New Year, New Sales Approach: Fresh Tactics for Credit Union Growth

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3 Credit Union Sales Tactics for 2024
It’s fair to say that the key to credit union sales is empowering the member. When they feel in control, they are more likely to close deals – open memberships, loans, checking accounts, etc. What has changed, however, is redefining our approach as credit unions.

Our pursuit demands new avenues to connect with prospects –  forging bonds that extend beyond the transactional to the relational. Today, we have a more informed buyer who is in control of the information they consume and have high expectations for transparency and value. 

So, the questions become:

  • How do we keep informed buyers engaged?
  • How do we make it easy for prospects to find us?
  • How can we stay up to date with our members’ trends and preferences?

To answer these questions, here are three credit union sales tips for 2024:

1) The Social Selling Power Play

First, let’s address the elephant that’s most likely lurking in your credit union. There’s fear that you or your staff will do something wrong when it comes to social selling. Plus, who has the time?

Let’s just say, “You have to risk it to get the biscuit!”

Now, let’s talk about why becoming an authority in your space is the linchpin to success. Humans are social beings, and social proof plays a significant role in decision-making. It creates trust and validation. And when you showcase an aspirational financial lifestyle, followers will want to emulate you.

Don’t get stuck on your credit union staff becoming the next Khaby Lame, Soomer Ray or MrBeast. Take the glitz and glamour out of being an influencer. Instead, view social selling as a way of helping others first. You are changing lives at your credit union, yes? If you are instilling that within your organization’s culture, it’s worth shouting from the mountaintops on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and other platforms.

Of course,  it is imperative for employees to have a clear understanding of permissible content for posting. However, it is equally crucial to empower them to contribute their unique insights. Let them be authentic.

2) Leverage Data for Precision
Imagine a sales approach tailored precisely to your members’ needs – it’s not a dream, it’s data-driven reality. 

Leverage the wealth of transactional data available to you. You can target product recommendations and personalized budgeting assistance by analyzing spending patterns and transactional history. By examining product usage data, you can up-sell or cross-sell, or even offer incentives or rewards based on how often and how much members use a particular service. 

One-size-fits-all went out of style with the dial-up Internet. Leverage data to build your pipeline. In many cases, you can know what your members need before they do!

3) Embrace the Consultative Approach

Look beyond short-term gains.  Be a proactive problem solver and find out what are the member’s unique needs, challenges, and goals. The savvy credit union staffer anticipates potential challenges and offers solutions, checks in with members regularly, gathers feedback, and adjusts her approach as necessary to ensure ongoing satisfaction. 

In the fiercely competitive landscape of business, the art of winning members transcends mere transactions; it hinges on building lasting connections and leaving an indelible mark. As banks, Fintech and other credit unions navigate the crowded marketplace, the allure of your offering must extend beyond the tangible benefits. It lies in the lasting impression you create, the rapport you build, and the distinctiveness that sets you apart. 

Remember the timeless truth that people prefer to do business with friends. In today’s environment where choices abound, being memorable is the true currency of commerce.

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 [email protected].

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Robb Cribb

Marketing Strategist

Initially from the client side of YMC, Robb has taken the plunge into the world of marketing to provide his expertise as your strategist. With years of experience in the financial sector – both credit unions and banks – he says, “I didn’t pick the financial space. It picked me.” But what brings him to YMC is the same motivation that drew him to the credit union industry: making a difference in people’s lives and helping them achieve what they never imagined. Possessing a fighter’s spirit, he lives his life by the words of the Italian Stallion himself, Rocky Balboa, “You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
 
Whether he’s talking shop over a client dinner or unwinding at the end of the week, Robb enjoys a nice cut of steak and a nicer pour of bourbon to wash it down. A straightforward yet no less refined pairing, this combination perfectly reflects his marketing philosophy that, sometimes, simple is much more impactful.

Sara Breckbill

Social Media Manager

Sara is YMC’s very own Social Media Manager, and she has the experience and know-how to take your social media presence to new heights. Since her first college course on social media marketing, she’s known, “This is something I could do, and be happy doing it!” Her three guiding principles in branding: consistency, relatability, and humor. She knows people remember things that make them laugh or make them feel seen, so it’s no surprise she excels at crafting strategic and engaging social media content. Her advice to young marketers is the same motto she lives her life by: Enjoy the journey! Collaborative and creative, she feels right at home at YMC.
 
In her downtime, Sara enjoys Japanese food, hot or iced coffee, and listening to her favorite singer-songwriters. Some day, she hopes to visit Niagara Falls in person, but in the meantime, she’s happy to enjoy the journey.
Mandy Garman headshot

Mandy Garman

Graphic Designer

Meet Mandy, one of YMC’s in-house Graphic Designer phenoms! Honing her craft from an early age, Mandy constantly strives to innovate design and refine her artistic techniques. An avid believer in “quality over quantity,” she feels right at home with YMC’s focus on details and dedication to providing unique strategies. In fact, her marketing philosophy reflects this drive for excellence and commitment to substantial work, “Brand consistency is key for all marketing materials. Also, I believe less is more in graphic design. White space is your friend, and the logo does not always need to be the main focal point.”

A Nashville native, Mandy is intimately familiar with the profound effects of great art and stellar design. Especially influenced by the city’s music scene, one of her lifelong ambitions – besides trips to Italy and Japan – is to professionally create album covers. When she isn’t practicing her craft, you might catch her out and about enjoying matcha boba tea or at her favorite dining establishment: Mas Tacos. That, or obsessing over her Persian cat, Benny!

Reh Harvey

Vice President of Digital Strategy

Reh Harvey, our Vice President of Digital Strategy, leads with diligence and fervor. Having previously been a member of Team YMC, he is excited to return to such an amazing culture and even more amazing people (his words)! Through his experience in the marketing world, he’s found the key to success is to stay on the cutting edge and to always keep evolving.
 
Although originally drawn to marketing for its lack of math, Reh now finds himself doing more math than he would’ve bargained for. But his self discipline and positive attitude make it easy for him to laugh and take it in stride. Hoping to one day visit Japan and enjoy some premium Sushi, Reh lives life by his creed: Be a good human. Do good work. And above all, just keep going.

Hailey Madej

Graphic Designer

As YMC’s in-house Graphic Designer, Hailey possesses an eye for detail and a drive to innovate. It’s no surprise though since being creative runs in the family! Inspired from an early age by her mom’s work as a Graphic Designer, Hailey is a seasoned expert whose talents bring vitality and accessibility to every project. As a UX/UI designer, she expertly blends the intuitive and the creative for all to enjoy.
 
In addition to the occasional freelance project, Hailey also lends her abilities to supporting art initiatives within her community, such as the Belleville Mural Project. Her favorite aspect of joining the YMC team is the friendly, uplifting culture and breadth of design tasks. When it comes to marketing, she believes in pushing boundaries and maybe breaking some rules to capture her audience’s attention. Her advice to those just starting out? “Always seek quality over quantity.”

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!

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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