During Brent Dixon's presentation during the 1 CU Conference, he asked the audience what we thought was the most watched video of all time. I turned to Gigi sitting next to me and said, I'm not sure, Charlie bit my finger?
And, it was. I'm not sure why I guessed that. Perhaps, because it is a hilarious video that you just have to smile while watching.
Brent stressed the power of youtube and people making their own videos. Charlie bit my finger has been viewed more times than the Super Bowl, or any broadcast show in the world, network or cable.
If you have seen this before, watch it again! If you have never watched this video, you are in for a special and fun treat! And, it is under a minute long so watch it a few times!
Have a very happy and fun Friday!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
CU Chat Up-Next Top Credit Union Exec I
On this week's show, I had the opportunity to speak with 3 of the Next Top Credit Union Exec finalists, Ronaldo Hardy, Amy Grothaus, and Jodi Chambers, about the contest and their projects.
As part of the contest, each finalist is working on a project at their credit union and then provides updates on via blogs and videos. I was very impressed with all 3 of these finalists and credit union professionals can learn from what they are doing.
Ronaldo Hardy, from La Capitol FCU in Baton Rouge LA, is working on a project with a team of 5 employees to develop new products for Gen Y.
Amy Grothaus, from CommunityAmerica CU in Kansas City, MO, is creating and writing a blog targeted towards mothers called Financial MOMentum. She is also working on the launching of the Women's Association of Credit Union Leaders.
Jodi Chambers, from Assiniboine CU in Winnipeg, MB, is working on process excellence within her credit union to increase efficiencies.
Listen to this week's show to hear more about their projects and check out their blog entries and videos to learn more by clicking on their names above. Credit union professionals can learn from their journeys through their projects and original content.
Next Wednesday at 2 pm CT , the remaining 3 finalists will be on to talk about their projects.
As part of the contest, each finalist is working on a project at their credit union and then provides updates on via blogs and videos. I was very impressed with all 3 of these finalists and credit union professionals can learn from what they are doing.
Ronaldo Hardy, from La Capitol FCU in Baton Rouge LA, is working on a project with a team of 5 employees to develop new products for Gen Y.
Amy Grothaus, from CommunityAmerica CU in Kansas City, MO, is creating and writing a blog targeted towards mothers called Financial MOMentum. She is also working on the launching of the Women's Association of Credit Union Leaders.
Jodi Chambers, from Assiniboine CU in Winnipeg, MB, is working on process excellence within her credit union to increase efficiencies.
Listen to this week's show to hear more about their projects and check out their blog entries and videos to learn more by clicking on their names above. Credit union professionals can learn from their journeys through their projects and original content.
Next Wednesday at 2 pm CT , the remaining 3 finalists will be on to talk about their projects.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Summer Reading Picks
Last month, the Harvard Business Review posted Summer Reading Picks from various leaders. I thought it was a great idea and reached out to people with various roles within the credit union movement to share their summer readings recommendations. You have probably gotten through some or all of your reading picks so far this summer, so here are a few more for you to add to your list. They include a wide range of variety, from books on management to a book about zombies. You are sure to find something you will enjoy!
EJ Donaghey, CEO/President of UIECU, recommends:
Walk the Walk: The #1 Rule for Real Leaders
Walk The Walk is a good book for Executive and Managers alike because it reminds us that privilege does not come with title, harder work does. The book recounts stories of leading executives and how they succeed and fail by living by the standards they espouse and promote within their organizations. Credit union professionals will forever have the moral high ground when it comes to our business models. We are a noble industry and therefore we must be doubly noble in our execution of our duties as executives. Many of us have grown up in credit unions where “C” level positions were identified with freedom, hospitality, and privilege. “Walk The Walk” reminds us that is “not” the case when you really want to be successful and want to have a staff that believes in the credit union, its members, and their families. The book is a good reminder that many hands, make light work and that no executive ever succeeds alone and without principle
Evan Clark, CEO/President of DOCFCU, recommends:
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
The greatest management book I have ever read is “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kerns Goodwin. It’s about Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet and it shows the incredible management skills of one of the greatest Americans and perhaps one of the greatest human beings to ever walk the planet. Anyone in a management position should read this book if they haven’t already. All the Best and happy reading
Jimmy Marks, Creative Media Director from Digital Mailer, has a few recommendations:
Reset: How This Crisis Can Restore Our Values and Renew America
The book is all about the financial crisis and how the lessons learned/values EARNED in the wake of everything that happened to the markets and to finance can actually make America better. I have only just started reading it, and want to read along with some like-minded folks.
