories. Other times, finding great stories depended on effort and a strategy to look in the right places. At StoryConnect 2025 Craig shared those story-searching strategies and what to do with a story when you find it.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Deploying Digital Advertising for Broadband Providers, With Julie Boles 348 348 Deploying Digital Advertising for Broadband Providers, With Julie Boles full 01911270-ce94-4562-8a97-060b98786b80 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7055f5b7 East Mississippi Connect has been using digital advertising to surgically target communities and potential subscribers as its fiber optic service rolled out across its service territory. Julie Boles shares what’s worked and what lessons she’s learned along the way.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> East Mississippi Connect has been using digital advertising to surgically target communities and potential subscribers as its fiber optic service rolled out across its service territory. Julie Boles shares what’s worked and what lessons she’s learned along the way.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> Wed, 21 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 664 East Mississippi Connect has been using digital advertising to surgically target communities and potential subscribers as its fiber optic service rolled out across its service territory. Julie Boles shares what’s worked and what lessons she’s learned along the way.


Special: Live at StoryConnect 2025

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Telling Your Community’s Story with Pictures All Year Long, With Theresa Phillips 347 347 Telling Your Community’s Story with Pictures All Year Long, With Theresa Phillips full dc6447d9-d266-4811-82d7-d472e74227e4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b71af333 Art shows, lobby displays, social content and more—Theresa Phillips shares how Lassen MUD works with consumers to showcase their community on the magazine cover and in a much-coveted custom calendar each year!

]]> Art shows, lobby displays, social content and more—Theresa Phillips shares how Lassen MUD works with consumers to showcase their community on the magazine cover and in a much-coveted custom calendar each year!

]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1638 Art shows, lobby displays, social content and more—Theresa Phillips shares how Lassen MUD works with consumers to showcase their community on the magazine cover and in a much-coveted custom calendar each year!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Take Your Kids to Work Day, With Sarah Johnson 346 346 Take Your Kids to Work Day, With Sarah Johnson full 6133a28a-d5c4-4c16-93d2-e69d6aed7511 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cbd86c3f Whether they're blasting off to space to explore planets or solving mysteries across departments, one Oregon utility hosts an exciting career adventure every spring. Utility Pioneer Sarah Johnson shares how Clatskanie PUD turns Take Your Kid to Work Day into a memorable adventure for employees’ families.

]]> Whether they're blasting off to space to explore planets or solving mysteries across departments, one Oregon utility hosts an exciting career adventure every spring. Utility Pioneer Sarah Johnson shares how Clatskanie PUD turns Take Your Kid to Work Day into a memorable adventure for employees’ families.

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1115 Whether they're blasting off to space to explore planets or solving mysteries across departments, one Oregon utility hosts an exciting career adventure every spring. Utility Pioneer Sarah Johnson shares how Clatskanie PUD turns Take Your Kid to Work Day into a memorable adventure for employees’ families.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Changing an Annual Meeting to Energize the Attendees, With Flathead Electric 343 343 Changing an Annual Meeting to Energize the Attendees, With Flathead Electric full 1cc2e4e7-0918-41ea-82f5-3059ad824ed1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0440de49 Are you ready to reimagine your annual meeting? In Montana, Flathead Electric’s team was challenged by the board to reach more members. Hear how incorporating an energy expo, interactive videos and staff experts adds value to your event.

]]> Are you ready to reimagine your annual meeting? In Montana, Flathead Electric’s team was challenged by the board to reach more members. Hear how incorporating an energy expo, interactive videos and staff experts adds value to your event.

]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1260 Are you ready to reimagine your annual meeting? In Montana, Flathead Electric’s team was challenged by the board to reach more members. Hear how incorporating an energy expo, interactive videos and staff experts adds value to your event.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Co-op Influencers—How to Find People to Tell Your Story, With Anna Politano 344 344 Co-op Influencers—How to Find People to Tell Your Story, With Anna Politano full 0e5ad8f8-acef-487c-8c18-19fa44d3d165 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2469c3c0 How do you get consumers invested in focus groups? Rebrand them as influencers! Anna Politano shares how people are reacting to Oklahoma’s statewide Co-op Influencers Program.

]]> How do you get consumers invested in focus groups? Rebrand them as influencers! Anna Politano shares how people are reacting to Oklahoma’s statewide Co-op Influencers Program.

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1650 How do you get consumers invested in focus groups? Rebrand them as influencers! Anna Politano shares how people are reacting to Oklahoma’s statewide Co-op Influencers Program.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Status Quo Is Not Company Policy, With David Naylor 341 341 Status Quo Is Not Company Policy, With David Naylor full 2492c6de-91d4-4363-8f28-349b08ecaffe https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4dd2764 David Naylor co-authored a book about Rayburn Electric Cooperative with a focus on how the cooperative realigned its core values to push for innovation throughout the organization.


The book is available on Amazon, https://a.co/d/dYuErZ0.

]]> David Naylor co-authored a book about Rayburn Electric Cooperative with a focus on how the cooperative realigned its core values to push for innovation throughout the organization.


The book is available on Amazon, https://a.co/d/dYuErZ0.

]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1553 David Naylor co-authored a book about Rayburn Electric Cooperative with a focus on how the cooperative realigned its core values to push for innovation throughout the organization.


The book is available on Amazon, https://a.co/d/dYuErZ0.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Can Stories Make You A More Effective Speaker?, With Debra Weller 345 345 Can Stories Make You A More Effective Speaker?, With Debra Weller full 59ef577a-b4b3-4de4-bb54-0323d29e3418 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb7150e2 Debra Weller says stories can not only help you connect with your audience, but can also help them remember what you have to say. Weller, who will be speaking at Pioneer's StoryConnect 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida, also provides tips for overcoming nerves and delivering your message.

]]> Debra Weller says stories can not only help you connect with your audience, but can also help them remember what you have to say. Weller, who will be speaking at Pioneer's StoryConnect 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida, also provides tips for overcoming nerves and delivering your message.

]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:15:01 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1581 Debra Weller says stories can not only help you connect with your audience, but can also help them remember what you have to say. Weller, who will be speaking at Pioneer's StoryConnect 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida, also provides tips for overcoming nerves and delivering your message.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns How Can Subscribers ‘Cash In’ at Community Events?, With Erma Ratliff 337 337 How Can Subscribers ‘Cash In’ at Community Events?, With Erma Ratliff full 2d0022eb-3735-45e0-875d-1aadd5ad6078 https://share.transistor.fm/s/269128a4 In Kansas, one utility is handing out branded cash to use at local businesses during festivals. Hear Erma Ratliff share the idea behind Kanokla Cash to see if the idea could help you cash in on community growth, too!

]]> In Kansas, one utility is handing out branded cash to use at local businesses during festivals. Hear Erma Ratliff share the idea behind Kanokla Cash to see if the idea could help you cash in on community growth, too!

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 685 In Kansas, one utility is handing out branded cash to use at local businesses during festivals. Hear Erma Ratliff share the idea behind Kanokla Cash to see if the idea could help you cash in on community growth, too!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Bringing on Junior Board Members, With Amanda Steeb 340 340 Bringing on Junior Board Members, With Amanda Steeb full 7c37ee96-4392-4b3d-9536-bcd28481f91e https://share.transistor.fm/s/65976666 Seeking to engage younger members, Kankakee Valley REMC launched a Junior Board program to introduce high school students in the co-op's operations.

]]> Seeking to engage younger members, Kankakee Valley REMC launched a Junior Board program to introduce high school students in the co-op's operations.

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1611 Seeking to engage younger members, Kankakee Valley REMC launched a Junior Board program to introduce high school students in the co-op's operations.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Reducing Broadband Business Churn, With Shannon Stafslien 339 339 Reducing Broadband Business Churn, With Shannon Stafslien full 21171c21-e12e-4fab-b51b-c6ef6f830b6a https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3f9adc6 Business customers need reliability, flexibility and simple billing. Delivering and communicating about those value adds can lead to long-lasting customer relationships.

]]> Business customers need reliability, flexibility and simple billing. Delivering and communicating about those value adds can lead to long-lasting customer relationships.

]]> Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 722 Business customers need reliability, flexibility and simple billing. Delivering and communicating about those value adds can lead to long-lasting customer relationships.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns The Value Based Approach to Selling Broadband, with Joe Kohegyi 338 338 The Value Based Approach to Selling Broadband, with Joe Kohegyi full d447ab1a-c1f9-4748-86a1-36e5038fd4d5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/88d90e89 Calix’s Joe Kohegyi says competing on price and speed is a recipe for failure. Modern consumers want value in their connection and smart broadband marketers are working to communicate the value they deliver.

]]> Calix’s Joe Kohegyi says competing on price and speed is a recipe for failure. Modern consumers want value in their connection and smart broadband marketers are working to communicate the value they deliver.

]]> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1106 Calix’s Joe Kohegyi says competing on price and speed is a recipe for failure. Modern consumers want value in their connection and smart broadband marketers are working to communicate the value they deliver.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns The Importance of Alignment and How to Get There, With Vernon Johnson 336 336 The Importance of Alignment and How to Get There, With Vernon Johnson full 183eef14-d4cd-4a93-bc2d-c9ab897abe11 https://share.transistor.fm/s/68ad1b74 Clever marketing campaigns are fun, but they are ineffective unless staff and sales processes are aligned behind them.

]]> Clever marketing campaigns are fun, but they are ineffective unless staff and sales processes are aligned behind them.

]]> Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 851 Clever marketing campaigns are fun, but they are ineffective unless staff and sales processes are aligned behind them.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Food Trucks and Fireworks: How to Creatively Connect Community Events, With Greg Mullis 335 335 Food Trucks and Fireworks: How to Creatively Connect Community Events, With Greg Mullis full c18d3f25-8ecf-4b6a-93d2-ab2dd9d425df https://share.transistor.fm/s/19dff2b5 When you have multiplebroadband competitors pulling potential subscribers away, how do you set your story apart? Hear how Georgia's Tri-CoGo turned powering food trucks, fireworks shows and parks and recreation spaces into a way to build brand awareness in its community.

]]> When you have multiplebroadband competitors pulling potential subscribers away, how do you set your story apart? Hear how Georgia's Tri-CoGo turned powering food trucks, fireworks shows and parks and recreation spaces into a way to build brand awareness in its community.

]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1225 When you have multiplebroadband competitors pulling potential subscribers away, how do you set your story apart? Hear how Georgia's Tri-CoGo turned powering food trucks, fireworks shows and parks and recreation spaces into a way to build brand awareness in its community.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Strategies for Getting Out of the TV Business, With Jason Cohen 334 334 Strategies for Getting Out of the TV Business, With Jason Cohen full 095566cd-fdab-4713-b26b-a2159dfb64fa https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c356aa4 Facing increasing costs and angry subscribers, many broadband providers are looking to drop TV service. Ending linear video service in a strategic way can leave customers and broadband providers in a better way—as long as it's done in a smart way.

]]> Facing increasing costs and angry subscribers, many broadband providers are looking to drop TV service. Ending linear video service in a strategic way can leave customers and broadband providers in a better way—as long as it's done in a smart way.

]]> Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1335 Facing increasing costs and angry subscribers, many broadband providers are looking to drop TV service. Ending linear video service in a strategic way can leave customers and broadband providers in a better way—as long as it's done in a smart way.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Weaving Compelling Narratives into Your Marketing Strategy, With Wendy Crenner 333 333 Weaving Compelling Narratives into Your Marketing Strategy, With Wendy Crenner full 7b0cebed-3805-4919-8421-78ff1bf0b909 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e241745e The broadband packages at SCTelcom don’t focus on speed. Instead, they highlight experiences like the connected family, high techies, home tech starter and a package for a simple and secure experience. Wendy Crenner shares how her team uses the power of narratives to connect with subscribers.

]]> The broadband packages at SCTelcom don’t focus on speed. Instead, they highlight experiences like the connected family, high techies, home tech starter and a package for a simple and secure experience. Wendy Crenner shares how her team uses the power of narratives to connect with subscribers.

]]> Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1115 The broadband packages at SCTelcom don’t focus on speed. Instead, they highlight experiences like the connected family, high techies, home tech starter and a package for a simple and secure experience. Wendy Crenner shares how her team uses the power of narratives to connect with subscribers.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What Can We Learn from 31 Years in Utility Communications?, With Mike Teegarden 332 332 What Can We Learn from 31 Years in Utility Communications?, With Mike Teegarden full 68bced2d-91bf-480e-887e-4e8d22ac9b1a https://share.transistor.fm/s/abfd54f9 Mike Teegarden is retiring from Pioneer after 31 years of telling stories, first through his photography and then through his editorial leadership. Mike joins “The StoryConnect Podcast” to discuss lessons learned from photography to leadership to storytelling.

]]> Mike Teegarden is retiring from Pioneer after 31 years of telling stories, first through his photography and then through his editorial leadership. Mike joins “The StoryConnect Podcast” to discuss lessons learned from photography to leadership to storytelling.

]]> Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1576 Mike Teegarden is retiring from Pioneer after 31 years of telling stories, first through his photography and then through his editorial leadership. Mike joins “The StoryConnect Podcast” to discuss lessons learned from photography to leadership to storytelling.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Frontline Storytellers: How to Train Your Team on Subscriber Experience, With Scott Paul 331 331 Frontline Storytellers: How to Train Your Team on Subscriber Experience, With Scott Paul full 625fe1d8-6ce9-448f-8bfa-b4fd549ead5d https://share.transistor.fm/s/95cc73bb Is your consumer service team built to care? Scott Paul, of Beacon Broadband, shares how he uses team building and mentoring to turn his frontline team into storytelling specialists!

]]> Is your consumer service team built to care? Scott Paul, of Beacon Broadband, shares how he uses team building and mentoring to turn his frontline team into storytelling specialists!

]]> Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1308 Is your consumer service team built to care? Scott Paul, of Beacon Broadband, shares how he uses team building and mentoring to turn his frontline team into storytelling specialists!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Team ThunderForce: How a Dino-Riding Hero Turns Humor Into Sales, With Gene McCoy and Patrick Wood 330 330 Team ThunderForce: How a Dino-Riding Hero Turns Humor Into Sales, With Gene McCoy and Patrick Wood full 718844f1-a012-445a-8455-e064176a8b8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9c603c3 Incorporating humor into broadband marketing has skyrocketed sales at Co-Mo Communications over the past several years. How did dino-riding Chip Thunder go from a short-lived advertisement to a beloved character among subscribers? Listen to the story on this podcast episode!

Find Chip Thunder videos on YouTube.

]]> Incorporating humor into broadband marketing has skyrocketed sales at Co-Mo Communications over the past several years. How did dino-riding Chip Thunder go from a short-lived advertisement to a beloved character among subscribers? Listen to the story on this podcast episode!

Find Chip Thunder videos on YouTube.

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1846 Incorporating humor into broadband marketing has skyrocketed sales at Co-Mo Communications over the past several years. How did dino-riding Chip Thunder go from a short-lived advertisement to a beloved character among subscribers? Listen to the story on this podcast episode!

Find Chip Thunder videos on YouTube.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Football and WiFi: How One Utility Connects with Fans (and Subscribers) on Friday Nights, With Brenda Overton 329 329 Football and WiFi: How One Utility Connects with Fans (and Subscribers) on Friday Nights, With Brenda Overton full 40f9303a-2444-4248-be85-177c69457515 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e80e13d Every Friday night, stadium lights flash on and fans in purple or red file in. Before the crowd roars for touchdowns, they pull out their phones to connect to free Wi-Fi from the co-op. Pea River Co-op's Brenda Overton shares how this tradition kicked off and why it might score for you, too.

]]> Every Friday night, stadium lights flash on and fans in purple or red file in. Before the crowd roars for touchdowns, they pull out their phones to connect to free Wi-Fi from the co-op. Pea River Co-op's Brenda Overton shares how this tradition kicked off and why it might score for you, too.

]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1060 Every Friday night, stadium lights flash on and fans in purple or red file in. Before the crowd roars for touchdowns, they pull out their phones to connect to free Wi-Fi from the co-op. Pea River Co-op's Brenda Overton shares how this tradition kicked off and why it might score for you, too.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Major Takeaways from the 2024 Calix ConneXions Conference 328 328 Major Takeaways from the 2024 Calix ConneXions Conference full feed596a-f5ff-4db7-866b-41267872fc55 https://share.transistor.fm/s/14027cb1 The era of selling broadband based on speed alone is over. At Calix ConneXions 2024, industry leaders focused on subscriber experience and community connection to drive rural broadband success. From outdoor Wi-Fi innovations to strategic planning shifts, here’s what’s next for rural broadband providers.

]]> The era of selling broadband based on speed alone is over. At Calix ConneXions 2024, industry leaders focused on subscriber experience and community connection to drive rural broadband success. From outdoor Wi-Fi innovations to strategic planning shifts, here’s what’s next for rural broadband providers.

]]> Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1017 The era of selling broadband based on speed alone is over. At Calix ConneXions 2024, industry leaders focused on subscriber experience and community connection to drive rural broadband success. From outdoor Wi-Fi innovations to strategic planning shifts, here’s what’s next for rural broadband providers.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Megan McKoy-Noe Fostering Success Through Surveys, With Cameron Daline 327 327 Fostering Success Through Surveys, With Cameron Daline full 80be7456-54ed-4652-8de5-69be975a5fe6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2e74e7e Clark Public Utilities has been surveying its customers since the 1960s. How have the valuable insights gleaned from surveys helped the utility successfully serve its community? Customer Experience Manager Cameron Daline tells us on this podcast episode.

]]> Clark Public Utilities has been surveying its customers since the 1960s. How have the valuable insights gleaned from surveys helped the utility successfully serve its community? Customer Experience Manager Cameron Daline tells us on this podcast episode.

]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1307 Clark Public Utilities has been surveying its customers since the 1960s. How have the valuable insights gleaned from surveys helped the utility successfully serve its community? Customer Experience Manager Cameron Daline tells us on this podcast episode.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Raising Your Community’s Story with a Business Summit, With Paige Witham 326 326 Raising Your Community’s Story with a Business Summit, With Paige Witham full 4aaadb02-a28a-41bd-beaf-4af2c7fac624 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fc557023 Hear how Power Eastern Oregon—an economic development summit bringing together regional legislators, nationally known speakers and rural Oregon's business community—has become a way for Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative to strengthen its community's story.

]]> Hear how Power Eastern Oregon—an economic development summit bringing together regional legislators, nationally known speakers and rural Oregon's business community—has become a way for Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative to strengthen its community's story.

]]> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1408 Hear how Power Eastern Oregon—an economic development summit bringing together regional legislators, nationally known speakers and rural Oregon's business community—has become a way for Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative to strengthen its community's story.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How to Make a Splash with Hydromania Summer Science Camp!, With Weston Putman 325 325 How to Make a Splash with Hydromania Summer Science Camp!, With Weston Putman full b2ce252b-a0b8-471f-a793-aa92b2591d6c https://share.transistor.fm/s/337b5219 Hydromania may sound like a music festival in the Gorge, but it’s a free summer camp for fourth and fifth graders from Umatilla Electric Cooperative. Weston Putman shares the camp's origin story and how it is building the next generation of co-op members.

]]> Hydromania may sound like a music festival in the Gorge, but it’s a free summer camp for fourth and fifth graders from Umatilla Electric Cooperative. Weston Putman shares the camp's origin story and how it is building the next generation of co-op members.

]]> Wed, 09 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1365 Hydromania may sound like a music festival in the Gorge, but it’s a free summer camp for fourth and fifth graders from Umatilla Electric Cooperative. Weston Putman shares the camp's origin story and how it is building the next generation of co-op members.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Get Out of Gotcha Moments, With Ryan Hall 324 324 Get Out of Gotcha Moments, With Ryan Hall full dc75deaa-8730-4d13-acb9-a1380ff4ef35 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f68f7224 How much of the publicly-shared interactions with utility staff is trolling versus investigative reporting by concerned citizens who have a right to hold the utility accountable? We're talking to Ryan Hall about “Getting Out of the Gotcha Moments” at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations Conference in Idaho.

]]> How much of the publicly-shared interactions with utility staff is trolling versus investigative reporting by concerned citizens who have a right to hold the utility accountable? We're talking to Ryan Hall about “Getting Out of the Gotcha Moments” at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations Conference in Idaho.

]]> Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 875 How much of the publicly-shared interactions with utility staff is trolling versus investigative reporting by concerned citizens who have a right to hold the utility accountable? We're talking to Ryan Hall about “Getting Out of the Gotcha Moments” at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations Conference in Idaho.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Building on Broadband: Utilizing Personal, Targeted Stories for Sales, With Erin McKnight 323 323 Building on Broadband: Utilizing Personal, Targeted Stories for Sales, With Erin McKnight full 509fa5fb-b6b2-4cc5-b007-2814470f84b2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d72418e3 How do you boost your take rates and cut churn after you've built broadband? OEC Fiber’s Erin McKnight shares her storytelling tactics, including a three-tiered marketing approach by zone and her subscriber stories series. Tune in for fresh ideas!

]]> How do you boost your take rates and cut churn after you've built broadband? OEC Fiber’s Erin McKnight shares her storytelling tactics, including a three-tiered marketing approach by zone and her subscriber stories series. Tune in for fresh ideas!

]]> Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1778 How do you boost your take rates and cut churn after you've built broadband? OEC Fiber’s Erin McKnight shares her storytelling tactics, including a three-tiered marketing approach by zone and her subscriber stories series. Tune in for fresh ideas!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Happy Employees, Happy Customers, With Dr. Trish Holliday and Brent Baker 322 322 Happy Employees, Happy Customers, With Dr. Trish Holliday and Brent Baker full e9593cfa-db0f-4849-9e82-bce13a9c0689 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d1158786 It's difficult to have happy customers if you have unhappy staff. Dr. Trish Holliday and Brent Baker of NES talk about the connection between the two and how to improve both.

]]> It's difficult to have happy customers if you have unhappy staff. Dr. Trish Holliday and Brent Baker of NES talk about the connection between the two and how to improve both.

]]> Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1945 It's difficult to have happy customers if you have unhappy staff. Dr. Trish Holliday and Brent Baker of NES talk about the connection between the two and how to improve both.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Getting Ready for 'The Year of the Co-op’ in 2025, With Adam Schwartz 321 321 Getting Ready for 'The Year of the Co-op’ in 2025, With Adam Schwartz full 75882987-5776-46ac-a961-02b5005906cc https://share.transistor.fm/s/be4f9646 We’re gearing up to celebrate the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, so we’ve invited co-op cheerleader Adam Schwartz onto the podcast to help Utility Pioneers brainstorm how to tell our co-op stories in fresh, engaging ways.

]]> We’re gearing up to celebrate the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, so we’ve invited co-op cheerleader Adam Schwartz onto the podcast to help Utility Pioneers brainstorm how to tell our co-op stories in fresh, engaging ways.

]]> Wed, 04 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1372 We’re gearing up to celebrate the United Nations’ International Year of Cooperatives in 2025, so we’ve invited co-op cheerleader Adam Schwartz onto the podcast to help Utility Pioneers brainstorm how to tell our co-op stories in fresh, engaging ways.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe A Scavenger Hunt and Livestream for World Wi-Fi Day, With Lisa Fannin 319 319 A Scavenger Hunt and Livestream for World Wi-Fi Day, With Lisa Fannin full c477d941-4528-4a30-9791-d722e114812c https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad77959c Mountain Rural Telephone wanted to educate members about Wi-Fi, broadband and the capabilities they provide. So working with local businesses, they built a campaign around World Wi-Fi Day in June.

]]> Mountain Rural Telephone wanted to educate members about Wi-Fi, broadband and the capabilities they provide. So working with local businesses, they built a campaign around World Wi-Fi Day in June.

]]> Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1103 Mountain Rural Telephone wanted to educate members about Wi-Fi, broadband and the capabilities they provide. So working with local businesses, they built a campaign around World Wi-Fi Day in June.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Are you an Explorer, Creator or Servant? Use Brand Archetypes to Strengthen Campaign Strategies, With Sarah Lancaster 320 320 Are you an Explorer, Creator or Servant? Use Brand Archetypes to Strengthen Campaign Strategies, With Sarah Lancaster full 74552674-7a78-4a51-81ab-99cce3b09b81 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d952d386 Dig into the psychology of marketing with Pioneer’s Sarah Lancaster to learn how using archetypes can help your marketing create more meaningful connections with your target audiences.

]]> Dig into the psychology of marketing with Pioneer’s Sarah Lancaster to learn how using archetypes can help your marketing create more meaningful connections with your target audiences.

]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 831 Dig into the psychology of marketing with Pioneer’s Sarah Lancaster to learn how using archetypes can help your marketing create more meaningful connections with your target audiences.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Is Nextdoor a Good Social Media Option for You?, With Adam Spencer 318 318 Is Nextdoor a Good Social Media Option for You?, With Adam Spencer full c9c78479-1d64-4641-bf70-a7e22fc7933b https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac6a0daa EWEB is one year into trying out Nextdoor as a communication tool, and they are seeing good results due to the platform’s focus on geographic filters.

]]> EWEB is one year into trying out Nextdoor as a communication tool, and they are seeing good results due to the platform’s focus on geographic filters.

]]> Wed, 14 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1585 EWEB is one year into trying out Nextdoor as a communication tool, and they are seeing good results due to the platform’s focus on geographic filters.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Broadband Labels Deadline Insights, With Dounia Chikhoune 317 317 Broadband Labels Deadline Insights, With Dounia Chikhoune full bc1cce42-c303-4cc7-baa6-8001d1b4d455 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c0bfa5cf With about two months to go before the Oct. 10 broadband label deadline, Dounia Chikhoune, from JSI, shares insights about on what she's seen big and small ISPs do to be ready.

]]> With about two months to go before the Oct. 10 broadband label deadline, Dounia Chikhoune, from JSI, shares insights about on what she's seen big and small ISPs do to be ready.

]]> Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1569 With about two months to go before the Oct. 10 broadband label deadline, Dounia Chikhoune, from JSI, shares insights about on what she's seen big and small ISPs do to be ready.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns SEO's Not Dead in North Carolina, With Edward Hinson 316 316 SEO's Not Dead in North Carolina, With Edward Hinson full 30142ffb-bf4f-454c-bea2-af687ef69639 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eb66d06b SkyLine/SkyBest doesn't let the fact that they are a member-owned telephone cooperative in the North Carolina mountains stop them from fighting hard against big competitors in the search rankings. Edward Hinson shares examples of what they’ve done to move up in the rankings and why it’s worth it.

]]> SkyLine/SkyBest doesn't let the fact that they are a member-owned telephone cooperative in the North Carolina mountains stop them from fighting hard against big competitors in the search rankings. Edward Hinson shares examples of what they’ve done to move up in the rankings and why it’s worth it.

]]> Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1721 SkyLine/SkyBest doesn't let the fact that they are a member-owned telephone cooperative in the North Carolina mountains stop them from fighting hard against big competitors in the search rankings. Edward Hinson shares examples of what they’ve done to move up in the rankings and why it’s worth it.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Putting Pets to Work in the Office, With Scott Peters 315 315 Putting Pets to Work in the Office, With Scott Peters full 9a870077-6cc2-4ac2-ae35-26fdf7917c50 https://share.transistor.fm/s/54c4cc64 Employees at Columbia REA are allowed to bring their pets to work. CEO Scott Peters says it’s a beneficial policy as long as you “paws” to think about the guidelines first.

