Great Credit Union Marketing: Defined

If we’re going to define great credit union marketing, we must also define bad credit union marketing. So, what is “bad” credit union marketing? “Bad marketing is about you, your company, your product, your service, how many years you have been in business, and what your rate is.” In short, bad credit union marketing is about your credit union. Great credit union marketing is never about your credit union. Great credit union marketing is about the member. More specifically, great credit union marketing is: Great credit union marketing is about the member, and it’s about how your credit union’s products or services can improve the private little world they live in. My advice: Try something new. Give it time to work, but if it doesn’t work, try something else that is new.

What Trumps Culture? Understanding the Impact of Team Dynamic

You’ve heard the Peter Drucker quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” It’s a simple way to say the overall vibe and values within a credit union have a stronger impact on success than the best-laid plans or tactics. But is there something that eats culture? The most brilliant strategy at a credit union doesn’t stand a chance with a culture that is negative or misaligned. A healthy culture promotes adaptability and resilience, enabling organizations to better navigate change and unexpected challenges. When the culture is strong, employees are more likely to be aligned with the credit union’s vision and mission. And we know that a positive culture attracts top talent. A study by Glassdoor found that 77% of people consider a company’s culture before applying for a job, and 56% rank a good workplace culture as more important than salary. So, while we know culture is important, something does, in fact, eat culture. Teams. Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that characterize an organization. Amazon has a “customer obsession” culture. Salesforce’s culture is built around the concept of Ohana, meaning family. Airbnb’s culture? Belonging. Patagonia fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. Now, if only it was as easy as finding employees that identify with the core values and principles within each of these company’s culture – as distinct as they are. A strong organizational culture is the underlying fabric of your credit union, but that’s just it: It’s the backbone. The foundation. The framework. It’s not the trenches. Culture is an abstract, pervasive force shaping overall behavior, whereas teams are groups of individuals who come together to achieve specific goals or tasks. They are cross-functional, department-specific, or project-based. Team dynamics are influenced by the member’s skills, personalities, and the team-leader’s style. When it comes to staffing challenges at your credit union, a powerful culture will attract employees, and poor team dynamics will drive them away. Conflict, lack of collaboration, poor management practices, workload imbalance, lack of recognition, etc. are what cause employees to leave. And yes, you can have an organizational culture that sets the tone and values of the credit union and still fails miserably with teams. So, where do you start? Assess Team Dynamics This often starts with getting out of your own head. Too often, we fall into the trap of reverting back to a culture as “the fix.” It may fix the problem… but it may not. Instead, observe team meetings and interactions to identify any viable issues or conflicts. Distribute surveys or conduct feedback sessions to gather input from employees about team interactions, communication, workload, and leadership. Develop an Action Plan   From improving communication to enhancing collaboration to reducing conflicts, set clear, measurable goals. Develop and implement training programs focused on team dynamics, and plan regular, team-building activities to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of unity. Monitor Progress and Adjust Establish ongoing feedback loops where employees can provide input on the effectiveness of implemented changes. Schedule regular check-ins with teams to discuss progress, challenges, and any new issues that arise. It is okay to adjust the action plan. Note Well: As leaders, guide your teams to find the best solutions; do not do it for them. After all, being in the trenches, they may be aware of more than you. Both culture and team dynamics are crucial. They are two sides of the same coin. A positive culture sets the tone and values, creating an environment where employees feel connected and motivated. It is the quality of team interactions, leadership, and collaboration, however, that directly impacts their daily work experience, and ultimately their decision to stay or go. If you need help enhancing your credit union culture or improving team dynamics, YMC is here to assist. We can develop strategies and implement practices to transform your workplace into an environment where both culture and teams flourish. As Vice President of Brand Experience for Your Marketing Co., Frank Allgood works with credit unions to develop strong leaders, create effective training programs, and build powerful brands. Want to connect? Call 864.326.8740 or email frank@yourmarketingco.com.