Tiny Art Director
Bill Zeman, illustrator/artist, draws pictures based on “briefs” given to him by his young daughter (I believe she’s three or four when the book starts). The “Tiny Art Director” then critiques the finished works and decides whether they’re “in line with the vision”. A great stress reliever for artists and parents alike.
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
A book about the “Zombie War” and how it changes every society on earth. Pay close attention to how money and work both take on new meanings. Very thought provoking and horrifying.
I will be posting more recommendations this week. Do you want to add yours to the list? Post them in the comments or email them to me at Carla (at) CUChatUp (dot) net. Please include the book, author and why you are recommending the book to credit union professionals.
Have you read any of the above picks? Share your thoughts about them!
EJ Donaghey, CEO/President of UIECU, recommends:
Walk the Walk: The #1 Rule for Real Leaders
Walk The Walk is a good book for Executive and Managers alike because it reminds us that privilege does not come with title, harder work does. The book recounts stories of leading executives and how they succeed and fail by living by the standards they espouse and promote within their organizations. Credit union professionals will forever have the moral high ground when it comes to our business models. We are a noble industry and therefore we must be doubly noble in our execution of our duties as executives. Many of us have grown up in credit unions where “C” level positions were identified with freedom, hospitality, and privilege. “Walk The Walk” reminds us that is “not” the case when you really want to be successful and want to have a staff that believes in the credit union, its members, and their families. The book is a good reminder that many hands, make light work and that no executive ever succeeds alone and without principle
Evan Clark, CEO/President of DOCFCU, recommends:
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
The greatest management book I have ever read is “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kerns Goodwin. It’s about Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet and it shows the incredible management skills of one of the greatest Americans and perhaps one of the greatest human beings to ever walk the planet. Anyone in a management position should read this book if they haven’t already. All the Best and happy reading
Jimmy Marks, Creative Media Director from Digital Mailer, has a few recommendations:
Reset: How This Crisis Can Restore Our Values and Renew America
The book is all about the financial crisis and how the lessons learned/values EARNED in the wake of everything that happened to the markets and to finance can actually make America better. I have only just started reading it, and want to read along with some like-minded folks.
Tiny Art Director
Bill Zeman, illustrator/artist, draws pictures based on “briefs” given to him by his young daughter (I believe she’s three or four when the book starts). The “Tiny Art Director” then critiques the finished works and decides whether they’re “in line with the vision”. A great stress reliever for artists and parents alike.
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
A book about the “Zombie War” and how it changes every society on earth. Pay close attention to how money and work both take on new meanings. Very thought provoking and horrifying.
I will be posting more recommendations this week. Do you want to add yours to the list? Post them in the comments or email them to me at Carla (at) CUChatUp (dot) net. Please include the book, author and why you are recommending the book to credit union professionals.
Have you read any of the above picks? Share your thoughts about them!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
CBS Money Watch - Spot on Credit Unions
Nice piece on credit unions. Though, interesting choice of "negative" statistic only 59% of credit unions offer an ATM card. What do you think of this spot?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Family Saves $108,000 with Help from a Credit Union
How a credit union helped one family save money!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
CU Chat Up - The 1 CU Conference Takeaways
On today's CU Chat Up, Christopher Morris and Denise Wymore were on to talk about the key takeaways from The 1 CU Conference last week in Las Vegas.
There were quite a few inspiring sessions that we discussed. So, even if you weren't there, you can be inspired!
