Connecting the Dots! Innovative Email Marketing Rock Star Keynotes Marketing & Business Development Conference

What do the following have in common?

• Finalist in 2010 Maryland Small Business of the Year Awards
• Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies 
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award Finalist 
• Email Marketing Integration with Facebook Connect 
• Bridging the Gap Between Email Marketing and Social Media 
• Marketing and New Media Leader Chris Penn 

Greg Cangialosi, President & CEO of Blue Sky Factory! 

You might ask how Greg was identified and booked as a keynote speaker for our event. It was a matter of connecting the dots! We connected through new media (Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, blogs), old media (reading a book, phone, email), and personal referral. 

The relationship journey began when I started following @cspenn on Twitter. Liking what Chris wrote, I began to follow his blogs. He caught my attention with his edgy, professional style. One day Chris posted a general tweet asking if we should be connected on LinkedIn? Appreciating the insights Chris provides, believing the one with the most contacts (relationships) wins at the end of the day, I connected to Chris. From there I checked Chris out on YouTube to see if he might also be a skilled presenter. Bingo! Now I wanted to know if Chris would be interested in keynoting our Marketing & Business Development Conference. 

While all of this was developing, I was reading Chris Brogan’s book Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust. His description of Blue Sky Factory and how they handle business was the icing on the cake. I was sold and wanted to find a way to work with Blue Sky Factory. And yes, the book was a great read! And yes, I also follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisBrogan. 

Chris Penn treasures family relationships. His brother was getting married the same time as our event. He thought it best he join the family for the ceremony, a most excellent choice I might add. Instead of ending the conversation, Chris asked if I might be interested in their CEO, Greg Cangialosi. I cyber stalked Greg to see what information I could find about him, his blogs, and again going to YouTube to check out Greg’s presentation skills. 

The journey continues. I follow a number of the Blue Sky Factory team on Twitter now. Love the passion and energy they bring to their world.

To connect with credit union professionals and hear Greg live, plan to attend the 2010 Marketing & Business Development Conference, October 6-8, at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio, Texas. 

Greg will cover: 

The relationship between business and consumer has fundamentally changed due to key shifts in communication tools and the interactions that are now taking place between businesses and their customers and prospects. This new landscape presents both challenges and opportunities to marketers and businesses of every size. 

It can be hard to know where to focus and to find meaning when the newest “shiny object” becomes mainstream or is the all of the buzz. Whether it’s social media, email marketing or mobile, marketers are asking themselves, how can these tools be useful to me? What works and what doesn’t? How do I implement and more importantly measure the effectiveness of my marketing? 

In this session, Greg Cangialosi will discuss how to take a broader, holistic view of this new era of marketing communications. Focusing on the core themes of the shifting consumer mindset and what is important to them when it comes to interacting with a business or brand online. 

Gain knowledge and insight by as Greg shares information about: 

• current market statistics on consumer behavior. 
• examples and case studies of companies who do it right and wrong. 
• how you can implement new strategies to grow your business a glimpse into the future of marketing – what’s coming next?

Greg will also present a breakout session on email marketing.

If you’re looking for fresh ideas on ways to grow you business, come hang out with us in San Antonio. Act fast. Early bird conference and special hotel sleeping room rate end September 9.

Hoping to see you there!

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!

Bright Lights & Shining Stars – Finding Encouragement by Taking Time to Reach Out and Getting to Know Each Other

It all started when I was working on the 2010 Marketing & Business Development Conference. Greg Cangialosi, CEO of Blue Sky Factory is the closing keynote speaker. I came across a series of questions in the “about us – our team section”. Taking lead from Blue Sky, I recently posted a mix of fun and professional questions for Southwest CUNA Management School first year students, in their online class group site, to help “break the ice” before they arrive on campus. You know the kinds of questions:

• What’s your favorite _______?
• What would you do if you could _______?
• Name your top 3 favorite _______?
• Where would you like to __________?

The list goes on. From time to time someone will post a list on Facebook or send an email to see if you’re willing to play along. They may seem silly or even a waste of time. Yet for those who choose to play along, insights are gained and relationships start to form or strengthen. A benefit I did not expect, was finding breaths of fresh air and encouragement.

When asked “what is your favorite thing about working at a credit union?” answers included:

• I love that we are empowered to help people without all of the hindrances everyone faces at a bank.
• “People helping people" is what it's all about!
• I like being able to help people, especially when we can help someone that no one else will even talk to.
• It's a REAL, honest to goodness, not-for-greed credit union.
• Helping my members.
• Building relationships and making dreams come true for members!
• Helping members get out of dept, permanently.
• Giving atmosphere.

The final item was a request to “give one valuable piece of advice to credit union professionals”:

• All of your past experiences and education are worthless if you feel they are your qualifying factor. Use them to make the rubber meet the road and move forward.
• Get in the game and never, never stop learning!
• Set high standards for yourself and work hard to meet them.
• Don't lose sight of our purpose (what makes us better). This, for me, takes a lot of practice and swallowing of pride, but: my most valuable tool has become examining what I think I want and why, my motivations, my actions and the outcomes. This exercise is applied to ALL aspects of my life). A great (important!) question is "how will this affect the people (family, friends, co-workers) around me?" I must admit, it's not always been "pretty".
• Ask for help from the credit union people around you and give it back. COOPERATE and COLLABARATE. It is the single best way to get done all the things you have to accomplish.
• Keep a good balance between "best for the credit union" and "best for the member".
• Work is just a small portion of your life- it is a means to an end (Retirement)". Keep God first, Family second, and Work last in your life.
• Be a servant with a servant’s heart – serve those who report to you, don’t make them serve you.

And yes, I did ask about favorite movies, flavor of ice cream, where’d they like to go other than Fort Worth in July with 100 degree temperatures, and more. I can’t wait to get to know this group of credit union professionals better!

A special thank you shout out goes to the SCMS Class of 2011 for setting the Class of 2012 group site up before they even arrive on campus!

Why do you like to work where you do? What advice would you give?

Your Brand Speaks Volumes – Who Does It Say That You Are?

Marketing To Do List:

☑ Update logo
☑ New, slick, promotional pieces
☑ Marketing campaign approved and ready to launch

But wait, there’s more. When it comes to branding and image, ask yourself:

• Does the campaign support your credit union vision? Mission?
• Is your message consistent?
• Will your member experience match your message?
• Have you let your credit union staff know about you’re about to launch?
• Are the employees trained on the essential skills? Up to date on the featured product or service?

Branding goes well beyond marketing. As Mark Arnold passionately puts it, “branding is more than just changing a few brochures or the look of a newsletter. Much more. A true comprehensive branding program takes years to develop and impacts the entire organization. Your credit union doesn’t just “do” branding one year and mark it off its “to do” list. Your credit union must “live” the brand every day.”

Mark Arnold is teaching a full day course this summer at Southwest CUNA Management School on Advanced Branding. Limited seats available to help you further explore and expand your knowledge about branding.

Building a Lasting Brand: Advanced Branding for Credit Unions
Mark Arnold, CCUE July 20 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)

Mark speaks from first-hand experience when he covers:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency
• Lovemarks & Emotional Branding
• Gaining Staff Buy-In
• Brand Leadership in the 21st Century

Having led his credit union through a name change and ongoing branding efforts, Mark provides practical information on what to and not to do with your credit union’s brand.

If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to spend July 20 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union) with Mark and the SCMS Class of 2011. Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

You do not have to be an alumnus or have a student currently enrolled to take advantage of the opportunity to attend individual classes.

Be Strategic About Social Media: Find Your People, Join the Conversation

Social media, however you define it, is a changing environment. Regardless of what you call it, think about it, or the tools you use, it’s out there. And yes, the tools change. It’s not about the tools. It is about the people, relationships, value, authenticity, and conversation. It’s about growing your business and serving your community.

