Creative Destruction of the Credit Union Movement: Good or Bad?

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As I facilitated a credit union strategic planning session for a high-performing credit union recently, the board chair asked a question that I had to think about carefully before I answered:

“Why should someone join our credit union as opposed to another, or even a big bank?”

There had to be an answer for a credit union that was well outperforming its peers and laser-focused on completing its last four years of strategic plans. It baffled me to hear this question come from a credit union that had the answer and wasn’t looking for the answer. We knew the answer but several days later as I’m typing these thoughts from the beach with time to think, I have MY answer to that question, from a higher level and not member facing.

Creative destruction.

It’s about destructing mindsets that hold credit unions back. It’s the formula that we use to help our boutique (smaller) credit unions play offense and not defense, where we get to own the market and the conversation. Through thoughtful strategy and creativity, we shift the focus of the consumer to our credit union to answer the question “what’s in it from me” for members and potential members.

The “but we have everything the big banks do and better service” is merely your entry fee to compete, and certainly not the reason people will want to join your credit union en masse. If that were the case, you would already be growing loans and members with very little effort. There’s got to be something more.

The growth of members, loans, and other key metrics are consequences based on your credit union’s strategic planning and execution. If those numbers are low, I can almost guarantee your strategy and creativity are taking a backseat to the low-hanging fruit you’re picking, like indirect lending programs.

Find a way to put strategy and creativity back into your credit union. Strategy keeps you focused, and creativity turns the conversation upside down and in your favor. The younger members you crave to attract to your credit union demand these actions, to return excitement to your credit union and walk away from boring.

How long before your credit union doesn’t matter anymore? You have got to be honest about the quality of your credit union’s strategic planning and creative. Are you a commodity that “has everything the big banks have” or do you have something to offer a niche that cannot be served by anyone else?

In the case of the credit union mentioned at the beginning of this article, they are building a brand. They have a very focused ideal member no one else in their community is willing to serve. Despite “a bank branch on every corner,” they are winning in ways that are making other credit unions and even a community bank ask, “How are you doing it?!?”

If you want to achieve success like this at your credit union, we can help. We’re not the silver bullet that can flip a switch and make your credit union successful. But we can ask the questions to help you gain perspective and work with you on strategy and creative to help you build a brand and grow amid the commodities in your market.

If you want to achieve success, we can help.

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Dexter Ochoa

Development Assistant

When it comes to blending logical thinking and creative problem solving, Dexter’s abilities are undeniable! Beginning his career as a Web Developer, he’s no stranger to the wide world of Marketing and Advertising. Calling Biñan City in the Philippines home, Dexter has a burning desire to visit the Alpine peaks and valleys of Switzerland. While that journey may be far off, he is still no stranger to international travel. While visiting Japan, he was able to enjoy his favorite delicacy: Sushi and Sashimi. He also learned unexpected facts about Japanese Yen, specifically that it has special markings for the blind to know its value!

Living life by his motto to “Do good even if the world is unfair,” Dexter would also advise his younger self, “It’s hard, but you’re doing good!” Whether he’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or the occasional Pale Pilsen in the evening, Dexter is eager to work with the talented professionals of YMC, and we’re just as eager to add his talent to the team as well! His marketing words of wisdom? “Be creative, and just do what you want!”

Andrew Wyche

Copywriter

Hailing from the NC state capital (that’s Raleigh if you didn’t know), Andrew is YMC’s Copywriter extraordinaire. That’s why he knows that “The verb form of ‘reconnaissance’ is ‘reconnoiter.’ The former is, strictly speaking, a noun.” Seriously, he knows his words and he’ll use those words to get bold and weird (in a good way) with his copy. Fuelled by a love for pasta, shellfish, a good single malt, or a meal consisting of all three, Andrew navigates life with a motto engraved in his heart: “Choose kindness. Always.” It is this guiding principle that has led him to explore the realm of marketing, driven by a desire to connect with people in meaningful ways. As he continues to chase his dreams, one bucket list item stands out above the rest – a pilgrimage to Scotland. With his heart set on adventure and his pen poised for creativity, Andrew’s journey is far from over.

Alex VanHaasteren

Senior Web Developer

Alex is YMC’s Senior Web Developer and, as the title suggests, she is an absolute pro! While she initially started in graphic design – working long and hard to expertly bring concepts to life – she also felt drawn to technology and applying her natural ability to problem solve. Web Development proved the perfect blend of her creative passion and technical savvy.

When Alex is out with friends – including her YMC colleagues – she’s up for Greek cuisine or some good pulled pork BBQ washed down with Diet Coke. Or an Old Fashioned, if the occasion demands. Someday, she hopes to go to Africa on a safari. Hopefully she’ll see a giraffe in the wild, because – as she’s pointed out – its neck is too short to reach the ground!

When she isn’t jamming out to T-Swift, she’s happy to impart some marketing words of wisdom, “Aim to create something unforgettable.” For day-to-day inspiration, she would remind you of two fundamental truths: You decide your happiness, and Ice cream is its own food group—not just a dessert.

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