]]> Employees at Columbia REA are allowed to bring their pets to work. CEO Scott Peters says it’s a beneficial policy as long as you “paws” to think about the guidelines first.

]]> Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1073 Employees at Columbia REA are allowed to bring their pets to work. CEO Scott Peters says it’s a beneficial policy as long as you “paws” to think about the guidelines first.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Broadband and Bigfoot: Building Engagement into Your Service Strategy, With Kelly Burns 314 314 Broadband and Bigfoot: Building Engagement into Your Service Strategy, With Kelly Burns full 063f9542-e0be-4a75-b331-faf30095b016 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a4d8eb9e Storytelling is a HUGE component of broadband marketing. But how can you make a technical subject engaging and memorable for your community? Kelly Burns, marketing manager at CTC in Minnesota, tells us how Bigfoot and its own Gig A. Byte monster keep people interested and engaged in broadband services.

]]> Storytelling is a HUGE component of broadband marketing. But how can you make a technical subject engaging and memorable for your community? Kelly Burns, marketing manager at CTC in Minnesota, tells us how Bigfoot and its own Gig A. Byte monster keep people interested and engaged in broadband services.

]]> Wed, 10 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1366 Storytelling is a HUGE component of broadband marketing. But how can you make a technical subject engaging and memorable for your community? Kelly Burns, marketing manager at CTC in Minnesota, tells us how Bigfoot and its own Gig A. Byte monster keep people interested and engaged in broadband services.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Harnessing Your Personal Experiences to Improve Broadband Programs, With Naylor Gray 313 313 Harnessing Your Personal Experiences to Improve Broadband Programs, With Naylor Gray full fc37e458-c07e-4024-9ccc-a68ebfdc3b28 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bfcf0673 Speed is so 2020. To connect with today’s broadband subscribers you need data-driven storytelling, persona-based service tiers and the know-how to read digital body language. Calix's Naylor Gray shares insights from the 2024 update of Calix’s e-book, “The Definitive Guide to Subscriber Experience.”

Link to the e-book: www.calix.com/forms/marketer/download/guide-to-subscriber-experience.html 

]]> Speed is so 2020. To connect with today’s broadband subscribers you need data-driven storytelling, persona-based service tiers and the know-how to read digital body language. Calix's Naylor Gray shares insights from the 2024 update of Calix’s e-book, “The Definitive Guide to Subscriber Experience.”

Link to the e-book: www.calix.com/forms/marketer/download/guide-to-subscriber-experience.html 

]]> Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1548 Speed is so 2020. To connect with today’s broadband subscribers you need data-driven storytelling, persona-based service tiers and the know-how to read digital body language. Calix's Naylor Gray shares insights from the 2024 update of Calix’s e-book, “The Definitive Guide to Subscriber Experience.”

Link to the e-book: www.calix.com/forms/marketer/download/guide-to-subscriber-experience.html 

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No The 'Rural Mural' Program, With Marian McLemore 311 311 The 'Rural Mural' Program, With Marian McLemore full 5224b313-fbe8-4a9d-aa68-750ffcc85b26 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3d15546a Flint Energies has started a matching grant program with artists and community groups to paint murals in towns around its service territory. In addition to adding beauty to the community, they’re seeing positive economic impacts.

]]> Flint Energies has started a matching grant program with artists and community groups to paint murals in towns around its service territory. In addition to adding beauty to the community, they’re seeing positive economic impacts.

]]> Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1312 Flint Energies has started a matching grant program with artists and community groups to paint murals in towns around its service territory. In addition to adding beauty to the community, they’re seeing positive economic impacts.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Cram the Van — A Community Fundraiser Becomes a Storytelling Powerhouse, With Alli Conine 310 310 Cram the Van — A Community Fundraiser Becomes a Storytelling Powerhouse, With Alli Conine full 160b2248-a5b0-4c84-8fd4-d68fa6eb63f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b0ba05da Hear how a Kansas utility delivered 159 TONS of food with a branded van, school competitions and coordinated, consistent messaging over the last 10 years.

]]> Hear how a Kansas utility delivered 159 TONS of food with a branded van, school competitions and coordinated, consistent messaging over the last 10 years.

]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1145 Hear how a Kansas utility delivered 159 TONS of food with a branded van, school competitions and coordinated, consistent messaging over the last 10 years.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Line Life – Giving Students a 40-foot View of Utility Careers, With Jessica Parr 309 309 Line Life – Giving Students a 40-foot View of Utility Careers, With Jessica Parr full aa90b55d-127a-481a-8963-69d352a3a8fb https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b2f5100 Want more people to apply for lineworker jobs? Show your story to high school seniors! Learn how Community Electric Co-op’s “Day in the Life of a Lineworker” student experience raises awareness of utility career paths and lineworker scholarships every spring.

]]> Want more people to apply for lineworker jobs? Show your story to high school seniors! Learn how Community Electric Co-op’s “Day in the Life of a Lineworker” student experience raises awareness of utility career paths and lineworker scholarships every spring.

]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1344 Want more people to apply for lineworker jobs? Show your story to high school seniors! Learn how Community Electric Co-op’s “Day in the Life of a Lineworker” student experience raises awareness of utility career paths and lineworker scholarships every spring.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Boosting Member Engagement with Youth Programs, With Tory Tedder-Loffland 312 312 Boosting Member Engagement with Youth Programs, With Tory Tedder-Loffland full 95eb3e1e-d9ca-4b99-9c95-2741a413f18e https://share.transistor.fm/s/5acc11dc Starting in kindergarten, the team at Oklahoma Electric Co-op offers educational programs to students throughout their school experience. Hear how the programs developed and why engaging children became a strategic focus for the utility over the last decade.

]]> Starting in kindergarten, the team at Oklahoma Electric Co-op offers educational programs to students throughout their school experience. Hear how the programs developed and why engaging children became a strategic focus for the utility over the last decade.

]]> Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 917 Starting in kindergarten, the team at Oklahoma Electric Co-op offers educational programs to students throughout their school experience. Hear how the programs developed and why engaging children became a strategic focus for the utility over the last decade.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Telling Timeless Stories in Engaging Ways, With David Latona 306 306 Telling Timeless Stories in Engaging Ways, With David Latona full d28cc4eb-ddbd-4fb0-9ae4-8e10f35c5330 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d4002c68 Energy efficiency is a story that can feel stale. Hear how Louisiana Utility Pioneers rebranded existing resources with an owl mascot and cohesive storytelling to help both staff and members be Power Smart.

]]> Energy efficiency is a story that can feel stale. Hear how Louisiana Utility Pioneers rebranded existing resources with an owl mascot and cohesive storytelling to help both staff and members be Power Smart.

]]> Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1753 Energy efficiency is a story that can feel stale. Hear how Louisiana Utility Pioneers rebranded existing resources with an owl mascot and cohesive storytelling to help both staff and members be Power Smart.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe 2024 Rural Broadband Streaming and Social Media Study, With Scott Meyer 308 308 2024 Rural Broadband Streaming and Social Media Study, With Scott Meyer full 1b0e545b-ff78-49bb-ab4a-41f6de8ab43d https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1d15938 For the second year in a row, price was not the No. 1 concern for respondents in Innovative Systems’ annual broadband survey. What is it that matters most? This episode also includes notes on bundling, social media platform usage, streaming options and communication preferences.


Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!

]]> For the second year in a row, price was not the No. 1 concern for respondents in Innovative Systems’ annual broadband survey. What is it that matters most? This episode also includes notes on bundling, social media platform usage, streaming options and communication preferences.


Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!

]]> Wed, 15 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 699 For the second year in a row, price was not the No. 1 concern for respondents in Innovative Systems’ annual broadband survey. What is it that matters most? This episode also includes notes on bundling, social media platform usage, streaming options and communication preferences.


Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Unlocking Staff Strengths to Harness Your Internal Storytelling Potential, With Katie Haby 305 305 Unlocking Staff Strengths to Harness Your Internal Storytelling Potential, With Katie Haby full ffb7a019-7518-427a-ba7c-8b0b782770e6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c97c95d2 Internal communications is a critical part of storytelling, but one we often forget. At Medina Electric, Katie Haby's using the CliftonStrengths training program to help staff focus on strengths to build cross-department teams and happier, more engaged employees. Hear how the program’s helping the co-op strengthen its internal storytelling approach!

]]> Internal communications is a critical part of storytelling, but one we often forget. At Medina Electric, Katie Haby's using the CliftonStrengths training program to help staff focus on strengths to build cross-department teams and happier, more engaged employees. Hear how the program’s helping the co-op strengthen its internal storytelling approach!

]]> Wed, 08 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1276 Internal communications is a critical part of storytelling, but one we often forget. At Medina Electric, Katie Haby's using the CliftonStrengths training program to help staff focus on strengths to build cross-department teams and happier, more engaged employees. Hear how the program’s helping the co-op strengthen its internal storytelling approach!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Using an Internal Newsletter and Intranet to Engage Employees, With Allison Young 307 307 Using an Internal Newsletter and Intranet to Engage Employees, With Allison Young full 9f57360d-e6b7-4b70-acde-ed6523e397ee https://share.transistor.fm/s/c5aa5d3f Allison Young and the Kauai team just won an NRECA Spotlight award for their internal newsletter and intranet. What's their secret for engaging internal communications?


Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!

]]> Allison Young and the Kauai team just won an NRECA Spotlight award for their internal newsletter and intranet. What's their secret for engaging internal communications?


Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!

]]> Wed, 01 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 521 Allison Young and the Kauai team just won an NRECA Spotlight award for their internal newsletter and intranet. What's their secret for engaging internal communications?


Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns How Can Empowered Youth Build Your Brand Story?, With Chinelle Christensen 304 304 How Can Empowered Youth Build Your Brand Story?, With Chinelle Christensen full 0709456b-8f39-4346-8b4b-8d01fa1f99f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5265fd0a Icebreakers, scholarships and character building — meet EmPOWER, a youth leadership program for high school juniors in South Dakota and Minnesota. Learn about Sioux Valley Energy’s long-term investment to build future leaders in its community.

]]> Icebreakers, scholarships and character building — meet EmPOWER, a youth leadership program for high school juniors in South Dakota and Minnesota. Learn about Sioux Valley Energy’s long-term investment to build future leaders in its community.

]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1238 Icebreakers, scholarships and character building — meet EmPOWER, a youth leadership program for high school juniors in South Dakota and Minnesota. Learn about Sioux Valley Energy’s long-term investment to build future leaders in its community.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Weaving the Co-op Difference into Economic Development and Staff Storytelling, With Marty Walsh 302 302 Weaving the Co-op Difference into Economic Development and Staff Storytelling, With Marty Walsh full 52cff2fa-a939-43cb-92f4-692c2f61ae37 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6dcf0fc Do you have a local network of cooperative storytellers? From his dual roles as an economic development manager at People's Energy and board member for Cooperative Development Services, Marty Walsh’s has a unique take on co-op education and how Utility Pioneers can turn the cooperative difference into shared storytelling opportunities to foster member success.

]]> Do you have a local network of cooperative storytellers? From his dual roles as an economic development manager at People's Energy and board member for Cooperative Development Services, Marty Walsh’s has a unique take on co-op education and how Utility Pioneers can turn the cooperative difference into shared storytelling opportunities to foster member success.

]]> Wed, 17 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1468 Do you have a local network of cooperative storytellers? From his dual roles as an economic development manager at People's Energy and board member for Cooperative Development Services, Marty Walsh’s has a unique take on co-op education and how Utility Pioneers can turn the cooperative difference into shared storytelling opportunities to foster member success.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Managing a New Brand, With Larry Mattox 303 303 Managing a New Brand, With Larry Mattox full fb07f69f-ef8f-4004-a69e-b9019e809c36 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9fdb7ddf In under three years, Central Rural Electric Co-op moved from breaking ground to 85% buildout of their broadband service, CentraNet, in Oklahoma. During a break from the Calix event, Larry Mattox shares how the small team managed this growth, a new brand and evolving member expectations.

]]> In under three years, Central Rural Electric Co-op moved from breaking ground to 85% buildout of their broadband service, CentraNet, in Oklahoma. During a break from the Calix event, Larry Mattox shares how the small team managed this growth, a new brand and evolving member expectations.

]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 702 In under three years, Central Rural Electric Co-op moved from breaking ground to 85% buildout of their broadband service, CentraNet, in Oklahoma. During a break from the Calix event, Larry Mattox shares how the small team managed this growth, a new brand and evolving member expectations.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Persona Based Marketing, With Chris Lovell 301 301 Persona Based Marketing, With Chris Lovell full 8bfd8533-ae3c-46cd-bf54-359fc14026f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ee295843 In an effort to move beyond features like speed, CL Tel has begun discussing its broadband based on what their service can do for specific customer profiles of personas like gamers, remote workers and families.


Special: Recorded LIVE at NTCA

]]> In an effort to move beyond features like speed, CL Tel has begun discussing its broadband based on what their service can do for specific customer profiles of personas like gamers, remote workers and families.


Special: Recorded LIVE at NTCA

]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 779 In an effort to move beyond features like speed, CL Tel has begun discussing its broadband based on what their service can do for specific customer profiles of personas like gamers, remote workers and families.


Special: Recorded LIVE at NTCA

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Broadband Labels Rules and Regulations, With Dereck DeVries 300 300 Broadband Labels Rules and Regulations, With Dereck DeVries full 48cf5a0e-d798-4f3a-801f-41e1f6c77437 https://share.transistor.fm/s/95062ece Now that the rules have been finalized, Dereck DeVries, of Vantage Point, shares the latest on what marketers, communicators and executives need to know about the where, what and when of broadband labels.

]]> Now that the rules have been finalized, Dereck DeVries, of Vantage Point, shares the latest on what marketers, communicators and executives need to know about the where, what and when of broadband labels.

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1392 Now that the rules have been finalized, Dereck DeVries, of Vantage Point, shares the latest on what marketers, communicators and executives need to know about the where, what and when of broadband labels.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Staff Leadership Programs to Grow Future Leaders, With Chinelle Christensen 299 299 Staff Leadership Programs to Grow Future Leaders, With Chinelle Christensen full 0ee56043-3a56-400f-8df6-5192aa0868ce https://share.transistor.fm/s/42c34fdf Sioux Valley Energy's staff LEAD program builds a culture of cooperation across the utility, creating a competitive edge when recruiting talent. Learn how projects from the leadership program improved volunteerism programs, removed silos and strengthened the co-op's internal communications.

]]> Sioux Valley Energy's staff LEAD program builds a culture of cooperation across the utility, creating a competitive edge when recruiting talent. Learn how projects from the leadership program improved volunteerism programs, removed silos and strengthened the co-op's internal communications.

]]> Wed, 20 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1273 Sioux Valley Energy's staff LEAD program builds a culture of cooperation across the utility, creating a competitive edge when recruiting talent. Learn how projects from the leadership program improved volunteerism programs, removed silos and strengthened the co-op's internal communications.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Working with Different Kinds of Co-ops to Build Our Shared Story, With Cathy Statz 297 297 Working with Different Kinds of Co-ops to Build Our Shared Story, With Cathy Statz full 7ed9b73f-d4f0-43db-a0a3-2ad2c74cf1ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b894ac3 Food co-ops, credit unions, utilities and other types of co-ops may serve different needs, but we share many of the same stories. Cooperative educator Cathy Statz talks about the power of sharing the cross-sector co-op story with young people, then offers advice for building your local cooperative community.

]]> Food co-ops, credit unions, utilities and other types of co-ops may serve different needs, but we share many of the same stories. Cooperative educator Cathy Statz talks about the power of sharing the cross-sector co-op story with young people, then offers advice for building your local cooperative community.

]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1126 Food co-ops, credit unions, utilities and other types of co-ops may serve different needs, but we share many of the same stories. Cooperative educator Cathy Statz talks about the power of sharing the cross-sector co-op story with young people, then offers advice for building your local cooperative community.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Photo Tips to Tell Better Stories, With Chris Pietsch 298 298 Photo Tips to Tell Better Stories, With Chris Pietsch full 55df48a9-a39c-4baf-9443-6ed252421669 https://share.transistor.fm/s/700d9e44 Chris Pietsch, director of photography for Gannett Newspapers in Oregon, shares tips on "making — not taking" better photos while previewing the sessions he will lead at StoryConnect in April.

]]> Chris Pietsch, director of photography for Gannett Newspapers in Oregon, shares tips on "making — not taking" better photos while previewing the sessions he will lead at StoryConnect in April.

]]> Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:20:42 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 885 Chris Pietsch, director of photography for Gannett Newspapers in Oregon, shares tips on "making — not taking" better photos while previewing the sessions he will lead at StoryConnect in April.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns How Self-Editing Can Make You A Better Writer, With Teddy Feinberg 296 296 How Self-Editing Can Make You A Better Writer, With Teddy Feinberg full 04210e31-1e1b-4307-b9b2-af4a891925d6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6423841e Teddy Feinberg, managing editor at the Idaho Press, gives us a preview of his sessions at StoryConnect 2024, where he will be the writing instructor. In this episode, Teddy focuses on the value of concise writing and gives tips on how to improve your writing by self-editing.

]]> Teddy Feinberg, managing editor at the Idaho Press, gives us a preview of his sessions at StoryConnect 2024, where he will be the writing instructor. In this episode, Teddy focuses on the value of concise writing and gives tips on how to improve your writing by self-editing.

]]> Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1106 Teddy Feinberg, managing editor at the Idaho Press, gives us a preview of his sessions at StoryConnect 2024, where he will be the writing instructor. In this episode, Teddy focuses on the value of concise writing and gives tips on how to improve your writing by self-editing.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Questions to Ask Before You Start Market Research, With John Marling 295 295 Questions to Ask Before You Start Market Research, With John Marling full ed85831b-f282-42a0-9bf6-520951c7d210 https://share.transistor.fm/s/28a92872 John Marling has been conducting market research for almost four decades. In this episode, he shares insights on what marketers and communicators need to think about in order to get meaningful, actionable data from their research. Learn more at pioneer.coop/surveys.

]]> John Marling has been conducting market research for almost four decades. In this episode, he shares insights on what marketers and communicators need to think about in order to get meaningful, actionable data from their research. Learn more at pioneer.coop/surveys.

]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2024 07:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1523 John Marling has been conducting market research for almost four decades. In this episode, he shares insights on what marketers and communicators need to think about in order to get meaningful, actionable data from their research. Learn more at pioneer.coop/surveys.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Recruitications: Using Communications to Recruit Staff, With Weston Putman 293 293 Recruitications: Using Communications to Recruit Staff, With Weston Putman full ca9b9242-afb8-4699-a6b9-ac2b5ea760f9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8928bc89 Today's jobseekers are watching your utility's communications to see what kind of organization you are. And while your primary audience will almost always be your members or customers, Weston Putman says it's crucial to signal to potential new hires that your organization is a place they would want to work.

]]> Today's jobseekers are watching your utility's communications to see what kind of organization you are. And while your primary audience will almost always be your members or customers, Weston Putman says it's crucial to signal to potential new hires that your organization is a place they would want to work.

]]> Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:30:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1460 Today's jobseekers are watching your utility's communications to see what kind of organization you are. And while your primary audience will almost always be your members or customers, Weston Putman says it's crucial to signal to potential new hires that your organization is a place they would want to work.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Andy Johns Storytelling Tactics From Different Types of Cooperatives, With Mary Miller 294 294 Storytelling Tactics From Different Types of Cooperatives, With Mary Miller full 0f3a1a63-5fd5-46a9-9dc3-a89d65539e5f https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d6aaf6e With a story-packed career spanning three different types of co-ops, WCTEL’s Mary Miller shares ideas for co-op culture-building, effective campaigns and co-opportunities for growth.

]]> With a story-packed career spanning three different types of co-ops, WCTEL’s Mary Miller shares ideas for co-op culture-building, effective campaigns and co-opportunities for growth.

]]> Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1804 With a story-packed career spanning three different types of co-ops, WCTEL’s Mary Miller shares ideas for co-op culture-building, effective campaigns and co-opportunities for growth.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Megan McKoy-Noe Preparing Your Co-op to Launch Fiber in a Competitive Area, With Lindsay Brinker 292 292 Preparing Your Co-op to Launch Fiber in a Competitive Area, With Lindsay Brinker full a3c34629-51d6-4d82-a110-bd16a2fb2416 https://share.transistor.fm/s/73a6d10d Communicating in a competitive community? Prepare yourself by learning who you're up against — and know your differences — focus on your community, get peer support and strengthen your story.

]]> Communicating in a competitive community? Prepare yourself by learning who you're up against — and know your differences — focus on your community, get peer support and strengthen your story.

]]> Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:30:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 793 Communicating in a competitive community? Prepare yourself by learning who you're up against — and know your differences — focus on your community, get peer support and strengthen your story.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Finding Staff Who Champion Your Story, With Gregg Hunter and Peter Davies 291 291 Finding Staff Who Champion Your Story, With Gregg Hunter and Peter Davies full e979bf78-1ad8-490b-8d0a-19373a5fa567 https://share.transistor.fm/s/18a7fc58 How can you get an engineer excited about telling your utility story? Gregg Hunter, one of Nemont’s storytellers, sits down to talk culture and the value of story with network engineer Peter Davies.

]]> How can you get an engineer excited about telling your utility story? Gregg Hunter, one of Nemont’s storytellers, sits down to talk culture and the value of story with network engineer Peter Davies.

]]> Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1155 How can you get an engineer excited about telling your utility story? Gregg Hunter, one of Nemont’s storytellers, sits down to talk culture and the value of story with network engineer Peter Davies.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Transforming Communication Skills into Broadband Marketing Tactics, With Bonnie Baty 290 290 Transforming Communication Skills into Broadband Marketing Tactics, With Bonnie Baty full b0ed29af-55f9-4d78-b85e-4a460aae6020 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e12f0a2a Like many broadband storytellers, Bonnie Baty began working on the electric utility side. She offers advice for communicators making the switch and shares her take on how broadband communications will evolve over the next 5 years.

]]> Like many broadband storytellers, Bonnie Baty began working on the electric utility side. She offers advice for communicators making the switch and shares her take on how broadband communications will evolve over the next 5 years.

]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:30:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1321 Like many broadband storytellers, Bonnie Baty began working on the electric utility side. She offers advice for communicators making the switch and shares her take on how broadband communications will evolve over the next 5 years.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Connecting With Your Community Through a New Brand, With Elizabeth Kuhns 289 289 Connecting With Your Community Through a New Brand, With Elizabeth Kuhns full 47479523-3dd6-4453-a32c-b2c60e29e4e2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bf039d7 Launching or refreshing a brand? Get storytelling tips and tactics from Elizabeth Kuhns, who partnered with Pioneer to create the Ignite Broadband brand.

]]> Launching or refreshing a brand? Get storytelling tips and tactics from Elizabeth Kuhns, who partnered with Pioneer to create the Ignite Broadband brand.

]]> Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1331 Launching or refreshing a brand? Get storytelling tips and tactics from Elizabeth Kuhns, who partnered with Pioneer to create the Ignite Broadband brand.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What Do You Need to Know Before Starting a Podcast?, With Michael Rovito 277 277 What Do You Need to Know Before Starting a Podcast?, With Michael Rovito full 31e16bdf-f077-4d7f-a094-5f743a59622a https://share.transistor.fm/s/14ec4852 Thinking about creating a podcast? Michael Rovito, host of “Alaska Powerline,” explains how he prepared to launch the podcast, built a content strategy and measures success.

]]> Thinking about creating a podcast? Michael Rovito, host of “Alaska Powerline,” explains how he prepared to launch the podcast, built a content strategy and measures success.

]]> Wed, 03 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1517 Thinking about creating a podcast? Michael Rovito, host of “Alaska Powerline,” explains how he prepared to launch the podcast, built a content strategy and measures success.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can Culture Get Your Team Through The 'Great Transition’, With Ed Wolff 282 282 How Can Culture Get Your Team Through The 'Great Transition’, With Ed Wolff full df668085-4ee6-4f19-b96f-eb817af92364 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2448172 Ed Wolff says trust, urgency, empowerment and other elements of strong organizational culture can be the keys for telcos and utilities having to reinvent themselves due to changing demands.


Special: Recorded Live at the KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference

]]> Ed Wolff says trust, urgency, empowerment and other elements of strong organizational culture can be the keys for telcos and utilities having to reinvent themselves due to changing demands.


Special: Recorded Live at the KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference

]]> Wed, 27 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 707 Ed Wolff says trust, urgency, empowerment and other elements of strong organizational culture can be the keys for telcos and utilities having to reinvent themselves due to changing demands.


Special: Recorded Live at the KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Achieving a 4.8 out of 5 on Online Review, With Anne Tetamore and Michael Wynschenk 288 288 Achieving a 4.8 out of 5 on Online Review, With Anne Tetamore and Michael Wynschenk full ad770df7-b463-4bbe-8d08-8d90c8bf0051 https://share.transistor.fm/s/57313622 How can your utility achieve a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google reviews? Hunter Communication’s Anne Tetamore, VP of marketing, and CEO Michael Wynschenk tell us how valuing both customers and employees plays a key role into achieving success.

]]> How can your utility achieve a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google reviews? Hunter Communication’s Anne Tetamore, VP of marketing, and CEO Michael Wynschenk tell us how valuing both customers and employees plays a key role into achieving success.

]]> Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:14:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1321 How can your utility achieve a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google reviews? Hunter Communication’s Anne Tetamore, VP of marketing, and CEO Michael Wynschenk tell us how valuing both customers and employees plays a key role into achieving success.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Making Your Marketing Campaigns Work, With Lynn Hall 285 285 Making Your Marketing Campaigns Work, With Lynn Hall full 6a5b06b5-2580-43cf-b08f-13c6ab0d5b31 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a397ba00 Calix Marketing Giant Award winner Lynn Hall shares her utility's Go to Market campaign strategy, with tips to prepare staff for action when marketing is successful.

]]> Calix Marketing Giant Award winner Lynn Hall shares her utility's Go to Market campaign strategy, with tips to prepare staff for action when marketing is successful.

]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1239 Calix Marketing Giant Award winner Lynn Hall shares her utility's Go to Market campaign strategy, with tips to prepare staff for action when marketing is successful.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Building Your Story Into the Communities You Serve, With James Ratterree 287 287 Building Your Story Into the Communities You Serve, With James Ratterree full 619a679b-3246-4a54-8e4a-5b9cb28d401a https://share.transistor.fm/s/449d510c From community coffee chats to branded coolers for football teams, the WAVE Rural Connect shares fresh ways they build the broadband story into their Arkansas community.

]]> From community coffee chats to branded coolers for football teams, the WAVE Rural Connect shares fresh ways they build the broadband story into their Arkansas community.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:30:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1152 From community coffee chats to branded coolers for football teams, the WAVE Rural Connect shares fresh ways they build the broadband story into their Arkansas community.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Making Boring Stories Interesting, With Geni Whitehouse 280 280 Making Boring Stories Interesting, With Geni Whitehouse full 7503d033-3b37-42eb-a36d-ad4fcec7e723 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0fad9903 Geni Whitehouse left a career in an accounting firm to help people tell their stories in a more interesting way. She says one key to making your stories more interesting is to understand the four types of personalities in your audience.