Make a strategic decision.

• If customers/members and potential customers/members are having a conversation which relates to your products and services, it’s in your best interest to be part of the conversation. Find out where the conversations are occurring. If they are at the local business club monthly meeting, show up. If they are on Facebook or Twitter, listen, share, and interact.
• If they are not talking about your credit union, products, or services online, no worries. Or not? Have you provided products and services worth bragging about? Has your competitor? Have your service levels slipped? Your products fallen behind the times? Do you want to know what people think? Look, listen, and learn. Be strategic about whether or not social media makes sense for your credit union and market.

If you make the strategic decision to incorporate social media into your marketing and business development plan, be strategic about what you do.

• Don’t set up a credit union Facebook page just because someone else did.
• Twitter is not a 140 character commercial. It’s a place to help people find connections, learn about cool stuff/resources, and know more about your credit union and what you have to offer. Select the tool or tools best suited for your team and your members.

Southwest CUNA Management School has two courses this summer with limited seats available to help you further explore and expand your knowledge about social media.

Social Media I: Getting Acquainted
Dr. George Low - Texas Christian University (TCU)
July 20 (1-4:30 pm) with 1st Year Students

Social-networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn have seen unprecedented growth in recent years. Consumers are creating their own content on blogs, YouTube, and are rating products and services on message boards and other sites, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for marketers to use these social media to communicate with current and potential customers, and to build lasting relationships with them. The objective of this course is to give students valuable knowledge and skills needed to take advantage of these powerful social marketing tools. Teaching/learning methods will include class discussions of current trends and issues, mini case studies, and the sharing of experiences, ideas, and best practices in using social media as part of a broader strategic, integrated, marketing communications effort in the credit union industry.

Social Media: Let’s Get Strategic
Amanda Vega – Amanda Vega Consulting
July 19 (1-4:30 pm) with 2nd Year Students

You’ve heard about social media, have been dabbling on your own, or have incorporated elements of social media at the credit union. How do you advance to the next level? It’s time to get strategic with Amanda Vega, Amanda Vega Consulting. In this open discussion that is part information and part hands-on learning, plan to explore and discuss:

• What are the challenges and successes associated with social media in the credit union industry and who ultimately owns it?
• Advanced uses and tools in social media to help you get to the next level (comment marketing anyone?).
• The executive team isn’t buying into this marketing activity or simply doesn’t “get it.” – now what? How to and ensure buy-in from the decision makers
• New research on tracking, monetization and the like (a Facebook fan is worth more than $138) and the new tools that are out there to help quantify these efforts.
• Social media compliance, regulation, and policy tips
• Taking your social media to the next level, communication as a whole, arming you with real information and engagement suggestions.

If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to join us on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union). Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

Credit Union Lending Trends, Challenges & Innovations

It’s tough out there!

“Overall loan demand softened during the reporting period. There is more commercial and industrial loan activity in the pipeline but consumer loan demand outside of credit cards remains sluggish. Contacts report that they are turning down many potential mortgage borrowers due to poor credit. Credit standards remain tight and loan pricing is unchanged. Some contacts reported an increased inflow of deposits, which they attributed to the unease arising from recent stock market volatility. Although contacts are relieved that the Federal Reserve will retain regulatory oversight over state member banks, there continues to be concern regarding other impending regulation changes. The outlook is slightly optimistic with some concern about the impact of the Greek credit crisis.”
Source: The Beige Book, Federal Reserve Districts, Eleventh District – Dallas, June 9, 2010

According to CUNA’s 2010-2011 E-scan, “Credit union members demonstrated little appetite for additional debt in 2009, resulting in a meager 1% rise in credit union loan balances – the smallest gain since 1943.” Loans are out there for the financial service providers who are positioned to capture the business. Are you and your team on top of lending trends? Is your credit union ready and positioned to put new loans on the books? Have you considered various scenarios and mapped out plans to position forward? On July 14, Larry Biernacki, President & CEO, Arkansas FCU, will share with Southwest CUNA Management School students and guests from his extensive lending background, discussing such areas as:

• What’s Going on in Lending Land?
• Challenges in Current Rate Environment
  • Production Concerns
  • Margin Issues
  • What If/Can You Run Out of Money?

Strategic Products for Building & Deepening Member Relationships

Manufactured Housing

If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to spend July 14 (1:00 pm – 4:30 pm) on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union) with Larry and the SCMS Class of 2011. Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

What’s a Leader to Do ... When You Are Paid to Think?

In any organization it's leadership who's responsible for setting the strategy, developing the tactics, and following through on the execution. The challenge for leadership is that not all plans go as planned. With capital markets changing, politicians in Washington changing the rules daily, the economy on life support, personal finances in turmoil and unemployment in double digits, what is a leader supposed to do to increase their membership, create a stable Credit Union, and continually deliver products and services that meet the needs of the membership? It is to follow the basic principles of Paid to Think:

• Learn to Slow Down
• Use Your Organization as Your Eyes and Ears
• Add Tools to Your Toolbox
• Marinate

 1^st year students and enrolled guests are in for a treat as they spend a full day on campus with David Goldsmith, MetaMatrix Consulting Group, LLC, exploring the concepts around “Paid to Think”, learning:

• A new road map for those in leadership that outlines 12 specific activities every leader should be skilled at to:
  - create rapid growth
  - increase customer and employee satisfaction, and overall value to the credit union
• What assumptions are preventing you from making rapid progress towards your overall desired outcomes and what changes you can make to easily overcome these obstacles
• How to rethink the current strategic and tactical model in such a way that brings clarity to every activity you do every day
• What leadership is responsible for delivering to insure that there are no fires, and progress is made every day, and
• The rationale behind the phrase, "All management exists in the future." and what you can do to bring even greater leadership to those you manage.

This course, while only a day long, will immediately change you and your Credit Union forever.

If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to spend July 21 (8:30 am – 3:30 pm) on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union) with international business forecaster and management strategist, David Goldsmith and the SCMS Class of 2012. Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

David will also be our commencement speaker for the 38th SCMS Graduation.

Passion, Purpose & Performance: How Strategic Leadership Works in Today's Credit Union

When it comes to your career path and leadership development, as well as succession planning for your credit union, the first person you look to is yourself! No one cares more about your future than you and those who depend on you. If you're looking for insight and guidance to help you on your journey, check out this first year SCMS course:

 

Passion, Purpose & Performance: How Strategic Leadership Works in Today's Credit Union.

 

First year Southwest CUNA Management School (SCMS) students hit the ground running on day one with Dr. Robert Smith. During his high energy presentation, he takes students on an experiential journey, sharing insights into fundamental leadership requirements guiding strategic change within their credit unions. In 2010 and beyond, success will be defined by the ability of credit unions to innovate. This course is a unique hands-on experience in the emerging discipline of leadership innovation. Because successful innovation is ultimately measured by execution and accountability, this course is fully anchored in pragmatic applications including numerous case studies to illustrate different leadership skills. The final segment the revolves around a discussion of who needs to be on your support team for advancing your leadership career as a leader of innovation in your credit union.

Dr. Smith covers:

• Assessing your skills for leadership
• Understanding how vision actually shapes strategic change
• Developing an accountability matrix to track leadership and coaching behavior necessary to get results

Limited spaces are available first year enrollment. Students starting this year will graduate during “The International Year of the Cooperative”. How cool would that be!

On a space available basis, most SCMS classes are also available on a audit basis.

Time to Vote for Next Read - Book Club for Professional & Personal Development

When it comes to reading for both professional and personal development, do you have good intentions but don't get anywhere? Is your schedule so crazy that meeting at the same time and day of the week is a commitment you're not ready to make? Do you need deadlines to get you started? Do you work for or love a credit union? Answer yes to any of these questions, and we're the group for you!

