• A media release to local newspapers and radio stations
• Posts on social media, if you have accounts such as Facebook
• Small, 8.5-inch x 11-inch posters that you post throughout your community. Ask local businesses and other community-gathering places such as parks to post the message in high-traffic areas.
• Public Service Announcements (PSAs) at youth ball games and other community-wide events.

• “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” – Peter Drucker
• “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hemingway
• “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communications with others.” – Tony Robbins
• “Effective communication helps to keep the team working on the right projects with the right attitude.” – Alex Langer
• “Make sure to communicate your idea quickly and keep it straight to the point.” – Paul Bailey
• “Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of our life.” – Brian Tracy
• “Words and pictures can work together to communicate more powerfully than either alone.” – William Albert Allard
• “The words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through.” – Sydney J. Harris
• “Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.” – Walt Disney
• “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” – Albert Einstein
• “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.” – Lee Iacocca

Municipal utilities truly are the unsung heroes in your communities. You are so dependable in what you do that people don’t think about all of your efforts. Customers take for granted that they will always have water for their morning showers, electricity for their lights, natural gas for heating their homes, and broadband for staying connected to the world. But you know that a lot goes into making sure all these utilities run safely and efficiently.
 
Be sure to tell your stories. Let people know what you do and why you do it. Sharing information about projects, upgrades, and even the little tasks you perform can help customers to truly appreciate all that you do. Plus, it can give you the public support you need when you take on new projects and initiatives.
 
On a regular basis, say monthly or quarterly, think about different stories that you could share with your customers. Sometimes, it will be “big news” like progress on a capital improvement project. Other times, it might be a personal story of how a utility employee went above and beyond to help a customer or community. Once you have come up with stories that you want to share, figure out the best way to reach your customers. You can share your stories in city newsletters, media releases to local newspapers and radio/TV stations, and on social media, where followers can then share what you’ve posted to their own pages and profiles to expand your message reach.
 
If you need help telling your story, contact Jen Cronin, IAMU’s contracted public relations specialist, who can help. Public relations support is a value-added benefit that IAMU makes available to its utility members. You can reach Jen at jcronin@jcronincom.com or by phone at 616-610-2546.