Recorded live: at the NWPPA's NIC

]]> Geni Whitehouse left a career in an accounting firm to help people tell their stories in a more interesting way. She says one key to making your stories more interesting is to understand the four types of personalities in your audience.


Recorded live: at the NWPPA's NIC

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 983 Geni Whitehouse left a career in an accounting firm to help people tell their stories in a more interesting way. She says one key to making your stories more interesting is to understand the four types of personalities in your audience.


Recorded live: at the NWPPA's NIC

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Activating Your Members for Advocacy, With Garrett Hylton 279 279 Activating Your Members for Advocacy, With Garrett Hylton full ef89d827-f02e-415a-bc6d-baeff82281c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/53ae7180 Wells Rural Electric Cooperative is taking a multichannel approach to motivate members to take action on hydropower regulatory issues.


Special: Recorded live at the NWPPA NIC

]]> Wells Rural Electric Cooperative is taking a multichannel approach to motivate members to take action on hydropower regulatory issues.


Special: Recorded live at the NWPPA NIC

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1688 Wells Rural Electric Cooperative is taking a multichannel approach to motivate members to take action on hydropower regulatory issues.


Special: Recorded live at the NWPPA NIC

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Do You Know What People Think About You?, With Kelly Burns 286 286 How Do You Know What People Think About You?, With Kelly Burns full 350d9b49-553c-46dc-9fcb-22c6c3df4bec https://share.transistor.fm/s/7568f1f8 Want to track consumer sentiment but not sure where to start? CTC's Kelly Burns shares her telco's experience with the net promoter score and how the utility lets the voice of the consumer guide its marketing strategy.

]]> Want to track consumer sentiment but not sure where to start? CTC's Kelly Burns shares her telco's experience with the net promoter score and how the utility lets the voice of the consumer guide its marketing strategy.

]]> Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:42:32 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 904 Want to track consumer sentiment but not sure where to start? CTC's Kelly Burns shares her telco's experience with the net promoter score and how the utility lets the voice of the consumer guide its marketing strategy.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Everything Coming Together to Give You a Competitive Advantage, With Tom Williams 284 284 Everything Coming Together to Give You a Competitive Advantage, With Tom Williams full 63260a12-1385-4664-a702-1f3dd1c4fcda https://share.transistor.fm/s/449bd974 From harnessing net promoter scores to refining your strategic marketing plan, Schurz CEO Tom Williams shares highlights from his speech at Calix ConneXions 2023.

]]> From harnessing net promoter scores to refining your strategic marketing plan, Schurz CEO Tom Williams shares highlights from his speech at Calix ConneXions 2023.

]]> Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:53:30 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 995 From harnessing net promoter scores to refining your strategic marketing plan, Schurz CEO Tom Williams shares highlights from his speech at Calix ConneXions 2023.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Delivering an Excellent Customer Experience, With Josh Wehe and Jordan Wehe 283 283 Delivering an Excellent Customer Experience, With Josh Wehe and Jordan Wehe full 99f670ed-4580-441c-ab41-438594ddad56 https://share.transistor.fm/s/29be5ea6 Wi-Fi wizards and tour guides are part of how the Jade Communications team powers up the customer experience. Get takaways from the team's session at Calix ConneXions 2023.

]]> Wi-Fi wizards and tour guides are part of how the Jade Communications team powers up the customer experience. Get takaways from the team's session at Calix ConneXions 2023.

]]> Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:41:55 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1277 Wi-Fi wizards and tour guides are part of how the Jade Communications team powers up the customer experience. Get takaways from the team's session at Calix ConneXions 2023.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What Are Some of the Major Takeaways From the 2023 Calix ConneXions Conference? 281 281 What Are Some of the Major Takeaways From the 2023 Calix ConneXions Conference? full 350f0082-632d-4e29-9090-8ad8b14358a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/acadea0b Make subscribers heroes, find foggy-night scenarios and focus on service, not speed. Those are a few of the broadband storytelling ideas “StoryConnect” hosts Andy and Megan share from the annual Calix software conference.

]]> Make subscribers heroes, find foggy-night scenarios and focus on service, not speed. Those are a few of the broadband storytelling ideas “StoryConnect” hosts Andy and Megan share from the annual Calix software conference.

]]> Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:28:38 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1041 Make subscribers heroes, find foggy-night scenarios and focus on service, not speed. Those are a few of the broadband storytelling ideas “StoryConnect” hosts Andy and Megan share from the annual Calix software conference.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Promote Your Pod: How To Grow Your Listening Audience, With Jacob Puckett 276 276 Promote Your Pod: How To Grow Your Listening Audience, With Jacob Puckett full e254d070-1f50-4454-924b-983f53c1f9cf https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4d436d9 Blue Ridge Energy promotes its "Unplugged" podcast on streaming audio stations like iHeart Radio and MLB At Bat in an effort to meet potential listeners where they already are. Jacob Puckett describes the approach, as well as his perspective on why "every listen matters.”

]]> Blue Ridge Energy promotes its "Unplugged" podcast on streaming audio stations like iHeart Radio and MLB At Bat in an effort to meet potential listeners where they already are. Jacob Puckett describes the approach, as well as his perspective on why "every listen matters.”

]]> Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1281 Blue Ridge Energy promotes its "Unplugged" podcast on streaming audio stations like iHeart Radio and MLB At Bat in an effort to meet potential listeners where they already are. Jacob Puckett describes the approach, as well as his perspective on why "every listen matters.”

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Truck or Treat!, With Melissa Greenwood 278 278 Truck or Treat!, With Melissa Greenwood full ab1889c9-b660-45f9-91f4-fb1b35365c96 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b31f61b5 What's the only thing some children like more than candy? Big trucks! Melissa Greenwood combined both to entice families in her Montana community to engage with their utility and other local businesses at a Truck or Treat event.


Special: Recorded live at the NWPPA NIC

]]> What's the only thing some children like more than candy? Big trucks! Melissa Greenwood combined both to entice families in her Montana community to engage with their utility and other local businesses at a Truck or Treat event.


Special: Recorded live at the NWPPA NIC

]]> Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 894 What's the only thing some children like more than candy? Big trucks! Melissa Greenwood combined both to entice families in her Montana community to engage with their utility and other local businesses at a Truck or Treat event.


Special: Recorded live at the NWPPA NIC

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Is Your Brand Iconic?, With Bryan Rader 275 275 Is Your Brand Iconic?, With Bryan Rader full b63c35d1-a763-49e6-a642-b3fa18c9c814 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9784ceaa Bryan Rader discusses what it means for a brand to be "iconic" and how broadband providers can take steps in that direction.

]]> Bryan Rader discusses what it means for a brand to be "iconic" and how broadband providers can take steps in that direction.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1227 Bryan Rader discusses what it means for a brand to be "iconic" and how broadband providers can take steps in that direction.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can a Podcast Strengthen Your Story?, With Carrie Huckeby 274 274 How Can a Podcast Strengthen Your Story?, With Carrie Huckeby full b78af041-438b-4f0f-918f-425985fe9574 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d8e3b986 Lean into your personality, and don't focus on the numbers. That's the advice of veteran podcaster Carrie Huckeby. She shares how the Tennessee Broadband Association uses its “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast to tell its story, with tips on ways audio storytelling can help utilities reach new audiences.

]]> Lean into your personality, and don't focus on the numbers. That's the advice of veteran podcaster Carrie Huckeby. She shares how the Tennessee Broadband Association uses its “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast to tell its story, with tips on ways audio storytelling can help utilities reach new audiences.

]]> Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1372 Lean into your personality, and don't focus on the numbers. That's the advice of veteran podcaster Carrie Huckeby. She shares how the Tennessee Broadband Association uses its “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast to tell its story, with tips on ways audio storytelling can help utilities reach new audiences.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can What You Know About Consumers Change the Way You Tell Your Story? With Brianna Wall 269 269 How Can What You Know About Consumers Change the Way You Tell Your Story? With Brianna Wall full 74c534d9-0a2f-49d3-9944-4111d4a5ee97 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3980f3a7 In the second part of our conversation with Brianna Wall, we dive into audience segments and how the team at Oklahoma Electric Cooperative identifies and adds internal data to their communication strategy.


Link to OEC’s electric vehicle webpage: https://okcoop.org/ev/.

]]> In the second part of our conversation with Brianna Wall, we dive into audience segments and how the team at Oklahoma Electric Cooperative identifies and adds internal data to their communication strategy.


Link to OEC’s electric vehicle webpage: https://okcoop.org/ev/.

]]> Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1162 In the second part of our conversation with Brianna Wall, we dive into audience segments and how the team at Oklahoma Electric Cooperative identifies and adds internal data to their communication strategy.


Link to OEC’s electric vehicle webpage: https://okcoop.org/ev/.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can Data Support Strategic Storytelling?, With Brianna Wall 268 268 How Can Data Support Strategic Storytelling?, With Brianna Wall full 5a6ec044-0e24-4fad-bcdf-b64c88a0f986 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d379221 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. 

]]> 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. 

]]> Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 963 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. 

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No (Soft)Serving The Community With A Broadband Ice Cream Truck, With Stuart Gregory and Carrie Binns 273 273 (Soft)Serving The Community With A Broadband Ice Cream Truck, With Stuart Gregory and Carrie Binns full 9e444416-556d-4eb9-adc1-663e95b5abba https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5919a9a 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2023 05:02:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 2265 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Connecting With Each Other Like Humans Do, With Ginger Johnson 272 272 Connecting With Each Other Like Humans Do, With Ginger Johnson full 105a8846-7fe9-4020-943b-1ebf4e78f4d1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd2e962e 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1954 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What’s the Magic Formula for an Engaging Utility Podcast?, With Tiffany Trueblood 270 270 What’s the Magic Formula for an Engaging Utility Podcast?, With Tiffany Trueblood full 84147e32-10cd-46be-bfd7-d7c69069c823 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f61bdb1a 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Wed, 09 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1519 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can a Pink Hard Hat Transform Your Story?, With Michelle Geans 271 271 How Can a Pink Hard Hat Transform Your Story?, With Michelle Geans full 9a536077-0f31-4fd8-8d89-0b8a24405e1a https://share.transistor.fm/s/e1cf9dce 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Wed, 02 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1418 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No When Is It OK to Say No?, With Brianna Wall 267 267 When Is It OK to Say No?, With Brianna Wall full 5e19288a-c5e1-42d1-8d10-18222e3d74cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/298c5f3b 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1005 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Engaging Young People in Youth Programs, With Elizabeth Brown 266 266 Engaging Young People in Youth Programs, With Elizabeth Brown full 28374336-0007-4b50-a269-a974d007f327 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3753516 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Mon, 10 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 700 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Improving Your Video Storytelling, With Taylor Holland 265 265 Improving Your Video Storytelling, With Taylor Holland full 62278c8b-8ba5-42db-bd12-349abd1d2453 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dcf208c0 Taylor Holland dishes out tips for improving your video work, from planning and preproduction to software and postproduction.

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

]]> Wed, 05 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 670 Taylor Holland dishes out tips for improving your video work, from planning and preproduction to software and postproduction.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Using SMS Messaging to Improve Your Google Reviews, With Andy Henderson 264 264 Using SMS Messaging to Improve Your Google Reviews, With Andy Henderson full 621a2904-5fbf-4a1a-9428-6ebbc92905ab https://share.transistor.fm/s/f319e2ce 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:10:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 600 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Building Relationships Between CSRs, Sales and Techs, With Tim Gilford 263 263 Building Relationships Between CSRs, Sales and Techs, With Tim Gilford full 27af4388-c789-4ba4-8d96-a8b68e3d731d https://share.transistor.fm/s/f0bf2639 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:15:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 708 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Tips for Shooting Better Video, With Melissa Lanzourakis 262 262 Tips for Shooting Better Video, With Melissa Lanzourakis full 134a11ce-a4ad-4f58-a910-b7cf58254e3d https://share.transistor.fm/s/2dc9aba8 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2023 08:15:23 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 582 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How to Be A Better Public Speaker, With Erick Rheam 261 261 How to Be A Better Public Speaker, With Erick Rheam full 347bf063-8d74-42c3-98b9-b8f035901987 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d14f4d52 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 06 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 929 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can Storytelling Be Your Brand's Competitive Edge?, With Mary Miller 260 260 How Can Storytelling Be Your Brand's Competitive Edge?, With Mary Miller full 1916d8fb-c814-429f-bc66-247c7ab23b3e https://share.transistor.fm/s/a93af34b 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1106 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Realigning Utility Spending to Match Your Mission, With Kyle Allwine 259 259 Realigning Utility Spending to Match Your Mission, With Kyle Allwine full cb65c19f-4b08-477a-b091-3e0589fe3daa https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b9900e9 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 23 May 2023 05:44:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 799 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can You Introduce New Employees to Your Co-op Story?, With Kathryn Green 258 258 How Can You Introduce New Employees to Your Co-op Story?, With Kathryn Green full eea0e7e8-0711-459d-91dc-9ac4fdc40600 https://share.transistor.fm/s/67f9bb95 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 09 May 2023 06:20:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 956 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can Artificial Intelligence Support Utility Storytelling?, With Kyle Allwine 257 257 How Can Artificial Intelligence Support Utility Storytelling?, With Kyle Allwine full 52acd144-d471-44f9-b332-0341ae1b4ec4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/967f6ba6 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 02 May 2023 10:03:15 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1430 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Cutting-Edge Technology — The PR Value of Smart Mowers 256 256 Cutting-Edge Technology — The PR Value of Smart Mowers full f1a6b862-623a-49a8-aed6-af71ec564208 https://share.transistor.fm/s/20e67cd0 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 25 Apr 2023 05:50:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1244 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can A Podcast Help Your Utility Tell Its Story?, With Krystal Phillips 255 255 How Can A Podcast Help Your Utility Tell Its Story?, With Krystal Phillips full 1b78053c-cda2-41ea-90cc-d8faab86b09b https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f607e75 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-2


Podcasts recorded live at StoryConnect are sponsored by Meridian Cooperative.

]]> 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-2


Podcasts recorded live at StoryConnect are sponsored by Meridian Cooperative.

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 778 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-2


Podcasts recorded live at StoryConnect are sponsored by Meridian Cooperative.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can Member-focused Roles on Your Team Strengthen Your Story?, With Kyle Coulson and Justin Thompson 254 254 How Can Member-focused Roles on Your Team Strengthen Your Story?, With Kyle Coulson and Justin Thompson full 655ff8ad-9378-4e47-9e7c-d7b1b188b48b https://share.transistor.fm/s/0974c1de 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 11 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 811 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can the Smart Rural Community Designation Differentiate Your Brand?, With Tim Gilford 253 253 How Can the Smart Rural Community Designation Differentiate Your Brand?, With Tim Gilford full 6d8b0388-3492-460c-a984-26fbb29f6fae https://share.transistor.fm/s/5e3d9139 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 04 Apr 2023 05:34:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 598 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No For the First Time, Reliability is More Important Than Price (and Other Trends), With Scott Meyer 252 252 For the First Time, Reliability is More Important Than Price (and Other Trends), With Scott Meyer full 3512e891-0e90-446f-9586-469084a96bb4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/24c74c75 Innovative System's latest study into the habits of rural consumers found that local channels are increasingly important when it comes to video. But for the first time, reliability was a greater priority than price in regard to broadband service.


Recorded LIVE at NTCA's RTIME.

]]> Innovative System's latest study into the habits of rural consumers found that local channels are increasingly important when it comes to video. But for the first time, reliability was a greater priority than price in regard to broadband service.


Recorded LIVE at NTCA's RTIME.

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 819 Innovative System's latest study into the habits of rural consumers found that local channels are increasingly important when it comes to video. But for the first time, reliability was a greater priority than price in regard to broadband service.


Recorded LIVE at NTCA's RTIME.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can a Wet, Lost Dog Become a Champion For Your Story?, With Christy Tuckey 251 251 How Can a Wet, Lost Dog Become a Champion For Your Story?, With Christy Tuckey full 2e7f3835-e159-45ab-9d47-b112e4886918 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f28d2bec After a lost dog wandered up to the utility during a storm, Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative posted a series of videos and pictures that quickly spread across the community. Learn how the hashtag #PowerPup kept the community PUPdated as the utility searched for pup's PAWrents in this PAWsitive storytelling opportunity!

]]> After a lost dog wandered up to the utility during a storm, Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative posted a series of videos and pictures that quickly spread across the community. Learn how the hashtag #PowerPup kept the community PUPdated as the utility searched for pup's PAWrents in this PAWsitive storytelling opportunity!

]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1302 After a lost dog wandered up to the utility during a storm, Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative posted a series of videos and pictures that quickly spread across the community. Learn how the hashtag #PowerPup kept the community PUPdated as the utility searched for pup's PAWrents in this PAWsitive storytelling opportunity!

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No GOATS, Scarves and More: How Can You Share Your Story With Elected Officials?, With Ian Cope 250 250 GOATS, Scarves and More: How Can You Share Your Story With Elected Officials?, With Ian Cope full d025f4a2-9a0b-43a9-99b2-e95d37d0865a https://share.transistor.fm/s/a4c001ff Ian Cope joined Utility Pioneers from across Washington at PUD Day on the Hill. As an elected official himself, he shares the best storytelling prompts to keep government officials engaged in your story.

]]> Ian Cope joined Utility Pioneers from across Washington at PUD Day on the Hill. As an elected official himself, he shares the best storytelling prompts to keep government officials engaged in your story.

]]> Tue, 14 Mar 2023 05:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 849 Ian Cope joined Utility Pioneers from across Washington at PUD Day on the Hill. As an elected official himself, he shares the best storytelling prompts to keep government officials engaged in your story.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Helping Consumers Understand New Technology While Sharing Your Story, With Crystal Johnson-Smith 249 249 Helping Consumers Understand New Technology While Sharing Your Story, With Crystal Johnson-Smith full 97792556-3e0d-4d0c-bc77-d7c84b06c00d https://share.transistor.fm/s/fdb05b05 Want to help consumers feel comfortable with broadband possibilities? Build co-op living rooms in your community! Crystal Johnson-Smith, of Prince George Electric, shares how her co-op turned ideas from the past into education opportunities for her community's future.

]]> Want to help consumers feel comfortable with broadband possibilities? Build co-op living rooms in your community! Crystal Johnson-Smith, of Prince George Electric, shares how her co-op turned ideas from the past into education opportunities for her community's future.

]]> Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:30:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1346 Want to help consumers feel comfortable with broadband possibilities? Build co-op living rooms in your community! Crystal Johnson-Smith, of Prince George Electric, shares how her co-op turned ideas from the past into education opportunities for her community's future.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can You Engage Your Community to Celebrate Staff?, With Lorri Freeman 248 248 How Can You Engage Your Community to Celebrate Staff?, With Lorri Freeman full 87c1f87a-3dfb-44a4-b2a0-00a232b7563d https://share.transistor.fm/s/825a1242 After Lorri Freeman asked members for valentines, her co-op was overwhelmed by more than 500 handmade and heartfelt valentine cards. She shares this idea and other ways utilities can celebrate staff throughout the year.

]]> After Lorri Freeman asked members for valentines, her co-op was overwhelmed by more than 500 handmade and heartfelt valentine cards. She shares this idea and other ways utilities can celebrate staff throughout the year.

]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:05:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 895 After Lorri Freeman asked members for valentines, her co-op was overwhelmed by more than 500 handmade and heartfelt valentine cards. She shares this idea and other ways utilities can celebrate staff throughout the year.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Writing that Flows Like a River, With Kim Trevathan 247 247 Writing that Flows Like a River, With Kim Trevathan full 2f641b8c-048e-4470-952d-0df3ae2a0ad8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/982e7189 Kim Trevathan is the author of three books in which he canoed some of the South's longest waterways. In this episode, he gives a preview of his sessions at the upcoming StoryConnect conference where he'll be talking about beginning and ending stories strongly, as well as five ways to improve your written storytelling skills.

]]> Kim Trevathan is the author of three books in which he canoed some of the South's longest waterways. In this episode, he gives a preview of his sessions at the upcoming StoryConnect conference where he'll be talking about beginning and ending stories strongly, as well as five ways to improve your written storytelling skills.

]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:37:05 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1371 Kim Trevathan is the author of three books in which he canoed some of the South's longest waterways. In this episode, he gives a preview of his sessions at the upcoming StoryConnect conference where he'll be talking about beginning and ending stories strongly, as well as five ways to improve your written storytelling skills.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How to Show Your Story, With Robin Conover 246 246 How to Show Your Story, With Robin Conover full 2dad75bc-1e70-4ec8-949b-1d763f632401 https://share.transistor.fm/s/30d14f80 Robin Conover, one of the featured speakers at this year’s StoryConnect Conference, will lead a set of photography sessions as part of a new storytelling skills track. As shorter attention spans increase the importance of pictures in storytelling, we ask the retired VP of communications at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association for visual storytelling tips. She previews what she'll share at StoryConnect, explaining how everything in the frame — even your outfit — tells a story.

]]> Robin Conover, one of the featured speakers at this year’s StoryConnect Conference, will lead a set of photography sessions as part of a new storytelling skills track. As shorter attention spans increase the importance of pictures in storytelling, we ask the retired VP of communications at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association for visual storytelling tips. She previews what she'll share at StoryConnect, explaining how everything in the frame — even your outfit — tells a story.

]]> Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1726 Robin Conover, one of the featured speakers at this year’s StoryConnect Conference, will lead a set of photography sessions as part of a new storytelling skills track. As shorter attention spans increase the importance of pictures in storytelling, we ask the retired VP of communications at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association for visual storytelling tips. She previews what she'll share at StoryConnect, explaining how everything in the frame — even your outfit — tells a story.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Grant Writing Tips for Communicators, With Will O’Donnell 245 245 Grant Writing Tips for Communicators, With Will O’Donnell full 298d8e2a-67cb-40f5-8e1a-98192c991e82 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d809252 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1890 Grant writing has become a significant part of Will O'Donnell's job. He shares tips for applying for grants and why he thinks communicators — with some help from other teams — can be excellent folks to write the grants. Grant writing has become a significant part of Will O'Donnell's job. He shares tips for applying for grants and why he thinks communicators — with some help from other teams — can be excellent folks to write the grants. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Crisis Communications, With Nathalie Strickland 243 243 Crisis Communications, With Nathalie Strickland full 3dec8788-5e73-4d94-b0fb-2cfc7f8b1821 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f7b47ab6 Tue, 17 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1141 Nathalie Strickland, of the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, discusses ways to recognize patterns of crises, the first mover advantage and other keys to being prepared to communicate when something goes really wrong. Nathalie Strickland, of the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, discusses ways to recognize patterns of crises, the first mover advantage and other keys to being prepared to communicate when something goes really wrong. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What You Need to Know About New Broadband Labels, With Jeff Smith 244 244 What You Need to Know About New Broadband Labels, With Jeff Smith full 38bf8759-cb42-4396-b9eb-7ae028b9e1b3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/032fba2a Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1460 In 2023, broadband providers will be required to display government-approved "Broadband Fact" labels at the point of sale. Jeff Smith, from Vantage Point, explains what that might mean for marketers. In 2023, broadband providers will be required to display government-approved "Broadband Fact" labels at the point of sale. Jeff Smith, from Vantage Point, explains what that might mean for marketers. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What Can LinkedIn Do for Your Company (and Yourself)?, With Karrie Carnes 242 242 What Can LinkedIn Do for Your Company (and Yourself)?, With Karrie Carnes full f79af7d7-2398-4e21-9580-f83cfb306f13 https://share.transistor.fm/s/efcb24c1 Tue, 03 Jan 2023 05:02:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1157 LinkedIn provides utilities and broadband providers with an important audience segment they may not reach elsewhere. How can communicators make the most of that opportunity for their company and their own personal brand? LinkedIn provides utilities and broadband providers with an important audience segment they may not reach elsewhere. How can communicators make the most of that opportunity for their company and their own personal brand? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How One Texas Telco Got 86% of Customers to Use Its App, With Russell Kacer 241 241 How One Texas Telco Got 86% of Customers to Use Its App, With Russell Kacer full d8f77356-af3c-4236-a4bb-381d3c431943 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a653d0f6 The YK Communications team wanted more subscribers to use their CommandIQ app from Calix in order to reduce trouble calls and improve customer experience. They came up with a multiprong approach that drove app adoption to 86%, earning them a national award and improving the service they deliver.

]]> The YK Communications team wanted more subscribers to use their CommandIQ app from Calix in order to reduce trouble calls and improve customer experience. They came up with a multiprong approach that drove app adoption to 86%, earning them a national award and improving the service they deliver.

]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1195 The YK Communications team wanted more subscribers to use their CommandIQ app from Calix in order to reduce trouble calls and improve customer experience. They came up with a multiprong approach that drove app adoption to 86%, earning them a national award and improving the service they deliver.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Rethinking Your Annual Meetings, With Garrett Hylton 240 240 Rethinking Your Annual Meetings, With Garrett Hylton full 5806258f-ca99-40c2-98a0-887874907c38 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fd00c550 Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1588 When WREC's annual meeting attendance sagged, the co-op reworked the meeting into a series of events that focused on local students. Garrett Hylton explains the results and how they made it happen. When WREC's annual meeting attendance sagged, the co-op reworked the meeting into a series of events that focused on local students. Garrett Hylton explains the results and how they made it happen. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Using Humor to be 'Non-Boring’, With Chris Gaylord 239 239 Using Humor to be 'Non-Boring’, With Chris Gaylord full 3745e9af-bc7d-4cf1-8256-1dd959f3cc1d https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2ca6ca5 Tue, 13 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1841 The Corps of Engineers Portland District social media feeds that Chris Gaylord manages are full of vampires, yams on dams, celebrities and memes. It's not what you might expect from a government agency. Chris Gaylord explains why humor can be a useful tool when he's communicating about scintillating topics like dredging and navigational buoys. The Corps of Engineers Portland District social media feeds that Chris Gaylord manages are full of vampires, yams on dams, celebrities and memes. It's not what you might expect from a government agency. Chris Gaylord explains why humor can be a useful too broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Reflecting on 28 Years of Utility Storytelling, With Pam Blair 237 237 Reflecting on 28 Years of Utility Storytelling, With Pam Blair full 9841d86e-cb21-48dc-9ecc-9bdf2cbc1cef https://share.transistor.fm/s/9f99ee10 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 752 Pam Blair is retiring after 28 years of helping utilities tell their story through magazines. At the StoryConnect workshop, she joined the podcast to reflect on lessons she's learned along the way. Pam Blair is retiring after 28 years of helping utilities tell their story through magazines. At the StoryConnect workshop, she joined the podcast to reflect on lessons she's learned along the way. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Seven Common Grammar Gaffes, With Brenda Dunn 238 238 Seven Common Grammar Gaffes, With Brenda Dunn full 6ca34748-d97f-4d0a-bdfc-417222472269 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d61f3aeb Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1343 A self-professed grammar nerd, Brenda Dunn, talks through some common mistakes that writers make and how to fix them. A self-professed grammar nerd, Brenda Dunn, talks through some common mistakes that writers make and how to fix them. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What Can Utilities Learn From Sled Dogs?, With Quince Mountain 236 236 What Can Utilities Learn From Sled Dogs?, With Quince Mountain full 8a834a42-d779-4f99-841b-72008ac4be30 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ced1e2e2 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 05:05:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1411 Quince Mountain, author of “Naked and Afraid” and a competitor in the Iditarod, was the keynote speaker at the NWPPA NIC conference. He shares points that utilities and broadband providers can learn from dog-sled racing. Quince Mountain, author of “Naked and Afraid” and a competitor in the Iditarod, was the keynote speaker at the NWPPA NIC conference. He shares points that utilities and broadband providers can learn from dog-sled racing. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Video Tips for Utility Communicators, With Sheila Corson 234 234 Video Tips for Utility Communicators, With Sheila Corson full b9d5ea43-c3db-4625-a9ea-0b329e5864a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/36758f0a Sheila Corson shares tips utility communicators can use to quickly create quality video content to tell their stories. The software programs mentioned include vyond.com, animaker.com and powtoon.com.

