CU Ninja's Blog

Query

CU_Ninja — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:23:05 +0000

What’s the most important thing in a member’s financial life in the 21st century? Answer: a good job.

What is the biggest cause of loan default? Answer: job loss.

It’s clear we have a financial interest in helping people find and keep good jobs, so what can we do to help our members and help ourselves?

How about hosting classes on how to interview. Or how about opening your branch doors after hours for a networking event. Or how about…?

Creating an Education Culture.

CU_Ninja — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:47:10 +0000

The Financial Brand ran an excellent article today about sales and employees resistance to pitching product. The piece highlights some great points and advises financial institutions to create sales through member education both in branch and online.Here’s a quick snippet:

People out there today are confused and looking for help. They come in wanting to discuss what’s on their mind, not just hear about the products you have to offer. Financial consumers aren’t necessarily looking for the cheapest provider either, e.g., the bank or credit union with the best rate. Give them straightforward advice, provide helpful information and make it easy to find answers, and they’ll trust you.

Drive

CU_Ninja — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 04:43:37 +0000

I was reminded of this Ted Talk recently and the book the talk inspired. Drive by Daniel Pink should be required reading for all managers at credit unions. Check it out.

Hire workers becasue they believe what you believe.

CU_Ninja — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:13:43 +0000

A fascinating Ted talk about communicating/hiring/selling differently.

Credit Union Difference, What’s That?

CU_Ninja — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:14:04 +0000

It seems like credit union professionals (especially marketers) are always talking about how to market the credit union difference. Over time, I’ve come to realize that members simply aren’t responsive to this marketing tactic. In my experience consumers simply have to experience the difference for themselves before they “get” it.

I would argue that the credit union difference as a marketing tool is much more effective in recruiting and retaining motivated staff and as a talking point with legislators. I run into many staffers who want to make a difference in people’s lives and have chosen their credit unions as the place to accomplish that desire. Creating a culture that incorporates and develops the credit union principles amongst staff members can go a long way to creating a successful organization. And in the 30 second sound bit culture that is modern politics, having a tag line like the credit union difference can be very helpful.

Ron Shevlin wrote a post recently that I believe confirms my thinking. Go check it out here.

The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team

CU_Ninja — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:48:13 +0000

Anyone looking for ways to get their team working more cohesively should read Patrick Lencioni’s latest book The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team. For those of you who have read Lencioni’s previous works, this latest book is written in a similar fable style.

The insights Lencioni gives are incredibly practical and can almost immediately be put into practice.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is part of a team but most importantly for team leaders.

Link of the Day

CU_Ninja — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:29:50 +0000

If there were ever a roadmap on how to manage me, then this post by Ron Shevlin is it.

Link of the Day

CU_Ninja — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:54:13 +0000

Today’s link of the day comes from the good folks over are creditunions.com and highlights a big need within CUs.

Posted from WordPress for Android.

Leadership Musing of the Day

CU_Ninja — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:34:44 +0000

When you have an employee who shows an interest in learning new skills or gaining knowledge beyond their current job, take advantage of that.

Self motivated employees are truly hard to find, so don’t get caught up in the mentality of hiring employees for one job and one job only.

Additional knowledge never hurts and it only adds value to the employee and the credit union.

Some employees need to be continually challenged in new areas and can be your best people because of their innate desire to improve.

A thirst for knowledge should be a pre-requisite for employment not an inhibitor of professional advancement.

A Very Humble Beginning

CU_Ninja — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:56:32 +0000

Well, here goes my third attempt at blogging. For one reason or another I have let excuses get in the way of maintaining a personal blog. No more, even if I remain the only reader. In any case, my goal will be to blog at least once a week if not more.

Some posts may very well be short but the point will always be to inspire discussion and perhaps a game changing idea or two. If you happen on to this blog please let me know your thoughts and opinions.