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Presented by Sara Hertrampf,Alpine Communications
Subscriber Training: Internet 101 &
So Much More
Our Company
• Founded in 1997• 20 employees• 6000 access lines• Fiber-to-the-Home in two
communities• Launched FusionTV service last year• We also offer Computer Security, Cellular, Monitored
Security, and a Retail Center/TEC Store
The Beginning• Alpine began teaching Internet classes when we started
offering Internet Service in the late 1990’s.• First classes were basic e-mail and Internet browsing
classes. • Classes were taught at the local libraries as we didn’t
have a “class room” in our office.• We wanted to help our customers understand and
navigate this new-fangled place called “The Internet”.
Our Goals• Increase customer satisfaction
and loyalty.• Promote dial-up and DSL
service.• Build and shape our company’s
brand since we were such a young company.
• Cross-promote other services:»SecureIT»FusionTV»TEC Store
Evolving• In 2002 we started branching out by offering classes
in our two new wireless Internet markets. • Added new classes because our customers needs,
desires, and skill-levels were evolving.• New employees, new skills, new opportunities for
sharing them with our customers
• Class length has shortened
Logistics
• Early classes held in the local libraries• Transitioned to holding them in our newly-
remodeled conference room, in addition to the libraries in our other exchanges
• Challenges to teaching outside of our office: Library firewalls, filters, access to software, travel, environment, “outsiders” attending
Who, What, Where, When, How• Who teaches the classes?– Started with former marketing manager and
transitioned to me. PR/Marketing people get stuck with this stuff, right?!
– Customer Service Manager Lori Keppler, who started teaching as a CSR, volunteered to teach since she has a degree in computer networking and lots of computer skills. Plus she’s great with people!
–Greg Lovell, our former Product Specialist, taught more of the “techie” classes like “HDTV and Computer Buying Tips”.
• When?―Seasonally: Fall, early Winter, Spring, and a few
Summer sessions―Afternoon and evening classes―By request
• Where?―Conference Room―Community Libraries―Senior Meal Sites
• How?―Computer lab in the office―New mobile computer lab of netbooks―Use the libraries’ computers
Circa 2005
You Teach What?• Basics of Email• Internet Browsing & Searching• Photoshop Elements• Computer Maintenance• Intro to eBay• Selling on eBay• Using Your Personal Web Space• Mac vs. PC• iTunes• iPod Training• Computers 101• Alpine Web E-mail• Sites for Seniors
• Online Auction & Travel Sites• Webmail & Spam Filtering• Microsoft Word & Excel• HDTV & Computer Buying Tips• Internet Kids Kamp• 4th Grade 4-H Camp• Facebook for Beginners• Facebook for Businesses• Twitter• Fun with Photos and Picnik.com• CD Burning• Online Shopping• Online Fraud • Parent’s Guide to Internet & Child Safety• Online Homework Helpers• Cooking on the Web• Get the Most of FusionTV• Craigslist for Beginners
Hear Ye, Hear Ye• We promote our classes through various media:
• Alpine newsletter• Monthly eNewsletter• eBlasts• Alpinecom.net• News releases to the local papers• Bill inserts • Facebook Events• Local Chambers• Libraries post the events• Flyers• Web Banners
Try, Try Again• Class topics are forever changing based on:– Customer demand & needs
• Early on customers needed help with search engines, using email, basic computer skills
• Customers are now more savvy and our workshops focus on hot-topics like Facebook, eBay, photo editing , Internet security/safety
• We anticipate what customers want, but sometimes we are wrong:– Homework Helpers, Craigslist, Cooking Online
– Employees• New employees bring a new set of skills and provide the
opportunity to teach new topics• Employees leave and those skill-sets go with them
Is It Worth It?
Our customers and the communities we serve view Alpine as a technology leader and educator.
Yes! Yes!Yes!
Customer Service
Service Qual-ity
Ability to Stay Current
Overall Rep-utation
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100% 95% 95% 98% 96%
1% 1% 1% 0%
Lessons Learned• Keep it fresh– Don’t be afraid to try new topics
• Determine the skill level required for the class and clearly communicate the prerequisites– Facebook for Businesses
• Free or Fee?– We charge non-Alpine customers
• Limit your class size based on topic– Can one person manage 12 people on 6
computers? Probably not very effectively…they will take over.
• Be prepared for:– Repeat Offenders– Know-it-alls– Newbies– Blizzards
• “For Dummies” books are your friends
• If you are not ready to host workshops, find other opportunities to teach:
» Ladies’ Day » Senior Dining» Chamber » Schools