By Frank J. Diekmann
It’s nearly 2018, so get ready for all the prognostications and forecasts in just about everything you read for the next month. Just remember that next year also marks the 100th year since 1918, during which the “war to end all wars” came to an end. So, keep that in mind as you read those predictions lists.
As you wait for all the crystal balls to be dusted off, consider these…
You May Not Be Member Material
Would you ever consider turning away potential members as just not being credit union material, and no, I don’t mean someone whose FICO is LOCO? I mean someone who would otherwise be viewed as a solid member prospect. Kirk Drake, the CEO of Ongoing Operations, actually said that’s exactly what credit unions ought to be doing in many situations, which you can read about here.
Drake, by the way, has his own chapter for “The Great Big Book of Unintended Consequences in Life” when it comes to how he ended up in credit unions. Ask him some time.
Maybe a New Spokesperson?
During the MAXX meeting, a native of Twin Falls, Idaho, told credit unions, “Greetings from Idaho. It’s the place you stop when you are on your way to someplace else,” by Shawn Barigar. And Barigar is the mayor of Twin Falls.
An Amazing Idea for a Fundraiser
For 2018, I’d like to formally propose a fundraiser for all the charities and good causes within the credit union community that I am confident will raise so much money these groups will be turning down donations.
Next year, every time a speaker or emcee at any CU event uses the word “amazing,” they should be required to donate $100 to the National CU Foundation or the respective state foundation.
I have not yet attended a meeting at which during every introduction I wasn’t told that the next speaker is “amazing.” Sometimes even “truly amazing.” Every session is an “amazing” experience. That snack break in the hallway? You got it. Amazing. I even heard one person at a recent meeting tell everyone to make sure to visit the “amazing, amazing, amazing” exhibit hall. I went, went, went. It wasn’t, wasn’t, wasn’t.
While I’m at it, might I also propose a $50 donation be required every time we hear the following: branding, the new normal, branding in the new normal, engagement, interruption, going on a member “voyage” and or “journey,” and “credit union story.”
If we could make this a reality, it would be not just a terrific fundraiser, it would be, well, amazing.
Now Boarding, A Crowded Flight
There are a lot of competitive media markets for credit unions in the country, but I believe I have now found the most competitive: the Spokane Airport. Within a minute’s walk, I saw the three signs at right.
A 'Glitch' in the System
It’s hard to even share this story of life imitating art imitating life, but… Some of you will realize you’ve seen this before.
In Spokane, with a confirmed car reservation (including confirmation number), I was halfway through my walk to the Enterprise Rent-a-Car agency when Enterprise called to let me know, you guessed it, they have no cars.
“But I have a confirmation number,” I replied.
“Yes, we know, but like I said, we have no cars on the lot.”
“But that’s what you were confirming,” I replied (again, this is going to be déjà vu-ish for some of you).
“Yes, sir, it’s a glitch in our system.”
“Well, that’s a helluva glitch, as that’s what the system does!”
“Yes, sir. But I did take time to call you.”
Apparently, that last claim was meant to make everything all right.
And for those of you who may not have gotten some of the earlier references to why these seems so de ja vu-ish, or if you’d just like to see it again, go here and enjoy.
Thanks, But…
Teresa Freeborn, CEO of Exceed FCU, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the California and Nevada leagues’ REACH Conference in Palm Desert, which led her to quip, “As great an honor as is this Lifetime Achievement Award is, it does have a slight worrying, pre-obituary tone to it, doesn’t it?”
Frank J. Diekmann is Cooperator in Chief at CUToday.info and can be reached at Frank@CUToday.info or @FrankCUToday.