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!

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.

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!

 

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!)

TechMecca Live Stream - Jack McDonald on Gen Y

Aaron (aka @acm1985) just wrapped up his session with Jack McDonald at TechMecca about Attracting and Retaining Generation Y Business.

It is interesting to hear struggles from attendees with getting social media initiatives started at their financial institutions. Do you have any ideas and thoughts to help them out. Share your thoughts and comments below.

Be sure to follow along and check out the latest live streams from TechMecca here.

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.

Credit Unions Can Connect With Gen-Y - Throw a Party

Check out this real story from Good Morning America about how some Gen-Y folk are making money to pay the rent.

From what I saw in the video, they are taking an old concept, putting a spin on it and actually making money to help pay the rent.

How can you or your credit union be able to connect with the Gen-Y market and help out.

I am not saying to pay the rent for them but focus on the relationship.

Maybe sponsor a "rent party", provide food and have someone on hand to answer financial questions to those attending if they have them.  This can not be "salesy" or "pushy" but just a way to chat and visit in a non-threatening environment. 

In any case, the video provides some great, real time insight about some of the struggles the Gen-Y is facing right now.  Shout back below with your thoughts and ideas about how your credit union might be able to help.

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!

To bank or not to bank...

Thank you all so much for all your comments and feedback on WWUP- What Would you Pick- the post asking for suggestions on a new credit union tagline. I received so many clever and fun suggestions. The Task Force met recently and we went through each suggestion one by one. One of the main topics that came up during the meeting was whether or not a credit union message should contain the word bank in it. There were several arguments on both sides of this subject. One of the arguments was that we (the credit union industry) have always tried to differentiate ourselves from banks and if we include the word bank (bank as in a verb term) in a tagline that will defeat our purpose. Another argument is if we use the word bank negatively this will this cause us to seem like we are attacking the banking industry? However, if we are trying to explain what a credit union is to a non-credit union person it is hard not to use the word bank, even if we are saying that is what we are not. What do you think? Blog back and tell me if the word bank positively or negatively should be used when trying to get the word out about credit unions.

WWUP- What would you pick?

I am currently serving on the Texas Credit Union League Youth and Millennial Task Force. One of the tasks we have at hand is to create a new tagline for credit unions. Currently some of the taglines used for credit unions are "People Helping People" or "Where People are Worth More than Money." Although, these are true they do not resonate to the majority of the youth market, who is unaware of what a credit union really is… So, if you had to pick a new tagline for credit unions that would captivate the younger mind, what would you pick? Below (not in any order) are a few that I have played around with for fun. Blog back and tell me some of your ideas for a new tagline. Who knows it may be the new tagline for the industry.

• $-greed= credit unions
• Wanna be cool? Join a credit union.
• Bail Out Free since 19__...
• Why make others rich? Join a credit union.
• You have a choice- credit unions.
• Ready for a change? Join a credit union.
• If you like to own stuff- Join a credit union.
• Credit Union = Economic Justice
• Some places let you keep the change- We let you own it- Credit Unions
• We are old school cool- credit unions

Does Your Credit Union Offer a Dream Job?

What attracts people to work at your credit union? Is it a “cool” place to work?  While a lot of emphasis and discussion has taken place about getting Gen-Y to join your credit union as members, what about getting Gen-Y to join your credit union as an employee.

How can you work to attract Gen-Y members when you may not even have Gen-Y staff who can relate to them? 

Check out this dream job I came across this morning.  What an opportunity to “own” an island for six months and blog about the experience and get paid six figures for it.

The reason for the “dream job” is part of a drive to protect the state's 18 billion Australian dollar a year tourism industry during the tough economic climate caused by the global financial meltdown.

"Traditional tourism advertising just doesn't cut it sometimes and we are thinking outside the box by launching this campaign.

Queensland Tourism Minister Desley Boyle said some people might question whether it was risky to let an unknown person become an unofficial tourism spokesperson for the state.

"I think the biggest risk will be that the successful candidate won't want to go home at the end of the six months," she said.”

The above quote sounds close to home with credit unions asking the same thing about blogging and social media.  Is it risky?  What if people talk bad? Will it hurt my brand?

Why not make social media and blogging a “benefit” of working with your credit union? This would surely attract some Gen-Y folk. 

We have a very modern and progressive culture that may clash with the traditional credit union culture.  There is really no dress code (come as you are), listen to your iPod if you want, and enjoy happy hour Friday.

Like marketing, traditional vs. non-traditional, it is important to use different ways to actively recruit Gen-Y employees.  I know a lot of up and coming CU folk who are my age and younger which is so exciting.  They are doing different things and energizing their credit union in ways never been seen before.

Shout back below and let us know what you are doing to attract Gen-Y employees?  What benefits and opportunities do you offer them?  What "dream job" does your credit union offer? We want to hear from you.

Gen Y Marketing 2.0 - Where Innovation Meets Generation

Generation Y is moving in where the Baby Boomers are moving out  Marketing and attracting this technology-savvy group is complicated at best, and the time has never been better to learn what makes them so difficult to categorize.  This session includes some creative ideas to jumpstart your thinking.  Through the use of best practices, case studies, and interaction, you will learn from and share success stories and innovative approaches to prepare for the next generation with Trey Reeme and Kent Sugg.

Click 'play' below to check out the video and shout back at us on the ways your credit union is working to reach Gen Y.

Can U Rel8? A Gen Y Panel Discussion

In this session, you will listen to young people discuss their future as it relates to financial services.  For a change, we're not talking ABOUT Generation Y, we're talking WITH Generation Y.  An actual panel of young people were asked real questions about real issues by you, the Credit Union Leader.

Check out the video below to learn more about how your credit union can reach Generation Y.  Feel free to shout back and share different ways your credit union is working to meet the needs of younger generations.