This introductory webinar will focus on how your business can utilize broadband to increase efficiency and expand your market. We will be sharing local MN Business stories to exemplify the ease and benefits of fully utilizing broadband services. Learn how others have reduced staffed costs and the impact and benefits of utilizing social media.

1. Broadband for Business Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace As part of the Minnesota Rural Intelligent Communities (MIRC) Project

2. Benefits of broadband Increase Efficiency Expand Market

3. Increase Efficiency: Knowledge Mgmt E-Learning Online documentation Automation San Francisco public Utilities mapping & video On-demand training and documentation (Ask Fred) Automated processes Employment reimbursement time cut in half

4. Increase Efficiency: Intranets Midsized utility company moved payments online and CIM. Allows for communication with field devices. After implementation number of customer agents is reduced. Shared calendars Customer Relationship/Info Management (CRM or CIM) database Renewable Energy Clearinghouse

5. Increase Efficiency: Remote Access Staff in the field Telework/telecommuting H.R. 1722 Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 Hennepin County: Problem: Environmental engineers, do inspections, come back and then write reports at their desks. Solution: Laptops write where you are or at home. Increased completion of reports and met deadlines (eWorkPlace-MN.com)

6. Increased Efficiency: Remote meetings Collaborative Workspace Webinars Telepresence Great River Energy “The technology is helping us achieve our rigorous goals to become more environmentally and energy efficient through the use of innovative ideas.” Going for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification

7. Increased Efficiency: Smart Grid Customer access to energy usage information (dashboard) Intelligent appliances There is federal support for Smart Grid advancement and deployment

8. Smaller Examples Expensify – apps for expenses www.expensify.com CrossLoop– share computer screen www.crossloop.com Skype – free phone www.skype.com TripIt – a virtual travel assistant www.tripit.com

9. Expand Market

10. Expand Market: Web Site Reach customers Reach investors Reach policymakers Reach potential employees

12. Expand Market: Social Media Research Discovery Renewable Energy www.facebook.com/elsevierenergy NYT Green blog http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/ Renewable Energy Community www.facebook.com/pages/Renewable-energy/106000689432123 MNREM Blog www.mnrem.com/blog Facebook YouTube (video) LinkedIn Blogs

13. Expand Market: SM Management Get professional help Find someone who is interested Use tools you can manage

14. Next Steps Future sessions February – Webinar “Strategic Websites” March “Strategic Websites” more in depth training in regions/communities April – Webinar – “Social media” May – “Social media” more in depth training in regions/communities June- Webinar – “Strategic Online marketing and web analysis” July – “Online marketing and web analysis” more in depth training in regions/communities