]]> Sheila Corson shares tips utility communicators can use to quickly create quality video content to tell their stories. The software programs mentioned include vyond.com, animaker.com and powtoon.com.

]]> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 05:30:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 963 Sheila Corson shares tips utility communicators can use to quickly create quality video content to tell their stories. The software programs mentioned include vyond.com, animaker.com and powtoon.com.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No The Case for Multigig Broadband Service, With Matt Daniel 235 235 The Case for Multigig Broadband Service, With Matt Daniel full 3810cf81-c21a-4444-bf00-8903304d2c70 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bfff7847 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 928 The number of people who need (or even understand) multiple gigs’ worth of broadband speed might be small now, but Matt Daniel lays out the case for why offering such top-end packages makes sense. The number of people who need (or even understand) multiple gigs’ worth of broadband speed might be small now, but Matt Daniel lays out the case for why offering such top-end packages makes sense. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How to Communicate Through Alaska-sized Crises, With Meadow Bailey 233 233 How to Communicate Through Alaska-sized Crises, With Meadow Bailey full 50f1740c-d7dd-45cb-9ee9-f6553a60b3c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8bdbf065 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 962 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? 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? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No The Reluctant Salesperson, With Tom DuBos 232 232 The Reluctant Salesperson, With Tom DuBos full 46f6fd1c-2696-47af-8977-ff37be2be178 https://share.transistor.fm/s/96eef4c3 Tue, 25 Oct 2022 06:04:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 708 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Navigating Social Media, With Ian Cope 231 231 Navigating Social Media, With Ian Cope full f85556d5-ad33-433a-ad5b-d0a262fc3b31 https://share.transistor.fm/s/14a859d8 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 968 Ian Cope shares thoughts on how utilities can navigate through the wilds of social media, summing up his panel at the 2022 NIC conference. Ian Cope shares thoughts on how utilities can navigate through the wilds of social media, summing up his panel at the 2022 NIC conference. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Changing Trends and Expectations for Utility Websites, With Charley Stanley 230 230 Changing Trends and Expectations for Utility Websites, With Charley Stanley full 9cc47ef7-b161-4524-bbde-b4a8ee5b3220 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e273c686 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 05:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 802 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No After a Rebrand, How Can You Make Sure All of Your Staff are Telling the Same Story?, With Lindsey Tyson 226 226 After a Rebrand, How Can You Make Sure All of Your Staff are Telling the Same Story?, With Lindsey Tyson full 8abf0d0d-f86c-40b9-8eb0-615ba363409a https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2b2a4de Tue, 23 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1002 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. 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 broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Writing Tips for Myths, Folklore and Utility Magazines, With Camilla Mortensen 229 229 Writing Tips for Myths, Folklore and Utility Magazines, With Camilla Mortensen full 6e5090f2-4759-416d-952d-973c40001da6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/671094ad Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1071 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Leveraging the Smart Rural Community Designation, With Melissa Lanzourakis 224 224 Leveraging the Smart Rural Community Designation, With Melissa Lanzourakis full 64d2c61e-e0a9-4e67-af3c-facb136d81d0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/59fa0b9c Tue, 09 Aug 2022 06:03:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 618 NTCA's Smart Rural Community Designation can be a powerful tool to help differentiate your telco — if you leverage it properly. NTCA's Smart Rural Community Designation can be a powerful tool to help differentiate your telco — if you leverage it properly. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What Stories Resonate With Your Readers? With Michael Rovito 227 227 What Stories Resonate With Your Readers? With Michael Rovito full c9036f9c-057e-4306-bf00-717a8db37092 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8084bb22 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 717 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. 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 compellin broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Amplifying Your Community Relations, With Kurt Gruendling 225 225 Amplifying Your Community Relations, With Kurt Gruendling full 6a201cc6-ee10-4ffe-95a8-e40dd62f7599 https://share.transistor.fm/s/74b58b3d Tue, 26 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 584 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Do You Prove the Value of Communications to Utility Leadership?, With Chris Jones 217 217 How Do You Prove the Value of Communications to Utility Leadership?, With Chris Jones full a0683d0a-e18e-45d8-9f56-ff12ad59cf66 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b2c7875 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1288 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Storytelling Through Photography, With Billy Weeks 228 228 Storytelling Through Photography, With Billy Weeks full a91744d8-dda7-45ea-ab4a-63652cd3b009 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6701806e Billy Weeks' Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uecTqOVfKkk

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

]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2022 10:31:51 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1148 How can being a better photographer make you a better storyteller? Documentary photographer Billy Weeks discusses how capturing the right photograph is more than just having technical skills and equipment, but knowing what story you are conveying with each element of an image. How can being a better photographer make you a better storyteller? Documentary photographer Billy Weeks discusses how capturing the right photograph is more than just having technical skills and equipment, but knowing what story you are conveying with eac broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Retail Strategies for Broadband Providers, With Gina Shuler 223 223 Retail Strategies for Broadband Providers, With Gina Shuler full 1a03fa5e-8591-4026-b9f5-f5e30eff08d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6de981d8 Tue, 05 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 584 Home Telecom invested in a co-working space and retail space to meet subscribers where they are. Home Telecom invested in a co-working space and retail space to meet subscribers where they are. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How can You Strengthen your Personal Brand’s Story?, With Chellie Phillips 222 222 How can You Strengthen your Personal Brand’s Story?, With Chellie Phillips full 126d72c2-9275-4a84-9668-893949d9cbac https://share.transistor.fm/s/27649b9e 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 733 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.

]]> broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Marketing Broadband to the Newest Members of Your Community, With Laura Withers 220 220 Marketing Broadband to the Newest Members of Your Community, With Laura Withers full 38de9be4-7d47-4e82-a011-d7b7dbfc7793 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cca1de82 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 06:42:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 632 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? 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? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Sales Tips from a Pro, With Jodi Sjolie 219 219 Sales Tips from a Pro, With Jodi Sjolie full 226a224f-bef4-413f-b345-fd80e195c1c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b9516c4d Wed, 08 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1011 Jodi Sjolie has sold everything from broadband to vacuums, and she says sales has a lot more to do with listening than talking. Jodi Sjolie has sold everything from broadband to vacuums, and she says sales has a lot more to do with listening than talking. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can You Effectively Communicate Change?, With Mark Owen 221 221 How Can You Effectively Communicate Change?, With Mark Owen full 6731b11d-3ff0-4bf0-8e18-64f3bd1cd9fe https://share.transistor.fm/s/8004bebe Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 863 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. 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 sta broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What Role Should Communications Play in Broadband Funding?, With Josh Seidemann 218 218 What Role Should Communications Play in Broadband Funding?, With Josh Seidemann full 17864a61-29fb-4603-90da-12abc072c67c https://share.transistor.fm/s/afe40c26 Tue, 24 May 2022 09:02:28 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 643 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 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 broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Grilled Cheese and Forums as Membership Engagement, With Jay Sanders 216 216 Grilled Cheese and Forums as Membership Engagement, With Jay Sanders full 25462015-7650-4e2b-856c-44ee6b887779 https://share.transistor.fm/s/68a4e984 Wed, 18 May 2022 08:06:11 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 919 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Defining the Subscriber Experience, With Naylor Gray 215 215 Defining the Subscriber Experience, With Naylor Gray full 0160f70f-75d6-49d0-a9f8-37081234b02d https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c589826 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 15:31:27 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 843 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Internet and Video Trends in Rural America, With Scott Meyer 214 214 Internet and Video Trends in Rural America, With Scott Meyer full d8f2d8ec-4765-41b4-885e-56d363721bb1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/912eb069 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 659 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. 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@ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Reaching Gamers with an Xbox Tournament, With Lisa Fannin 213 213 Reaching Gamers with an Xbox Tournament, With Lisa Fannin full e64d59d0-b774-4995-8769-67d56820eb7a https://share.transistor.fm/s/717f9c99 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 726 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Telling the Economic Development Story, With Brad Kimbro 212 212 Telling the Economic Development Story, With Brad Kimbro full 850bfe15-14b7-4bb9-960d-79f6cbdd2695 https://share.transistor.fm/s/30f97602 Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:46:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 800 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. 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 Wireg broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How to Drop TV Service Gracefully, With Christy Barecky 211 211 How to Drop TV Service Gracefully, With Christy Barecky full 69806740-eb87-4d6b-afb3-e181965517c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/269e8c0e Fri, 25 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1400 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. 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 f broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Taking an Annual Senior Expo Online, With Cathy Black 210 210 Taking an Annual Senior Expo Online, With Cathy Black full f0755be4-69d6-42e3-8d12-ee1761693ccc https://share.transistor.fm/s/a309a35d Mon, 07 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1036 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Leveraging Your Cooperative Identity, With Sylandi Brown 209 209 Leveraging Your Cooperative Identity, With Sylandi Brown full 95206020-effa-4634-acaa-4de0af194c2e https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f0c3947 Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:45:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1070 Sylandi Brown, marketing and communication specialist with Middle Georgia EMC, discusses leveraging cooperative identity to reach a new generation of working talent. Sylandi Brown, marketing and communication specialist with Middle Georgia EMC, discusses leveraging cooperative identity to reach a new generation of working talent. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Breaking Down Language Barriers, With Rolando Benitez 208 208 Breaking Down Language Barriers, With Rolando Benitez full eb2155ec-c2bc-4c5f-8dd9-548cf5b223c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/82351d07 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 09:08:38 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1268 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Digital Advertising Trends for Broadband and Utilities, With Tina Potter 207 207 Digital Advertising Trends for Broadband and Utilities, With Tina Potter full fe10597a-6d26-437f-8cc7-d5779100e179 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f8841eef Mon, 31 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1672 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Can Communicators Help Refine Processes?, With Jeff Marshall 206 206 How Can Communicators Help Refine Processes?, With Jeff Marshall full 29d1559c-204d-4305-ae3c-a8a903c8a675 https://share.transistor.fm/s/536d73aa Mon, 17 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 734 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Communicators Moving into the GM Role (Part 2), With Scott Peters 203 203 Communicators Moving into the GM Role (Part 2), With Scott Peters full c712064b-13a0-4d27-a335-e1fc4ca1645d https://share.transistor.fm/s/e2d0ec5e Mon, 10 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 734 Scott Peters discusses his journey from communicator to general manager. Scott Peters discusses his journey from communicator to general manager. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Using Video for Internal Communications, With Sabrena Combs 202 202 Using Video for Internal Communications, With Sabrena Combs full 50e700d7-b84f-417e-8607-aa7c4208a04b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cfa8c813 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 889 With a large workforce spread around remote parts of Alaska, Sabrena Combs and her team use short video casts to communicate with staff. With a large workforce spread around remote parts of Alaska, Sabrena Combs and her team use short video casts to communicate with staff. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No What the Font? Why Your Brand Needs a Font, With Sharilyn Fairweather 205 205 What the Font? Why Your Brand Needs a Font, With Sharilyn Fairweather full 8df7c61b-9793-4cde-9f67-afacb033f846 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de48b637 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 855 Sharilyn Fairweather recaps her session “What the Font?” — a look at how consistent (and inconsistent) typography represents your brand. Sharilyn Fairweather recaps her session “What the Font?” — a look at how consistent (and inconsistent) typography represents your brand. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Communicators Moving into the GM Role (Part 1), With Libby Calnon 204 204 Communicators Moving into the GM Role (Part 1), With Libby Calnon full 43f4a5be-45c3-4d19-9c1c-ac1a7401ec8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/93e3351d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1355 Libby Calnon is a proud member of a trend that has communicators and marketers getting more opportunities to become executives. Why is that trend important, and what advice does she have for other communicators looking to climb the ladder? Libby Calnon is a proud member of a trend that has communicators and marketers getting more opportunities to become executives. Why is that trend important, and what advice does she have for other communicators looking to climb the ladder? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Engaging Customers in a Pandemic, With Will O’Donnell 201 201 Engaging Customers in a Pandemic, With Will O’Donnell full 304ab940-b8f6-4e90-890f-5e715b65a5f9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d0d08bd Mon, 29 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 973 Will O’Donnell shares takeaways from the panel he moderated at NWPPA's NIC event. The panel was called “Building A Digital Bridge — Engaging Consumers During and After the Pandemic.” Apologies in advance to the cruise industry. Will O’Donnell shares takeaways from the panel he moderated at NWPPA's NIC event. The panel was called “Building A Digital Bridge — Engaging Consumers During and After the Pandemic.” Apologies in advance to the cruise industry. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Telling the EV Story, With Suzanne Olson 200 200 Telling the EV Story, With Suzanne Olson full 9cdb24e9-0b48-425b-8874-13e770250206 https://share.transistor.fm/s/80b5bba9 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 611 Suzanne Olson shares how her utility is telling the story of electric vehicles by helping members experience them firsthand. Suzanne Olson shares how her utility is telling the story of electric vehicles by helping members experience them firsthand. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Rural TV Trends, With Scott Meyer 199 199 Rural TV Trends, With Scott Meyer full 00513e74-e0a2-4668-a216-170ea469c230 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0cfecc42 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 937 Scott Meyer, Director of Marketing with Innovative Systems, stops by to discuss the latest trends and viewership stats for TV providers in Rural America. This episode was recorded live at the NTCA Fall Conference in Nashville. 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. Scott Meyer, Director of Marketing with Innovative Systems, stops by to discuss the latest trends and viewership stats for TV providers in Rural America. This episode was recorded live at the NTCA Fall Conference in Nashville. If you would like a copy broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Teaching Teachers About Energy, With Maggie Reenstra 198 198 Teaching Teachers About Energy, With Maggie Reenstra full 68a77356-3990-42e1-88eb-ed3a927d4310 https://share.transistor.fm/s/60c332bc Tue, 21 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 920 Coweta-Fayette EMC launched the STEM Teachers Alternative Energy Summer Adventure to help local teachers teach about the future of energy in their classrooms. Coweta-Fayette EMC launched the STEM Teachers Alternative Energy Summer Adventure to help local teachers teach about the future of energy in their classrooms. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Advocacy — Exploring the Customer Experience 197 197 Advocacy — Exploring the Customer Experience full e2edeaf1-894e-4cd5-be3a-6e3153ecb080 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd815f77 Thu, 19 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1329 On this last episode of “Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience” our guests discuss making customers your company’s greatest fans. What’s their secret to creating lifelong subscribers? It’s simple: listening to customers and recognizing their loyalty. On this last episode of “Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience” our guests discuss making customers your company’s greatest fans. What’s their secret to creating lifelong subscribers? It’s simple: listening to customers and recognizing their loyalty broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Retention — Exploring the Customer Journey 196 196 Retention — Exploring the Customer Journey full 5d899531-09e4-40c4-89d2-98cd90299974 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4a3bfa16 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:17:18 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1804 The purchase stage is just the beginning of the customer relationship. It can also be the end of the relationship if service providers fail to engage and connect with the customer after the purchase. Implementing a retention strategy isn’t easy, but it can be the difference between losing an at-risk customer or gaining a long-term loyal customer. Listen to our guests’ stories on this episode of “Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience.” The purchase stage is just the beginning of the customer relationship. It can also be the end of the relationship if service providers fail to engage and connect with the customer after the purchase. Implementing a retention strategy isn’t easy, but it ca broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Purchase — Exploring the Customer Experience 195 195 Purchase — Exploring the Customer Experience full e9533847-3323-4f8b-a778-ea9c53d3439d https://share.transistor.fm/s/4e5d6e9c Thu, 05 Aug 2021 03:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1243 Every step of the purchase process needs to be easy and low effort for the customer to drive customer satisfaction. But is this easier said than done? Our guests discuss ways they serve their consumers well at the purchase stage on this episode of “Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience.” Every step of the purchase process needs to be easy and low effort for the customer to drive customer satisfaction. But is this easier said than done? Our guests discuss ways they serve their consumers well at the purchase stage on this episode of “Journe broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Evaluation — Exploring the Customer Experience 194 194 Evaluation — Exploring the Customer Experience full 1c629524-839c-43a2-a948-727c84784144 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c148c112 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1445 During the evaluation stage of the customer journey, consumers may get bombarded with questions and doubts as they are researching your service. How can companies provide content and tools that inform and educate consumers about their service in a precise and helpful manner? How can a company calm a potential consumer’s fears? That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of “Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience.” During the evaluation stage of the customer journey, consumers may get bombarded with questions and doubts as they are researching your service. How can companies provide content and tools that inform and educate consumers about their service in a precise broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Awareness — Exploring the Customer Experience 193 193 Awareness — Exploring the Customer Experience full 9c501cf7-1544-4ed5-b38d-04e563a7f8b3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e2afed2 Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:42:32 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 2155 On this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, Carrie Huckeby discusses the awareness stage of the customer journey. It’s not enough that your company has a great product. Customers need to find your company and have a good impression about the brand. How can the company ensure they are visible and well-received in their communities? Find out now on this episode of “Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience.” On this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, Carrie Huckeby discusses the awareness stage of the customer journey. It’s not enough that your company has a great product. Customers need to find your company and have a good impression about the brand. How broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience 192 192 Journey — Exploring the Customer Experience full 4f4df1a7-cd24-4a4d-ac21-ba523089051a https://share.transistor.fm/s/aefb4ec9 Thu, 15 Jul 2021 07:42:02 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1366 This episode of “StoryConnect: The Podcast” begins a special six-part miniseries exploring the customer experience. Each stop on the journey is important to have a great customer experience. But first, what is the customer experience? This episode of “StoryConnect: The Podcast” begins a special six-part miniseries exploring the customer experience. Each stop on the journey is important to have a great customer experience. But first, what is the customer experience? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Employees Help Create a Stimulus for Local Businesses, With Kristi Petersen 191 191 Employees Help Create a Stimulus for Local Businesses, With Kristi Petersen full be09b920-fae4-4b8e-b26e-d618e423409c https://share.transistor.fm/s/e3eb8cd1 Fri, 18 Jun 2021 09:40:07 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1055 Minburn Communications helped it's community recover from the COVID-19 economic slump by providing incentives for employees to shop local. Minburn Communications helped it's community recover from the COVID-19 economic slump by providing incentives for employees to shop local. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Highlights of the Annual Rural Video and Broadband Industry Study, With Scott Meyer 190 190 Highlights of the Annual Rural Video and Broadband Industry Study, With Scott Meyer full cb11f813-e7ae-4e4d-87b4-5fcdf9f1f5ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/93244a83 Thu, 06 May 2021 10:50:15 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 2041 Innovative's annual study uncovers insights on keeping video service going, offering speed increase trials and much more. For the full report, email scottm@innovsys.com. Innovative's annual study uncovers insights on keeping video service going, offering speed increase trials and much more. For the full report, email scottm@innovsys.com. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Communicating through a Ransomware Attack, With Kevin Beyer 189 189 Communicating through a Ransomware Attack, With Kevin Beyer full 6d55553b-b6d3-4653-a01c-593732a2a19e https://share.transistor.fm/s/680f0753 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 08:52:21 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1153 When their rural Minnesota telco was hit by a ransomware attack, staff sprung into action to both combat the attack and communicate with customers and coworkers about its effects. When their rural Minnesota telco was hit by a ransomware attack, staff sprung into action to both combat the attack and communicate with customers and coworkers about its effects. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Lessons Learned from a Fiber Build, With Sean Vanslyke 188 188 Lessons Learned from a Fiber Build, With Sean Vanslyke full 8641f558-c350-4142-ab6d-ba097a7241fe https://share.transistor.fm/s/44360d82 Tue, 23 Feb 2021 13:13:05 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1503 SEMO launched its fiber build a few years ahead of most electric cooperatives. CEO Sean Vanslyke talks about the lessons they've learned along the way. SEMO launched its fiber build a few years ahead of most electric cooperatives. CEO Sean Vanslyke talks about the lessons they've learned along the way. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Drive-by Retirement Parties, With Jonathan Farmer 187 187 Drive-by Retirement Parties, With Jonathan Farmer full 8e4a9a29-e123-41d0-81b9-6a82e5ef4d4c https://share.transistor.fm/s/3026c830 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:09:39 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 818 Pioneer's newest team member Jonathan Farmer talks about creative ways he and other co-op communicators have had to adapt events including retirement celebrations. Pioneer's newest team member Jonathan Farmer talks about creative ways he and other co-op communicators have had to adapt events including retirement celebrations. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Do you have a sales playbook?, With Larry Montgomery 186 186 Do you have a sales playbook?, With Larry Montgomery full 802528e1-ece9-4a7d-bf6a-16b702c07ae8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5adaa0af Tue, 02 Feb 2021 12:34:17 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1608 The sales staff at Etex has built a sales playbook that helps them anticipate customer questions and seize opportunities as a team. The sales staff at Etex has built a sales playbook that helps them anticipate customer questions and seize opportunities as a team. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No The State of Social Media Today, With Gus Wagner 185 185 The State of Social Media Today, With Gus Wagner full e5bfb4ac-e97f-4515-93fb-bedd28180066 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dbb9299c Tue, 02 Feb 2021 12:31:37 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1538 Social media platforms have been in the headlines quite a bit lately. What does that mean for community-based telcos and power providers? Social media platforms have been in the headlines quite a bit lately. What does that mean for community-based telcos and power providers? broadband, rural, telco, electric, social media, Twitter, Facebook, Parler, Clubhouse, advertising No Are You Ready for Cloud Gaming?, With Brian Lazenby and Zach Moore 184 184 Are You Ready for Cloud Gaming?, With Brian Lazenby and Zach Moore full f1591f4d-e99c-4f16-9019-3bc4e5c5f43f https://share.transistor.fm/s/ceb8e01e Mon, 30 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 582 The new PlayStation 5 and Xbox X consoles coming out this holiday season are bandwidth hogs. Broadband providers need to educate their customers before Christmas mornings are ruined by slow connections! The new PlayStation 5 and Xbox X consoles coming out this holiday season are bandwidth hogs. Broadband providers need to educate their customers before Christmas mornings are ruined by slow connections! broadband, gaming, cloud, internet, PlayStation, Xbox, bandwidth No A Drive-Through Annual Meeting?, With Karen Jackson-Furman 183 183 A Drive-Through Annual Meeting?, With Karen Jackson-Furman full a852b89f-2f0a-4ea7-b693-72d6a6e19f4e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e490c128 Mon, 16 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 443 WK&T hosted it's first ever Drive-Through Annual Meeintg during the pandemic and had a great turnout. What does a Drive-Through Annual Meeting look like and how did they make it happen? WK&T hosted it's first ever Drive-Through Annual Meeintg during the pandemic and had a great turnout. What does a Drive-Through Annual Meeting look like and how did they make it happen? broadband, drive-through, annual meeting, telco, pandemic, COVID-19, internet No How Can Social Media Liven Up Your Virtual Annual Meeting?, With Taylor Richards 182 182 How Can Social Media Liven Up Your Virtual Annual Meeting?, With Taylor Richards full 8c58a1d4-1fa7-42aa-a32c-9b208333347a https://share.transistor.fm/s/6abe722f Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:24:35 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 505 FTC had huge success with their virtual annual meeting thanks in part to the fun they had on social media. Taylor Richards shares with us the challenges and benefits of making that happen. FTC had huge success with their virtual annual meeting thanks in part to the fun they had on social media. Taylor Richards shares with us the challenges and benefits of making that happen. broadband, rural, cooperative, telco, annual meeting, social media, virtual No How To Be Human in a Digital World 181 181 How To Be Human in a Digital World full 09b315a1-27db-49b9-a102-129d5da9ff68 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c45a8651 Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:39:16 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 737 At a time when we're having more digital interactions than ever before, Megan McKoy's new ebook "How to Be Human in a Digital World" provides tips on how your utility staff can maintain that critical human touch. At a time when we're having more digital interactions than ever before, Megan McKoy's new ebook "How to Be Human in a Digital World" provides tips on how your utility staff can maintain that critical human touch. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No WordSouth Acquired by Pioneer Utility Resources 180 180 WordSouth Acquired by Pioneer Utility Resources full a920615f-a360-45e9-8eb8-3aba285d78f3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/523e2687 Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:34:16 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 2226 Following the news that Oregon-based Pioneer Utility Resources had acquired WordSouth, Pioneer CEO Mike Shepard and WordSouth founder Stephen V. Smith joined the podcast to discuss what this means for the two companies and the industries they serve. Following the news that Oregon-based Pioneer Utility Resources had acquired WordSouth, Pioneer CEO Mike Shepard and WordSouth founder Stephen V. Smith joined the podcast to discuss what this means for the two companies and the industries they serve. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Online Voting For Virtual Annual Meetings 179 179 Online Voting For Virtual Annual Meetings full 2742faf9-0a9d-4254-bfa2-8441fedd43a3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/10e54025 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 09:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1435 At a time when many cooperatives are facing uncertainty around annual meetings, ARC Media has designed an online tool to help members vote. At a time when many cooperatives are facing uncertainty around annual meetings, ARC Media has designed an online tool to help members vote. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Converting to Usage-Based Broadband 178 178 Converting to Usage-Based Broadband full c8322fe5-a696-4995-9efe-2d74f268a044 https://share.transistor.fm/s/621f4aaa Wed, 24 Jun 2020 10:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1220 About a year ago, Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company began switching customers over to a usage-based pricing structure that charged on data used, rather than speed. What went into that move and how has it been received? About a year ago, Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company began switching customers over to a usage-based pricing structure that charged on data used, rather than speed. What went into that move and how has it been received? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Webinar Audio: Back to School Promotions and Campaigns 177 177 Webinar Audio: Back to School Promotions and Campaigns full 4cfad667-c00b-4f4b-a1f7-3a00c851f4e2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6e27669b Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 2339 This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on June 9 titled Back to School Promotions and Campaigns. To see other upcoming webinars visit wordsouth.com/webinar. The video version is available here: https://wordsouth.com/2020/06/wordsouth-webinar-back-to-school-promotions-and-campaigns/ This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on June 9 titled Back to School Promotions and Campaigns. To see other upcoming webinars visit wordsouth.com/webinar. The video version is available here: https://wordsouth.com/2020/06/wordsouth-webinar-b broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Selling Upgrades in a Pandemic 176 176 Selling Upgrades in a Pandemic full d0a48e39-3695-4960-9735-bdc00ca55c54 https://share.transistor.fm/s/029c4082 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1171 Upgrading customers is always an important way to grow revenues, but many telcos have been flooded with upgrade requests with customers working from home and homeschooling. What do you need to do to be ready to keep up? Upgrading customers is always an important way to grow revenues, but many telcos have been flooded with upgrade requests with customers working from home and homeschooling. What do you need to do to be ready to keep up? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Focusing on the Customer Experience 175 175 Focusing on the Customer Experience full 960cb0af-224f-4b5b-9400-c1b29830e00b https://share.transistor.fm/s/8632b40a Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1165 Carrie Huckeby, who leads WordSouth's training program, discusses how CSRs and MSRs can focus on peak moments in the customer's journey to dramatically improve customer satisfaction. Carrie Huckeby, who leads WordSouth's training program, discusses how CSRs and MSRs can focus on peak moments in the customer's journey to dramatically improve customer satisfaction. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Webinar Audio: Marketing Segmentation 174 174 Webinar Audio: Marketing Segmentation full 3cc249c0-6a41-4286-8b98-17c09f7df53a https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fd9c0cf Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 2472 This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on May 14 titled Marketing Segmentation. To see other upcoming webinars visit wordsouth.com/webinar. The video version is available here: https://wordsouth.com/2020/05/missed-our-marketing-segmentation-webinar-heres-the-video/ This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on May 14 titled Marketing Segmentation. To see other upcoming webinars visit wordsouth.com/webinar. The video version is available here: https://wordsouth.com/2020/05/missed-our-marketing-segmentation-we broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Telcos are Responding to COVID-19 Part 3 172 172 How Telcos are Responding to COVID-19 Part 3 full b482d05d-b53b-40c4-868c-e04ddbe28a6e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7bf4677 https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/category/lead-tennessee-radio/

