Generations, Connections, Stories

A co-worker was seeking a speaker to fill a conference slot. The names she was considering were new to me. I did a Google search to see what their footprint would tell me about them. (What would a Google search say about you? I digress, that’s a different story.) In addition to seeing how active the individuals were in the credit union movement, I found Twitter and LinkedIn profiles. Connections were made.

Josh Allison, CUDE, was selected to fill the presentation slot. I looked forward to meeting him and having a chance to visit at the conference. Our Twitter connection already “broke the ice”.

Based on our conversations, Josh recommended a book he thought I'd be interested in. He was spot on. We discussed the book. We communicate via Facebook, Twitter, email, list serves, talk on the phone, and in person when we have the opportunity. With each connection, our relationship grows. With different knowledge, experience, and passions, we have opportunities to mentor each other.

Different Generations/Perspectives + Shared Passions = Opportunities to Make a Difference

Fast Forward…Clearing out the inbox on a Friday afternoon, I came across an email Josh sent out through the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) list serve. With his permission, I’m sharing his story with you:

Good afternoon DE network.

This week, I was watching a variety of www.Bizkids.com videos for an educational project we are working on. I was watching the episode on Social Entrepreneurship. As I watched, the video clips would highlight young adults who had started community nonprofits. They would share why they started their respective nonprofit organization, their socially minded business, or the cause they chose to champion. Causes that included TayBear, Richards Rwanda and Room to Read.

A reoccurring theme ran through all of these videos.

They told a story.

Not any story. Their story. They explained why they took up this cause, and what moved and impacted them. They didn’t tell me about the tax write off I would receive if I donated, who I make the check payable to, or ask how much I could spare? They simply asked for me to listen…and then passionately shared… Recently, I re-watched the powerful story from Jessica Jackley, the founder of Kiva.

Same thing.

She didn’t ask for donations, for people to join her, or to support her and Kiva…she simply shared her experience working with poverty. She shared the need she saw, the emotion she felt and the compassion that compelled her to found Kiva. And it compelled me, too. Then, I jumped on my favorite social site: Facebook. At the end of each page, Facebook politely asks me if I want to see more “stories”.

And I do.

I scan for stories, not sales pitches. Not ads. Not organizations or individuals interested in useless self-promotion. I scan and read, looking for the stories of people I know, hoping to better understand and know them deeper. We crave authenticity…

So, here’s my question: do we have an authentic story to share? I believe we do. When our members come into our credit unions, do they understand who we are, what wedid and what we do? Do they know our story?

More importantly, do we?

Are we sharing authentic stories or selling? Have we resigned ourselves to simply compete on product, price, promotion and place? I wonder, what if we stopped selling with the four P’s and started first with sharing just one: Purpose.

If you’re successfully sharing your authentic story, I’d love to hear from you!

Josh Allison, CUDE

Well said Josh!

Cracking The "QR" Code

In 1994 a Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave created a barcode that would become one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. Although its common use for many years would be only to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now being used in many innovative ways. What ways might you ask? Let's check out what has been going on in the QR code world.

 

Text to Buy: Linking Financial Expertise with the Right Products

Within the past few months, print mediums, specifically magazines, have started to incorporate QR codes and ‘text to buy.’ 'Text to buy' is not a new concept as real estate agents have a similar method for sharing information about property listings.

Learning & Sharing Together - Positioning Forward

Higher education inspires us to strive for the insights that yield intelligence and personal significance.  And here we are learning and sharing together – not about what we think we know, but mining for knowledge we don’t yet possess.  It’s this ambition that broadens the gap between you, your goals, and everyone else. This is your time.

Brian Solis, Engage! The Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate, and Measure Success in the New Web

Is the elevator pitch, as we know it, dead?

Is the elevator pitch, as we know it, dead?

Guest post by Julie R. Ferguson

This question needs to be asked by everyone representing your credit union. First impressions are critical! And, now, more than ever, new media is driving the process.

Stop Blaming the Economy!

Three Tough Questions for Winning More Business in Today’s Soft Market

Guest post by Tim Wackel

Engaging Members and Deepening the Brand

Politics and branding have been powerful partners ever since Julius Caesar’s tagline “Veni, vide, vici" ("I came, I saw, I conquered” for those of us rusty on our Latin), but how can you put it to work for your credit union?