Unlocking the Potential of Your Credit Union: The Benefits of Outsourcing Marketing

In today’s competitive financial landscape, credit unions face the dual challenge of attracting new members while retaining their existing ones. Effective marketing is essential to achieving these goals, yet many credit unions struggle with the resources and expertise required to create and execute successful marketing campaigns. This is where outsourcing your marketing is a game-changer. Let’s get into the key benefits of outsourcing your credit union’s marketing efforts. 1. Access to Specialized Expertise Marketing is a broad field that encompasses various specialties, from digital marketing and social media engagement to traditional advertising and public relations. Outsourcing your marketing allows you to tap into a diverse pool of experts with specialized skills and knowledge. Marketing professionals are up to date on the latest trends and technologies, ensuring your credit union’s marketing strategies are fresh, cutting-edge, and above all effective. 2. Cost-Effective Solutions Hiring, training, and retaining an in-house marketing team is expensive. By outsourcing, you save on costs related to salaries, benefits, training, and overhead. This approach is particularly beneficial for smaller to medium-sized credit unions with limited budgets, as it provides access to top-tier marketing talent without the associated full-time expense. For example, partnering with YMC is equal to or less than the cost of employing even a single full-time marketing professional, let alone a marketing team. 3. Focus on Core Competencies Outsourcing marketing allows your credit union to focus on what it does best – providing exceptional financial services to your members. By delegating marketing tasks to an external team, your staff can concentrate on core operations, improving member services, and other strategic initiatives that drive overall growth and member satisfaction. 4. Scalability and Flexibility Marketing needs often fluctuate throughout the year, with certain periods requiring more intensive efforts than others. An outsourced marketing partner can easily scale services up or down based on your credit union’s needs at that time. This flexibility ensures that your marketing efforts remain effective and responsive to changing circumstances without the need for constant staffing adjustments. 5. Enhanced Digital Presence In the digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial for any financial institution. Outsourced marketing teams are well-versed in the latest digital marketing techniques, including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, and online advertising. We possess the know-how to help your credit union build and maintain a strong digital presence that attracts and engages members. 6. Measurable Results and Accountability Professional marketing agencies such as YMC use data-driven approaches to track the performance of their campaigns. They provide regular reports and insights, allowing you to see what’s working and what’s not. This transparency ensures accountability and enables you to make informed decisions about your marketing strategies, optimizing your return on investment (ROI). Outsourcing your credit union’s marketing efforts provides numerous benefits, from cost savings and specialized expertise to increased flexibility and innovative ideas. By partnering with a professional marketing agency, you enhance your credit union’s visibility, attract more members, and ultimately achieve your business goals more efficiently. Embrace the power of outsourcing and unlock the full potential of your credit union’s marketing strategy. For over 15 years we have worked with hundreds of credit unions and helped them get unstuck to find the growth they desired. We can help you, too. Get started by scheduling a conversation today.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Mastering Your Credit Union’s Strategies around CTAs and Websites

In the digital age, a well-designed website is crucial for any business, and credit unions are no exception. One key element that can significantly impact the effectiveness of a credit union’s website are compelling call-to-actions (CTAs).  The Power of Call to Actions Call to Actions (CTAs) are prompts on a website that encourage visitors to take specific actions, such as “Apply Now,” “Learn More,” or “Join Today.” They are essential tools for guiding users through the site and converting passive visitors into active members or customers. Effective Call to Action Strategies for Credit Unions Creating effective Call to Actions (CTAs) for credit unions is crucial for driving conversions. Here are some key strategies to design CTAs that truly convert: By incorporating these strategies, credit unions can create compelling CTAs and strategies that not only attract attention but also drive meaningful conversions. The goal is to make it as easy and enticing as possible for users to take the next step, ultimately leading to increased member engagement and satisfaction. Ready to take your CTAs and website strategies to the next level? Your Marketing Co. has over 16 years of proven experience and skills that can launch your credit union website to success. We create, design and build the best credit union websites that value quality over quantity. Ready to grow? Let’s discuss and build a plan for you!