]]> https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/category/lead-tennessee-radio/

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1113 In partnership with Lead Tennessee Radio, WordSouth has four telco managers discussing how COVID-19 has impacted their operations. This episode includes Jason Shelton, Bob Mouser, Johnny McClanahan, and Bill Franklin. In partnership with Lead Tennessee Radio, WordSouth has four telco managers discussing how COVID-19 has impacted their operations. This episode includes Jason Shelton, Bob Mouser, Johnny McClanahan, and Bill Franklin. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Telcos are Responding to COVID-19 Part 2 171 171 How Telcos are Responding to COVID-19 Part 2 full b2c35dc5-8084-490a-90a5-f76a18d46826 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9b5ddefc https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/category/lead-tennessee-radio/

]]> https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/category/lead-tennessee-radio/

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 792 In partnership with Lead Tennessee Radio, WordSouth has four telco managers discussing how COVID-19 has impacted their operations. This episode includes Chris Townson, Lisa Cope, Charlie Boring, and James Garner. In partnership with Lead Tennessee Radio, WordSouth has four telco managers discussing how COVID-19 has impacted their operations. This episode includes Chris Townson, Lisa Cope, Charlie Boring, and James Garner. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How Telcos are Responding to COVID-19 Part 1 170 170 How Telcos are Responding to COVID-19 Part 1 full 68de7a26-cddd-47aa-a2f7-a1e61418ce98 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7093c188 Lead Tennessee Radio: https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/category/lead-tennessee-radio/

]]> Lead Tennessee Radio: https://www.tennesseebroadband.com/category/lead-tennessee-radio/

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 965 In partnership with Lead Tennessee Radio, WordSouth has four telco managers discussing how COVID-19 has impacted their operations. This episode includes Mark Patterson, William Bradford, Bruce Mottern and Johnathan West. In partnership with Lead Tennessee Radio, WordSouth has four telco managers discussing how COVID-19 has impacted their operations. This episode includes Mark Patterson, William Bradford, Bruce Mottern and Johnathan West. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No An Annual Meeting Goes Virtual 169 169 An Annual Meeting Goes Virtual full d7a8c541-24bd-4a5a-b12b-50bfef20be25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/56dcf4c2 Mon, 18 May 2020 13:30:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1273 Norvado became one of the first — but likely not the last — cooperatives to hold its annual meeting virtually. How did they pull it off? Norvado became one of the first — but likely not the last — cooperatives to hold its annual meeting virtually. How did they pull it off? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Working (and Managing) Remotely Webinar 168 168 Working (and Managing) Remotely Webinar full dac21afd-0d6d-4b3b-98f6-44138565fff3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/329c7a64 Wed, 06 May 2020 14:00:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 2401 This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on April 30 title Working (and Managing) Remotely. To see other upcoming webinars visit wordsouth.com/webinar. This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on April 30 title Working (and Managing) Remotely. To see other upcoming webinars visit wordsouth.com/webinar. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No WordSouth's COVID-19 Resource Kit 167 167 WordSouth's COVID-19 Resource Kit full 5129f28c-e79c-4022-ab78-2eaf769dd7ab https://share.transistor.fm/s/4cd4c06b Mon, 13 Apr 2020 10:40:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1705 WordSouth developed the industry's first COVID-19 resource kit for utility communicators. CEO Stephen V. Smith joins the show to discuss the free kit and strategies for communicating in this unprecedented time. WordSouth developed the industry's first COVID-19 resource kit for utility communicators. CEO Stephen V. Smith joins the show to discuss the free kit and strategies for communicating in this unprecedented time. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Introducing the Smart Rural Communities Podcast, With Laura Withers 166 166 Introducing the Smart Rural Communities Podcast, With Laura Withers full 1858ff9b-6893-4129-9f73-db24f726b62e https://share.transistor.fm/s/888ab24d Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:55:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 710 NTCA has rolled out it's brand new Smart Rural Communities Podcast. How is the association using podcasts to help tell the rural broadband story? NTCA has rolled out it's brand new Smart Rural Communities Podcast. How is the association using podcasts to help tell the rural broadband story? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No How To Be Interviewed, With Keith Gabbard 165 165 How To Be Interviewed, With Keith Gabbard full 9d13b630-80a8-437f-827e-1644af1fbd0b https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ae23afa Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:50:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 859 PRTC has received a fair share of media attention in recent years. CEO Keith Gabbard offers tips on being interviewed and discusses how telling stories can positively shape coverage. PRTC has received a fair share of media attention in recent years. CEO Keith Gabbard offers tips on being interviewed and discusses how telling stories can positively shape coverage. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Using Podcasts To Communicate With Legislators, With Levoy Knowles 164 164 Using Podcasts To Communicate With Legislators, With Levoy Knowles full cec96db1-3797-4f25-aaf3-b264bd39d2d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c5a6dfc Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:40:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 614 The Tennessee Broadband Association has launched Lead Tennessee Radio as a tool to both communicate important policy issues with listeners and build relationships with legislators. Checkout Lead Tennessee Radio. The Tennessee Broadband Association has launched Lead Tennessee Radio as a tool to both communicate important policy issues with listeners and build relationships with legislators. Checkout Lead Tennessee Radio. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Innovative Systems' 2020 Video and Internet Study, With Scott Meyer 162 162 Innovative Systems' 2020 Video and Internet Study, With Scott Meyer full d67b40ff-43c2-4fc2-9bc7-94f3f2ad9a72 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b10b9e71 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:35:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1406 Scott Meyer of Innovative Systems shares insights from the 2020 Video and Internet Study, discussing DVR usage, streaming only households and an alarming decrease in customer satisfaction among rural telcos. Scott Meyer of Innovative Systems shares insights from the 2020 Video and Internet Study, discussing DVR usage, streaming only households and an alarming decrease in customer satisfaction among rural telcos. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Telcos And Electric Cooperatives Working Together, With Fred Johnson 163 163 Telcos And Electric Cooperatives Working Together, With Fred Johnson full 7444c3b2-123e-4a82-b07b-eaf320449399 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5bd3f8af Telcos and Electric Cooperatives Working Together

An Interview with Fred Johnson, CEO & General Manager at Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative in Rainsville, Alabama

Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability.

Episode Summary

At RTIME, Fred Johnson was called on to articulate NTCA’s position on electrics getting into the broadband business. He joined the podcast after his address to share his thoughts.



Andy Johns:


What can your telco do to establish good partnership relationships with your electric counterparts? That's what we'll be talking about on this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast. My name is Andy Johns. I'm your host with WordSouth, and I'm joined on this episode for the first time, oddly enough, by Fred Johnson, CEO and General Manager at FTC right there in Rainsville, Alabama. Fred, thanks for joining.


Fred Johnson:


That's my pleasure, Andy.


Andy Johns:


Now, FTC has been working with WordSouth for more than 20 years. I think they were our second customer. So it's kind of crazy we have not had you on before, but I appreciate you taking the time here at RTIME. I should say that we are recording live at the center of the rural broadband universe this week in Phoenix, Arizona, NTCA's RTIME Conference. And Fred was nice enough after he addressed the crowd this morning to take some time to talk with us. So your topic, Fred, was looking at electrics and telcos working together. And I thought you had a really good way of putting all that together, based on some of what you've learned from legislators and just your experience.


Fred Johnson:


That's correct, Andy. I was actually tasked with the responsibility of sharing with our membership the approach the board has taken with formulating our response to the emergence of electric providers into the broadband marketplace, which is something that we, quite frankly, think is an opportunity and not a crisis. And it was important to share with our membership the approach the board is taking in that regard.


Andy Johns:


Definitely. We'll start like you did with your presentation with the numbers, because the numbers overwhelmingly suggest that there needs to be a way for NTCA members to partner.


Fred Johnson:


That's absolutely correct. You have to remember that there are 327 million Americans, according to our most recent population estimates. Approximately 97% of the land mass is rural, and that encompasses about 60 million people, not 60 million households, but 60 million people. The challenge that we face is that out of that 60 million, only about 13 million are actually reached by members of NTCA or what we would traditionally refer to as telephone cooperatives and independent small community based providers. That leaves 47 million Americans living in rural America that do not have access to the services of a truly rural-based provider. And we cannot ignore that as an association. We have to understand that, and let that fact help us understand where the market is headed and the challenges that are before us.


Andy Johns:


Because that 47 million those are the folks that are not reached, like you said by NTCA folks, and there may be many of those that would never be the opportunity for NTCA folks to reach them on their own.


Fred Johnson:


That's right. And that does not portend the presence of evil people. Please understand. That's 47 million Americans that are living in areas of the country that have traditionally been served by the large price cap carriers, such as AT&T. And you have to remember that they have telephone service. All of America ultimately had telephone service because of a carefully formulated public policy that dates all the way back to the early 1930s. That policy has changed. The marketplace has changed. And the rules and principles that applied in a monopolistic era with heavy state and federal regulation just don't work any longer. That doesn't mean the companies that are serving those areas are evil people or evil companies. They just don't have a business case to do that. But that does put 47 million Americans at risk of not having a world-class broadband, provided by a provider that is based in their community.


Andy Johns:


I thought it was interesting how you outlined the history there between NTCA and NRECA. This is not a new concept that the telecommunications folks and electric folks will be working closely together, because, I believe you said, there's a lot more in common than in contrast.


Fred Johnson:


There absolutely is. You go all the way back to the 1950s. Actually you go all the way back to the 1940s, it was NRECA that advocated for changes in the Telecom Act or the REA Act that gave birth to the telecom industry as we know it today. And NRECA also gave birth to NTCA itself, housed their offices for many years. And we've enjoyed a long and productive relationship. At the end of the day, we're all about the same mission.


Andy Johns:


I thought it was interesting, you talked about the moral high ground, and I thought that was a nice way to put that. You know, a lot of the co-ops can claim to take that moral high ground. But as you mentioned, a lot of the electric cooperatives are on some of that same space.


Fred Johnson:


Absolutely. By and large, the NTCA membership, almost without exception, is either telephone cooperatives or it is comprised of small community-based, community-minded, independent companies. And whether you're a cooperative or one of those independently owned companies, if you have a true commitment to the community and to the customers, you do have a certain amount of high ground that you can claim. It's not just a business case at that point. But absolutely, rural electric cooperatives across the country are taking care of people the same way, you know, cooperatives in the telecoms side of things have as well. And they have a right to claim that ground as well.


Andy Johns:


Sure. Now as you talked about it a little bit more, you mentioned some good examples of people who are doing it right. I think you mentioned CTC and Pineland and a few others. But where do you see this going? What is the model that you would like to see? You know, hoping that down the road becomes more and more common.


Fred Johnson:


Well, can we take just a moment to talk a little bit about some of the advocacy principles we strongly believe in? First of all, we absolutely promote collaboration and cooperation wherever that is geographically possible. At the same time, we are very cautious and encouraging public policy that does not take scarce resources. Think tax payer or consumer dollars, and give it to folks just to artificially fund competition where it doesn't make sense or to overbuild duplicative networks. That just does not make sense from a public policy perspective. But, at the same time, we acknowledge the need of all rural Americans, not just the ones that are part of our membership. And we encourage cooperation in reaching those as much as possible. The only other thing that we're not the least bit apologetic [for], I've been making a point about, is that people should still act responsibly and invest wisely. And if you don't do that, there's always the possibility absent effective ...

]]> Telcos and Electric Cooperatives Working Together

An Interview with Fred Johnson, CEO & General Manager at Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative in Rainsville, Alabama

Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability.

Episode Summary

At RTIME, Fred Johnson was called on to articulate NTCA’s position on electrics getting into the broadband business. He joined the podcast after his address to share his thoughts.



Andy Johns:


What can your telco do to establish good partnership relationships with your electric counterparts? That's what we'll be talking about on this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast. My name is Andy Johns. I'm your host with WordSouth, and I'm joined on this episode for the first time, oddly enough, by Fred Johnson, CEO and General Manager at FTC right there in Rainsville, Alabama. Fred, thanks for joining.


Fred Johnson:


That's my pleasure, Andy.


Andy Johns:


Now, FTC has been working with WordSouth for more than 20 years. I think they were our second customer. So it's kind of crazy we have not had you on before, but I appreciate you taking the time here at RTIME. I should say that we are recording live at the center of the rural broadband universe this week in Phoenix, Arizona, NTCA's RTIME Conference. And Fred was nice enough after he addressed the crowd this morning to take some time to talk with us. So your topic, Fred, was looking at electrics and telcos working together. And I thought you had a really good way of putting all that together, based on some of what you've learned from legislators and just your experience.


Fred Johnson:


That's correct, Andy. I was actually tasked with the responsibility of sharing with our membership the approach the board has taken with formulating our response to the emergence of electric providers into the broadband marketplace, which is something that we, quite frankly, think is an opportunity and not a crisis. And it was important to share with our membership the approach the board is taking in that regard.


Andy Johns:


Definitely. We'll start like you did with your presentation with the numbers, because the numbers overwhelmingly suggest that there needs to be a way for NTCA members to partner.


Fred Johnson:


That's absolutely correct. You have to remember that there are 327 million Americans, according to our most recent population estimates. Approximately 97% of the land mass is rural, and that encompasses about 60 million people, not 60 million households, but 60 million people. The challenge that we face is that out of that 60 million, only about 13 million are actually reached by members of NTCA or what we would traditionally refer to as telephone cooperatives and independent small community based providers. That leaves 47 million Americans living in rural America that do not have access to the services of a truly rural-based provider. And we cannot ignore that as an association. We have to understand that, and let that fact help us understand where the market is headed and the challenges that are before us.


Andy Johns:


Because that 47 million those are the folks that are not reached, like you said by NTCA folks, and there may be many of those that would never be the opportunity for NTCA folks to reach them on their own.


Fred Johnson:


That's right. And that does not portend the presence of evil people. Please understand. That's 47 million Americans that are living in areas of the country that have traditionally been served by the large price cap carriers, such as AT&T. And you have to remember that they have telephone service. All of America ultimately had telephone service because of a carefully formulated public policy that dates all the way back to the early 1930s. That policy has changed. The marketplace has changed. And the rules and principles that applied in a monopolistic era with heavy state and federal regulation just don't work any longer. That doesn't mean the companies that are serving those areas are evil people or evil companies. They just don't have a business case to do that. But that does put 47 million Americans at risk of not having a world-class broadband, provided by a provider that is based in their community.


Andy Johns:


I thought it was interesting how you outlined the history there between NTCA and NRECA. This is not a new concept that the telecommunications folks and electric folks will be working closely together, because, I believe you said, there's a lot more in common than in contrast.


Fred Johnson:


There absolutely is. You go all the way back to the 1950s. Actually you go all the way back to the 1940s, it was NRECA that advocated for changes in the Telecom Act or the REA Act that gave birth to the telecom industry as we know it today. And NRECA also gave birth to NTCA itself, housed their offices for many years. And we've enjoyed a long and productive relationship. At the end of the day, we're all about the same mission.


Andy Johns:


I thought it was interesting, you talked about the moral high ground, and I thought that was a nice way to put that. You know, a lot of the co-ops can claim to take that moral high ground. But as you mentioned, a lot of the electric cooperatives are on some of that same space.


Fred Johnson:


Absolutely. By and large, the NTCA membership, almost without exception, is either telephone cooperatives or it is comprised of small community-based, community-minded, independent companies. And whether you're a cooperative or one of those independently owned companies, if you have a true commitment to the community and to the customers, you do have a certain amount of high ground that you can claim. It's not just a business case at that point. But absolutely, rural electric cooperatives across the country are taking care of people the same way, you know, cooperatives in the telecoms side of things have as well. And they have a right to claim that ground as well.


Andy Johns:


Sure. Now as you talked about it a little bit more, you mentioned some good examples of people who are doing it right. I think you mentioned CTC and Pineland and a few others. But where do you see this going? What is the model that you would like to see? You know, hoping that down the road becomes more and more common.


Fred Johnson:


Well, can we take just a moment to talk a little bit about some of the advocacy principles we strongly believe in? First of all, we absolutely promote collaboration and cooperation wherever that is geographically possible. At the same time, we are very cautious and encouraging public policy that does not take scarce resources. Think tax payer or consumer dollars, and give it to folks just to artificially fund competition where it doesn't make sense or to overbuild duplicative networks. That just does not make sense from a public policy perspective. But, at the same time, we acknowledge the need of all rural Americans, not just the ones that are part of our membership. And we encourage cooperation in reaching those as much as possible. The only other thing that we're not the least bit apologetic [for], I've been making a point about, is that people should still act responsibly and invest wisely. And if you don't do that, there's always the possibility absent effective ...

]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:35:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 843 At RTIME, Fred Johnson was called on to articulate NTCA's position on electrics getting into the broadband business. He joined the podcast after his address to share his thoughts. At RTIME, Fred Johnson was called on to articulate NTCA's position on electrics getting into the broadband business. He joined the podcast after his address to share his thoughts. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Everyone At Your Company Is A Storyteller, With Ron Laudner 161 161 Everyone At Your Company Is A Storyteller, With Ron Laudner full 1137d7af-cc38-449c-8d72-2ac26e2c10c5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a953167 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:35:00 -0500 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 917 At Omnitel, storytelling is an important skill for all employees. CEO Ron Laudner tells us how and why it's important for everyone to be on the same page. At Omnitel, storytelling is an important skill for all employees. CEO Ron Laudner tells us how and why it's important for everyone to be on the same page. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No The story of Freedom Fiber, With Steve Foshee 160 160 The story of Freedom Fiber, With Steve Foshee full 2effda55-3c58-4695-9b6b-d86bf4a81603 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3616f092 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 09:00:00 -0600 Pioneer Utility Resources Pioneer Utility Resources 1491 Tombigbee Electric Cooperative was early to the game on fiber optics. What can other electrics learn from Tombigbee’s Freedom Fiber service? Tombigbee Electric Cooperative was early to the game on fiber optics. What can other electrics learn from Tombigbee’s Freedom Fiber service? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Electrics Getting Member Approval to Offer Broadband, With Michael Cornelison 159 159 Electrics Getting Member Approval to Offer Broadband, With Michael Cornelison full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/718960963 https://share.transistor.fm/s/72b5c887 The demand for broadband was there, but Joe Wheeler EMC (Trinity, Alabama) needed approval from its membership to enter the business. In this episode, Director of Communications Michael Cornelison talks about the actions his electric cooperative took to inform members and hold an election to change the company bylaws.

]]> The demand for broadband was there, but Joe Wheeler EMC (Trinity, Alabama) needed approval from its membership to enter the business. In this episode, Director of Communications Michael Cornelison talks about the actions his electric cooperative took to inform members and hold an election to change the company bylaws.

]]> Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:53:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1072 The demand for broadband was there, but Joe Wheeler EMC (Trinity, Alabama) needed approval from its membership to enter the business. In this episode, Director of Communications Michael Cornelison talks about the actions his electric cooperative took to inform members and hold an election to change the company bylaws. The demand for broadband was there, but Joe Wheeler EMC (Trinity, Alabama) needed approval from its membership to enter the business. In this episode, Director of Communications Michael Cornelison talks about the actions his electric cooperative took to i broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No When a DDoS Attack Derails Your Rebranding Efforts, With Patricia Contic 158 158 When a DDoS Attack Derails Your Rebranding Efforts, With Patricia Contic full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/718958449 https://share.transistor.fm/s/32032603 In the summer of 2019, Director of Communications Patricia Contic and her team at Morristown (TN) Utility Systems were set to launch a company-wide rebranding effort. And then someone launched a DDoS attack on their network. In this episode, Patricia talks about how they managed the public backlash, deleted their Facebook page and started a new one, and came out the other side with a rebrand — and a new social media policy.

]]> In the summer of 2019, Director of Communications Patricia Contic and her team at Morristown (TN) Utility Systems were set to launch a company-wide rebranding effort. And then someone launched a DDoS attack on their network. In this episode, Patricia talks about how they managed the public backlash, deleted their Facebook page and started a new one, and came out the other side with a rebrand — and a new social media policy.

]]> Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:48:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1574 In the summer of 2019, Director of Communications Patricia Contic and her team at Morristown (TN) Utility Systems were set to launch a company-wide rebranding effort. And then someone launched a DDoS attack on their network. In this episode, Patricia talks about how they managed the public backlash, deleted their Facebook page and started a new one, and came out the other side with a rebrand — and a new social media policy. In the summer of 2019, Director of Communications Patricia Contic and her team at Morristown (TN) Utility Systems were set to launch a company-wide rebranding effort. And then someone launched a DDoS attack on their network. In this episode, Patricia talk broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No Partnership Helps Electric Cooperative Enter Broadband Business, With Mitch Cain 157 157 Partnership Helps Electric Cooperative Enter Broadband Business, With Mitch Cain full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/718955635 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e607e223 Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tennessee, did its homework before deciding to enter the broadband business — what Director of Member Services Mitch Cain calls "the largest investment our cooperative had ever made." In this episode, Mitch talks about what led to AEC's decision to offer broadband, and how finding the right partner was key to making it happen.

]]> Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tennessee, did its homework before deciding to enter the broadband business — what Director of Member Services Mitch Cain calls "the largest investment our cooperative had ever made." In this episode, Mitch talks about what led to AEC's decision to offer broadband, and how finding the right partner was key to making it happen.

]]> Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:41:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 990 Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tennessee, did its homework before deciding to enter the broadband business — what Director of Member Services Mitch Cain calls "the largest investment our cooperative had ever made." In this episode, Mitch talks about what led to AEC's decision to offer broadband, and how finding the right partner was key to making it happen. Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tennessee, did its homework before deciding to enter the broadband business — what Director of Member Services Mitch Cain calls "the largest investment our cooperative had ever made." In this episode, Mitch broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 154 A Framework for Listening to your Customers, With Jim Keiffer 156 156 154 A Framework for Listening to your Customers, With Jim Keiffer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/708522931 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7092f142 Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:22:38 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1501 If your company wants to reach its goals, improve its results and become more competitive, the Baldrige Framework provides a system for moving you toward excellence. In his presentation to on the conference main stage, Keiffer dove deep into the Customer Focus leg of the Leadership Triad, exploring how customer expectations, engagement and communication can inform your pursuit of overall leadership excellence. For more information on putting this training to work in your organization, contact Jim at jim.keiffer@wordsouth.com If your company wants to reach its goals, improve its results and become more competitive, the Baldrige Framework provides a system for moving you toward excellence. In his presentation to on the conference main stage, Keiffer dove deep into the Customer broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 155 Is the End of Robocalls Near?, With Jamie Gibson 154 154 155 Is the End of Robocalls Near?, With Jamie Gibson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/708522586 https://share.transistor.fm/s/88c75e7c Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:21:37 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1185 Robocalling is a huge issue for all of us and continues to be the number-one complaint to the FCC and FTC. More than half the calls to all mobile phones in the US in 2019 will be robocalls. STIR-SHAKEN is a framework developed by the ATIS/SIP Forum NNI Task Force to reduce the number of illegally spoofed calls. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has demanded that service providers begin implementing STIR-SHAKEN in 2019. Jamie's presentation at the conference provided an overview of STIR-SHAKEN, along with additional methods to mitigate the robocalling problem in your network. For more information, contact Jamie at jgibson@rbbn.com. Robocalling is a huge issue for all of us and continues to be the number-one complaint to the FCC and FTC. More than half the calls to all mobile phones in the US in 2019 will be robocalls. STIR-SHAKEN is a framework developed by the ATIS/SIP Forum NNI Ta broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No An Overview of RUS Broadband Funding Programs , With Shawn Arner 155 155 An Overview of RUS Broadband Funding Programs , With Shawn Arner full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/708522631 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b9f6d4e Shawn Arner is the USDA RUS Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Loan Origination and Approval Division. He spoke from the conference main stage about the many funding programs available through the Rural Utilities Service. To learn more, contact Shawn at shawn.arner@usda.gov.

]]> Shawn Arner is the USDA RUS Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Loan Origination and Approval Division. He spoke from the conference main stage about the many funding programs available through the Rural Utilities Service. To learn more, contact Shawn at shawn.arner@usda.gov.

