Love My Credit Union...Blues Style!

Today's video is all about credit unions and the blues...the musical blues!


I immediately loved this song and the video. It is an entry into The Great Credit Union Contest being run by CULookup.com sponsored by NAFCU. 


Take a listen...bet you smile! I love hearing credit union members expressing how much they love their credit union...and here...it is particularly special...singing the blues!

Your Credit Union is Everywhere

"Your Credit Union is Everywhere" is a video I found while searching around youtube. It appears to be for Service 1 Federal Credit Union, but is titled as a contest entry. I wasn't able to find a contest though.


Regardless, I thought this was a well-executed video that shows that credit unions can be convenient. Convenience, unfortunately, seems to be the major area that credit unions have difficulty "competing" with the big banks. And, this is mostly a perception issue rather than a reality with many credit unions participating in surcharge free ATM networks, and even shared branching.


I know in the Chicago area, credit unions that participate in the CO-OP and Allpoint networks offer more ATMs nationwide than the big banks here.


Until the end, I thought maybe it was a national or state branding initiative!


"Your Credit Union is Everywhere"





Update: Rachel King commented on this post and also sent me a tweet about this contest. The contest was sponsored by CU*Answers and the winner was announced last week at their Annual Leadership event. The contest was for the script of a video and CU*Answers then paid for the production of the video by Fulvew. Member credit unions of CU*Answers can pay to have the video customized for their credit union.

Help a Credit Union Innovator Get Her Own TV Show!!!

I had the privilege of meeting Denise Gabel during my second year of CUNA Management School when she led a session on Strategic Management and broadened my understanding of different methods of strategic planning. She opened my eyes to some of the possibilities beyond what my credit union was already doing. She was full of energy which was absolutely contagious and I couldn't wait to get back to my credit union and apply these methods for my Five Year Strategic Plan project.


Denise has entered the Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star contest. She has submitted a video for her show that focuses on helping small businesses find what makes them different.


Denise would be an amazing television host and could make a difference for the businesses that her show would help!

Unfortunately, I can't embed the video in this post, but please follow this link, watch Denise's show proposal, and VOTE for HER! I cannot endorse her enough!


And...you can vote multiple times. Take 5 minutes each day and see how many times you can vote for her! 



Denise's Audition: Small Business Innovation


Thank you for supporting Denise and her quest to be the Next TV Star!


(originally posted on 6/24 on the video page, reposted on blog for further exposure for Denise!)

Friday Fun Video - Joy! Patriotism! Unity!

Originally, I had a different video post for today. I spent probably an hour or so looking for a video of the United States vs. Algeria win that showed the amazing goal by Landon Donovan. And, another showing John Isner winning his epic match on the same day. I thought what better for a Friday then showing two amazing sports moments that happened this week.

But, then Jason Lindstrom tweeted this amazing video to me, that I just have to share with you.  This video has inspired this post.

This was an odd, but extremely exciting week in sports. The US gets the winning goal taken away from them on a mystery call in the second game of the World Cup. Then, in the third game the go ahead goal was called offsides...when it wasn't. But, in extra time, in the 91st minute of the  game, a missed shot...bounces off the goalie...and Landon Donovan is there following through on the play and nails the ball in the goal. USA wins!!! AND...moves on to the knock out round. From out of the tournament to leading their group within seconds. Just amazing. 

I have been a soccer fan since I was a child. I played and my family had season tickets to the Chicago Sting. And, every four years, I get excited for the Men's World Cup. I actually watched the last World Cup Final from the Buffalo Wild Wings in Madison, Wisconsin just before I started CUNA Management School.  And, will be watching this year's final from Las Vegas before The 1 Conference begins.

This World Cup seems a little different to me though. I'm not sure if it is because there are more people in the US interested in soccer, or if it is that through social media, I am able to connect with those that do. But, it has been an amazing ride through the first three matches.  And, this makes me so happy. I know...it is just a sport, but in a way this World Cup has meant so much more to me.  Why?

In 2004, I was in the Czech Republic during the EuroCup. This is like the World Cup, but only includes European nations. And, to see the National Pride and support for their team was impressive. Our group went to a bar to watch one of the games and I never thought I would see that kind of passion and patriotism for soccer here in the United States.

I was wrong and this video proves it. I am not too proud to say that I teared up...cried...while watching this video.  It was a moment of pure joy and unity, which unfortunately comes around to infrequently.

Enjoy!

Help a Credit Union Innovator Get Her Own TV Show!!

