#2: In Conversation with Randy Ford, Storyteller and Communication Coach

Jun 17, 2022

Randy Ford, of Chicago, is the owner of First Story Strategies. He is a writer, storyteller, and communication coach. He creates content at the intersection of people, policy, and progress. His work is supported by his experience working on Capitol Hill for a congressional representative for 10 years. 

Randy has been using the principles of story for more than 20 years as a writer, journalist, media strategist, and political aide. He started his career as a radio journalist in his home state of Tennessee and led award-winning team coverage on the impact of tax policy on individuals and families.

Then, he headed to Capitol Hill in DC, where for 10 years he was a senior aide to a member of Congress. Next, he joined LRG Public Affairs, heading up content, editorial, strategic communications, and event services for nonprofit, for-profit, and government clients. 

Topics covered:

• Why Randy loves working with membership associations. 
• How he approaches working with an association client. 
• How to do a communications or content audit. 
• How to build a successful relationship with a consultant or freelancer.
• Matching communications messaging and breaking down siloes. 
• The silver lining of the pandemic: the growth in connecting worldwide, without requiring in-person meetings. 
• Engaging in empower or affinity groups of larger organizations.
• Repurposing content, particularly from events and conferences. 
• How to repurpose conference videos in multiple ways. 
• The impact that member stories can have in state legislatures and Congress.

Resources:

• FirstStoryStrategies.com
• Randy’s email address: [e-mail]
• Randy on Twitter
• Association of Consultants to Nonprofits