]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:21:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1144 Shawn Arner is the USDA RUS Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Loan Origination and Approval Division. He spoke from the conference main stage about the many funding programs available through the Rural Utilities Service. To learn more, contact Shawn at shawn.arner@usda.gov. Shawn Arner is the USDA RUS Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Loan Origination and Approval Division. He spoke from the conference main stage about the many funding programs available through the Rural Utilities Service. To learn more, contact Shawn a broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 153 Options for Funding Broadband Expansion, With Valerie Wimer 153 153 153 Options for Funding Broadband Expansion, With Valerie Wimer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/708511417 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de8ddc2b Tue, 05 Nov 2019 19:49:04 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 855 Federal and state grant programs are providing another source of funding for many to expand their broadband buildout. Whether an outright grant, a low-interest loan, or funding through the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunities Fund, there are several programs that can help fund your broadband project. Each program has detailed application requirements, but jumping through these hoops can be worth the effort. Many companies have won grants that have allowed them to complete buildouts to the most rural areas or expand into competitors’ underserved areas. To learn more, contact Valerie at vwimer@jsitel.com. Federal and state grant programs are providing another source of funding for many to expand their broadband buildout. Whether an outright grant, a low-interest loan, or funding through the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunities Fund, there are several programs broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 152 Boost Business with Diversified Services, With Jason Champion 152 152 152 Boost Business with Diversified Services, With Jason Champion full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/708366991 https://share.transistor.fm/s/241a0d21 Tue, 05 Nov 2019 14:03:17 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 940 How can we diversify services to create market resilience, reduce churn, and increase revenue? What innovative methods can we use to add to the value we provide to customers? To explore these and other questions, NeoNova conducted an industry survey and hosted a small-group discussion workshop at the 2019 NTCA Technology & Business conference. We review the lessons learned from the survey and the discussions at the event, along with recommendations based on the results. How can we diversify services to create market resilience, reduce churn, and increase revenue? What innovative methods can we use to add to the value we provide to customers? To explore these and other questions, NeoNova conducted an industry survey and h broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 151 Storytelling and Improv for Business, With Jim Karwisch 151 151 151 Storytelling and Improv for Business, With Jim Karwisch full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/701596708 https://share.transistor.fm/s/912bddb9 Fri, 25 Oct 2019 10:10:15 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 898 What can rural broadband communicators learn from improv and storytelling? What can rural broadband communicators learn from improv and storytelling? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 150 Building a Broadband Brand, With James Ratterree 150 150 150 Building a Broadband Brand, With James Ratterree full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/701593786 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ebe626fe Fri, 25 Oct 2019 10:02:49 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 754 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? 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? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 149 Opti-Fi branding and Digital Ad Tactics, With Wes Triplett 149 149 149 Opti-Fi branding and Digital Ad Tactics, With Wes Triplett full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/697212517 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fe325c7 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:55:28 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 976 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 148 The Latest Data on Rural TV Network Viewership, With Scott Meyer 148 148 148 The Latest Data on Rural TV Network Viewership, With Scott Meyer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/697061157 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2644fee9 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 11:33:44 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 997 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 147 The Idea Co-Op, With Jill Snyder 147 147 147 The Idea Co-Op, With Jill Snyder full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/662971805 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f9377dc8 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 10:44:06 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1106 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? 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? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 146 RocketFiber Is Having a Blast On Social Media, With Rachel Wujek 146 146 146 RocketFiber Is Having a Blast On Social Media, With Rachel Wujek full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/659551757 https://share.transistor.fm/s/75fe8196 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 09:15:13 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1125 RocketFiber has used social media platforms such as Instagram to present a fun and engaging brand. How do they approach these channels? RocketFiber has used social media platforms such as Instagram to present a fun and engaging brand. How do they approach these channels? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 145 The Importance of Print, With Tammy Reierson 145 145 145 The Importance of Print, With Tammy Reierson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/625322604 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c9e7adad Thu, 23 May 2019 10:07:22 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 639 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 144 A Winning OTT Campaign, With Dustin Schlaefli 144 144 144 A Winning OTT Campaign, With Dustin Schlaefli full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/625321986 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7bf0467b Thu, 23 May 2019 10:05:56 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1012 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 143 The PR Value of Movies in the Park, With Rhonda Fitterer 143 143 143 The PR Value of Movies in the Park, With Rhonda Fitterer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/625321254 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6eeacd32 Thu, 23 May 2019 10:04:05 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 848 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 142 Communicating About Dropping Video Service, With Connie Hawkins 142 142 142 Communicating About Dropping Video Service, With Connie Hawkins full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/617552628 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e0bd5b5 Wed, 08 May 2019 11:02:14 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1031 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/ 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/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 141 Changes Coming to the Smart Rural Communities Program, With Josh Seidemann 141 141 141 Changes Coming to the Smart Rural Communities Program, With Josh Seidemann full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/617548689 https://share.transistor.fm/s/120bb916 Wed, 08 May 2019 10:53:23 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 922 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 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-comm broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 140 Rebranding a dynamic DUO, With Eric West 140 140 140 Rebranding a dynamic DUO, With Eric West full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/617531163 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f5e43e2 Wed, 08 May 2019 10:14:21 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 974 Duo County Telecommunications just underwent a rebrand itself as Duo Broadband. Eric West discusses their strategy and lessons learned along the way. Duo County Telecommunications just underwent a rebrand itself as Duo Broadband. Eric West discusses their strategy and lessons learned along the way. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 139 Storytelling with Video Ads, With Tom Metcalfe 139 139 139 Storytelling with Video Ads, With Tom Metcalfe full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/617526579 https://share.transistor.fm/s/680fb025 Wed, 08 May 2019 10:06:18 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 642 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 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 broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 138 Does Your Internet Stink? With Russell Kacer 138 138 138 Does Your Internet Stink? With Russell Kacer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/617525043 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7475f74a Wed, 08 May 2019 10:03:53 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 583 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 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=IwAR2yWSEakgPNX6R5x1e7fXKKbKntszRQ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 137 Online Chat for Customer Service, With Mcxie Hurst 137 137 137 Online Chat for Customer Service, With Mcxie Hurst full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/596801874 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4af309e8 Wed, 27 Mar 2019 11:10:41 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 853 Since Peoples implemented online chat on its website it's become the perferred method of customer service for some customers and employees. Since Peoples implemented online chat on its website it's become the perferred method of customer service for some customers and employees. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 136 Lunch and Learn, With Kerry Sutton 136 136 136 Lunch and Learn, With Kerry Sutton full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/596797551 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5451a7a3 Wed, 27 Mar 2019 11:02:35 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 821 HCTC has been hosting Lunch and Learn for years in an effort to educate customers about various technology topics. HCTC has been hosting Lunch and Learn for years in an effort to educate customers about various technology topics. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 135 Local Channel Content, With Michelle Strickland 135 135 135 Local Channel Content, With Michelle Strickland full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/596789607 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d1f746a5 Wed, 27 Mar 2019 10:44:06 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 700 PRTC has recently overhauled their local channel by adding new shows and improving quality of its programming. PRTC has recently overhauled their local channel by adding new shows and improving quality of its programming. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 134 Getting into the Broadband Business with the Right Partner, With Brad Kimbro 134 134 134 Getting into the Broadband Business with the Right Partner, With Brad Kimbro full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/596783850 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c8b9a5b8 Wed, 27 Mar 2019 10:29:48 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 874 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? 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? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 132 Network Support Services, With Lisa Cope 133 133 132 Network Support Services, With Lisa Cope full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575886381 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b1dd509 Fri, 15 Feb 2019 09:29:53 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 970 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 131 Identifying Expansion Opportunities, With Lee Chambers 132 132 131 Identifying Expansion Opportunities, With Lee Chambers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575880681 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad969c1b Fri, 15 Feb 2019 09:15:38 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 564 Sandhill is exanding to two areas outside of its traditional footprint. How has the cooperative identified opportunities and readied itself to expand. Sandhill is exanding to two areas outside of its traditional footprint. How has the cooperative identified opportunities and readied itself to expand. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 130 Communicating in Times of Change, With Jason Shelton 131 131 130 Communicating in Times of Change, With Jason Shelton full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575877696 https://share.transistor.fm/s/18aacce3 Fri, 15 Feb 2019 09:09:35 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 534 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? 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? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 129 Bringing Fiber to Two of America's Poorest Counties, With Mark Patterson 130 130 129 Bringing Fiber to Two of America's Poorest Counties, With Mark Patterson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575876358 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d4c4a69b Fri, 15 Feb 2019 09:06:19 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 744 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? 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? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 128 ATMC's Connect Grants, With Amanda Floyd 129 129 128 ATMC's Connect Grants, With Amanda Floyd full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575871747 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ee17de2 Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:55:01 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 457 ATMC is using a rolling grant program to connect difference-makers in their community. Along the way, it's generating positive PR for them. ATMC is using a rolling grant program to connect difference-makers in their community. Along the way, it's generating positive PR for them. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 127 What Channels Are People Actually Watching? With Scott Meyer 128 128 127 What Channels Are People Actually Watching? With Scott Meyer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575870106 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d333fb5f Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:50:38 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 876 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. 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. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 126 Embracing Over-The-Top Video and Broadband Only Service, With Ross Petrick 127 127 126 Embracing Over-The-Top Video and Broadband Only Service, With Ross Petrick full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575867685 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3be5259 Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:44:54 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 531 Alliance Communications has run promotions instructing members how to cut the cord on video and phone service. What's behind those efforts? Alliance Communications has run promotions instructing members how to cut the cord on video and phone service. What's behind those efforts? broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 125 Accelerating A Fiber Build, With Chris Townson 126 126 125 Accelerating A Fiber Build, With Chris Townson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/575862903 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8955e2ab Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:32:16 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 665 Chris Townson is CEO of DTC in Alexandria, Tennessee, where the cooperative is in the midst of an aggressive fiber construction program. Chris Townson is CEO of DTC in Alexandria, Tennessee, where the cooperative is in the midst of an aggressive fiber construction program. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 124 Explaining a Meter Conversion to Your Customers, With Amy Beyers 125 125 124 Explaining a Meter Conversion to Your Customers, With Amy Beyers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536558250 https://share.transistor.fm/s/83b0b9ab Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:19:17 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 745 Converting to new meters is a complex process. How did Murfreesboro Electric communicate about it with their customers? Website: https://murfreesboroelectric.com/ Converting to new meters is a complex process. How did Murfreesboro Electric communicate about it with their customers? Website: https://murfreesboroelectric.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 123 Hot Topics at the TVPPA Customer Service and Communications Conference, With Diana Bryant 124 124 123 Hot Topics at the TVPPA Customer Service and Communications Conference, With Diana Bryant full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536558193 https://share.transistor.fm/s/807cd21d Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:19:05 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 760 Communication has become more important in the utility industry than ever before. What are communicators talking about at the TVPPA Customer Service and Communications Conference. Website: http://www.tvppa.com/ Communication has become more important in the utility industry than ever before. What are communicators talking about at the TVPPA Customer Service and Communications Conference. Website: http://www.tvppa.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 122 Hands-on Energy Effeciency Education, With Eddie McKnight 123 123 122 Hands-on Energy Effeciency Education, With Eddie McKnight full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536556537 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c2485cb Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:14:39 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 509 It's one thing to talk about energy efficiency. It's another to show people what it looks like. Website: http://www.mcknightassociates.net/home.html It's one thing to talk about energy efficiency. It's another to show people what it looks like. Website: http://www.mcknightassociates.net/home.html broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 121 Socrates and Customer Service: Coaching Critical Thinking Skills, With Phil Biesei 122 122 121 Socrates and Customer Service: Coaching Critical Thinking Skills, With Phil Biesei full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536554515 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9bc443f0 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:09:54 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 623 Customer service reps need to be trained to ask probing questions to try and understand the customer. How can you equip them with those critical thinking skills? Website: https://www.electricities.com/ Customer service reps need to be trained to ask probing questions to try and understand the customer. How can you equip them with those critical thinking skills? Website: https://www.electricities.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 120 Electric-Telco Broadband Partnership in Tennessee, With David Murphy 121 121 120 Electric-Telco Broadband Partnership in Tennessee, With David Murphy full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536553801 https://share.transistor.fm/s/986e3489 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:08:02 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 849 When Volunteer Energy Cooperative and Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative partnered together to bring broadband to rural Tennessee, it took coordination and planning for both companies to communicate about the new network. Website: https://www.vec-twinlakes.com/ When Volunteer Energy Cooperative and Twin Lakes Telephone Cooperative partnered together to bring broadband to rural Tennessee, it took coordination and planning for both companies to communicate about the new network. Website: https://www.vec-twinlake broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 119 How can community events help position your company?, With Charlie Cano 120 120 119 How can community events help position your company?, With Charlie Cano full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/536549913 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2bf37c5f Tue, 27 Nov 2018 20:57:28 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 934 Through a cyber security training session and "Lunch and Learn" events, ETEX has helped solidify its position as the region's technology expert. Website: https://www.etex.net/ Through a cyber security training session and "Lunch and Learn" events, ETEX has helped solidify its position as the region's technology expert. Website: https://www.etex.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 118 KTA-TTA Joint Conference Thoughts, With Tyler Campbell 119 119 118 KTA-TTA Joint Conference Thoughts, With Tyler Campbell full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/519241485 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b8107b9 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 11:25:55 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 796 As TTA and KTA conclude their 24th annual joint conference, Tyler Campbell discusses the hot topics: broadband only packages, industry advocacy, and more. Website: https://www.ktaoffice.org/ As TTA and KTA conclude their 24th annual joint conference, Tyler Campbell discusses the hot topics: broadband only packages, industry advocacy, and more. Website: https://www.ktaoffice.org/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 117 Survey Says: Video and Broadband Survey Results, With Scott Sobolewski 118 118 117 Survey Says: Video and Broadband Survey Results, With Scott Sobolewski full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/519237216 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a8a6c166 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 11:16:35 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1193 Innovative Systems sponsored a study that reveals some telling insights into customer demand for video and broadband usage. Website: Full Survey http://www.innovsys.com/innovsys/2018-rural-video-broadband-study-results/ Innovative Systems sponsored a study that reveals some telling insights into customer demand for video and broadband usage. Website: Full Survey http://www.innovsys.com/innovsys/2018-rural-video-broadband-study-results/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 116 Ad Insertion Past, Present and Future, With Jeff Morrett 117 117 116 Ad Insertion Past, Present and Future, With Jeff Morrett full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/518691141 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4bb8806a Tue, 23 Oct 2018 10:05:04 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1014 Ad insertion allows local businesses to advertise on your video service, but the industry is adapting to work ads into online video and over-the-top services. Website: https://viamediatv.com/ Ad insertion allows local businesses to advertise on your video service, but the industry is adapting to work ads into online video and over-the-top services. Website: https://viamediatv.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 115 Using data for customer service, With Ashley Harper 116 116 115 Using data for customer service, With Ashley Harper full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/518669295 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c8c58262 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 09:13:27 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1266 NCTC uses data to size up existing customers and potential customers. That data helps them fit the customers to the proper services. Website: https://fiber.nctc.com/ NCTC uses data to size up existing customers and potential customers. That data helps them fit the customers to the proper services. Website: https://fiber.nctc.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 114 KTA-TTA Joint Conference Preview, With Levoy Knowles 115 115 114 KTA-TTA Joint Conference Preview, With Levoy Knowles full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/518253402 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b98f42ea Mon, 22 Oct 2018 13:14:25 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 576 What topics are telcos and vendors talking about that the annual KTA-TTA Joint Conference in Bowling Green. Website: https://www.tenntel.org/ What topics are telcos and vendors talking about that the annual KTA-TTA Joint Conference in Bowling Green. Website: https://www.tenntel.org/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 113 Creating a New Brand Identity, With Rusty Moore 114 114 113 Creating a New Brand Identity, With Rusty Moore full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/516342900 https://share.transistor.fm/s/632a60e5 Thu, 18 Oct 2018 14:25:07 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 873 When Big Bend Telephone decided to rebrand as BBT, they launched a 10-month process to build a new identity for their brand — one that didn't include the word "telephone." Website: https://www.bigbend.net/ When Big Bend Telephone decided to rebrand as BBT, they launched a 10-month process to build a new identity for their brand — one that didn't include the word "telephone." Website: https://www.bigbend.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 112 From the Marketing Department to the GM's Office, With Tim Brinkman 113 113 112 From the Marketing Department to the GM's Office, With Tim Brinkman full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/508619130 https://share.transistor.fm/s/44613237 Tue, 02 Oct 2018 16:20:32 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1026 Tim Brinkman has had an uncommon career track and is one of a growing number of "marketing people" to move into upper management at a telco. He joined the podcast right after presenting on this topic at the MTA Marketing Peer Group. Website: https://www.gvtel.com/ Live from the MTA Marketing Peer Group Tim Brinkman has had an uncommon career track and is one of a growing number of "marketing people" to move into upper management at a telco. He joined the podcast right after presenting on this topic at the MTA Marketing Peer Group. Website: https://www broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 110 Inside the Gigazone Gaming Tournament, With Brian Bissonette 112 112 110 Inside the Gigazone Gaming Tournament, With Brian Bissonette full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/508604757 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b3c7058a Tue, 02 Oct 2018 15:47:54 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1737 The Gigazone Gaming Championship draws 4,000 gamers to an event hosted by Paul Bunyan Communications in Northern Minnesota. How does the telco staff do it and why do they feel its such an important audience to reach? Live from the MTA Marketing Peer Group Website: https://gigazonegaming.com/ The Gigazone Gaming Championship draws 4,000 gamers to an event hosted by Paul Bunyan Communications in Northern Minnesota. How does the telco staff do it and why do they feel its such an important audience to reach? Live from the MTA Marketing Peer Gro broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 111 What is IRV and will it help when disaster strikes? With Brent Christensen 111 111 111 What is IRV and will it help when disaster strikes? With Brent Christensen full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/508600950 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e16cda17 Tue, 02 Oct 2018 15:39:34 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 882 The MTA's new IRV (Incident Response Vehicle) will better prepare many midwest telcos to respond to incidents and emergencies. What is it and how will it work? Website: https://www.mnta.org/default.aspx The MTA's new IRV (Incident Response Vehicle) will better prepare many midwest telcos to respond to incidents and emergencies. What is it and how will it work? Website: https://www.mnta.org/default.aspx broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 109 Hosting a local political forum, With Jeff Leslie 110 110 109 Hosting a local political forum, With Jeff Leslie full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/508590759 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8346726 Tue, 02 Oct 2018 15:16:21 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1508 ITS Fiber wanted to provide an opportunity for Congressman Brian Mast to hear from local residents. Why was it important for a local telco invest in an event like that and how was it recieved in a contentious political climate? Website: http://www.itsfiber.com/ ITS Fiber wanted to provide an opportunity for Congressman Brian Mast to hear from local residents. Why was it important for a local telco invest in an event like that and how was it recieved in a contentious political climate? Website: http://www.itsfi broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 108 Election Night Coverage on Local Channels , With Karen Wilson 109 109 108 Election Night Coverage on Local Channels , With Karen Wilson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/504438009 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a698f1c Mon, 24 Sep 2018 10:06:58 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1550 Ben Lomand Connect stepped up coverage of their local elections this summer and reapped the benefits of an increased audience. What did they do and how did they pull it off? Website: http://benlomandconnect.com/bltv-channel-6/ Ben Lomand Connect stepped up coverage of their local elections this summer and reapped the benefits of an increased audience. What did they do and how did they pull it off? Website: http://benlomandconnect.com/bltv-channel-6/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 107 Marketing to Telecommuters, With Chad Young 108 108 107 Marketing to Telecommuters, With Chad Young full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/499978995 https://share.transistor.fm/s/db3fa034 Fri, 14 Sep 2018 14:59:11 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 651 Description for Website: Norvado worked with local and state officials to create a Telecommuter Forward program with hopes of luring more telecommuters to their rural area. Website: http://norvado.com/telecommuter Description for Website: Norvado worked with local and state officials to create a Telecommuter Forward program with hopes of luring more telecommuters to their rural area. Website: http://norvado.com/telecommuter broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 106 Expansion, Telco-Electric Partnerships and How to talk About Them, With Dustin Durden 107 107 106 Expansion, Telco-Electric Partnerships and How to talk About Them, With Dustin Durden full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/485127885 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5996c669 Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:10:27 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1459 Pineland Telephone is once again expanding in South Georgia, and this time it's through a partnership with an electric cooperative. How did the partnership come about and how are they communicating with new and existing members about it. Website: http://pineland.net/ Pineland Telephone is once again expanding in South Georgia, and this time it's through a partnership with an electric cooperative. How did the partnership come about and how are they communicating with new and existing members about it. Website: http:// broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 105 Highlights from the KTA Annual Meeting, With Tyler Campbell 106 106 105 Highlights from the KTA Annual Meeting, With Tyler Campbell full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/454152636 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ecdf817 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:14:13 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 834 With the 2018 KTA Annual Meeting in the books, KTA Executive Director Tyler Campbell shares his biggest takeaways from the conference. Website: https://www.ktaoffice.org/ With the 2018 KTA Annual Meeting in the books, KTA Executive Director Tyler Campbell shares his biggest takeaways from the conference. Website: https://www.ktaoffice.org/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 104 PRTC's Virtual Living For Veterans, With Keith Gabbard 105 105 104 PRTC's Virtual Living For Veterans, With Keith Gabbard full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/454150275 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d974be87 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:09:14 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 941 PRTC and community partners have gotten together to roll out a tele-health initiative known as the Virtual Living. The program seeks to give veterans a local option to get care, instead of them having to drive to bigger cities. How did they bring this to rural East Kentucky? Link to PRTC's Virtual Living Room video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM9yqZc0m0M&t=2s Website: http://www.prtc.org/ PRTC and community partners have gotten together to roll out a tele-health initiative known as the Virtual Living. The program seeks to give veterans a local option to get care, instead of them having to drive to bigger cities. How did they bring this to broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 103 Preparing for Emerging Generations, With Gordon Caverly 104 104 103 Preparing for Emerging Generations, With Gordon Caverly full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/454147779 https://share.transistor.fm/s/84079c04 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:03:48 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 977 At the 2018 KTA Annual Meeting, Gordon Caverly presentation was title "Sales & Marketing Strategies — If You Wish to Keep and Grow Your Customer Base." This episode focuses on the part of the session discussing millennials. Website: http://www.mscon.com/ At the 2018 KTA Annual Meeting, Gordon Caverly presentation was title "Sales & Marketing Strategies — If You Wish to Keep and Grow Your Customer Base." This episode focuses on the part of the session discussing millennials. Website: http://www.mscon. broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 102 Rural Broadband Is The Flavor Of The Year" With Shirley Bloomfield 103 103 102 Rural Broadband Is The Flavor Of The Year" With Shirley Bloomfield full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/454143186 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0295d5d Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:55:19 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 573 Rural broadband is a hot topic in Washington and state capitals around the country. Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, explains how telco marketing teams can help advocate for their customers online and in person. Website: http://ceoblog.ntca.org/ Rural broadband is a hot topic in Washington and state capitals around the country. Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, explains how telco marketing teams can help advocate for their customers online and in person. Website: h broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 101 Sharing The Message Of Economic Development, With Hilda Legg 102 102 101 Sharing The Message Of Economic Development, With Hilda Legg full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/454140597 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2dc195b2 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 10:50:10 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 961 Telcos need to play an integral role in their region's economic development. How can partnerships help them tell their story? Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ky Telcos need to play an integral role in their region's economic development. How can partnerships help them tell their story? Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ky broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 100 Episode No. 100! Wrapping up the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference, With Laura Withers 101 101 100 Episode No. 100! Wrapping up the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference, With Laura Withers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441624945 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2b2c979 Wed, 09 May 2018 10:18:11 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1650 For Episode No. 100, we brought back our guest from episode No. 1: Laura Withers of NTCA. Laura shares what she learned at last weeks NTCA PR and Marketing Conference. Website: https://www.ntca.org/ For Episode No. 100, we brought back our guest from episode No. 1: Laura Withers of NTCA. Laura shares what she learned at last weeks NTCA PR and Marketing Conference. Website: https://www.ntca.org/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 099 PR and Marketing Considerations in Disaster Planning, With Megan Maikowski 100 100 099 PR and Marketing Considerations in Disaster Planning, With Megan Maikowski full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441599691 https://share.transistor.fm/s/95993353 Wed, 09 May 2018 09:13:10 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 945 What did Mosaic Telecom learn from a their experience when a tornado hit their town? Website: http://www.mosaictelecom.com/ What did Mosaic Telecom learn from a their experience when a tornado hit their town? Website: http://www.mosaictelecom.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 098 Retail space and customer experience, With Edward Hinson 99 99 098 Retail space and customer experience, With Edward Hinson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441243960 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fa51bfe Tue, 08 May 2018 14:03:48 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1225 Edward Hinson was a part of a panel about retail space and customer experience at NTCA's PR and Marketing conference. After the session, he discussed the planning and strategy that Skyline put into opening two of their customer service centers. Website: https://www.skybest.com/ Edward Hinson was a part of a panel about retail space and customer experience at NTCA's PR and Marketing conference. After the session, he discussed the planning and strategy that Skyline put into opening two of their customer service centers. Website: broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 097 How to build a Telechoice Award-winning website, With Joe Kohegyi 98 98 097 How to build a Telechoice Award-winning website, With Joe Kohegyi full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441243195 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd794953 Tue, 08 May 2018 14:02:08 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 885 Norvado was honored with a Telechoice Award from NTCA for their website. Joe Kohegyi shares the planning and strategies that led to their award-winning site. Website: http://norvado.com/ Norvado was honored with a Telechoice Award from NTCA for their website. Joe Kohegyi shares the planning and strategies that led to their award-winning site. Website: http://norvado.