I had the privilege of meeting Denise Gabel during my second year of CUNA Management School when she led a session on Strategic Management and broadened my understanding of different methods of strategic planning. She opened my eyes to some of the possibilities beyond what my credit union was already doing. She was full of energy which was absolutely contagious and I couldn't wait to get back to my credit union and apply these methods for my Five Year Strategic Plan project.


Denise has entered the Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star contest. She has submitted a video for her show that focuses on helping small businesses find what makes them different.


Denise would be an amazing television host and could make a difference for the businesses that her show would help!

Unfortunately, I can't embed the video in this post, but please follow this link, watch Denise's show proposal, and VOTE for HER! I cannot endorse her enough!


And...you can vote multiple times. Take 5 minutes each day and see how many times you can vote for her! 



Denise's Audition: Small Business Innovation


Thank you for supporting Denise and her quest to be the Next TV Star!

CU Chat Up - Match Savings

On today's show, I had the privilege of speaking with Jenny Bernhardt from the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) about their Match Savings program. Unlike many microfinance programs that focus on microlending, this program focuses on developing savings habits to help with housing, education and microbusinesses.

To learn more about the Match Savings program, please listen to today's show (30 min) at: CU Chat Up - Match Savings.

For more information, here are the resources mentioned on the show:

• MatchSavings.org
• Match Savings on Facebook
• Match Savings on Twitter
• Match Savings on YouTube

This is a great program supporting savings habits, while helping those in remote areas of Mexico with housing, education and small businesses. It would be great to see credit unions promoting this program with their employees and members. All it takes is spreading the word. Retweet Match Savings on twitter, post one of the stories on your facebook page, or include a story in your traditional newsletter or website.

Or, if you want to step it up a bit, hold a jeans day or another fundraiser at your credit union!

The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us

When I first saw this video over a month ago, I was in absolute awe of it. The message is eye-opening and the graphic presentation is just amazingly well done. This video is one that everyone should watch and then consider the implications for their business. In particular, I find it relevant to credit unions.


Sales culture. Incentives. Growth. Buzz words in credit unions. And, so many of the conversations around implementing sales cultures involve coming up with and implementing monetary incentive programs. But, does the money really motivate? Or, are credit unions just giving unnecessary money away?


It is just over 10 minutes, but it is worth the time!




Now that you have watched the video...what do you think? Change your thinking on incentives? Or, perhaps lead you to enhance your program to include more non-monetary motivators?

Big Bank is.....

Every day it seems like a new credit union campaign is launched that targets banks as big, bad, evil institutions and credit unions as the happy, good, sunny place for financial services. Some are well-done, while others not so much.


Here is an example that I think works from Gesa Credit Union. Their series of commercials portray banks in a negative way, while being fun and witty. 


They also created a microsite for this campaign: http://www.switchtogesa.com with the theme "Ditch and Switch to Gesa". The bottom section: the Switch Empowerment Center is definitely worth a look.


What do you think? Like? Share your favorite in the comments!

Friday Fun Video- Affirmation!

I first saw this video about a month ago. I cannot help but smile every time I watch this. Have you had a rough week at work? Or, ready for the weekend. Watch this short video and I hope it will make you smile too.


This may be one of those videos that should be favorited and any time feeling a little blue or frustrated or just need some motivation- take the minute to watch!




Did you smile, too?

National Crisis - Paper Cuts

This has to be one of my favorite credit union videos I have watched so far. It gets its point across in a very funny way...you just cannot not laugh. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


National Crisis - Paper Cuts from NRLFCU

Innovation FCU Doing Flash Mobs!

These videos are just fun to watch! Innovation FCU did an amazing Christmas video this past December and has taken their dancing skills on the road. They came up with a flash mob style dance and first performed at the grand opening of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and then at a community event, Friday Fest.  I especially loved how they publicized the credit union during the event.


I wonder if the job application at Innovations FCU includes a question on dance skills!


And, the CEO/President David Southall even performs by opening the flash mob!

For about how how the flash mob idea came about, check out this CU Times piece.


Northwest Florida Beaches Int'l Airport 


Friday Fest


I'm looking forward to seeing where the Innovations FCU flash mob shows up next!

Own Your Money. Join a Credit Union.

The Michigan Credit Union League launched a state-wide advertising campaign to spread the awareness of credit unions last week. It includes the tagline: "Own Your Money. Join a Credit Union". When compared to similar campaigns that are out there, I find these ads very compelling and believe they will help consumers clearly understand the credit union difference.  Take a minute and watch them! 


Invest in America


Own Your Money


Thoughts on this campaign?

CU Chat Up is Growing!!!

CU Chat Up is growing! Hopefully, you have tuned in to a radio show or two, perhaps all 27 of them and taken a look at the various blog posts. Over the next few weeks, you will see some changes to the CU Chat Up blog, including some design changes and new features and pages.