Our book club launched March 15, 2010 starting with Patrick Lencioni's "Getting Naked: A Business Fable." We are currently reading our second book, Seth Godin's "Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?" Please feel free to join in at anytime. That's the method to the madness for connecting on LinkedIn. If you missed the start or we are on another book, you can still jump in and add to the discussion on any book active in the group discussion site, sharing with the community.

We are about 1/3 of the way through Linchpin. It's time to start thinking about what the group will read next. On the list are:

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Everyone Communicates Few Connect by John C. Maxwell
Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman
Rework by Jason Fried & David Heinemeir Hansson

Vote here. When you vote, please feel free to recommend books for future consideration.

Voting closes on June 16. Simple majority rules. The book with the most votes will be our third book.

Image Provides Insight into Ideal Candidates

Click the image to enlarge.

If you are planning a career in the credit union movement, professional development and networking are key to your success. As a leader, it is also important to have a plan to ensure that your team has a clear plan for developing their skills and network. Southwest CUNA Management School is designed to challenge you, your team, and your credit union forward.

 

If your find yourself or members of your team identified in the word picture to the left, you have a match for the profile of a future leader and SCMS student…enroll today!

 

Visit www.wordle.net to create your own "word cloud". It's a great tool to see if something you're writing has the emphasis where you want it to be.

Juntos Avanzamos Award for Beacon FCU

Beacon FCU was awarded the Juntos Avanzamos Award.  This an award given to credit unions who connect with the Hispanic community beyond a brochure or website in Spanish.  Credit unions like Beacon FCU help Hispanics build financial wealth and achieve financial success, through services in Spanish and financial education.  This award is focused on the idea of people helping people beyond what is easy or convenient.  Beacon FCU saw a need and decided to meet that need with the Hispanic community!  Check out the video below and give us a shout back on ways your credit union is working to reach non-English speaking people in your community!

Heads Up! FTC Guides & Some Risk Factors to Look Out For

Guest post by Nadine Boisnier, Compliance Officer, Amanda Vega Consulting

The recent revisions to the FTC guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials has posed some questions as to what people can expect from the changes and how this affects active participants in social media. As you begin to build deeper relationships with your Credit Union customers online, here are some guidelines on what the new FTC guidelines mean for you.

 

The basic FTC changes came into effect due to the emergence, popularity and increased growth of social media. (The guidelines were last updated in 1980). The regulations were updated due to the notion that the lines have been blurred between what an advertisement is and the motives behind the use of social media. There were instances of non-disclosure from companies using bloggers to post positive reviews while receiving cash or gifts as incentives. Regulators do not agree that these types of postings are unbiased reviews. Their goal is to inform the public to understand the difference and to make sure there is full transparency.

 

Some important points to remember: Any conflicts of interest must be disclosed in postings including Twitter tweets and profiles. Be upfront with any connections or relationships you have with the company or Credit Union branch you are writing on behalf of. Other updates to the regulations include the disclosure of any company-sponsored research, stricter liability for celebrity endorsements, no more ³safe harbor² for testimonials; meaning, the term ³results may vary² is no longer sufficient when making broad claims, and disclosing results that consumers can generally expect. Remember most importantly to be straightforward and transparent.

 

In addition to these guidelines, Credit Unions should be cognizant of additional risks that can affect their outreach to the public. Make sure your employees do not improperly use social media tools. For example, impulse messaging can be dangerous, so stop and think about the repercussions of your post or tweet. From a Credit Union perspective, employees can be a threat if they post information that could impact negatively on their brand.

 

As you are building a sense of community online, make sure to include customer care in the process. You must be careful how you do this since you may deal with disgruntled customers who use Twitter to discuss a negative experience. You should avoid a back and forth match with an unhappy customer and take the conversation offline. Be sure to offer them traditional customer care channels. Other basic rules include, accessing the urls in tweets with care. Do not click on links from people you are unfamiliar with.

Also, look out for people who use stalking techniques to try to social engineering information. Most importantly, make sure proprietary business and customer information is protected. Having a strong policy in place for employees to follow is key. Every organization should have a strong policy in place that clearly states the guidelines of how it should be used by employees.

Southwest CUNA Management School Bulletin: Wanted Credit Union Professionals Fitting this Profile!

The secret’s out. Southwest CUNA Management School Students have been profiled. The PTP New Media & CU*Swag team caught one of this year’s third year students, Jason Duplant (Neches FCU) on tape. Look and listen closely to get an insiders’ perspective on the value of the school.

Careful analysis of this year’s 1^st year enrollees reveals what a typical students looks like:

Who

Students come from credit unions ranging in size from under $1 million to nearly $1 billion. It’s exciting to see mutually beneficial relationships develop when Davy and Goliath are side by side in the classroom.

Students range in age from 23 to 62. Oh the lessons the generations learn from each other when they spend eight days on a college campus for three years. New for 2010 we have a special scholarship, networking, and mentoring C2C initiative for students under the age of 30 by August 1, 2010.

Experience levels cover a wide range.

• Years on the Job: 1 to 26, averaging just under 6 years.

• Years in Credit Unions: 2 to 31, averaging 11 years

• Years in the Financial Services Industry: 2 to 33, averaging just over 13 years.

As for job titles, you name it and we probably have someone enrolled. The school is designed for everyone from management trainees to mid and senior level management to CEOs.

When       July 11-21, 2010

Where    Classes are held at TCU (Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas)

Students may be coming from as far as Africa. The majority of the students are coming from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

What

Intensive classroom training, world class faculty, unique networking opportunities, and developing a detailed two year strategic business plan for your credit union. Specialists gain an appreciation for how the various pieces of the credit union come together to complete/affect the entire company. Smaller credit unions get the opportunity to dream and think about how to strategically position their credit union forward. All students build a strong network of friends and experts to help them face challenges down the road.

Developing News

Strategic alumni have been collaborating and brainstorming about providing additional value. As a result of numerous discussions, new opportunities are available for credit union folks to take advantage of what SCMS has to offer.

• Day Students: Any league affiliated credit union may attend ½ to a full day, or even a couple of days on a day rate basis - $275 per day, lunch included, on own for accommodations. No homework. Click here for the full schedule.

• Full Year Option: CUNA Management School alumni are invited back for a full year experience, living on campus, learning and networking with the class of their choice. This is offered as either entire 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd year options. Same price as a full time student, though no scholarship opportunities at this point. No homework.

If you, or one of your credit union’s talented up and coming stars, specialists, or seasoned vets are looking for challenges, fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and aha moments, the time to enroll in the school is now!

Contact Janine McBee for further information if interested: jmcbee@scms.coop or tweet @SCMSJanine

SCMS New Faculty On Board for Summer 2010 Session

Fresh faces are on board to join the Southwest CUNA Management School faculty team and challenge students forward:

· Matt Davis  (AKA "The Credit Union Warrior") partnered with Filene Research Institute, Matt joins Denise Gabel for the 1 1/2 days of Innovation classes with 2nd & 3rd year students.

· Julie Ferguson, JRF Consulting Services brings a wealth of credit union and business development background to Grad School.

· David Goldsmith, MetaMatrix Consulting Group, Inc., is about to have a book published on strategic planning. He’s the final class for 1st year students, charged with sending them out challenged and future focused.

· Mike Petrone, CFE, CFSA joins us from CUNA Mutual Group (CMG) for the 1st year Risk Management course. In 2002, Mike was honored with the 2nd annual Michael G. Hallinan Risk Management Choice Award.

· Shawn Temple (one of last year’s Award of Excellence recipients), Bossier FCU, joins the team to work with students on the project (a two-year strategic business plan) requirements.

· Amanda Vega,  Amanda Vega Consulting brings real world experience to help second year students make strategic decisions related to social media and their  credit unions.

 

For a complete faculty team and course listing, scholarship information (deadline this week), and school application, visit www.scms.coop.

