-
As a recent college graduate, I could have been more engaged with my longer-term financial health had I had today's fintech tools at my disposal.
January 15 -
As the digital era continues to force banks to rethink what and who they are, institutions are increasingly pressured to relay their brand messages to consumers through newer mediums and in emotional ways rather than hard sales pitches.
December 11 -
A dysfunctional culture can harm banks' long-term viability and share value growth. Luckily, these problems can be fixed by encouraging team accountability, empowering employees to make decisions, and showing appreciation for staffers.
May 8
Leading a community bank, especially in the last decade, requires tremendous resilience and fortitude. Managing and motivating staff, ensuring regulatory compliance and boosting revenue and assets are undoubtedly a tough job. I admire CEOs who have preserved shareholder value, while also leading their banks through one of the toughest eras of American banking history.
But now that we're mostly out of the woods, it's time for bank leaders to address three shortcomings in an industry that continues to change.
Millennials, like me, are well versed in changes in technology. From Nokia brick phones to iPhones, from cassette players to iPods, from slow, dial-up Internet to always having an instant connection to the Web, the world as we know it keeps shifting. We appreciate the never-ending innovation because we have experienced the related benefits time and time again. So as a millennial who champions change, I would like to shed light on three ways I would run your community bank differently.
Goodbye Annual Reviews
If I were a bank CEO, I would foster incremental performance improvement at not only the organizational level, but at the employee level.
How are your employees supposed to know where they stand and where they should be without frequent and focused feedback? And how are managers and executives supposed to promote the right people to lead the bank, or even set companywide goals, without measuring performance at the individual level?
Annual or biannual performance reviews are simply outdated and not effective in driving high performance. It's high time for CEOs to opt instead for weekly support sessions where employees have a chance to: discuss upcoming work with their managers, set clear and measurable goals and share what they have achieved since the last session. Netflix, Accenture, Microsoft and GE are among the companies that have already
Your employees need and want regular feedback rather than the awkward and daunting annual evaluations. In turn, your bank will prosper from employees' ongoing motivation to perform at a higher level.
Upgrade Customer Management Software
As a bank CEO, I would improve my company's organization of sales efforts as my second initiative. I would invest in customer relationship management software or use the software already on hand to a higher capacity. After all, banks are in business to sell their services. So it's unfortunate that so many community banks have yet to adopt CRM software, seeing as it's so readily available and affordable for banks of all sizes.
A
Many banks have previously attempted to implement a CRM solution, but they have failed because they lack a true sales culture. If your bank does not have a healthy and vibrant sales culture, then your CRM will just be more software collecting dust.
Put Social Media Strategy High on Agenda
As my third initiative, I would make social media a real priority. Banks need to take a hint from the numerous fintech companies that are using social media outlets to create brand awareness. On a recent winter day, I was scrolling down my Facebook newsfeed and came across three fintech advertisements. However, not once have I seen a paid Facebook advertisement from a local community bank.
This is mind-boggling considering Facebook ads are an affordable way to market to a specific group of your choosing (location, age, gender, interests) and to direct them to your website with a call-to-action button. Moreover, a staggering
Of course, prioritizing social media also includes creating a comprehensive policy and having the social team work closely with compliance. And with any solid social media campaign, bank marketers should emphasize focusing on consumers, small businesses and the community at hand rather than direct marketing. As for the rare product-related post, your team can always use preapproved materials.
I strongly urge banks to select a group of creative, social media-savvy employees to put your efforts into high gear. Send them to conferences and classes and allow them the freedom to create a memorable customer experience.
Natalie Brooke is vice president of client relationships for Resurgent Performance, a community bank advisory group.
