Using Social Media...

OK...this past Friday, we delivered a Brown Bag Lunch Series session on social media.  HUGE audience and lots of insightful questions.  The good news is that from a session we did in May of 2009 until this session, the industry...and many of the attendees...have picked up steam on their way to integrating social media into their marketing strategies.

Thanks to Jason Kincy (Arvest Bank) for his Guest Commentary and sharing of his expertise, experience and words of wisdom...very well done!

Three key insights for ALL bankers and CU marketers:

• Find the social media that is appropriate to YOUR institution
• Use social media yourself...the best place to start is small and learn as you go
• Compliance is an evolving practice, as it applies to Social Media...document everything!

Here is a humorous reminder of the largest caveat to social media.  If you use it, be prepared for its broad access and sharing.  It will live forever in electronic media so be sure what you share it what you want to share (and have potentially millions of people read it).  Don't be scared, but be prudent!

CHEERS!

Bruce

Time to Reflect...

Greetings!

Today is Martin Luther King day and the moment cause me to stop and reflect.  One of the most stirring speeches that I have ever heard from Dr. King's speech in Washington that is commonly referred to as "O have a Dream"  Knowing how powerful that speech is in recorded versions, I can only imagine the power of hearing it live and being part of the scene that day.

However, if people had only "heard" it and not internalized the message, it would have all been simply words delivered with passion.

I a very passionate about what I do...and believe it comes out in everything that I do.  However, I want to share with you a few "dreams" that I have...some for banking and some personal:

• I have a dream that my daughter will be free of seizures
• I have a dream that my son will continue to fulfill his unending potential
• I have a dream that my family continues to be blessed
• I have a dream that my clients will continue to be successful and internalize our messages
• I have a dream that banking continues to grow in seeing the world from the customer view

These are all words right now...but the focus of my 2010.

My mantra for the year?

From Great Challenge, comes the Challenge to be Great!

I will be great this year....join me on the journey?

Cheers!

Bruce Clapp

2010....it's here! Ready to Rock??

OK....the thinking, planning, rescheduling, organizing, etc....all comes to a head today!  2010 is officially here for the business world...

Ready to rock?

We are!!!

Here's to a GREAT coming year, complete with success (both expected and the best kind...unexpected!)

Cheers!

Bruce Clapp

Thinking...

OK...I am in Minneapolis for a big meeting tomorrow and I am thinking.  Lots of times that is dangerous....give me too much time and I am thinking up new presentations, articles, projects....all really cool stuff!

So tonight I am thinking about 2010.  What will we do that leads us ahead?  What new projects will we undertake?  What exciting new clients will we have the benefit to work with?  What will we reflect back on next December that makes us smile?

The good news is that the answers to each of these are ahead of us...and we can make each of them happen and shape them as we like...with a little forethought and planning.

So that is my post tonight...spend time thinking about the possibilities and the potential and then put a plan in place to make them happen.  Think big!!

I have a favorite saying that I will share with you...."Expect the stars and accept the moon."  The morale of the saying-- think bigger and accept big.  You CAN make it happen!

Here's to charting your 2010...and having success and fun along the way!

Cheers!

Bruce