Excitement mounts as registrations come in for this year's first year class. To give you an idea of what students looks like:

• They are coming from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas and possibly Africa.

• They hold titles ranging from President, Manager, Director, COO, VP, Accounting, Business Services Representative, Branch Manager, to E-Branch Manager and more.

• The credit union asset sizes range from under $20 million to around $1 billion

• The students range in age from early 20's to 50's. They have 2 to 28 years service in credit unions, with 2 to 33 years in the financial services industry.

• Education backgrounds range from Masters Degrees to High School Grads.

Thank you Bossier FCU for enrolling three in the first year class and to numerous credit unions who continue to enroll credit unions year after year!

 

LinkedIn Group - Credit Union Leaders Book Club Begins New Book - Seth Godin's Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

This week we are wrapping up discussions on Patrick Lencioni's book, "Getting Naked: A Business Fable...about shedding the three fears that sabotage client loyalty." Even if you did not read along with us, I'm encouraging the read and joining in the discussion threads. It's a great book for folks involved in sales and customer service. It can provide insights for large organizations with multiple departments/branches (when you substitute departments/branches for companies as you read). It also gives perspectives for organizations involved in mergers, as well as those simply looking to gain perspectives about their competitors.

It's no secret that I'm a Seth Godin fan. Next up, beginning April 26, we'll start discussions on Godin's "Linchpin: Are You Indispensible?".  Join us in our adventure as we explore Godin's thoughts about ourselves - our choices, our future, and our potential to make a huge difference. Whether you work for a credit union, serve a credit union, or just love your credit union, feel free to read along with us. Discussions and comments are encouraged.

Our approach is simple. We'll cover a chapter a week. Feel free at any time to add to the discussions and share your challenges and insights. Let's learn from and challenge each other.

For my credit union friends, I also recommend reading Godin's book "Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us".

How SCMS Changed My Credit Union Life

When I was introduced to SCMS, my first thoughts were:

• I have a degree – no more school for me – “CompSci til the day I die”.
• I have friends – I do not need more.
• I am not good at networking – what would I say?
• How will this help me and my credit union?

My first summer day of SCMS:

• I met great people – yes, the first day.
• I now had lots of instant friends who were in the same world as me – credit union.
• We had fun while we were acclimated to more credit union business.

What I learned:

• Time definitely does fly.
• You are never too old to learn.
• You know more than you think you know.
• Your questions can help others.
• Sharing is still a wonderful feeling.
• You are never too old to meet new friends.

How SCMS helped me:

• I was new to the credit union industry and SCMS was the orientation I needed.
• I learned more than I thought was possible.
• We are a small credit union but I have made contacts and never feel isolated or alone.
• I know where to go for help when we need it.
• And I never have to re-invent the wheel. Resources are there waiting for me.

What happened to me after SCMS:

• Those instant friends are now my BFFs.
• I started out as Technical Operations Administrator and am now Manager of the credit union and now confident in this new role.
• When our staff turned over 75%, leaving me as the sole leader, I had no need to panic because I knew at least 10 people who had gone through this before and they became my mentors. I had and still have a great support system of people who supported me through SCMS and continue to support me in anything I need. Without my SCMS support, I would have had a major meltdown, but I did not because I knew where to go.

Guest Post - Iris R. Netters, Class of 2008
One of the "Great 08" Class Members
Manager, New Mount Zion Baptist Church CU

Show us Your Leadership and We’ll Show You The Money!

Do you have talented staff under the age of 30? Are you looking for opportunities to hone and develop their leadership skills? The Texas Credit Union Foundation (TCUF) and Southwest CUNA Management School (SCMS) have joined forces to invest in the future of the credit union system through the SCMS C2C Scholarship – Connect to Collaborate!

The Scholarship? Up to $2,899 (tuition for 2010 SCMS summer session) – The full amount of tuition paid by the student’s credit union will be reimbursed for one student. Odds are better than 1 in 34 to win! At the end of the 1st year session of SCMS, the student’s classmates will vote on who among the under 30 group exhibited the most leadership on campus. Simple majority wins. In the event of a tie, the scholarship will be split. We will announce the winner during the July 21 graduation ceremonies.

Who is eligible? Credit union professionals under the age of 30 as of August 1, 2010 who are enrolled in the July 2010 first year SCMS session. The credit union must be affiliated with their state league. Enrollment closes at 55 students.

What’s in it for the student?

• Connect - opportunity to network and learn side by side with current and future credit union leaders and the school's highly acclaimed faculty.
• Collaborate - peer to peer mentoring.
• Added value for the 1st year students under the age of 30 
  - a special leadership packet – top secret contents!
  - additional bonus opportunities are in the works, like an invite to join 2nd year faculty member, marketing and branding expert, Mark Arnold, for lunch on campus.
  - VIP seating with industry leaders during graduation.

What’s in it for the credit union?

• Connect your rising leaders to a phenomenal credit union network.
• Collaborate with your student(s) as work is done to create a strategic business plan for your credit union.

To encourage and mentor up and coming credit union leaders, SCMS C2C will also hold a casual chat for all SCMS students and alumni under the age of 30 on July 20, after the annual alumni/student auction dinner. Watch www.scms.coop additional details. Wait until you see who is coming to campus to spend time with this group!

A huge thank you goes out to Brent Dixon, Mark Arnold, and PTP New Media for helping me get C2C from concept to reality!

Have questions about SCMS? Contact Director and Synergist, Janine McBee at 800.442.5762x6634, jmcbee@scms.coop or tweet @SCMSJanine.

(No scholarship application is required!)

Credit Union Leaders Book Club Launched

I don't know about you, but I am surrounded by books I plan to read. Great books sit waiting to provide aha moments, challenge my thinking, or to provide much needed escapes. Gifts waiting to be opened and explored, they look at me wide-eyed as if to ask which book will I devour next?

 

I have collected a number of business books in the last year that all seem more than worthy to spend quality time with. Yet, before I open any of the books, another one lands on my radar and finds it way home. My list of recommended books continues to grow. I trust the sources. They must be good reads. Right?

 

And yes, I must confess, I’m a cycler. No, Lance Armstrong doesn’t need to be worried that I might be a hidden threat. For as long as I can remember, I’ve cycled between fiction and non-fiction reading. Lately I’ve been reading historical fiction. The books have taken me on great adventures back in time and broadened my perspectives.

 

Was my recent escape to fiction driven by guilt that when I got bogged down reading “Einstein”? A trusted friend recommended the book. I know she would not do that lightly. Yet half way through I laid it down and it sits by my chair. I can’t completely let it go. It sits starring at me. Einstein and I will reunite somewhere down the road.

 

During a recent CUChatUp blog talk, the participants started chatting about business books. Book recommendations started flying. Inspiration! Around the same time, I had received one of those delightful Amazon emails about new books. I'm so weak and they know me so well. This one mentioned "Getting Naked: A Business Fable...about shedding the three fears that sabotage client loyalty" by Patrick Lencioni. I'm a fan of his "Five Dysfunctions of a Team".

 

It hit. The perfect storm - energy sparked by a community of friends who like to read and make a difference and a new book by an author I like It’s time to cycle back to business reading.

The call to action. The call to community. The LinkedIn Group “Credit Union Leaders Book Club” was born. Using the discussion feature of LinkedIn, this is a community where credit union professionals and friends committed to professional and personal development are encouraged to grow together. Being part of the community adds a sense of accountability and responsibility. We’re spread out across the country and all have busy schedules. The online discussion gives us more options to learn from and share with each other. On March 15 we start our 1st book discussion, covering one chapter a week. Our community will determine the next book.

 

Feel free to join our group and share the challenge with your team. Together we can learn from and challenge each other forward. Feel the energy. Make the commitment.

Social Media, Patience & Education - Looking Back & Reflecting Forward

Following up on two recent posts by James Robert Lay about "Credit Unions, Twitter, Service and Brand Management"...

