Financial Literacy
What’s Next for DEI?
You feel Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential to your credit union’s mission and values, but with the political and societal anti-DEI feelings, you may be getting pushback. Some of the population have even demonized the acronym “DEI.” But we are in the “People Helping People” business, and inclusivity is vital to that purpose.…
Read More“Service as an Act of Stewardship” will Transform your Credit Union
Service, what is it? Bank service has been defined by the consumer as, did they engage me quickly, did they make eye contact, did they smile, were they fast, did they say thank you – a very low bar to member satisfaction but one that doesn’t differentiate the credit union. What can a credit union…
Read MoreServing Members as an Act of Stewardship
Several years ago, I worked with Dale Turner, now CEO at TruStone Financial Credit Union. As the VP of Lending, he stood at the podium of an all-staff meeting and challenged the entire credit union to “think for the member, don’t just respond to the member.” Dale had the wisdom to know the difference between…
Read MoreHow Small Credit Unions Can Become Vital
For the past 20+ years, credit unions seeking to grow, have made charter changes to community charters, often from multi-common bond or sole sponsorship charters. The goal was to minimize the perceived barriers to membership. The belief was that if anyone could join my credit union, growth would be unconstrained. In some cases, this was…
Read MoreTwelve Steps to Bonding with Your Members
Unlike traditional banks, credit unions have a mission to serve their members, not shareholders. This fundamental difference makes building solid and lasting relationships with their members possible. To make members love their credit union, focusing on delivering exceptional service, fostering trust, and offering financial products that meet their needs is essential. Below, I will explore…
Read MoreShould YOU Consider a Fractional Executive?
To thrive in today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, credit unions must adapt, innovate, and strategically manage their operations. One innovative solution that credit unions are increasingly turning to is the fractional executive. Fractional executives are experienced professionals who work, typically as contract employees, part-time or on a project basis, to provide specialized expertise and leadership. In…
Read MoreDiscovering Your Niche
How Credit Unions Can Identify and Serve Unique Markets Credit unions are known for their community-based approach and member-centric services. While larger banks are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of customers, “being all things to all people,” credit unions can have a distinct advantage by serving specific niche markets that require customized products…
Read MoreJunk Fees- Credit Unions have options
Junk Fees are making the headlines. Many of these “junk fees” are designed to punish a member for bad behavior. Is this what the mission, “People helping People,” means? Using fees to punish members who have made mistakes, are financially stressed, or are struggling doesn’t fit this mission. This article will clarify what they are…
Read MoreGet Closer to Your Member with Nano Strategies
Nano strategies at a credit union would refer to implementing highly focused, granular, and member-centric approaches to achieve various goals, such as improving member experience, enhancing operational efficiency, and increasing financial performance. These strategies involve leveraging technology, data, and innovative practices to create personalized experiences and streamline processes. Here are some examples of what nano…
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