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 096 Hot Topics at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference, With Derek Barr 97 97 096 Hot Topics at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference, With Derek Barr full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441239901 https://share.transistor.fm/s/575e5b22 Tue, 08 May 2018 13:55:28 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 783 Derek Barr moderated a telco marketing roundtable at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference in Nashville. After the session, he discussed the highlights including Facebook reviews, customer service incentives and explaining broadband. Website: http://www.hardynet.net/ Derek Barr moderated a telco marketing roundtable at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference in Nashville. After the session, he discussed the highlights including Facebook reviews, customer service incentives and explaining broadband. Website: http://www.h broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 095 How do you tell your Gig-Certified or Smart Rural story? With Bryan Kell 96 96 095 How do you tell your Gig-Certified or Smart Rural story? With Bryan Kell full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441236373 https://share.transistor.fm/s/db6dbecd Tue, 08 May 2018 13:47:32 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 862 In a panel at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference, Bryan Kell from Ben Lomand Connect discussed how his team shared their story with their Gig Certification and Smart Rural Community Designation. Afterwards he summarized the session on StoryConnect. Website: http://benlomandconnect.com/ In a panel at the NTCA PR and Marketing Conference, Bryan Kell from Ben Lomand Connect discussed how his team shared their story with their Gig Certification and Smart Rural Community Designation. Afterwards he summarized the session on StoryConnect. Web broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 094 Rebranding CTC, With Andy Isackson 95 95 094 Rebranding CTC, With Andy Isackson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441234930 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dab07fa4 Tue, 08 May 2018 13:44:11 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 968 CTC recently rebranded for a fresh new look. What changes did they make and how did they communicate about the changes. Website: https://www.goctc.com/brandstory/ CTC recently rebranded for a fresh new look. What changes did they make and how did they communicate about the changes. Website: https://www.goctc.com/brandstory/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 093 How To Explain You Are Dropping Video Service, With Bob Dahlstrom Part 2 94 94 093 How To Explain You Are Dropping Video Service, With Bob Dahlstrom Part 2 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441174765 https://share.transistor.fm/s/891bbdb5 Tue, 08 May 2018 11:29:42 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 958 Bob Dahlstrom discusses why Valley Telecom in Arizona decided to drop video service and how they communicated the change to their members. Website: http://www.vtc.net/ Bob Dahlstrom discusses why Valley Telecom in Arizona decided to drop video service and how they communicated the change to their members. Website: http://www.vtc.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 092 Facebook Live and Twitter for Telcos, With Bob Dahlstrom 93 93 092 Facebook Live and Twitter for Telcos, With Bob Dahlstrom full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/441091263 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f5056bf8 Tue, 08 May 2018 07:55:15 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 970 Bob Dahlstrom shares some insights on how Valley Telecom in Arizona connects with members via Facebook Live and Twitter. Website: http://www.vtc.net/ Bob Dahlstrom shares some insights on how Valley Telecom in Arizona connects with members via Facebook Live and Twitter. Website: http://www.vtc.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 091 Who is Booster the Broadband Buck? Shanna Roe 92 92 091 Who is Booster the Broadband Buck? Shanna Roe full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/430569768 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2fe9d743 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 12:09:17 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1080 A friendly, seven-foot deer wearing a t-shirt makes a big impression with school groups and on social media — and that's exactly what Mosaic Telecom was after when it introduced its new mascot. Newsletter link for photos: http://assets.mosaictelecom.com/documents/Mosaic-Telecom-Newsletter_January2018-ebilling.pdf Mascot costume company: https://www.olympusgrp.com/mascot-costumes/ Website: http://www.mosaictelecom.com/ A friendly, seven-foot deer wearing a t-shirt makes a big impression with school groups and on social media — and that's exactly what Mosaic Telecom was after when it introduced its new mascot. Newsletter link for photos: http://assets.mosaictelecom.com/d broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 090 What Can ISPs Learn From Customer Education Classes? With Virginia Smith 91 91 090 What Can ISPs Learn From Customer Education Classes? With Virginia Smith full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/418252776 https://share.transistor.fm/s/26820605 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 08:00:33 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 811 WCTEL offers customer education classes for members. While the classes are informative for the attendees, they also help WCTEL staff get to know their customers. Website: https://www.wctel.net/ WCTEL offers customer education classes for members. While the classes are informative for the attendees, they also help WCTEL staff get to know their customers. Website: https://www.wctel.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 089 Shark Tank For Kids: IGNITE Education Grants With Nathan Collier 90 90 089 Shark Tank For Kids: IGNITE Education Grants With Nathan Collier full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/418251680 https://share.transistor.fm/s/096a47f0 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:58:28 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 806 ETC has launched a popular new program involving local school that asks students to pitch ideas for community projects. The winners receive IGNITE Education Grants from ETC. Website: http://etcnow.com/Bundles/ ETC has launched a popular new program involving local school that asks students to pitch ideas for community projects. The winners receive IGNITE Education Grants from ETC. Website: http://etcnow.com/Bundles/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 088 Speaking Your Customers' Language With Carissa Swenson 89 89 088 Speaking Your Customers' Language With Carissa Swenson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/418249968 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7436f41 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:53:52 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 617 In industries full of acronyms and technical jargon, how do you make sure you are still speaking a language your customers can understand? Website: http://www.consortiaconsulting.com/ In industries full of acronyms and technical jargon, how do you make sure you are still speaking a language your customers can understand? Website: http://www.consortiaconsulting.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 087 Community Service Programs With Brad Kimbro 88 88 087 Community Service Programs With Brad Kimbro full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/418249252 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a42bdee Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:52:23 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 955 Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has been recognized nationally for its innovative takes on community service programs. What are some new ways your utility could serve its members or customers? Website: https://www.wiregrass.coop/ Wiregrass Electric Cooperative has been recognized nationally for its innovative takes on community service programs. What are some new ways your utility could serve its members or customers? Website: https://www.wiregrass.coop/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 086 The Relationship Part Of Media Relations With Joe Gehrdes 87 87 086 The Relationship Part Of Media Relations With Joe Gehrdes full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/418246108 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d17796c Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:45:51 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 944 Getting to know the reporters, editors and producers covering your territory can lead to positive coverage or help make sure your side has a voice in any negative stories. Website: https://www.hsvutil.org/ Getting to know the reporters, editors and producers covering your territory can lead to positive coverage or help make sure your side has a voice in any negative stories. Website: https://www.hsvutil.org/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 085 How Do You Get The Most Out Of Your Internship Program? With Amy Beyers 86 86 085 How Do You Get The Most Out Of Your Internship Program? With Amy Beyers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/418243432 https://share.transistor.fm/s/24ae8c57 Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:40:36 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 864 Getting the most out of your internship program takes work. You've got to put your interns in position to succeed and that starts with picking the right students in the first place. Website: http://murfreesboroelectric.com/ Getting the most out of your internship program takes work. You've got to put your interns in position to succeed and that starts with picking the right students in the first place. Website: http://murfreesboroelectric.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 084 Turning Bad Events into Good PR Part 2 With Kyle Randleman 85 85 084 Turning Bad Events into Good PR Part 2 With Kyle Randleman full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/412891179 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a276844 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 23:29:42 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1456 Hurricane Matthew sent eight inches of flood water running through the office at Star Communications in North Carolina. How did they respond? Website: http://www.starcom.net/ Hurricane Matthew sent eight inches of flood water running through the office at Star Communications in North Carolina. How did they respond? Website: http://www.starcom.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 083 Turning Bad Events into Good PR Part 1 With Russel Kacer 84 84 083 Turning Bad Events into Good PR Part 1 With Russel Kacer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/412885794 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1df1ead1 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 23:14:51 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1015 Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Texas Gulf Coast causing widespread flooding and other damage. Throughout it all though, YK Communications' network and employees shined. Website: https://www.ykc.com/ Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Texas Gulf Coast causing widespread flooding and other damage. Throughout it all though, YK Communications' network and employees shined. Website: https://www.ykc.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 082 Snapchat for Telcos? With Ashley Etter 83 83 082 Snapchat for Telcos? With Ashley Etter full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/411157347 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b66a3b9f Fri, 09 Mar 2018 10:44:15 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 798 Ashley Etter runs the Snapchat account for West Central Telephone Association. She shares insights into how the platform is different from other social media and communication tools. Website: https://www.wcta.net/site/ Ashley Etter runs the Snapchat account for West Central Telephone Association. She shares insights into how the platform is different from other social media and communication tools. Website: https://www.wcta.net/site/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 081 Where Is Your Demand For Fiber The Hottest? With Bailey White 82 82 081 Where Is Your Demand For Fiber The Hottest? With Bailey White full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/406578891 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f7b5bc0 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:41:57 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 846 CrowdFiber combines geography and marketing to be create a powerful geomarketing tool for telcos or electric providers building a fiber optic network. Website: www.crowdfiber.com CrowdFiber combines geography and marketing to be create a powerful geomarketing tool for telcos or electric providers building a fiber optic network. Website: www.crowdfiber.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 080 Mack Collier 81 81 080 Mack Collier full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/399648540 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bfc6e925 Wed, 14 Feb 2018 13:21:36 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1086 Best-selling author and social media expert Mack Collier previews his upcoming session at StoryConnect, explaining the difference between customers and fans. Website: http://www.mackcollier.com/ Best-selling author and social media expert Mack Collier previews his upcoming session at StoryConnect, explaining the difference between customers and fans. Website: http://www.mackcollier.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 079 Tom Duggin And Nick Nokes 80 80 079 Tom Duggin And Nick Nokes full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/398495781 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fdeaea60 Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:03:46 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1018 In 2017, DTC won a Telechoice Award from NTCA for loca video content. What sets them apart? Website: https://dtc3.tv/ In 2017, DTC won a Telechoice Award from NTCA for loca video content. What sets them apart? Website: https://dtc3.tv/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 078 What are you saying about Net Neutrality? With J.Ed. Marston 79 79 078 What are you saying about Net Neutrality? With J.Ed. Marston full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/388620390 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e169318b Wed, 24 Jan 2018 16:09:08 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1414 Municipal electric and fiber optic provider EPB in Chattanooga worked well in advance of the FCC's decision to craft a careful message about Net Neutrality. Website: https://epb.com/customercarepledge Municipal electric and fiber optic provider EPB in Chattanooga worked well in advance of the FCC's decision to craft a careful message about Net Neutrality. Website: https://epb.com/customercarepledge broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 077 'Reinvigorating' Computer And Device Repair, With Eric Gewiss 78 78 077 'Reinvigorating' Computer And Device Repair, With Eric Gewiss full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/382869098 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5b2de9e8 Fri, 12 Jan 2018 22:12:31 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1279 In 2016, Silver Star reinvigorated its Tech Star repair program. How did they do it and how has it helped the telco? Website: https://www.silverstar.com/ In 2016, Silver Star reinvigorated its Tech Star repair program. How did they do it and how has it helped the telco? Website: https://www.silverstar.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 076 - Insights From Calix Marketing Cloud, With Darren Archbold 77 77 076 - Insights From Calix Marketing Cloud, With Darren Archbold full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/356147822 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2f1439a Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:00:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1236 076 - Insights From Calix Marketing Cloud, With Darren Archbold by StoryConnect 076 - Insights From Calix Marketing Cloud, With Darren Archbold by StoryConnect broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 059 What Can Data Do For You? With Tiffani Rossi 76 76 059 What Can Data Do For You? With Tiffani Rossi full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/339295492 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4bc62ce5 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 09:03:45 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 887 Even in rural areas, information like income and credit scores can help you find your ideal customer and allow you to target your marketing efforts. Website: http://www1.n-focus.com/ Even in rural areas, information like income and credit scores can help you find your ideal customer and allow you to target your marketing efforts. Website: http://www1.n-focus.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 058 What Can Disney Teach, With John Formica, The "Ex-Disney Guy" 75 75 058 What Can Disney Teach, With John Formica, The "Ex-Disney Guy" full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/337193556 https://share.transistor.fm/s/69f7c14f Wed, 09 Aug 2017 15:31:13 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 864 John Formica, the keynote speaker for StoryConnect 2017, shares lessons he learned from his time at Disney and how they can be applied to rural utilities. Website: https://johnformica.com/ John Formica, the keynote speaker for StoryConnect 2017, shares lessons he learned from his time at Disney and how they can be applied to rural utilities. Website: https://johnformica.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 075 The Ins and Outs of Broadband Only, With Matt Pearce 74 74 075 The Ins and Outs of Broadband Only, With Matt Pearce full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327059952 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a58a555 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 19:44:17 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1126 Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Is there a demand for broadband-only service at your telco? Listen to Matt Pearce discuss the particulars of this approach in light of USF reform. Website: https://www.mossadams.com Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Is there a demand for broadband-only service at your telco? Listen to Matt Pearce discuss the particulars of this approach in light of USF reform. Website: https://www.mossadams.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 074 The Value of Telling Your Story, With Keith Gabbard 73 73 074 The Value of Telling Your Story, With Keith Gabbard full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327059441 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cca68c29 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 19:40:02 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1096 Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting PRTC, serving the Eastern Kentucky counties Jackson and Owsley, has received a great deal of state and national attention for the work its has done to deploy a fiber network and the positive results that have developed because of fiber. In this episode, CEO Keith Gabbard discusses the value of telling your telco's story. Website: http://prtcnet.org/ Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting PRTC, serving the Eastern Kentucky counties Jackson and Owsley, has received a great deal of state and national attention for the work its has done to deploy a fiber network and the positive broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 073 Electric/Telco Partnerships in Broadband Delivery, With Jasper Schneider 72 72 073 Electric/Telco Partnerships in Broadband Delivery, With Jasper Schneider full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327058682 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dd219924 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 19:33:53 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 637 Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Jasper Schneider discusses partnership opportunities between rural telcos and electric providers. For six years, Schneider ran a federal agency at both a state and national level, leading USDA’s Rural Utilities Service as State Director in North Dakota, and acting Administrator in Washington, DC. Schneider is also a former lawmaker, serving in the North Dakota Legislature. Website: http://www.nisc.coop/ Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Jasper Schneider discusses partnership opportunities between rural telcos and electric providers. For six years, Schneider ran a federal agency at both a state and national level, leading USD broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 072 The Importance of Rural Broadband, With Hilda Legg 71 71 072 The Importance of Rural Broadband, With Hilda Legg full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327058134 https://share.transistor.fm/s/14c681d0 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 19:29:19 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1029 Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Hilda Legg served under President George W. Bush as administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. Today she is a consultant, as well as vice chairman of Broadband Communities Magazine. In this episode she discusses the important role rural broadband plays in our nation. Website: http://www.bbcmag.com Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Hilda Legg served under President George W. Bush as administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. Today she is a consultant, as well as vice chairman of Broadband Communities Magazine. In thi broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 071 Small Business & Information Technology, With Diane St. Onge 70 70 071 Small Business & Information Technology, With Diane St. Onge full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327057325 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a2be8179 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 19:21:46 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1482 Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Diane St. Onge represents District 63 in the Kentucky House of Representatives, where she chairs a new committee on Small Business and Information Technology. In this episode she provides insight into the committee's role in telecommunications matters, as well as cybersecurity and related issues. Website: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legislator/h063.htm Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Diane St. Onge represents District 63 in the Kentucky House of Representatives, where she chairs a new committee on Small Business and Information Technology. In this episode she provides ins broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 070 Harvesting Solar to Feed Your Network Devices With Chris Wacker 69 69 070 Harvesting Solar to Feed Your Network Devices With Chris Wacker full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327041263 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b7b7d486 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 17:08:22 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 777 Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Powering fiber services for customers during extended power outages is a challenge. And what about those who live "off the grid" but still want internet access? Chris Wacker, president of power supply manufacturer EPSi, discusses how solar technology could be the answer. Website: http://www.espicorp.com Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Powering fiber services for customers during extended power outages is a challenge. And what about those who live "off the grid" but still want internet access? Chris Wacker, president of pow broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 069 How Are Federal Changes Impacting Local Telecommunications Customers? With Brian Ford 68 68 069 How Are Federal Changes Impacting Local Telecommunications Customers? With Brian Ford full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/327016347 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf679dea Wed, 07 Jun 2017 14:25:32 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1258 Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Changes in Washington have an impact on the way telecommunications companies provide service. In this episode, recorded live at the Kentucky Telecom Association's 2017 Annual Meeting, Brian Ford shares details of industry changes and how they affect customers. Brian is Senior Regulatory Counsel with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Website: http://www.ntca.org/ Live from the Kentucky Telecom Association 2017 Annual Meeting Changes in Washington have an impact on the way telecommunications companies provide service. In this episode, recorded live at the Kentucky Telecom Association's 2017 Annual Meeting, Brian F broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 068 2017 KTA Annual Meeting, With Tyler Campbell 67 67 068 2017 KTA Annual Meeting, With Tyler Campbell full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/322026627 https://share.transistor.fm/s/84c1e033 Wed, 10 May 2017 22:35:57 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1082 The Kentucky Telecom Association is planning its 2017 Annual Meeting, set for May 24-26 in Lexington. Executive Director Tyler Campbell discusses the great lineup of sessions that will equip attendees with new ideas and legislative updates. Website: http://www.ktaoffice.org The Kentucky Telecom Association is planning its 2017 Annual Meeting, set for May 24-26 in Lexington. Executive Director Tyler Campbell discusses the great lineup of sessions that will equip attendees with new ideas and legislative updates. Website: http broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 067 Are You Putting Online Video To Work? With Tom Metcalfe 66 66 067 Are You Putting Online Video To Work? With Tom Metcalfe full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/321575238 https://share.transistor.fm/s/184094b3 Mon, 08 May 2017 10:31:01 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 966 Triangle Communications has made a series of "How-To" videos available to their customers along with some engaging mini-documentaries on their customers. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDqrRZWoWQpYAJgKsKI1ixQ Website: https://www.itstriangle.com/ Triangle Communications has made a series of "How-To" videos available to their customers along with some engaging mini-documentaries on their customers. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDqrRZWoWQpYAJgKsKI1ixQ Website: https://www.itstriangle.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 066 Fiber Fridays and employee product reviews, With Shelley Evink 65 65 066 Fiber Fridays and employee product reviews, With Shelley Evink full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/321142413 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a8e049c4 Fri, 05 May 2017 12:55:50 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 726 Shelley Evink shares what Farmers and Federated are doing to engage with customers including Fiber Fridays and the Computer Commuter. She also discusses how her telcos got employees to try out smart home products in their own homes. Website: http://www.aciracoop.net/ Shelley Evink shares what Farmers and Federated are doing to engage with customers including Fiber Fridays and the Computer Commuter. She also discusses how her telcos got employees to try out smart home products in their own homes. Website: http://www.a broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 065 Computer Sales, Tech Classes and the Wheel of West Wisconsin: With Randy Simpson 64 64 065 Computer Sales, Tech Classes and the Wheel of West Wisconsin: With Randy Simpson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/317192434 https://share.transistor.fm/s/817816fa Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:41:37 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1054 West Wisconsin Telcom not only provides broadband service, but they can sell you the computer you need to get on the web. How do they do it? Randy Simpson of West Wisconsin also shares some lessons from the cooperative's community technology classes. Website: http://wwt.net/ West Wisconsin Telcom not only provides broadband service, but they can sell you the computer you need to get on the web. How do they do it? Randy Simpson of West Wisconsin also shares some lessons from the cooperative's community technology classes. Web broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 064 Cultural Branding: Marketing and HR Working Together, With Chris Castagneri 63 63 064 Cultural Branding: Marketing and HR Working Together, With Chris Castagneri full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/317189012 https://share.transistor.fm/s/71b13f64 Tue, 11 Apr 2017 09:15:26 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1083 After their presentation at the MTA conference, Chris and Jenna discussed the "fluff" known as cultural branding. Website: http://www.cooperative-networks.com/ After their presentation at the MTA conference, Chris and Jenna discussed the "fluff" known as cultural branding. Website: http://www.cooperative-networks.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 062 Brian Bissonette Part 2 62 62 062 Brian Bissonette Part 2 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/315263188 https://share.transistor.fm/s/26ff297a Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:09:26 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 996 Paul Bunyan Communications is certified to make warranty repairs for Apple products. How did they do it and how does it help? Guest Brian Bissonette and host Andy Johns also discuss online chat as a tool for customer service reps. Website: http://www.paulbunyan.net/contact.html Paul Bunyan Communications is certified to make warranty repairs for Apple products. How did they do it and how does it help? Guest Brian Bissonette and host Andy Johns also discuss online chat as a tool for customer service reps. Website: http://www.pa broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 061 Brian Bissonette Part 1 61 61 061 Brian Bissonette Part 1 full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/315262847 https://share.transistor.fm/s/daa8cf81 Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:07:11 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 896 Paul Bunyan Communications decided to put a geographic spin on the name of it's gigabit product. The cooperative also operates popular webcams focused on the headwaters of the Mississippi River and iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Website: http://www.paulbunyan.net/ http://www.paulbunyan.net/weathernews/webcam/paulbabe.html http://www.paulbunyan.net/weathernews/webcam/headwaters/headwaters.html Paul Bunyan Communications decided to put a geographic spin on the name of it's gigabit product. The cooperative also operates popular webcams focused on the headwaters of the Mississippi River and iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Webs broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 060 Changing Your Customers' Experience: With Amy Harrelson 60 60 060 Changing Your Customers' Experience: With Amy Harrelson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/298222341 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3de7b12 Fri, 16 Dec 2016 10:08:43 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 909 Amy Harrelson shares her experience in spearheading a major remodel of Pineland's customer area, as well as crafting a mission statement and changing job titles. Website: http://pineland.net/ Amy Harrelson shares her experience in spearheading a major remodel of Pineland's customer area, as well as crafting a mission statement and changing job titles. Website: http://pineland.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 059 Opening A Retail Center: With Chuck Crabtree 59 59 059 Opening A Retail Center: With Chuck Crabtree full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/297570870 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3191280 Mon, 12 Dec 2016 13:08:15 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1254 059 Opening A Retail Center: With Chuck Crabtree by StoryConnect 059 Opening A Retail Center: With Chuck Crabtree by StoryConnect broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 058 GigUP South Carolina: With Gina Shuler 58 58 058 GigUP South Carolina: With Gina Shuler full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/297570663 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8aa8af2f Mon, 12 Dec 2016 13:06:43 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 642 058 GigUP South Carolina: With Gina Shuler by StoryConnect 058 GigUP South Carolina: With Gina Shuler by StoryConnect broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 057 Mobile Device Repair: With Adam Sosa 57 57 057 Mobile Device Repair: With Adam Sosa full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/297570015 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9502c7dd Mon, 12 Dec 2016 13:02:11 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 981 057 Mobile Device Repair: With Adam Sosa by StoryConnect 057 Mobile Device Repair: With Adam Sosa by StoryConnect broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 056 2016 NTCA Bundling Report: With Laura Withers 56 56 056 2016 NTCA Bundling Report: With Laura Withers full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/295155848 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe684e35 Mon, 28 Nov 2016 10:06:35 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1360 Are bundle customers willing to upgrade their internet services? NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association has published a report based on a national survey of rural and independent telecommunications companies, examining bundle price points, internet connection speeds and the number of TV channels offered across bundles. The report also reveals the extent to which different bundle offerings are meeting telco expectations. Our guest for this episode, Laura Withers, director of communications for NTCA, discusses details of the report and how telcos can purchase a copy. Website: http://www.ntca.org/estore Are bundle customers willing to upgrade their internet services? NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association has published a report based on a national survey of rural and independent telecommunications companies, examining bundle price points, internet connecti broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 055 Print Magazines And Online Chat: With Brent Groome 55 55 055 Print Magazines And Online Chat: With Brent Groome full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/293502729 https://share.transistor.fm/s/69fe4dff Thu, 17 Nov 2016 11:25:46 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 803 HTC, the nation's largest telephone cooperative, recently launched a glossy magazine and several features on their website. How will those help them reach their audiences? Website: http://www.htcinc.net/ HTC, the nation's largest telephone cooperative, recently launched a glossy magazine and several features on their website. How will those help them reach their audiences? Website: http://www.htcinc.net/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 054 Fence Posts to Fiber Optics Tour: With Greg Oleson & Katie Fleming of Golden West 54 54 054 Fence Posts to Fiber Optics Tour: With Greg Oleson & Katie Fleming of Golden West full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/285283132 https://share.transistor.fm/s/28dd40e8 Wed, 21 Sep 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 838 When Golden West turned 100 years old, they used that as an opportunity to create unique events in many of the communities they serve. Website: https://goldenwest.com/Tour When Golden West turned 100 years old, they used that as an opportunity to create unique events in many of the communities they serve. Website: https://goldenwest.com/Tour broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 053 Marketing To Remote Workers: With Cliff Albertson 53 53 053 Marketing To Remote Workers: With Cliff Albertson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/285282925 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9eb0041 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 572 Cliff Albertson shares the importance of rural telcos marketing their areas to remote workers. Website: http://www.badgercommunications.com/ Cliff Albertson shares the importance of rural telcos marketing their areas to remote workers. Website: http://www.badgercommunications.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 052 Gig Certified Popcorn: With Gina Tomlinson 52 52 052 Gig Certified Popcorn: With Gina Tomlinson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/285282804 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b55d072 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 657 How does the "little phone company down the road" become a respected telecom provider? As CCT has learned, you do it by leveraging your Gig Certification. Website: www.cochranete How does the "little phone company down the road" become a respected telecom provider? As CCT has learned, you do it by leveraging your Gig Certification. Website: www.cochranete broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 051 Leveraging your Gig Certification: With Chad Young and Leo Carlson 51 51 051 Leveraging your Gig Certification: With Chad Young and Leo Carlson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/285282654 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9619c404 Tue, 23 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 865 You've built the network and gotten NTCA's Gig Certification. Now what? How do you leverage that? This episode also covers marketing to tourist areas and Website: http://www.norvado.com/ You've built the network and gotten NTCA's Gig Certification. Now what? How do you leverage that? This episode also covers marketing to tourist areas and Website: http://www.norvado.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 050 Slow, Average and Fast Internet Packages: With Dirk Monson 50 50 050 Slow, Average and Fast Internet Packages: With Dirk Monson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/285282362 https://share.transistor.fm/s/05eb3376 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1008 Is it a good idea to name your 20 Mbps service your "Slow" Package? According to ARPU, yes! Website: http://redrivercomm.com/internet/ Is it a good idea to name your 20 Mbps service your "Slow" Package? According to ARPU, yes! Website: http://redrivercomm.com/internet/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 049 What Makes A Good Telco/Electric Partnership: With Kevin Larson 49 49 049 What Makes A Good Telco/Electric Partnership: With Kevin Larson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/285281865 https://share.transistor.fm/s/52ddde9f Wed, 17 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1469 CTC runs the broadband service for Arrowhead Electric from 200 miles away. How do they make this long distance relationship work? Website: http://www.connectctc.com/ CTC runs the broadband service for Arrowhead Electric from 200 miles away. How do they make this long distance relationship work? Website: http://www.connectctc.com/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 048 Rebranding In Central Texas: With Amanda Wood 48 48 048 Rebranding In Central Texas: With Amanda Wood full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/285281562 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf2ac6d8 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 682 How do you know your branding is ready for an update and how do you change it? Amanda Wood of Central Texas Telephone Cooperative shares her experience in making some big changes to the company's identity. Website: www.tdstelecom.com How do you know your branding is ready for an update and how do you change it? Amanda Wood of Central Texas Telephone Cooperative shares her experience in making some big changes to the company's identity. Website: www.tdstelecom.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 047 Rebranding: How, When and Why, With Randy Grogan 47 47 047 Rebranding: How, When and Why, With Randy Grogan full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858222 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e0fee1b2 Mon, 08 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 931 When do you need a rebrand and how long will it take? CEO Randy Grogan of Ballard Telephone talks us through the cooperative's efforts to change it's identity. Website: www.btcservices.com When do you need a rebrand and how long will it take? CEO Randy Grogan of Ballard Telephone talks us through the cooperative's efforts to change it's identity. Website: www.btcservices.