Apr. 10, 2008 at 1:38pm

Did you miss the shift?

Posted by Kurt Jacobson in Choose the Right Target Audience, Elections, Talking to Members
Comments (1)

I’m a big fan of the research and consumer perspectives from The Hartman Group. Food is their specialty, but their ideas can be applied to credit unions.

For example, look at their recent comparison of traditional culture, passed down from our teachers and authorities, to the consumer culture, which bubbled up and is shaping the way younger credit union prospects receive our message. We must become aware of the differences to change with the times.

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Mar. 11, 2008 at 1:45pm

"What if" from the greates CU event in the world

Posted by Jamie Chase in Elections, Social Responsibility, Talking to Members, What We're Up To
Comments (5)

Kurt and I returned to JayRay yesterday from a thought-provoking week at CUNA’s Government Affairs Conference (GAC), the largest credit union event in the world. I’m relieved to share that the normal fluff and peachy rhetoric, gave way to the discussion of serious issues.

They gave us something to think about:

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Dec. 31, 2007 at 1:54pm

What is PR and why does it matter to credit unions?

Posted by Jamie Chase in Choose the Right Target Audience, Elections, Strategic Communications, Talking to Members
No comments

Confusion about public relations is universal. It’s not just spinning a story, getting ink or creating hype - that theory is pretty far removed from credit union ideals and the mission of the movement.

PRSA has a lengthy definition of public relations. The basic point is that PR helps facilitate a rewarding relationship between an organization and its audience.

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Dec. 27, 2007 at 1:56pm

Dick Ensweiler and I love credit unions

Posted by Jamie Chase in Differentiation is Key, Elections, Talking to Members
No comments

Here’s a theory I’m pondering. Would you agree that people have more difficulty understanding what they haven’t experienced? I am much more likely to learn something if I do it. For example, I’m more likely to remember how to get to a new restaurant if I’m in the driver’s seat, paying attention to each turn, rather than simply enjoying the ride as a passenger.

Maybe this explains why Dick Ensweiler and I so passionately love credit unions while consumers aren’t that jazzed.

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Dec. 14, 2007 at 1:57pm

A handup not a handout

Posted by Jamie Chase in Elections, Social Responsibility
No comments

Britney and Madonna may glean all the tabloid headlines, but let me tell you Dora Maxwell and Louise Herring rock!

I’m sure being named the “Mother of Credit Unions” had something to do with Herring chartering hundreds of financial cooperatives. To put that into perspective, only one new credit union was chartered in Washington state during the last 12 years. Moment of honesty - I idolize these women and get the same mushy, heartfelt pang thinking about their legacy that hits me when missing my grandma Jeanne. Grandma still volunteers in Zoar, Ohio, the historic cooperative village where I grew up. My desire to work for cooperatives likely comes from wanting to grow up to be like her.

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