Those who know me, know I did not embrace Twitter and Facebook until this last summer. Had enough on my plate already without adding any additional distractions or diversions from the work at hand. Many conversations, yes, real conversations, diving in, listening, learning and lots of coaching later, I now champion both tools. And, yes, I'm still learning.

As director of a leadership development school for credit union professionals, reaching my target market is crucial. The ability to develop a relationship with future students before they come to campus helps us to maximize their experience. You do become vulnerable when you put yourself out there. At the same time, you also gain strength and support as you spend the time to establish relationships and learn together. All relationships take time to develop.

As senior director of training for the Texas Credit Union League, finding new speakers and topic ideas help me to better serve our membership. When I’m looking for subject matter experts, tweets and blogs help me get a better picture about the speaker, as well as topic ideas to meet the needs of our membership.

As someone who likes to use financial services, I appreciate when I see tweets alerting me to special hours of business, challenges with websites/ATMs, financial management tips, and more. Time is precious. I like it when someone cares enough to save me time.

As a member of a various communities, it's nice to know where and when there are opportunities to serve and give back.

As the mother of a freshman college student, twitter is how I get campus wide alerts.

Some of my aha moments included:

1)     Twitter provided a no cost way to set up crisis communications when we had students on campus. (Grateful the need to use did not arise.)

2)     Twitter provided a way for me to bring subject matter experts into the classroom for brief periods of time who could not have been there otherwise.

3)     After linking Twitter to Facebook, I was finding some people were more likely to respond to tweets through Facebook. Hmm. Unproven conclusion – until social media tools and applications are sanctioned in the workplace, people are more likely to respond on personal time through Facebook (unless they have cool phones).

4)     Innovation and new ideas are important as you work to position your company forward. By strategically selecting who and what topics I follow, I’ve found solid information with minimal time.

5)     Engaging with the right people through social media grows valuable relationships. It’s always been important to reach people in the manner they wish to be communicated with. I have treasured contacts who prefer Twitter or Facebook for 1^st point of contact. From there we migrate to other forms of communication as appropriate.

6)     Sometimes you just need a little laughter to break up your day or to know that there are good news stories out there.

Before writing this, I did a little research on tweet posts over the last 24 hours from folks I follow:

1)     5 Sure-Fire Ways to Operationalize Social Media by Jay Baer

“And in 2010, we’re going to move from experimentation to methodology. It will be the year that the real-time Web and social media become operationalized.”

I agree with Jay that 2010 will see a lot of social media strategic decisions made and processes refined.

2)     As someone who loved the efficiencies of RSS feeds for storing key topics in a summarized fashion, I find myself following into the same scenario that Richard MacManus describes in:

RSS Reader Market in Disarray, Continues to Decline
December 20, 2009 - ReadWriteWeb.com

“One of the interesting trends of 2009 has been the gradual decline of RSS Readers as a way for people to keep up with news and niche topics. Many of us still use them, but less than we used to. I for one still maintain a Google Reader account, however I don't check it on a daily basis. I check Twitter for news and information multiple times a day, I monitor Twitter lists, and I read a number of blogs across a set of topics of most interest to me. “

3)     @MattRhodes directed me to “Social Media as  Crisis Management Tool”
FreshNetworks - “I have a client who once said to me: “We want to use social media to attract more complaints”. This may seem an odd thing to say, all too often attracting complaints is a reason people cite for being anxious about using social media. But this client knew that one part of their service didn’t always perform as well as they might hope. They also knew that nobody ever really complained to them. They must be complaining somewhere, they thought, and we’d like them to be complaining to us.”

He goes on to note some uses for social media in context of crisis management:

·         Keep people up-to-date

·         Represent your brand

·         Engage people talking about you

·         Communicate strategically through hub and spokes format

All this to say that conversations are happening.

1)     We have to be better about telling the good stories and turning around the bad ones. Social media tools provide opportunities to do so. It’s time to hone our skills to take advantage of these dynamic, rapidly evolving forms of communication.

2)     New information is coming at us faster than we can absorb. Social media tools help us gather data and information rapidly. However, don’t let social media be your only research source.

Be deliberate. Have a strategy. Join the community. Looking forward to exciting things in years to come as we work together to innovate forward.

Hi Mom! Live at the Mobilize.org Conference! Watch Below...

Watch a live stream from mobilize.org conference and get involved with the chat on the credit union blog.

Do You Have a Fowarding Quotient Strategy?

New term for me today - Forwarding Quotient (FQ). Are you strategically and thoughtfully taking time to forward content of value to your clients, peers, work team, and friends?

I learned about FQ through a weekly update from a LinkedIn group I follow - twitter innovators Innovation & Creativity Network of Tweeters . Scott Jacobs posted a link to Harvard Business Publishing (a source that I also follow through RSS feeds) "Conversation Starter - The Disadvantage of Twitter and Facebook" by Michael Schrage.

As I read along, I was nodding in agreement. Whether we grow our relationships through face to face contact or online connections, special are those who know us well enough to share pertinent information that build us up, help us with projects, or provide inspiration and spur innovation.

I've found useful information through posts to this LinkedIn group. Scott's post, his choosing to participate and not just observe, gave me value. HBP posting timely articles with attention grabbing headlines keep me coming back.

Have you made the commitment to participate in social networking communities? Twitter? Facebook? LinkedIn?

Do you add value by forwarding information or commenting on blogs that grab your attention?

Do you have a lesson learned, aha moments, informative articles that will help someone position forward?

Add value. Be a contributor to the communities and dialogues around you. Share!

Guest Post: How to Leave Stress at the Office

I can truly relate to this post as I love what I do and do what I love... working with credit unions to help them connect and build relationships with members.  However, sometimes I can get so busy and into what is going on at PTP NEW MEDIA, I sometimes get lost in my own little world and it becomes hard to disconnect when I get home and have some downtime. 

Have you ever had the same challenges?  As we live in a uber connected world, the boundaries of work and personal cross more and more.  It is important to be aware of burnout and the stress it can cause for us and the ones around us.

Check out the guest post below by Susan Fletcher, Ph.D., psychologist, author and speaker who specializes in helping individuals, professionals and organizations apply strategies for fast improvement.  Her Smart Zone™ strategies provide ways to be a top performer at work and home. To learn more about how to be in the Smart Zone please visit her website at www.FletcherPhD.com.

=====================================================

One thing I hear when working with managers and executives who work long hours is that, at the end of the day, it is difficult to shake the feeling of being at work.  Even when they get home they don't feel "at home." They feel disconnected and preoccupied with what took place during the workday or are anticipating the problems of the next day.

Part of the issue is that the intensity during our workday is different than the intensity of our home lives.  Although our home and work life both take considerable mental and physical energy we still have to shift gears when we walk in the door at home.

In my business we provide strategies to stay in the Smart Zone that will improve productivity at home and work. But don't do this!  Here are Smart Moves for leaving stress at the office:

Do you leave work and then use that same part of your brain at home?  When I work on my financials at the office and then come home and work on bills, my brain is going to get overwhelmed.  I've recently started taking serious Yoga classes near my home so I can balance how I use my body and my brain.  As my instructor Carlos says, "Bring peace and calm into your world."

Are you finally energized by 3:00 in the afternoon?  Eat a late afternoon snack that is high in carbs but low in fat and protein - like a granola bar, fresh fruit or a bagel.  This type of snack jump-starts the amino acid in the brain that promotes a relaxation response. 

Do you immerse yourself in work related content 24/7?  What is by your bedside?  Business books, financials, proposals?  I have taken a sabbatical from business books to read bestsellers so I am exposing myself to more than just business and psychological literature.  Right now, want to know what is by my bedside? The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb.  All 723 pages.  I will be sorry when I finish it because it is such a great book.

