Community banks and credit unions: STOP following the lead of big banks

Community banks and credit unions: STOP following the lead of big banks

They’re NOT your friends and you won’t win any more by trying to be like them No one ever wins based on their capacity for imitation. Big Banks Big banks face enormous fixed costs for human resources, product development, capital systems and equipment, marketing and...
Bartender as Rain-Maker: How having a great bartender can boost restaurant profits and keep customers happy

Bartender as Rain-Maker: How having a great bartender can boost restaurant profits and keep customers happy

Restaurants and bars all over the country just closed out what was likely a profitable Cinco de Mayo weekend of serving margaritas, Corona and other colorful cocktails to revelers who may not have any cultural connection to the holiday, but who just enjoyed the good...
Community Banks Can Gain Advantage over the “Bigs” with Branch-Area Marketing

Community Banks Can Gain Advantage over the “Bigs” with Branch-Area Marketing

One minute we’re hearing that the “branch of the future” is actually not a branch, but something virtual. The next we’re hearing that banks are increasing branch presence, as reported in The Financial Brand. Which is the best route? Naturally, it depends on the size...
Competing . . . to do good: Competition is essential even if the cause is charitable and well-intended

Competing . . . to do good: Competition is essential even if the cause is charitable and well-intended

More than any other time of year, the Holiday Season encourages more charitable giving –whether serving food at homeless shelters, donating toys to needy children, attending seasonal arts events, or making cash donations directly to organizations that do good in our...