You can listen to the show here: CU Chat Up: The 1 CU Conference Takeaways
One of the sessions discussed was Youthful Products for a Younger Membership. I had the opportunity to interview one of the speakers in Vegas, Brent Dixon. Here is the interview:
Additional write-ups on the conference can be found at the below links:
A Visit to See Haiti Credit Unions - interview with Marlene Shiels
Voices of Haiti Video - short version of video shown during the conference
CUNAVerse: Live from the 1: Youthful Products for a Youthful Membership
CUNAVerse: Live from the 1: Using the Power of Social Media to Build Your Credit Union
Denise Wymore: The Red Rubber Ball and CUNA
You Gotta Start Somewhere - CU Chat Up post about Bernard Lachance
Did you attend this global conference? What were the key takeaways that you had? Please share them in the comments.
As we mentioned on the show, this was an incredible conference. Thank you to CUNA and WOCCU for a putting on a conference with such informative and inspiring sessions.
There were quite a few inspiring sessions that we discussed. So, even if you weren't there, you can be inspired!
You can listen to the show here: CU Chat Up: The 1 CU Conference Takeaways
One of the sessions discussed was Youthful Products for a Younger Membership. I had the opportunity to interview one of the speakers in Vegas, Brent Dixon. Here is the interview:
A Visit to See Haiti Credit Unions - interview with Marlene Shiels
Voices of Haiti Video - short version of video shown during the conference
CUNAVerse: Live from the 1: Youthful Products for a Youthful Membership
CUNAVerse: Live from the 1: Using the Power of Social Media to Build Your Credit Union
Denise Wymore: The Red Rubber Ball and CUNA
You Gotta Start Somewhere - CU Chat Up post about Bernard Lachance
Did you attend this global conference? What were the key takeaways that you had? Please share them in the comments.
As we mentioned on the show, this was an incredible conference. Thank you to CUNA and WOCCU for a putting on a conference with such informative and inspiring sessions.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Credit Unions and Small Business Lending
Mike Schenk from CUNA is a guest on Fox Business Channel talking about increasing the MBL cap.
A Visit to See Credit Unions in Haiti
During The 1 CU Conference last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marlene Shiels, the CEO of Capital CU in Scotland and a WOCCU board member, about her trip to Haiti in April.
She was in Madison (where I first met her) for the WOCCU board meeting, when the volcano erupted in Iceland. All air travel into Scotland was halted which meant Marlene was stranded in Madison....but, she was given the opportunity to join a credit union delegation heading to Haiti.
Marlene talks about what she saw while in Haiti and how the credit unions are handling the dire situation.
Also, if you haven't watched the WOCCU video shown during the conference, it is well worth the time to watch. You can find it here: CU Chat Up Videos: Voices of Haiti
She was in Madison (where I first met her) for the WOCCU board meeting, when the volcano erupted in Iceland. All air travel into Scotland was halted which meant Marlene was stranded in Madison....but, she was given the opportunity to join a credit union delegation heading to Haiti.
Marlene talks about what she saw while in Haiti and how the credit unions are handling the dire situation.
Also, if you haven't watched the WOCCU video shown during the conference, it is well worth the time to watch. You can find it here: CU Chat Up Videos: Voices of Haiti
What CUs Can Learn from Tampons?? Yep...
Why Gen Y Live! A great weekly show by DeAndre Upshaw. This show was particularly interesting with Denise Wymore and the gang from the New Mexico Credit Union Association.
Talking about Kirby the Kangaroo, Coke Zero, and Tampons!!
Check it out!
The show is live every Thursday at 3 pm CT at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/deandre-says
Talking about Kirby the Kangaroo, Coke Zero, and Tampons!!
Check it out!
The show is live every Thursday at 3 pm CT at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/deandre-says
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Voices of Haiti - WOCCU
On Monday morning of The 1 CU Conference, Pete Crear, CEO/President of WOCCU, talked about the mission of WOCCU and provided an update on what the World Council is doing. As part of this presentation, a video was shown about the WOCCU program in Haiti and how the World Council has responded to the earthquake.
This video was inspiring and makes some of the problems we have at US credit unions seem so small in comparison.
Watch and share this amazing story!
For more information about WOCCU, visit their website at http://www.woccu.org and consider making a donation to help support programs such as the Haiti program.
This video was inspiring and makes some of the problems we have at US credit unions seem so small in comparison.
Watch and share this amazing story!
For more information about WOCCU, visit their website at http://www.woccu.org and consider making a donation to help support programs such as the Haiti program.