Connecting the Dots!

Email rock star, Greg Cangialosi, President & CEO of Blue Sky Factory, part of stellar conference line up.

I Heard That!

Guest Post by Jack McAdoo, President & CEO, Beacon FCU 

I recently had the privilege to sit in with and listen to the very insightful dialogue during the Southwest CUNA Management School  c2c (Connect to Collaborate) Casual Chat this year after the Student Alumni Dinner and Auction in Fort Worth.  What I heard was a strong reminder of many of my frustrations in the early years of my career.  I wish there had been more of my peers there to listen to the words of our future leaders.  I thought I would write some of this down to share, but understand, my words are not what is important here.  The words, feelings, passions and emotions of this group are what is important.

First of all, the c2c group is a group of 30 year-old and under students, professionals in our industry...the credit union industry.  The group was lead by 30ish credit union and supplier representatives. In this particular session, there were approximately 40 men and women joined in a circle to discuss topics of interest and concern.  It was open forum. I was allowed to sit on the outside of the circle with one strict rule; I was not allowed to speak.  I was allowed to submit a written comment, but with no obligation from the group to discuss it.

This group of extremely bright and creative professionals spoke for over an hour about things that were important in their professional worlds.  The discussion was sincere; it was candid; and it was very informative.  Here are a couple of bullets of what was said:

• My CU is slow to incorporate technology;
• Budget cuts!
• Slow to incorporate change!

What I heard was not as important as what I learned.  I learned that by and large, that group of young professionals, the group that will someday lead our industry, is frustrated!  They are frustrated because you and I as managers, as CEO's, are not listening to them.  Or, I guess more precisely, we may be listening, but we are not hearing them.  At least, the perception is that we are not hearing them.  And you know what is said about perception?  Perception is reality!

Is there anything more frustrating in our world than the feeling that no one is listening?  We must take note and learn to communicate, or we risk losing this wonderful talent base to others and other industries that have learned to communicate with them.  Communication is not just talking.  That's obviously important and based on my experience with other CEO's, we have that part down!  It is also about listening and actually hearing what is being said.  The important part is to make sure everyone understands!  That means goals and objectives both short term and long term.  How many times have we heard great ideas, but for one reason or another they didn't fit into our current strategic vision?  The great ideas were discussed, but nothing was ever done, and the idea gets lost, leaving the one who thought of it feeling as if no one listened thus becoming frustrated.

The other thing that is important, or I viewed it as important, is that we as CEO's need to quit blaming delays and inaction/no action on our Boards.  Don't get me wrong.  Boards are important, but let's quit kidding one another.  They look to us for direction.  We as CEO's can make or break a decision on an idea or proposal.  Let's not blame or hide behind the Board.

I guess what I learned is that it is important to listen to and actually hear our staff.  Communicate with them!  Make sure everyone understands strategic goals and objectives and how ideas, suggestions, proposals, etc. fit with or do not fit with the goals and objectives and why.  We must put ourselves in their position, and we will understand how frustrated they can become.  Communication is key!  Focus on communication and stress it at all levels of the organization.  Then, work on your listening skills!

Does Social Media Work for CUs? Let�s find out

A lot of credit unions are wrestling with the business case for social media. Others are adventuring out into the social media arena, looking to see what makes best sense for their business strategies.

Filene Research Institute has launched "groundbreaking research regarding the quantifiable impact of social media marketing strategies."

Can you make a commitment of about two hours over the next year to complete one survey per quarter regarding your marketing activities?

"The results of the year-long research will produce a statistically tested way to predict changes in membership and products per member (or, member share) based on social media activities."

"In plain English: If you keep wondering whether social media is just hype or an effective marketing tactic, this is your chance to find out. We want you and many other credit unions to participate because more responses make for better analysis. In return for your participation, we will provide you with the results of the research. Even if you are not using social media, we would like you to participate."

Credit unions have been built around people helping people. Working together is the best way for us to position credit unions forward. Hoping you make the commitment to be part of this timely project!