A few weeks ago we wrote about the importance of having an equal playing field for rural communities.
The thrust of the argument is that for the first time we have the opportunity to build businesses right where we are. If we don't have equal access to tools to build those businesses (like fast internet), it's more difficult to build successful businesses.
The story has developed since then and the FCC has opened their new rules for debate. For four months citizens can weigh in on what the rules should be for internet access. Should Internet Service Providers (ISP's) be able to charge for faster access to content or does everyone need to have the same speed to their sites?
We take a deep dive on the issue in this week's Digital Homesteading podcast as we look at lessons from the past and a vision of what the future could look like.

Why the FCC Hates South Dakota

Digital Homesteading with Scott Meyer of 9 Clouds shows you how to live the life you want from right where you are. 

Through interviews with rural world changers, hear ideas, inspiration and strategies to build rural business and community, This podcast is perfect if you are ready to pursue rural business, entrepreneurship and community development.

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Hiring women is not the right thing to do. Hiring women is the only thing to do for businesses and auto dealerships that want to succeed. Gender-diverse companies are more profitable, creative, and attractive places to work. Millennials are attracted to diverse businesses and  flexible workplaces. Diversity is a key factor that attracts the “creative class” (as Richard Florida calls people who work in fields that require problem-solving). Diverse communities are creative communities, and they’re better equipped to keep up in the digital age. The cumulative results of a gender-diverse society are breathtaking. As Alec Ross notes, “States and societies that most systematically and intentionally advantage the position of women in business and in the economy . . . are those that compete and succeed.”

Women in Leadership: The Best Way to Grow a Business and Community

We live in echo chambers, and it's killing our republic. As websites increasingly track and customize what we see based on our interests, we are rarely exposed to new and challenging ideas . . . unless we mindfully curate our educational cuisine. There are three ways to build a mindful echo chamber -- and myriad ways why it's important to do so. Join Scott Meyer as we walk along the Mississippi River and share a bid idea on building your business and community in this week's Digital Homesteading.

Create a Mindful Echo Chamber

Let me introduce you to this world-changer: Gary Greff. He was a teacher, with a background in education and physical education. He came home to Regeant, ND, population 125, and he saw something that frightened him. I’ll let him pick up the story about the Enchanted Highway and how to save a community with a bold idea.

Building the Enchanted Highway with Gary Greff

Greg Tehven has made it his life's mission to make Fargo the greatest city on earth. Rather than build a list of residents to email them about upcoming events, he focuses on building relationships.
As he notes, this is a generational project and much like the Lutheran Church where he grew up, he's in it for the long haul. By filling a room with people he cares about, he has been able to create great change.
In this episode learn about the importance of offline connections and their ability to create change for businesses and communities.

Fill a Room, Not a List

Unique experience provides an opportunity for one-of-a-kind creation. As businesses and communities we need to focus on local problems. In looking at local problems we have an "imagination differentiation" that enables us to see solutions others miss. This breds imaginative creation that can exported to similar communities around the globe.

Why the FCC Hates South Dakota

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