You Gotta Start Somewhere!
The 1 CU Conference has been filled with eye-opening and inspiring sessions and moments. But, there is one that sticks out in my mind above all others: Innovation on a Shoestring! Until the last minute, I wasn't sure which session I was going to attend. There were several that sounded interesting to me. In the end, I decided to go to the innovation session with Denise Gabel (who I just adore! She just makes you want to go and do stuff!) and Bernard LaChance.
This session made me cry. I'm not too embarrassed to admit it to all who read this (ok, it is embarrassing, but....). Bernard's story was so inspiring.
He told his story of how he went from renting a local theatre to perform a concert to raise money for recording a cd to being on the Oprah show and hopefully to Radio City Music Hall. He stopped people on the street and had them listen to his demo and then sold individual tickets to his show. The novelty was that he used a shirt with the theatre seat chart and a sharpie to mark off the sold seats.
Here is a video that Bernard posted on Youtube to invite Oprah to his Chicago Theatre show.
And, here is the video that made me cry. Bernard finding out whether Oprah would attend his show at the Chicago Theatre.
People are often restricted or restrict themselves from trying new things because they are afraid to fail. But, Bernard said...Who cares if you fail. Doesn't matter. If fail, click restart
I think that this is very pertinent to credit unions. Credit unions often fail to innovate because they are not willing to take the chance that their innovation will fail. But, if they don't try, they are preventing themselves from succeeding, right?
The other main takeaway was something Bernard said on the Oprah show... You gotta start somewhere. Credit unions need to find somewhere to start, even if it is little. What is it that your credit union can do that is small? What is your youtube video of a dream to be fulfilled? Or, your t-shirt to mark off small, incremental achievements? Each ticket he sold on the street for his concert was an incremental step to reaching his overall goal.
Bernard was such an inspiration to me personally and professionally. I hope to use this inspiration to continue my plans with CU Chat Up and a few other projects that I had been considering. I have to remind myself that to not try...is to fail.
This session made me cry. I'm not too embarrassed to admit it to all who read this (ok, it is embarrassing, but....). Bernard's story was so inspiring.
He told his story of how he went from renting a local theatre to perform a concert to raise money for recording a cd to being on the Oprah show and hopefully to Radio City Music Hall. He stopped people on the street and had them listen to his demo and then sold individual tickets to his show. The novelty was that he used a shirt with the theatre seat chart and a sharpie to mark off the sold seats.
Here is a video that Bernard posted on Youtube to invite Oprah to his Chicago Theatre show.
And, here is the video that made me cry. Bernard finding out whether Oprah would attend his show at the Chicago Theatre.
People are often restricted or restrict themselves from trying new things because they are afraid to fail. But, Bernard said...Who cares if you fail. Doesn't matter. If fail, click restart
I think that this is very pertinent to credit unions. Credit unions often fail to innovate because they are not willing to take the chance that their innovation will fail. But, if they don't try, they are preventing themselves from succeeding, right?
The other main takeaway was something Bernard said on the Oprah show... You gotta start somewhere. Credit unions need to find somewhere to start, even if it is little. What is it that your credit union can do that is small? What is your youtube video of a dream to be fulfilled? Or, your t-shirt to mark off small, incremental achievements? Each ticket he sold on the street for his concert was an incremental step to reaching his overall goal.
Bernard was such an inspiration to me personally and professionally. I hope to use this inspiration to continue my plans with CU Chat Up and a few other projects that I had been considering. I have to remind myself that to not try...is to fail.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday Live-Blog: The 1 CU Conference
Aren't attending The 1 Credit Union Conference? Follow along on the CU Chat Up Live-Blog!
The 1 CU Conference Begins
The 1 CU Conference began on Sunday night with the opening ceremonies and Monday was the first full day of sessions. If you haven't followed the live-blog feed, it is archived, so go look back at some of the insights given by the speakers that I attended, as well as, others at the conference.
Sunday Highlights:
The opening ceremony included the parade of flags to the stage. There were 60 different flags presented, which represent the countries of attendees.
Elvis was in the house! With...showgirls!