Set aside 10 minutes after lunch to return personal phone calls.  This will eliminate your need to talk on your cell phone on the drive home at the end of the day.  Instead you can listen to good music or an audio book.  Click here for ways to maximize your lunch break.
Carve out transition time.  Devote the final hours of your workday to some of your least-pressured tasks.  I like listening to music on Grooveshark and doing paperwork.  Thanks to my buddy Rex, I've now got speakers mounted on the inside of my desk so I can really enjoy my end of the day paperwork. You will feel a sense of accomplishment by completing at least one thing before day end.

Don't talk about work when you first get home.  When you walk in the door at home resist the urge to immediately start talking about your day. Cooper and Sawaf, authors of Executive EQ, call this a "transitional buffer zone."  This is time to renew your spirit of being home.  Don't run to your computer to return emails.  You might first greet your family, get your children a snack and change into some comfy clothes.

Shout back with your thoughts about how you disconnect and leave stress at the office.  We would love for you to innovate, communicate and collaborate to help us all grow together.

Building the Business Case for Social Media - Come on in, the water's fine

My venture into social media began a little over a year ago as a result of a conversation with two young men before they were about to do a presentation at Southwest CUNA Management School (SCMS) for alumni and students. The students had arranged for the presentation about the basics of social media. At the time this was all new to me and I wasn't ready to embrace any of it. However, James Robert Lay and Brad Garland impressed me. They were young, professional, passionate, and communicated well. It wasn't even the presentation that got my attention. It was how they approached business. Since then they have both become treasured friends and mentors.

One of the lessons I was reminded of when visiting with James Robert and Brad was to invest time in getting to know professionals outside of your own generation and beyond existing customer/member and vendor relationships. As relationships grow and new ones are formed, when we are looking for them, there are numerous opportunities to learn from each other. Collaborations can be a driving force to help position forward.

James Robert coached me through basics of blogging, eventually opening the door for me to blog on this site. As with most social media tools, the advice was to observe first. See how the media is used. Find blogs that interest you. Participate by commenting. Submit guest blogs. Learn how to stand up. Walk. Run. You decide each step of the way how quickly you want to progress.

I was introduced to RSS feeds. Cool. They saved me time by organizing blogs with information that was of interest to me directly into files in my Outlook. Now, when I have time, I can quickly review information, looking for new ideas and innovative approaches. To position forward we need to be finding new ways to do business.

LinkedIn is still my favorite, though this one seems to be more difficult to get folks to "buy into". To me it's more professional. One of the challenges is for folks who ventured into LinkedIn when it was primarily a HR recruiting/job hunting communication tool. They tend to think, been there, done that, tool has no value. It has evolved beyond it's HR/Job function, though it still has elements related to that. I like the ease of sharing news and starting/following discussions. I much prefer following a discussion here as opposed to weeding through email or twitter strings.

Facebook. Twitter. Waiste of time? Why bother? To maintain and grow market share, as well as position forward, we need to reach people beyond our traditional market(s) and contacts.

Before SCMS began this summer, I had just started to explore Twitter as a communication tool. During some idea generating sessions we used Twitter for live comments. As the process evolved, we realized that Twitter had power to bring expertise immediately into the conversation or to share "back home". No travel. No expense. Real time.  We had strategic "experts" join our classroom conversation from New York, Washington D.C., and California. The experts gained new ideas. Credit union employees were able to be part of the conversation, gaining insights, without leaving the office. All players won.

Recently Brad posted a twitter offering to help on projects. I took him up on his offer with a simple request for him, but something that would have taken me time to figure out. I wanted to sync twitter with facebook and had not spent the time to figure out how to do it. He made it happen with a few key strokes and I was off and running.

This morning I posted on Twitter that I was looking for ways to help folks see the business case for social media. Darrell Bahr picked up my message on facebook, sending me the following reply:

"Need case studies/examples. CU people are largely numbers people, so they need something tangible and proven/tested before they will try something so "radical". A few places to look:

Link 1

 

Link 2

 

Yes, I could keep going on. This just scratches the surface. But another lesson learned, you have to manage time. My other duties are screaming at me. 

 

Care to share ways to show the business value of various social media tools? I'm all eyes and ears - shout back.

Quick Credit Union Blog Update

I am in Fort Worth this morning and about to kick off the Hands-on Social Media session for SCMS.  This is going to rock as we will be letting credit union leaders of today and tomorrow get to play with social media. From blogging to twittering to web video and podcasts, we are going have fun creating SCMS2009: Speak Your Mind. Share Your Experience.  Following along today and click to watch the blog being built live.

If you want to follow along, simply pick up the #scms RSS feed here. After the session, we will be doing an interactive recap and QA with a live twitter stream. So please feel free to shout back and share your thoughts, ideas and questions.

Rock it!

SCMS Hands-On Social Media Class & More

Southwest CUNA Management School
Grad School - Social Media Lab: Credit Unions Get Down & Dirty

 

It’s time to stop talking about social media, roll up your sleeves, and experience some of the tools first hand. James Robert Lay, Brad Garland, and Kent Sugg team up to divide you up. Attendees will divide into work teams to create various social media elements. You’ll discover that with some strategic thinking, nominal investment, and time, you can effectively take advantage of opportunities afforded you through blogging, polling, podcast, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and more.

Unlike other events where you or your staff attend and get excited about the potential of social media, only to return and hit a dead end because you have no idea where to start, you’ll be in real life scenarios to help you better understand and work with social media when you return home.

 

Visit the school site for the full Grad School curriculum, schedule and related details.

 

For the 1st Time - SCMS is Offering a Day Rate

 

Open Invite to Credit Union Professionals to Attend the SCMS Fireside Chat with Robert Gallman and Susan Mitchell - no charge to take advantage of this event and experience the excitement of SCMS!

Swing for a cause - the development of credit union leaders! The 21st Annual SCMS Scholarship Golf Classic is open to all.

 

It's not too late to enroll as a 1st year student! Plan now to connect with tomorrow's leaders. Enroll today!

Paying the Gift Forward

Thank you Winter for sharing Sir Ken Robinson's video, "Do Schools Kill Creativity".

Share Sir Robinson's message with graduating seniors. Challenge them to take a moment to view the video, asking what Sir Robinson's message means for their future.

For my friends with a passion for innovation or a heart for education, slow down and give this video a view. Wrestle with the message. Find application. Dream.

For all of us, how do we foster innovation as we work to position the world around us forward?

Invest in the Future

It’s time to rethink strategies and find innovative solutions to today’s challenges. Seeking ways to maximize the return on how time and money are spent is crucial. Southwest CUNA Management School (SCMS) is an environment where applied knowledge and networking are structured to help students find innovative and sound strategies to help position their credit unions forward.

This is the year to seriously consider enrolling yourself or key staff in SCMS — the place to connect with professionals dedicated to the future, an industry think tank.

- Credit union focused curriculum

- Networking opportunities
- Awesome faculty
- Student participation 

Two innovative credit union communication tools students initiated over the last year:

YouTube Video (Bank vs. CU Novella) - Kudos Alex Rascon, (SCMS Class of 2010 president, GECU)

This blog, CU Grow - Thank you James Robert Lay and Natasha Melugin (SCMS Cl of 2009) for your vision, commitment, heart and passion!

- Opportunity to be part of shaping the future of credit unions!

The school is intense. Less than 80% of a first year class make it to graduation. Successful completion of the school is something to take pride in. A three-year commitment, this summer's session is from July 12-22.

SCMS offers professional and personal development opportunity, providing a strong base for credit union leadership. Take the challenge. Make the commitment. Enroll today!

Invest in the Future by Enrolling in Southwest CUNA Management School

Challenges are here, both in the economy and in the workplace. As we deal with challenges and seek solutions, opportunities often present themselves. Now, more than ever, it's important for us to creatively connect both inside and outside of the credit union movement. Together we can find and capitalize on opportunities. I have just the place for you to connect with professionals dedicated to the future.