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 046 Highlights of StoryConnect: The Conference 46 46 046 Highlights of StoryConnect: The Conference full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858220 https://share.transistor.fm/s/603c4190 Fri, 05 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1015 If you are in marketing, communications or management at an electric utility or telecommunications company, this conference is for you. Spend a few minutes learning about the great sessions the WordSouth team has lined up for StoryConnect: The Conference 2016. Website: www.storyconnect.com/conference If you are in marketing, communications or management at an electric utility or telecommunications company, this conference is for you. Spend a few minutes learning about the great sessions the WordSouth team has lined up for StoryConnect: The Conference broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 045 The Power of Partnerships, With Eric Cramer 45 45 045 The Power of Partnerships, With Eric Cramer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858218 https://share.transistor.fm/s/06933e78 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1097 Wilkes Communications is a progressive cooperative that is blazing new trails in the telecommunications industry. This interview with CEO Eric Cramer begins with his take on the important of marketing, then explores the progress that can be accomplished by partnering with various institutions that serve a community. Website: www.wilkes.net Wilkes Communications is a progressive cooperative that is blazing new trails in the telecommunications industry. This interview with CEO Eric Cramer begins with his take on the important of marketing, then explores the progress that can be accomplished b broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 042 Topics For Marketing And Customer Service, With Toni Rivas 42 42 042 Topics For Marketing And Customer Service, With Toni Rivas full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858213 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1dedf0d Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 670 What are marketing and customer service folks talking about in Texas? Toni Rivas, who moderated a roundtable discussions at the TSTCI Marketing, Account and Customer Service Conference in Austin shares with us her takeaways from the session. Website: www.tdstelecom.com What are marketing and customer service folks talking about in Texas? Toni Rivas, who moderated a roundtable discussions at the TSTCI Marketing, Account and Customer Service Conference in Austin shares with us her takeaways from the session. Website: ww broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 040 Sales Goals And Incentives For Everyone, With Aaron Rodriguez 40 40 040 Sales Goals And Incentives For Everyone, With Aaron Rodriguez full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858210 https://share.transistor.fm/s/76165c87 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1003 Sales incentives aren't just for sales people any more. At Big Bend Telephone, everyone from engineers to accountants has goals for the numbers of upgrades or sales they need to make each year — and they get rewarded for making those happen. Website: http://www.bigbend.net/ Sales incentives aren't just for sales people any more. At Big Bend Telephone, everyone from engineers to accountants has goals for the numbers of upgrades or sales they need to make each year — and they get rewarded for making those happen. Website: htt broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 044 Telling Your Story With A Telephone Museum, With Tara Swirczynski 44 44 044 Telling Your Story With A Telephone Museum, With Tara Swirczynski full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858215 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fc7ae0a4 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 745 What better way to underscore your telcos history in the community than with a museum? Tara Swirczynski discusses how Nortex leverages the Gene H. Fuhrman Memorial Telephone Museum to share its story. Website: http://www.nortex.com/telephonemuseum What better way to underscore your telcos history in the community than with a museum? Tara Swirczynski discusses how Nortex leverages the Gene H. Fuhrman Memorial Telephone Museum to share its story. Website: http://www.nortex.com/telephonemuseum broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 043 Getting Engaged With A New Kind Of Customer, With Brandon Johnson 43 43 043 Getting Engaged With A New Kind Of Customer, With Brandon Johnson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858214 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b387b0f Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 808 Customers today have different needs and expectations than previous generations of customers, but just how different are they? In many cases, marketers will need to change their approach and the tools they use in order to reach them. Website: https://www.chrsolutions.com/ Customers today have different needs and expectations than previous generations of customers, but just how different are they? In many cases, marketers will need to change their approach and the tools they use in order to reach them. Website: https://www broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 038 Marketing Is Becoming Even More Important For Telcos, With Weldon Gray 38 38 038 Marketing Is Becoming Even More Important For Telcos, With Weldon Gray full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858207 https://share.transistor.fm/s/53422b70 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 612 TSTCI CEO Weldon Gray outlines the ever-increasing importance of marketing departments. He also previews some legislative issues affecting Texas telcos. Website: http://www.tstci.org/ TSTCI CEO Weldon Gray outlines the ever-increasing importance of marketing departments. He also previews some legislative issues affecting Texas telcos. Website: http://www.tstci.org/ broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 039 Rebranding — Even If You Have To Knock Down Walls, With Russel Kacer 39 39 039 Rebranding — Even If You Have To Knock Down Walls, With Russel Kacer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858208 https://share.transistor.fm/s/26793013 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1435 Russell Kacer outlines the transformation of Ganado Telephone into YK Communications. He also shares pointers from his TSTCI presentation on customer service. Website: www.ykc.com Russell Kacer outlines the transformation of Ganado Telephone into YK Communications. He also shares pointers from his TSTCI presentation on customer service. Website: www.ykc.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 041 Marketing Design Talk, With Gabe Herrera 41 41 041 Marketing Design Talk, With Gabe Herrera full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858211 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c2aa80a Mon, 01 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 799 Graphic designer Gabe Herrera shares what's hot in graphic design including styles, font and photo resources. Website: http://www.hctc.net/en/home.html Graphic designer Gabe Herrera shares what's hot in graphic design including styles, font and photo resources. Website: http://www.hctc.net/en/home.html broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 036 Standing Up For Public Power, With Sue Kelly 36 36 036 Standing Up For Public Power, With Sue Kelly full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858204 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9f687a97 Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1265 Sue Kelly, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association, spends her time advocating for the needs of Public Power in Washington, D.C. as well as “keeping away the bad.” In this episode, Kelly discusses a few current efforts of the APPA as well as the role of advocacy in general for utilities. Website: www.publicpower.org Sue Kelly, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association, spends her time advocating for the needs of Public Power in Washington, D.C. as well as “keeping away the bad.” In this episode, Kelly discusses a few current efforts of the APPA as we broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 037 Tennessee Broadband Survey Results, With Randy Boyd 37 37 037 Tennessee Broadband Survey Results, With Randy Boyd full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858206 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7762334b Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1322 What is the state of broadband in Tennessee? Commissioner Randy Boyd of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development discusses the results of the broadband study his department oversaw. This interview was conducted Tuesday, July 19, 2016, the day the results were released. Website: https://www.tn.gov/ecd/ What is the state of broadband in Tennessee? Commissioner Randy Boyd of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development discusses the results of the broadband study his department oversaw. This interview was conducted Tuesday, July 19, 2016 broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 035 Anatomy Of A Buyout, With Steve Sax 35 35 035 Anatomy Of A Buyout, With Steve Sax full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858203 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2d00cc3d Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1563 Murfreesboro Electric Department recently faced what many utilities would consider their worst fear: a buyout attempt from a larger utility. After successfully defeating the attempt, Steve Sax, general manger, talks about the experience. Website: www.murfreesboroelectric.com Murfreesboro Electric Department recently faced what many utilities would consider their worst fear: a buyout attempt from a larger utility. After successfully defeating the attempt, Steve Sax, general manger, talks about the experience. Website: www.mur broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 034 Legislative Update: The Voice Of Municipal Electrics, With Jeremy Elrod 34 34 034 Legislative Update: The Voice Of Municipal Electrics, With Jeremy Elrod full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858201 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5486fbf1 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 807 The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association makes sure that its member’s voices are heard by the state government. Jeremy Elrod of the TMEPA discusses the importance of public power and several current legislative topics. Website: www.tmepa.org The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association makes sure that its member’s voices are heard by the state government. Jeremy Elrod of the TMEPA discusses the importance of public power and several current legislative topics. Website: www.tmepa.org broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 033 Communicating About Safety, With Donnie Hall 33 33 033 Communicating About Safety, With Donnie Hall full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858199 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0b702abe Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 564 How do you go beyond teaching the rules of electric safety to creating a culture at your utility that priorities safety above everything else? Donnie Hall of Johnson City Power Board discusses the importance of getting your utility’s leadership team involved in safety. Website: www.jcpb.com How do you go beyond teaching the rules of electric safety to creating a culture at your utility that priorities safety above everything else? Donnie Hall of Johnson City Power Board discusses the importance of getting your utility’s leadership team invol broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 030 Rolling Out Time-Of-Use Billing, With Brian Skelton 30 30 030 Rolling Out Time-Of-Use Billing, With Brian Skelton full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858195 https://share.transistor.fm/s/897acc64 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 669 TVA’s recent moves towards Time of Use billing has caused major changes in the way utilities are purchasing electricity. For Tullahoma Utility Board, it’s also provided an opportunity to pass some savings onto their customers, along with a lot of education about how electricity is generated. Website: www.tub.net TVA’s recent moves towards Time of Use billing has caused major changes in the way utilities are purchasing electricity. For Tullahoma Utility Board, it’s also provided an opportunity to pass some savings onto their customers, along with a lot of educatio broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 029 50 Years of TMEPA, With Mike Vinson 29 29 029 50 Years of TMEPA, With Mike Vinson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858194 https://share.transistor.fm/s/18f89b65 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 553 The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association celebrates 50 years of serving its members across Tennessee. Executive Director Mike Vinson spends a few minutes talking about what the TMEPA is, the services it offers and what he’s looking forward to most during the annual meeting. Website: www.tmepa.org The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association celebrates 50 years of serving its members across Tennessee. Executive Director Mike Vinson spends a few minutes talking about what the TMEPA is, the services it offers and what he’s looking forward to mo broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 032 The Utility Role in Economic Development, With Brian Hercules 32 32 032 The Utility Role in Economic Development, With Brian Hercules full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858198 https://share.transistor.fm/s/defb19ad Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 642 How can your utility help bring new jobs into your service area? Brian Hercules of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce talks about the important relationship between your utility and economic development. Website: www.rutherfordchamber.org How can your utility help bring new jobs into your service area? Brian Hercules of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce talks about the important relationship between your utility and economic development. Website: www.rutherfordchamber.org broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 031 Communicating Through The Customer Bill, With Cindy Stoker 31 31 031 Communicating Through The Customer Bill, With Cindy Stoker full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858197 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9b0cd76a Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 506 How does the Central Service Association benefit its utility customers, and what new innovations are utilities taking advantage of? Cindy Stoker of CSA sits down with Stephen Smith to discuss her company and the services it offers. Website: www.csa1.com How does the Central Service Association benefit its utility customers, and what new innovations are utilities taking advantage of? Cindy Stoker of CSA sits down with Stephen Smith to discuss her company and the services it offers. Website: www.csa1.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 028 The Difference Between PR, Marketing and Public Affairs, With Les Fugate 28 28 028 The Difference Between PR, Marketing and Public Affairs, With Les Fugate full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858193 https://share.transistor.fm/s/80a83497 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 840 Public affairs, marketing and public relations all help communicate your company’s goals, but when do you need to use each one? Les Fugate of RunSwitch PR shares his thoughts on those three branches of communication and tells us how to equip your customers to make their voices heard on regulatory issues. Website: www.runswitchpr.com Public affairs, marketing and public relations all help communicate your company’s goals, but when do you need to use each one? Les Fugate of RunSwitch PR shares his thoughts on those three branches of communication and tells us how to equip your customer broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 027 What Are The CEOs Thinking, With Bruce Mottern 27 27 027 What Are The CEOs Thinking, With Bruce Mottern full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858192 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a87f9be Sun, 12 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 655 What is your boss worried about? Bruce Mottern of TDS facilitated the CEO and General Manager Peer Group Roundtable Session at the 2016 TTA Annual Meeting, and shares some of what was discussed. Website: www.tdstelecom.com What is your boss worried about? Bruce Mottern of TDS facilitated the CEO and General Manager Peer Group Roundtable Session at the 2016 TTA Annual Meeting, and shares some of what was discussed. Website: www.tdstelecom.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 026 TTA Marketing Roundtable Recap, With Julie Gogel 26 26 026 TTA Marketing Roundtable Recap, With Julie Gogel full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858191 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cbe1e1c6 Sun, 12 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 508 What happens when a bunch of marketing and customer service folks from telcos around Tennessee get together? Julie Gogel of Telcom Insurance Group discusses drive-thrus, time and temperature lines, cross training and everything else that came up during the Marketing, Sales and Customer Service Peer Group Roundtable Session at TTA’s 2016 Annual Meeting. Website: www.telcominsgrp.com What happens when a bunch of marketing and customer service folks from telcos around Tennessee get together? Julie Gogel of Telcom Insurance Group discusses drive-thrus, time and temperature lines, cross training and everything else that came up during th broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 024 Home Solutions Powered By The Gig, With Patrick Moreno 24 24 024 Home Solutions Powered By The Gig, With Patrick Moreno full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858189 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b3079b2f Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 729 When you sell someone gigabit Internet service, will they be able to use it to its full potential? What equipment will they need? Patrick Moreno of ZyXEL tells us what marketers need to know about gig-capable equipment. This episode was recorded from the 2016 Tennessee Telecommunications Association Annual Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. Website: www.zyxel.com When you sell someone gigabit Internet service, will they be able to use it to its full potential? What equipment will they need? Patrick Moreno of ZyXEL tells us what marketers need to know about gig-capable equipment. This episode was recorded from the broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 025 Making Money On Free Wi-Fi, With Keith Jones 25 25 025 Making Money On Free Wi-Fi, With Keith Jones full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858190 https://share.transistor.fm/s/55253dbf Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 834 Can “free” Wi-Fi be a new revenue stream for your company? Keith Jones of CCI Systems gives an overview of the session he led at the Tennessee Telecommunications Association Annual Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. Website: www.ccisystems.com Can “free” Wi-Fi be a new revenue stream for your company? Keith Jones of CCI Systems gives an overview of the session he led at the Tennessee Telecommunications Association Annual Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. Website: www.ccisystems.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 023 Moving Into A Competitive Area, With Jonathan West 23 23 023 Moving Into A Competitive Area, With Jonathan West full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858188 https://share.transistor.fm/s/56b60256 Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 898 How do you prepare your telecommunications company to expand into a new market? General Manager/CEO Jonathan West of Twin Lakes talks about the five-year plan his cooperative worked through to expand into Cookeville, Tennessee. This episode was recorded from the 2016 Tennessee Telecommunications Association Annual Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. Website: www.twlakes.coop How do you prepare your telecommunications company to expand into a new market? General Manager/CEO Jonathan West of Twin Lakes talks about the five-year plan his cooperative worked through to expand into Cookeville, Tennessee. This episode was recorded f broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 022 The Challenges Of Twitter For Utilities, With Missy Michaels 22 22 022 The Challenges Of Twitter For Utilities, With Missy Michaels full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858187 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1873e9a Tue, 07 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1340 Is it time for your company to enter the Twitterverse? Maybe or maybe not. Missy Michaels, director of marketing and customer engagement with United Communications in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, shares some of her ups and downs with social media. This episode was recorded from the 2016 Tennessee Telecommunications Association Annual Conference in Franklin, Tennessee. Website: www.united.net Is it time for your company to enter the Twitterverse? Maybe or maybe not. Missy Michaels, director of marketing and customer engagement with United Communications in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, shares some of her ups and downs with social media. This episode broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 021 TTA Conference Preview, with Levoy Knowles 21 21 021 TTA Conference Preview, with Levoy Knowles full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858186 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a713d73 Thu, 02 Jun 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 831 What’s in store for attendees at the Tennessee Telecommunications Association next week? What’s coming up for Tennessee Telcos in the next legislative session? TTA Executive Director Levoy Knowles tells us what marketers need to know about the upcoming conference and the legislature. Website: www.tenntel.org What’s in store for attendees at the Tennessee Telecommunications Association next week? What’s coming up for Tennessee Telcos in the next legislative session? TTA Executive Director Levoy Knowles tells us what marketers need to know about the upcoming co broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 020 Metered Broadband, With Matt Krueger And Anthony Ring 20 20 020 Metered Broadband, With Matt Krueger And Anthony Ring full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858185 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ef73874 Fri, 20 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 998 Ultra-HD streaming video is coming. Is metered broadband the right way to preserve your network strength and dependibility? What challenges do so-called “data-caps” present for marketers? Matt Krueger and Anthony Ring of Shentel discuss how they’ve blazed a new trail for telcos that meter their customers’ data useage. Website: www.shentel.com Ultra-HD streaming video is coming. Is metered broadband the right way to preserve your network strength and dependibility? What challenges do so-called “data-caps” present for marketers? Matt Krueger and Anthony Ring of Shentel discuss how they’ve blazed broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 019 How To Say No Gracefully, With Glenn Muske 19 19 019 How To Say No Gracefully, With Glenn Muske full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858184 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1368e64 Wed, 18 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1108 Marketing departments are always fielding requests for sponsorship and donations. Do you have a plan to make sure your company’s donation budget is being use wisely? Glenn Muske of the North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension office says you have to be prepared with a strategy before the local community groups come asking. Website: More about Glenn Marketing departments are always fielding requests for sponsorship and donations. Do you have a plan to make sure your company’s donation budget is being use wisely? Glenn Muske of the North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension office says you ha broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 018 Explaining The Gig, With Eric West of Duo Telecom 18 18 018 Explaining The Gig, With Eric West of Duo Telecom full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858181 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bbb8bfe7 Fri, 13 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 722 When Duo County Telecom in Kentucky launched gigabit service, Director of Marketing Eric West knew he needed to educate customers about the new speeds available. But what’s the best west to translate complex technology and loads of jargon into something regular people can understand? Eric and the Duo team used a unique video and other channels to communicate their new offerings. Website: Some of Kentucky’s First Gigabit Communities When Duo County Telecom in Kentucky launched gigabit service, Director of Marketing Eric West knew he needed to educate customers about the new speeds available. But what’s the best west to translate complex technology and loads of jargon into something r broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 017 360-Degree Marketing, With Lori Vergin of MPower Consulting 17 17 017 360-Degree Marketing, With Lori Vergin of MPower Consulting full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858180 https://share.transistor.fm/s/75ebc93e Thu, 12 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 828 How many places does a potential customer interact with your company? Is your company putting your best face forward in each of those contact points? Lori Vergin of MPower Consulting explains how immersion or immersive marketing can turn customers into advocates. Website: www.mpoweryourbusiness.com/bio.html How many places does a potential customer interact with your company? Is your company putting your best face forward in each of those contact points? Lori Vergin of MPower Consulting explains how immersion or immersive marketing can turn customers into ad broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 016 Leveraging Your Fiber Network, With Chris Castagneri Of CNS 16 16 016 Leveraging Your Fiber Network, With Chris Castagneri Of CNS full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858179 https://share.transistor.fm/s/71963e39 Wed, 11 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1036 You’ve built a robust fiber network. Now what? Chris Castagneri, marketing manager at Cooperative Network Services in Minnesota, says, “If you’re an ISP with fiber-to-the-premise, you want your customers to want—believe in—and love direct fiber.” Website: www.cooperative-networks.com You’ve built a robust fiber network. Now what? Chris Castagneri, marketing manager at Cooperative Network Services in Minnesota, says, “If you’re an ISP with fiber-to-the-premise, you want your customers to want—believe in—and love direct fiber.” Website broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 015 Creative Ideas For Non-Regulated Services, With Andy Isackson Of CTC 15 15 015 Creative Ideas For Non-Regulated Services, With Andy Isackson Of CTC full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858177 https://share.transistor.fm/s/07020797 Sun, 08 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 946 When it comes to non-regulated services, are you thinking outside the box? Andy Isackson, marketing manager for CTC in Minnesota, discusses creative ways to market such services. Website: www.connectctc.com When it comes to non-regulated services, are you thinking outside the box? Andy Isackson, marketing manager for CTC in Minnesota, discusses creative ways to market such services. Website: www.connectctc.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 014 The Video Exchange, With Edward Hinson Of Skyline-Skybest 14 14 014 The Video Exchange, With Edward Hinson Of Skyline-Skybest full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858176 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c42fd60 Sat, 07 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1044 Are you looking to buy video clips for your local channel productions, or even entire shows? Or maybe you’d like to sell some of your video work to other providers. Edward Hinson, executive director of competitive operations for Skyline/Skybest in North Carolina, talks about how The Video Exchange works. #014 The Video Exchange, With Edward Hinson Of Skyline-Skybest Are you looking to buy video clips for your local channel productions, or even entire shows? Or maybe you’d like to sell some of your video work to other providers. Edward Hinson, executive director of competitive operations for Skyline/Skybest in North C broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 013 Rebranding Your Company, With Morgan Lovell Of Clear Lakes 13 13 013 Rebranding Your Company, With Morgan Lovell Of Clear Lakes full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858174 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eca60132 Fri, 06 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 587 Is it time to change your brand? Morgan Lovell of Clear Lake Telephone in Iowa discusses how her company went through the rebranding process. Website: www.cltel.com Is it time to change your brand? Morgan Lovell of Clear Lake Telephone in Iowa discusses how her company went through the rebranding process. Website: www.cltel.com broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 011 Connecting With Customers, With Storyteller Kelly Swanson 11 11 011 Connecting With Customers, With Storyteller Kelly Swanson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858172 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a1f42b1 Thu, 05 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1561 What is your story, and why is it important to share it with your customers? Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your customers, according to Kelly Swanson, an award-winning speaker from North Carolina. Kelly was a featured speaker at the 2016 PR and Marketing Conference hosted by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. Website: www.KellySwanson.net What is your story, and why is it important to share it with your customers? Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your customers, according to Kelly Swanson, an award-winning speaker from North Carolina. Kelly was a featured speaker at the 2016 broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 012 Relevant Email Marketing, With Matt Krueger Of Shentel 12 12 012 Relevant Email Marketing, With Matt Krueger Of Shentel full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858173 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0333bc43 Thu, 05 May 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1296 Email is still effective. In fact, it can be a powerful and effective marketing tool when the content is strategically relevant. In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, Matt Krueger, Marketing Manager at Shentel, discusses the tactics used by his company. Website: www.Shentel.com Email is still effective. In fact, it can be a powerful and effective marketing tool when the content is strategically relevant. In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, Matt Krueger, Marketing Manager at Shentel, discusses the tactics used by his co broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 010 Disruptive Technology, With Brad Molander Of NISC 10 10 010 Disruptive Technology, With Brad Molander Of NISC full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858171 https://share.transistor.fm/s/67340874 Sun, 24 Apr 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 946 With so many distractions, utilities are in a battle for the consumer’s attention. How do you communicate your message in such a fractured market? Brad Molander is a “technology evangelist” with NISC, and he joined WordSouth’s Andy Johns at the recent RTIME event (the annual telco event hosted by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association) to discuss disruptive technology and how to capture a consumer’s attention to stay relevant. Website: www.NISC.coop With so many distractions, utilities are in a battle for the consumer’s attention. How do you communicate your message in such a fractured market? Brad Molander is a “technology evangelist” with NISC, and he joined WordSouth’s Andy Johns at the recent RTI broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 009 Telling Your Story To Communicate Your Purpose, With Mark Patterson 9 9 009 Telling Your Story To Communicate Your Purpose, With Mark Patterson full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858170 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aaaf629a Sun, 10 Apr 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 696 We all know that cooperatives have power stories to tell. Mark Patterson, general manager of Highland Telephone Cooperative in Sunbright, Tennessee, recently spoke with WordSouth’s Andy Johns about how his company uses HTC’s story to communicate the cooperative’s purpose. Listen as Mark shares how storytelling turned a bland report to the government into a vivid document that showed the impact HTC’s fiber construction project is having on the people it serves. Website: www.highlandtel.net We all know that cooperatives have power stories to tell. Mark Patterson, general manager of Highland Telephone Cooperative in Sunbright, Tennessee, recently spoke with WordSouth’s Andy Johns about how his company uses HTC’s story to communicate the coope broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 007 Super-Humanize Your Products, with Mcxie Hurst 7 7 007 Super-Humanize Your Products, with Mcxie Hurst full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858092 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d52ce799 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 554 In order for people to respond to your products, sometimes those products need a human element. Maybe even a super-human element. In this episode, Mcxie Hurst, marketing manager of Peoples Telephone Cooperative in Quitman, Texas, talks about how their “Super Steve” promotion took their broadband offerings to new heights. Website: www.peoplescom.net In order for people to respond to your products, sometimes those products need a human element. Maybe even a super-human element. In this episode, Mcxie Hurst, marketing manager of Peoples Telephone Cooperative in Quitman, Texas, talks about how their “Su broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 008 Are You Selling Speeds Or Benefits, with Carissa Swenson of Consortia Consulting 8 8 008 Are You Selling Speeds Or Benefits, with Carissa Swenson of Consortia Consulting full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858131 https://share.transistor.fm/s/13ea8a73 Sun, 10 Apr 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 605 Carissa Swenson, with Consortia Consulting, spoke with WordSouth’s Andy Johns at the recent RTIME event, hosted by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. When it comes to selling broadband services, she reminds listeners that “it’s not about the speeds, it’s about what people can do with that connectivity.” She advocates helping customers understand why they need high-speed connections, in part by showing them some of the many great online resources available to improve their lives. Website: www.consortiaconsulting.com Carissa Swenson, with Consortia Consulting, spoke with WordSouth’s Andy Johns at the recent RTIME event, hosted by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. When it comes to selling broadband services, she reminds listeners that “it’s not about the speeds, it broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 006 The Power of Storytelling, with Andy Johns and Noble Sprayberry 6 6 006 The Power of Storytelling, with Andy Johns and Noble Sprayberry full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858029 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9422a5f9 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 19:00:00 -0500 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1159 WordSouth had the honor of being asked to present at the 2016 RTIME, the Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO presented by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. VP of Telecom Andy Johns and Managing Editor Noble Sprayberry traveled to Orlando in February to present “Sharing Your Story” f0r RTIME attendees. Before they left, WordSouth President & CEO Stephen V. Smith interviewed Andy and Noble about their presentation. He learned that they would be sharing three important concepts at RTIME: Leading with your story Selling with your story Telling your story the right way Join Stephen, Andy and Noble as they offer a preview of the RTIME presentation. WordSouth had the honor of being asked to present at the 2016 RTIME, the Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO presented by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. VP of Telecom Andy Johns and Managing Editor Noble Sprayberry traveled to Orlando in Febr broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 005 Engaging Customers Through Storytelling, with Carrie Huckeby of WK&T 5 5 005 Engaging Customers Through Storytelling, with Carrie Huckeby of WK&T full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858027 https://share.transistor.fm/s/773ab2df Thu, 10 Mar 2016 18:00:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 964 There is a lot of talk these days about incorporating storytelling into your marketing efforts. But what kind of stories are effective? In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, WordSouth’s Andy Johns speaks with Carrie Huckeby, chief marketing officer for WK&T in Mayfield, Kentucky, and Ardmore Telephone in Ardmore, Alabama. Carrie gives practical examples of how her companies are engaging customers through the power of storytelling. There is a lot of talk these days about incorporating storytelling into your marketing efforts. But what kind of stories are effective? In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, WordSouth’s Andy Johns speaks with Carrie Huckeby, chief marketing office broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 004 Brand Advocates, with Shannon Sears of West Carolina Tel 4 4 004 Brand Advocates, with Shannon Sears of West Carolina Tel full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277858005 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1a7e38e Sun, 06 Mar 2016 18:00:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 892 Telling your own story is one thing, but there is great power in having your customers tell your story for you. In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, WordSouth’s Andy Johns speaks with Shannon Sears, the director of commercial operations for West Carolina Tel headquartered in Abbeville, South Carolina. Shannon talks about a residential development that WCT serves with fiber, where the general manager is a strong advocate for the work WCT is doing in the area. Telling your own story is one thing, but there is great power in having your customers tell your story for you. In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, WordSouth’s Andy Johns speaks with Shannon Sears, the director of commercial operations for West broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 003 Harnessing Network Data, with Allison Brausen of Calix 3 3 003 Harnessing Network Data, with Allison Brausen of Calix full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277838942 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f81d9181 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 18:00:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 622 There is a wealth of information about user habits inside your network, and marketers can harness that information to drive sales and increase ARPU. But how? Allison Brausen recorded this interview prior to presenting at the 2015 StoryConnect conference on the topic of “Harnessing Network Data for Target Marketing.” Allison is the senior manager of marketing campaigns for Calix, a leading global provider of broadband communications access systems and software. She oversees the planning, execution and ROI measurement of marketing outreach for Calix product launches, customer events, promotions and specialized initiatives. In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, Allison talks about how marketers can put network data to work in their organizations. There is a wealth of information about user habits inside your network, and marketers can harness that information to drive sales and increase ARPU. But how? Allison Brausen recorded this interview prior to presenting at the 2015 StoryConnect conference broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 002 Increasing Program Participation, with Jim Keiffer 2 2 002 Increasing Program Participation, with Jim Keiffer full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277838941 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bee27e98 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 18:00:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1103 Jim Keiffer is President of Keiffer Energy and Management Consulting. His four decades in the natural gas and electricity industry include many year leading marketing as well as customer strategy/support for TVA. In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podcast, Jim talks about how utilities can increase customer participation in their programs. This interview was recorded just before StoryConnect: The Conference in September 2015. Jim Keiffer is President of Keiffer Energy and Management Consulting. His four decades in the natural gas and electricity industry include many year leading marketing as well as customer strategy/support for TVA. In this episode of StoryConnect: The Podca broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No 001 NTCA’s Gig-Capable Provider Program, with Laura Withers of NTCA 1 1 001 NTCA’s Gig-Capable Provider Program, with Laura Withers of NTCA full tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/277838939 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fee093fd Sat, 02 Jan 2016 18:00:00 -0600 StoryConnect StoryConnect 1280 Laura Withers is Communications Director for NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. She was our guest on StoryConnect: The Podcast in September 2015 to discuss NTCA’s Gig-Capable Provider program. This interview led up to Laura’s personal appearance a few weeks later at StoryConnect: The Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Laura Withers is Communications Director for NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association. She was our guest on StoryConnect: The Podcast in September 2015 to discuss NTCA’s Gig-Capable Provider program. This interview led up to Laura’s personal appearance a few broadband, rural, cooperative, electric, municipal, telecommunications, marketing, communications, leadership No