Monday Highlights:
Introduction of Bill Cheney as the new CEO/President of CUNA
Recognition of Dan Mica and all that he has done for Credit Unions. In addition, a $222,000 donation was made on his behalf by the largest credit unions in the US to Credit Union House. WOW!
Bill Cheney talked about advocacy issues in the United States including interchange, alternative capital and had a call for action regarding Member Business Loans. CALL YOUR SENATORS and ask them to support the Udall Amendment to raise the MBL limit. 202-224-3121.
Pete Creer, CEO/President of WOCCU, talked about the great works that WOCCU is doing around the world. Particularly touching was a video that was taken in April of the Haitian credit unions and how they are continuing to operate after the devastating earthquake.
Jim Collins, author, spoke about the commonalities of great companies. Check out the live-blog for some of the key comments.
Breakout sessions- I attended two great sessions and live-blogged the key elements.
Overall, the first day and a half has been filled with greatness!!!
Pictures and Video to follow.
Continue to follow the live-blog for up-to-date instant coverage!
Bill Cheney talked about advocacy issues in the United States including interchange, alternative capital and had a call for action regarding Member Business Loans. CALL YOUR SENATORS and ask them to support the Udall Amendment to raise the MBL limit. 202-224-3121.
Pete Creer, CEO/President of WOCCU, talked about the great works that WOCCU is doing around the world. Particularly touching was a video that was taken in April of the Haitian credit unions and how they are continuing to operate after the devastating earthquake.
Jim Collins, author, spoke about the commonalities of great companies. Check out the live-blog for some of the key comments.
Breakout sessions- I attended two great sessions and live-blogged the key elements.
Overall, the first day and a half has been filled with greatness!!!
Pictures and Video to follow.
Continue to follow the live-blog for up-to-date instant coverage!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
CU Chat Up Live- Blog: The 1 Credit Union Conference
Aren't attending The 1 Credit Union Conference? Follow along on the CU Chat Up Live-Blog!
The conference begins with the opening ceremony on Sunday night!
The conference begins with the opening ceremony on Sunday night!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
CU Chat Up - Chatting It Up: Hot Topics
On today’s CU Chat Up, Jimmy Marks, Rob Rutkowski and Matt Davis were on the show to talk about hot topics from the previous week. Topics included: the closing of Wesabe, Mint.com becoming a bank, Matt Davis’s blog post about “Getting Rid of Deposit Insurance”, the new Opt-in world we live in, and Side Business Lending. It was a fun-filled show.
Here is the direct link to the archived show: CU Chat Up – Hot Topics or go to the show page via the Radio tab above.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Happy Independence Day!
Last year, I wasn't able to go see fireworks and a friend sent this to me. And, I loved it!
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Friday Fun Video: A Ballet Dancer...Dancing...Hip Hop...Really?
Last fall, a friend of mine recommended that I give the tv show, So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), a look. I don't really watch reality television, but I do watch a few contest shows. So, I gave the show a try and I really loved it. This is a show that is filled with talented dancers, who perform each week in a different genre, most often a genre outside which they are trained.
On this season, there is a dancer, Alex Wong, who gave up a position as a principal soloist at the Miami City Ballet to compete this season.
This week, he was selected to perform a hip hop routine. Yep, a ballet dancer dancing a hip hop routine. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
But.....
Sometimes...just sometimes...it takes doing something completely different to find out you are amazing at it.
Need motivation to step outside...your box...your comfort zone...or any of the many cliches...
Watch this performance! And, watch it again! The second half of the dance makes me want to get up and try dancing Hip Hop...ME! If you seen me try to dance, well...I'm sorry. But, maybe I will!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Validation
This video was recommended by Sonya Mills in the comments of the video post: Affirmation. I was going to use it as this week's Friday Fun Video, but decided against that. While this is an entertaining video, which won many film festival awards and doesn't have anything to do with credit unions or business, I felt that there are important lessons in this short film.
I believe there is value in showing this video to some or all of your employees.
Though, I will warn you that the video is long at just over 16 minutes. And, after a few minutes, I thought about stopping it, but I'm very glad that I stuck it out through the slow start.
I considered writing about the lessons I saw in the film for different positions within a credit union, but decided to let the film speak for itself. Please share your thoughts in the comments and we can all chat about it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)