Podcast Episode # 107 - Meet Joe Collins: The First Subscriber to the Econ Dev Show

Episode 107 of the Econ Dev Show Podcast is live.

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In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Joe Collins, economic development director for Norwood, Massachusetts, shares how his dual role for the town and municipal electric utility gives him an advantage in supporting local businesses. He discusses relationship building with groups like the chamber, how he sources ideas from podcasts and newsletters, and tools he uses like Apollo.io to find contact information. 

Joe also learns he was the very first subscriber to Dane's newsletter.

Episode Links

• Joseph Collins, CEcD | LinkedIn
• Norwood Massachusetts Economic Development
• Sales Intelligence and Engagement Platform | Apollo
• ZoomInfo: Go-to-Market Software | Scale & Power Your GTM
• 2023 Annual Conference in Dallas, TX - International Economic Development Council
• The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro

Takeaways:

1. Wearing two hats (town and utility) provides synergies and a competitive edge.
2. Offering utility rebates helps get your foot in the door with businesses.
3. Local relationships lead to mutual benefits and shared knowledge.
4. Read industry newsletters to spark new ideas and share content.
5. Podcasts inspire projects and best practices to try.
6. Apollo.io is a cheap/free alternative to expensive tools like ZoomInfo.
7. Contact info is gold - creative sourcing can open doors.
8. CRMs centralize outreach and track interactions over time.
9. Weave in community events and trainings to add value.
10. Thank early supporters - the first subscriber won't be forgotten!