|
|
|
|
|
 |
| affiliate Newsletter |
|
November 2007 |
Day 1
Passionate about Purple |
|
Day 2
Donuts and Discussion |
|
|
|
You're either a Purple Cow or you're not.
You're either remarkable or invisible.
The first annual workshop theme centered on Seth Godin's book, The Purple Cow, and how as we work together and address issues that face the telecommunication industry each affiliate can become outstanding in their field.
On the first day we started the workshop by meeting at Computer Services, Inc offices on Technology Drive in Paducah, KY. After lunch and introductions Todd Heinrich asked each affiliate to share their successes and failures of the past year. Copious notes were taken by HCIS staff preparing for the next days meeting to offer both resolutions for obstacles or added value solutions.
Future Vision |
Todd Heinrich, the CEO of Heartland, shared the current status and his future vision of Heartland's affiliate program. Currently our software department is finishing up a process that will automate provisioning within the BMC. HCIS hopes to have the porting process "webified" soon as well with full network monitoring capabilities. Several future concepts include the BMC as a billing and invoicing system and tax management integration to only name a few.
|
Food and Fun |
The evening was designed for unwinding, relaxing and giving the affiliates an opportunity to get to know their counterparts. We left CSI / Marriott by trolley and made our way to the French Quarter located beside Whaler's Catch for drinks and dinner.
Tom Rutter, President of Aero Group, shared with us strategies his company has tried over the years trying to be a Purple Cow in his hometown of Freeport, IL. He reminded us that for a company to be remarkable (a purple cow) you must first start with yourself. One example Tom gave was that he always gave out all his contact information, including his cell phone number, to everyone so that he was accessible 24 hours a day. Tom believes that too many communication professionals hide behind the invisible wall of technology instead of using it for its intended purpose. It was obvious that he accomplished that goal when his church pastor called him during the speech and he answered.
Brian Glover, Heartland's general manager summed up the affiliate program when he told the story of the country boy going to his first circus that was billed as the "Greatest Show on Earth". The boy saw the circus parade through town and in his excitement ran home after the parade saying it was the most amazing sight he'd ever seen, not realizing he'd not even seen the circus show. Our affiliate program has been successful, and the poles to the big top are now in place. Each affiliate assured us that they do not want to miss the big show that's coming.
Late Night Entertainment |
After dinner Heartland had to show off Paducah's performing arts center by purchasing tickets to "Defending the Caveman" comedy show that was being presented at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center.
The comedian, Rob Becker, pointed out that communication between the sexes might have genetic reasons whose origins are buried in the millennia of human evolution. Becker reminds us not to judge others based on our own gender standards, but to recognize the differences and accept them. We left with a smile on our (slightly red) faces. |
|
|
|
The affiliates arrived at Heartland's main office at 1301 Broadway early on Friday morning for a candid discussion. John Williams, Heartland's Chairman of the Board, led the discussion where he encouraged the affiliates to discuss the "Good, Bad, and the Ugly".
One of the main topics of this discussion centered on better communication between the affiliate and the Heartland staff. Today, H.A.L.L. (Heartland's Affiliate Library of Links) has been opened up to threaded discussion on any and all topics to help promote better communication. The site has been reorganized and more information has been posted so that any affiliate can click and learn more about key topics of interest.
To get to H.A.L.L. click here.
Email Kim Bondurant for your username and password if you have never logged in or if you have forgotten them.
One-on-One Sessions |
Heartland departments were available to any affiliate for one-on-one discussions all afternoon. Network Operations, Accounting, Support, Marketing, or any of the Corporate Officers made themselves available to any affiliate that afternoon to discuss their individual issues and how HCIS could assist them.
|
Lunch & Learn |
Heartland served "Purple Cow" boxed lunches that included a sandwich, slaw, relish pick, pasta salad, and a purple sweet treat while affiliates sat around discussing ideas and learning how they might be able to implement new technical or marketing ideas in their own backyard.
|
Facility Tour |
|
Vincent Woeltz, the V.P. of affiliate affairs, took the affiliates on a tour of the Heartland facility. Carlos Chavez and Jason Ingram, part of the Network Operations team, demonstrated various components in the Heartland NOC room.
|
The Sneeze |
We wanted YOU to catch the Idea-virus and to find solutions to make your business more successful. We know that the affiliates sneezed on each other and the feedback you gave to Heartland was invaluable.
The Heartland team is carefully studying your comments and survey answers as we begin planning for the next affiliate workshop.
The entire Heartland organization appreciates your time and contribution to our first workshop. Thank you for your suggestions and generous compliments. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