First up, if you are reading this on the website, you will notice that the design changes have started. Also, you may notice the first new feature...Videos! A new video will be posted each day that I think will be interesting to credit union professionals. They may be from specific credit unions, business partners, specifically about credit unions or perhaps not. And, I'm sure there will be some posted that are...well...just funny!


If you have set up a RSS feed, are following, or getting an email of the blog posts and want to get the Video posts as well, you will need to sign up for those updates separately on the Video page. The video posts will be on a separate feed.


Coming soon! There will be a page about what is going on at credit unions! Please send in updates about what your credit union is doing for its members, employees or even what your employees are doing. Spread the word about all things about your credit union. Please e-mail press releases or updates, including pictures to Press [at] cuchatup [dot] net.


Additional features will be coming as well.


Next post will be a continuation of the Social Media series focusing on doing PR in a social media world.

New Section: Videos

Creating videos has become so easy for people to do and that has led to some amazing stuff out there....and some not so amazing stuff. It can take time to filter out the good from the not so good. In order to help save you time, a new video will be posted almost every day that either directly relates to credit unions or something that I found particularly interesting. 

There is a separate subscription feed for the videos from the blog feed. So, if you are interested in the daily videos, please follow or subscribe to the separate feed.

To start off this section, I thought I would post an oldie but goody! Larissa from Young and Free Alberta's The Difference Between Credit Unions and Banks. If you haven't seen this, you are in for a treat! If you have, what a better time than now to watch it again!

I believe this was the first viral credit union video ever and until recently was the most viewed credit union video with almost 100,000 views! 


I hope you will enjoy this new feature at CU Chat Up. If you have any suggestions for videos, please send them to me at Carla (at) cuchatup (dot) net.

My Day Hiking the Hill - Braden Young

Today's guest post is written by Braden Young, Marketing Coordinator for Bucks First FCU. He had the privilege of going to Washington, D.C this week to fight against the Durbin Interchange Amendment and wrote about his experience. He also called in to the CU Chat Up radio show this week live from his visit.

We had a meeting within our Credit Union about the dangers of this Interchange Reform Amendment going through and the impact it would have on everyone. So i decided last minute that I wanted to "Hike the Hill" to help stop this amendment, and I wanted to go not just for credit unions but for our members. I am not one to carry cash so my debit card is my life, and possibly having to pay a fee for that card or go to a big bank was not something I would want to do!

About 30 of us from different Philadelphia Credit Unions boarded a bus to stand up against this amendment. The feeling going down was an exciting one, a few of us felt like we were going to have great in depth meetings with some big local politicians, but it didn't take long for us to realize that this was not going to be an easy day.

Our first stop was at Representative Chaka Fattah's office. As all of us stood outside of his door, one of his young gatekeepers started giving us the run around how there is no room inside, even though someone had already confirmed there was a space for us. Then wouldn't you know it, the representative was too busy to meet with us, even though we had an appointment set. So we had to just stand in the hallway and talk to his assistant!

As our meeting ended with a kid that looked like he just got out of college, we were standing around trying to establish where to go next. Out of nowhere, i see a random door open and see the congressman trying to sneak behind us, his first mistake was looking back at our crowd.

I yelled over to one of the Credit Union CEO's in our group that he was trying to escape us! Bruce Foulke the CEO of American Heritage FCU was like our fearless leader, he did not hesitate yelling out his name and jogging after him in the halls of Capital Hill. We all stayed behind as to not spook the congressman so he didn't keep speed walking away from us.

Now this moment set the tone for the day, we just couldn't get past those gatekeepers. Since that was happening we decided to just start dropping by unexpectedly to some of the key players. So, we decided to take the 20 minute walk over to Senator Casey's office.

Yet another kid sitting at the front desk looking quite scared of our mob, started stumbling and asked for a business card. He walks out into the hallway and goes into another door, comes right back out and states that the senator is not available. We didn't even get one of his young minions to pretend to care why we showed up! We later found out why he didn't want to see us, Senator Casey was about to publicly announced he was for the interchange amendment, so he must have known we would have brought out the pitchforks if he told us to our faces.

So after running around the different offices around Capital Hill, we were going to meet other Pennsylvania Credit Unions at a local legion hall. It was like our resistance headquarters. Throughout the day different representatives would be coming to us to discuss why we are against this amendment.

To sum up the experience with the 3 representatives we met, it seems like this is not going to be an easy fight. The people that support this amendment are putting a spin on the facts. They are telling representatives that if they do not support this amendment then they do not support small business! And with an election coming up I am sure just hearing that made them squirm.

