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.
What You’ll Learn 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. Guest Speaker Tom DuBos Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect The Podcast, […]
What You’ll Learn Ian Cope shares thoughts on how utilities can navigate through the wilds of social media, summing up his panel at the 2022 NIC conference. Guest Speaker Ian Cope Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of WordSouth and Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect The Podcast, helping […]
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.
What You’ll Learn A lot of utilities are weighing rebrands and new brands as they add broadband service, merge with other utilities or expand to new communities. Meridian Cooperative Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services Lindsay Tyson led her co-op’s rebranding efforts. She talks about using a rebranding timeline, engaging staff as brand ambassadors […]
What You’ll Learn 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. Guest Speaker Camilla Mortensen Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of WordSouth and Pioneer […]
What You’ll Learn NTCA’s Smart Rural Community Designation can be a powerful tool to help differentiate your telco — if you leverage it properly. Guest Speaker Melissa Lanzourakis Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of WordSouth and Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect: The Podcast, helping communicators discover ideas […]
What You’ll Learn Michael Rovito, deputy director at 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 […]
What You’ll Learn 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. Guest Speaker Kurt Gruendling Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of WordSouth and Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect: […]
What You’ll Learn Chris Jones at Middle Tennessee Electric Cooperative, TN, 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. Guest Speaker Chris Jones About Our Guest Chris Jones is the CEO of […]
What You’ll Learn 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. Guest Speaker Billy Weeks Show Notes Transcripts have been […]
What You’ll Learn Home Telecom invested in a co-working space and retail space to meet subscribers where they are. Guest Speaker Gina Shuler Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Intro: A production of WordSouth and Pioneer Utility Resources. StoryConnect: The Podcast, helping communicators discover ideas to shape their stories and […]
What You’ll Learn 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 […]