To help position your credit union forward and develop leaders, consider enrolling yourself and key management team members in Southwest CUNA Management School (SCMS). The SCMS curriculum has been celebrated for years. The growing list of professional credit union leaders to have emerged from the three-year school continue to shape and develop the credit union movement in innovative and positive ways.

To maximize both your personal and professional ROI for this intense school, students should arrive on campus with a strong determination to focus on:

• Being ready to capitalize on the broad networking opportunities. Students and alumni represent a wide range of credit union expertise.

• Planning to take advantage of the vast expertise offered by faculty. Many bring international experience to the classroom, challenging students with crucial topics. Faculty also encourage students to pursue innovative concepts.

• Arriving prepared to actively participate, incubating ideas and contributing to the overall educational experience by offering their own unique perspectives.

• Being a part of creating and shaping the future of the credit union movement.

When students arrive determined to take advantage of all SCMS has to offer, the rewards both personally and professionally extend well beyond the year of graduation. Shape the future and make a positive change in the credit union by enrolling in SCMS today. Enrollment is limited to the first 50 students. Seats have been going fast. Only 26 1st year student slots remain.

Students and alumni are encouraged to take full advantage of networking options by also utilizing the SCMS groups in LinkedIn and on Facebook.

Watch for information about the SCMS Grad School on July 22. One of this year's sessions will feature a hands-on workshop about how to create various social media forms of communication.

For more informtion give me a shout back!

Did You Know? Now That You Do- How Will This Affect Your Credit Union?

Very interesting video on change and where the world is going. Now that you do know, how does this affect your credit union? Do you know? Blog back and tell us how!

It's Time to Come Together, It's Time to Ramp Up "People Helping People"

Gathering together to support each other is even more important in hard times. Looking back, the companies that emerged from the Great Depression stronger and earlier than the competition had this in common: Looking to the future, workers bonded together around a common, well-articulated mission. Meetings are how this is done, and how business is done. It’s how economies are stimulated, and how employees and business partners are motivated to create positive results. For the complete white paper, check out tbaglobal.com's  The Value of Meetings. (Thank you for IAEE for highlighting this.)

Times are serious and business operations are changing. As prudent leaders, strategically managing your ROI is critical. The National Environmental Health Association has posted a list of questions to help you asses the value of a meeting for yourself and your credit union. Here are a few of them:

For the conferences [events] that you are considering attending:

1. Will it be beneficial for you to meet some of the people who will be attending the meeting?

2. Can you imagine: “crucial conversations," which you would want to be a part of even if only to listen, taking place at this meeting?

4. Is high-level interaction available to you at this meeting, and would it be beneficial to you to have such an experience?

5. Is the education available at the conference relevant to your work responsibilities?

6. Could this education enable you to do your job better and/or more cost effectively?

10. Would some of the conference offerings enable you to return to your workplace as an effective change agent?

12. Does the meeting take time to recognize its leaders and achievers with awards so that you might better understand what excellence in your line of work looks like?

14. Does the conference provide important updates on where the profession is? 

When dollars get tight, organizations typically head straight to marketing and training as they start slashing budgets. Though tempting, it's important to look out on the horizon and keep positioning your credit union forward. As a credit union movement built on the philosophy of “people helping people”, we need to continue to practice what we preach.

One new concept might prove priceless for your credit union. Gather together locally and at conferences and seminars to:

·         Share and learn from each other, speakers and vendors.

·         Collaborate to solve problems, creating synergy with innovative solutions.

·         Look for those ideas, processes, and strategic alliances to help you make your credit union more efficient and/or provide better products and services. You owe it to your member/owners and your staff.

·         Stay engaged and help strategically position credit unions forward.

Get creative when it comes to marketing to maximize your results. There has never been a better time to shout out the credit union story.

With the season for Association and League annual meetings starting, make the decision to attend. Arrive prepared to make a difference. Plan to both speak and listen. As challenging as these times are, they are also exciting. Don’t let this moment in time pass you buy as you quietly sit on the sidelines.

"Where Are We Now and Who Is on First?"

Thanks to two credit union friends for sharing the following - Dean Borland and Dennis McCuistion.

Global economic stress isn’t created overnight and it does not result from isolated, micro-economic influences. And, once created, global economic stress cannot be remedied quickly or easily. So, as plans were being laid in the fall of 2008 for the January 2009 TCUL Chapter Leaders Conference, it seem that a review of current the economic and political climate would be a timely topic for credit union leaders.

With that objective in mind, Dennis McCuistion, a former banker, internationally known speaker, author, and host of PBS’s syndicated "McCuistion," a "Donahue-style" program focusing on economic, social, business and political issues, was engaged to speak to Chapter Leaders about the events and issues that led us into the current economic downturn and what it will take to pull ourselves out. Dennis’ white paper, “Where Are We Now and Who Is on First?” was prepared as a handout for the TCUL Chapter Leaders Conference. It stands as a sobering chronology of the events that have led to what may be one of the worst economic downturns this nation and the world has seen in the last half-decade.

Credit Union Resources, Inc. and its OnBalance service are pleased to have been able to bring Mr. McCuistion to the Chapter Leaders Conference and would now like to share Dennis’ insights with you, the present and future leaders of the credit union industry. Our hope is that you will learn from the mistakes of the past in order to move forward and forge a better future for credit unions and our members.

Carpe Diem and the Season

We thank Barbara Sanfilippo for guest authoring this post and sharing some inspiring thoughts and ideas.

 

As we approach the holiday season and a New Year in unsettling times, I wanted to offer a positive and uplifting message.

 

Seize the Opportunities - If you read the news and listen to the media it can be quite alarming. I’m sure you recognize that due to the current economic crisis your members and staff may be feeling a variety of emotions including: anxiety, fear, confusion, worry, frustration or even helplessness.  More than ever they need assurance, guidance, advice, knowledge and the sense we are there to help them through this unchartered territory. 

 

While we definitely have some serious economic issues, these challenges present opportunities for those credit unions that are enterprising, focused and care about their members and employees.  So don’t let current events concern or immobilize you. Focus on what you can control—your time, thoughts, mindset, strategies, activities and relationships.

 

Don't Forget to Invest in Yourself

"Do you know enough?" A recent blog by Seth Godinprovided a simple reminder to stay in a state of constant learning. I would take it a step further to encourage making a commitment to apply the knowledge. Whether it's by networking, reading, or taking advantage of education venues, the opportunities are numerous for you to gain knowledge.

A simple conversation with two young professionals (James Robert Layand Brad Garland) before presenting for our management schoolevolved into a treasured friendship. With over 20 years between us in age, they have taught me volumes about social media over a short period of time. I've been encouraged by them to not only learn but to apply the knowledge. (This is my first blog thanks to them.) 

As I've shared the excitement with friends about the tools (RSS Feeds, blogs, LinkedIn- Facebook next) I've been exploring in my "just in time playground", they have come along side, serving as coaches and encouragers to help further develop my skills. Yes, I use the terms playing and tools at the same time.

Realizing RSS Feedscould save me time and help me stay current with multiple topics on my radar is huge. Plus it's eliminated some of the email clutter. Saving me time speaks volumes.

LinkedIn's discussion and news sharing tools help me share practical information and encourage studentsto think. Sharing excitement and passion with others builds community.

I've always enjoyed reading, rotating in and out of fiction, non-fiction and business cycles. Back on a deliberate path to grow knowledge and skills, plus seeking to further develop my own background and application of various Web 2.0 tools, I stumbled into Seth Godinas an author while browsing the airport bookstore. Tribesturned me into a fan. I followed up with Meatball Sundae. His book The Diphad been in my stack (always taller than me) to read for a while. It's now the next read on my list. Enjoying the trip backwards through his books! Short reads that make you think!