One of the young aides told us their office is getting 500-1000 emails and faxes a day from different credit unions and their members. So we are making an impact on them. He also suggested that Credit Unions send over their financial analysis of what the impact will be if this amendment passes. So I encourage every Credit Union to send those reports to their local representatives, to get their attention!

I am only 28 and have "Hiked the Hill" twice in 5 months and they have both had a very powerful impact on me. I have met some great people that share a common bond over helping credit unions grow. So if you ever get the opportunity to go on Capital Hill and fight for Credit Unions i strongly suggest you go, it will be an experience you won't forget!

And now for a quick plug for myself. CUES is running a contest called the Next Top Credit Union Exec. I would like for you to take some time to check out my video and all the other entrants and vote for who you think should win in each region. I have entered a video for the Northeast Region and this will be a great opportunity for whoever wins.

VOTE!

Please also check out Matt Vance in the West and Kelsey Balcaitis in the Southwest, they are my running mates in this campaign to win!

CU Chat Up - Fighting Interchange Amendment

Today, thousands of credit union advocates went to Capitol Hill in opposition to the Durbin Interchange Amendment. Just because you couldn't go to Washington, doesn't mean you can't advocate against the amendment. On today's CU Chat Up, Paul Stull from Arizona State Credit Union, and Eric Acree from Vantage Credit Union discussed how credit unions can support the efforts to get this amendment taken out of the Financial Reform Bill currently in conference. In addition, Braden Young from Bucks First FCU called in from Washington.

Is your credit union participating? Please share your efforts in the comments! Are you not participating? Listen to the show for suggestions on how you can start. Also, I am listing a few great resources to use.


CU Chat Up: Fighting Interchange Amendment Radio Show 


CUNA information page: Lots of articles and resources to use for your employees and members


Mercator Advisory Group- Durbin Amendment: Impact Analysis


Russell Simmons- Letter to Dick Durbin from the Huffington Post


Vantage Credit Union- Why Should You Care About the Durbin Amendment?


UWCU- Added Amendment to Financial Reform Bill Protects Merchants, not Consumers


Diamond Credit Union- CEO Video to Members


And, here are a few videos you could use to promote the issue to your members, legislators, and others in the community!


The Disclosures





CU*SWAG



CUAdvocate


This week's radio show can be listened to in the player on the right or at: CU Chat Up - Fighting Interchange Amendment (can be downloaded as a .mp3 also).


Please include any additional websites that people should review in the comments!

Social Media Tools - Part III - Using foursquare

The next tool that credit unions should consider using is foursquare. This is a location-based game in which people "check in" when they visit different locations. You play the game against your friends and others within the community. So, you probably wonder...how does this possibly relate to credit unions?!?!


In some ways, foursquare is more than just a game. Like Yelp, people can leave comments about the places that they visit called "tips". Also, the players can become "mayor" of a location if they visit the location the most. And, that's not all, there are other "badges" can be earned for your activities, such as 5 check-ins in one day, checking in to 5 different Starbucks, and much more. Here is the foursquare help page. It has the basic information about how foursquare works. 


So, you are probably still wondering...how does this possibly relate to credit union?!?!


Foursquare is another free, online, community driven product that your credit union can use to spread the word about your credit union. Like Yelp, it is not something that will require much employee time or credit union resources. You can also claim your credit union on foursquare to update the listing, offer promotions, and get statistics about check-ins and comments. Here is the foursquare business information page.


On this week's CU Chat Up show, Trey Reeme was on to talk about how TDECU in Texas used foursquare to promote the grand opening of a new branch.  You can listen to the show here: CU Chat Up - Using foursquare at Credit Unions.


How can you use foursquare? 


Perhaps, have a prize or an award for mayors of your credit union branches. 


Or, what if you have a scavenger hunt with other local businesses and offer a prize for people that check in at all the businesses? This will introduce your credit union to new community members that use the other partner businesses.


Create check ins for your ATMs. When people sign in to foursquare, they will see all the local businesses in their vicinity. This will make them aware that there is an ATM or credit union very close.


There are so many different possibilities for how to use foursquare to promote your credit union, but if nothing else---make sure your credit union location SHOWS UP on foursquare and claim it.


Click HERE to search for credit union (make sure the town is showing up correctly, if not, update the town and state and search again). If your credit union shows up, click on it. And, there is an option to click if you are the manager of the business. This will give you the directions to claim the location and how to start a promotion if you want. 


If you have other suggestions for how to use foursquare, please post them in the comments. 


But, remember, you don't need to do a foursquare promotion to use foursquare. Like Yelp, sometimes all you should do is make sure you are listed AND track what people are saying about you on the tips.