Connecting with a friend from the past, Brandi Stankovic, I recommended Tribesto her and asked what she was reading. Trusting Brandi, she added to my reading list: The Six Pillars of Self Esteem, The Four Agreements, and Finding Your True North.  

On a weight loss journey, I'm avidly seeking information (and recipes) to help me stay on path. Along this journey, I've committed to sharing info and encouraging friends (my own little tribe!).

What are you doing to develop yourself? To encourage your employees? How are you and your team sharing the knowledge? Give us a shout?

 

 

"People Helping People" During Ike

Below is a portion of a press release submitted on Friday. This information is important to all credit unions that were affected by Ike and credit unions across the country who want to help.

Friday, September 12, 2008 - (Farmers Branch, TX) - With Hurricane Ike barreling down on the Texas coast, the credit union community stands ready to help. The Texas Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) has joined hands with the Texas Credit Union League (the League), U.S. credit unions and the National Credit Union Foundation (National Foundation) to raise disaster relief support for affected credit unions and the employees that serve them.

One of the Foundation's focus areas is disaster relief to credit union communities. It assists credit unions and their employees in getting back up and running as soon as possible, so they in turn can serve their members.

"We will work closely with affected credit unions and the League to assess the needs in the affected areas," said Jill Pharr, executive director of the Foundation. "We will also serve as the repository for credit union disaster donations, which will then be provided in the form of emergency grants for credit union employees."

The Foundation has partnered with the National Foundation to raise and distribute disaster aid through CUAid (www.cuaid.coop/texas), an online fundraising tool developed by the National Foundation. The online tool links the entire credit union system to raise money for disaster relief, most recently with the Iowa floods and California wildfires. The secure onine tool is the only one of its kind that enables credit union members and employees, as well as credit unions and state credit union foundations across the U.S. to contribute directly to support other credit unions and their employees.

If you are affected this is how it works.

Disaster Relief
Whether it is a hurricane on the Gulf Coast, or a Tsunami thousands of miles around the globe, credit unions are known for their quick and generous support of disaster relief efforts. The Texas Credit Union Foundation is able to respond to disasters because of Texas credit unions’ commitment to the credit union philosophy, “people helping people.”

That commitment was exemplified best in 2005-06 when Texas Credit Unions, the Texas Credit Union League and Texas Credit Union Foundation came together to contribute over $715,000 in disaster relief funds to credit union employees and volunteers who suffered the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Working together with other Leagues, CUNA, the National Credit Union Foundation, and affected credit unions, these funds were distributed directly to those in need so they could stabilize their lives and continue to serve their members.

TCUF has established the following process when disaster occurs.

— Phase One - Needs assessment, fundraising and initial Phase One emergency grants. TCUF and the Texas Credit Union League will work closely with all parties and partners to determine the scope of the disaster and need. A call for disaster relief donations will be issued to member credit unions. Both the Texas Credit Union League and the Texas Credit Union Foundation also contribute to the TCUF general disaster fund as the need arises. These pooled funds are distributed to the appropriate recipient fund depending on the disaster location.
If the disaster occurs in Texas, TCUF will issue a call for grant applications from credit unions and/or staff who see financial assistance for immediate disaster related needs. The “Phase One” grant application is simple to complete and requires the signature of the credit union ceo. Once submitted, the TCUF grants committee approves and the grants of up to $500 are provided.

— Phase Two is the call for grant applications from credit unions and/or staff and volunteers who have sustained significant damage that extends beyond any insurance, FEMA or Red Cross benefits. Phase Two grants are generally accepted after a period of time when other sources of relief have been exhausted. Phase Two grant applicants will be asked to state the specific extent of loss along with any other monetary relief that has been received. The signature of the credit union ceo is required before submission.

Questions?
Please contact the Texas Credit Union Foundation staff at 1-800-442-6762, Ext. 6447 if you have any questions or need additional forms.

Do you have an experience or resource that needs to be communicated to credit unions that are in any way affected by Hurricane Ike? If you do shout back and share.

All Politics Are Local- Especially At My Credit Union

The second presentation I attended at TCUL’s Leadership Conference was “All Politics Are Local- Especially At My Credit Union” presented by Jeff Rendel from Rising Above Enterprises.  In Jeff’s session, he started out by asking the audience, “What are the challenges of politics in the work place at your credit union”? The hands were quickly raised, and the most common answers were co-workers saying one thing and meaning another, backstabbing co-workers, employees who conceal the truth for personal gain, and “clicks” in the workplace.  Although the responses sounded harsh, they are common among all workplaces- even credit unions… 

Jeff stated “by identifying what political style each employees has will help build a better team. “  The work place political styles he discussed were the “Ideas Style” and the “Person Style”.   Below are the major characteristics of each.

Ideas Style / Person Style                

Substance power / Position Power

Focuses on feedback and listening / Focus on image and perception

Does the right thing, has a more open agenda / Does what works

More open Agenda / More private agenda

Meritocracy-based decisions / Makes relationship-based decisions   

Results and ideas speak for themselves / Uses self-promotion   

Jeff also discussed the importance of building a safety network.  Some key practices to do this were

You schmooze or lose

Exhibit commitment to the organization, part of role as leader is understanding the credit union from within and growing the credit union in the community. 

Access- Know all key contacts in credit union.  When an issue arises get help from the people in charge.

So how do you build a strong political team within your credit union?  Jeff believes this can be obtained by two key items, competence and trust.  He stated in order to build competence in employees help manage them or get them involved in credit union’s strategic plans.  He offered an easy explanation to build trust; share the good, the bad, and the ugly with your team. 

In closing Jeff shared a hilarious game of B.S. Bingo full of catch phrases found at any meeting. Jeff included the game for those bored during long meetings and boring conference calls.  

What types of tactics does your credit union use to keep employees on focus and away from office politics?

Identity Theft and Fraud- Protecting Your Members and the Credit Union

Greetings!  My first session for the day at TCUL's Leadership Conference was "Identity Theft and Fraud- Protecting Your Members and the Credit Union" presented by Jeff McGuire of Ronald Hyde & Company.  The session had a standing room only attendance.  Identity Theft and Fraud have become such a popular subject with the deadline of November 1, 2008 rapidly approaching for credit unions to develop and implement an Identity Theft Prevention Program.  Jeff noted technology for criminals has advanced further than the technology financial institutions have in place to catch it.  Although the devices criminals may use in identity theft and fraud are highly developed, the methods Jeff suggested credit unions use to deter them are basic and can be easily implemented.

·         Verify, Verify, Verify for every suspicious check, money order,
or new member, have procedures in place to confirm the information you
have been given is valid and not all from the same source.

·         Have a monitoring system in place for credit cards to alert
members of possible fraud on unusual purchases.

·         Comply with FACTA's Disposal Rule which requires due diligence
on destroying sensitive information.  Reasonable measures include
burning, shredding or pulverizing paper and destroying or erasing
electronic files.

In closing, the criminals will always be ahead of the system in one shape or form.  However, by staying current on scams and educating ourselves and our members on identity theft, we can reduce the occurrences. 

What is your credit union doing to deter identity theft and fraud?
Please share your best practice or suggestions.

An Invitation to Innovation

Join us July 22, 2008 for the Annual Alumni SCMS Mixer at the TCU Campus. The mixer will be held in the Kelly Alumni Center from 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Dinner guest speakers include Brad Garland with The Garland Group and James Robert Lay with PTP NEW MEDIA. After dinner will include a casino night with fun and prizes.

Click here to register to attend the 2008 Annual Alumni SCMS Mixer

How Will You Grow? We want to know!

Let us know how you will grow in the coming year. Share your thoughts and ideas with us below and they will be posted to the site. Communication, collaboration and innovation will help us all grow together.