Resolve to Work Smarter

As we approach the end of the year, a reflective tone on our past performance often resonates. We often compare our actual performance to the goals we had set out for ourselves to see how we measured up.

Reflecting on the past year’s performance of what we did well and what we could have done better leads us to the question, “how can we do it better in 2011?“ Lessons learned from 2010 can guide us in the right direction for working smarter in 2011. Working smarter is very relevant as we remain in an era of increasing responsibilities and minimal budgets.

Explore these ideas to discover ways you can work smarter in 2011…

• Acquire the market and industry intelligence in order to become a “smarter” when targeting prospective customers
• How can you package products or provide relationship benefits to better engage current and new customers in a broader relationship
• Review internal customer data in order to expand balances and services per household through better targeting and more innovative profiling
• Review operational communication messaging in order to maximize retention or expand relationships
• Ensure your products and customer service are better than the competition

Looking over 2010 with a critical eye is important to discover ways that you can continually grow and improve your marketing. Using this information to work smarter will help us to deliver the results we all need to keep growing and reaching our goals.

Resolve to work smarter this year!

Jamie

"5 Ways to Stick to Your Goals"

I hate being cliche. Please don't lose respect for me ... I really didn't want to blog about New Year's resolutions - but here goes ...

I'm sitting here staring at my 2010 Runner's World Calendar and saw a "5 Ways to Stick to Your Goals" call out. I thought it was appropriate for banking.

1. Be Specific

Runner's World says that "run faster" or "lose weight" is too vague. So is "increase loans" or "grow market share." Set measurable targets like "increase loans by 10%" or "reduce attrition by 3%."

2. ... But Realistic

Overzealous goals can bite you in the ... well, the results could be bad. And "sandbagging" goals won't add value to your efforts. Consider past performance, market conditions and your overall institutional business needs.

3. Give Yourself a Deadline

If you're running you can select a few races throughout the year. For business, don't wait until December 31 to claim the thrill of victory or agony of defeat. Set monthly, quarterly - or at least 6 month goals. This will keep you motivated and allow you to change tactics, if necessary, to be successful.

4. Keep Track

Runners use training logs - we have super-fun reports! With or without an MCIF, you can track your progress on a regular basis. If the Marketing Department is going to be seen as a profit-generator, then "ROI" are your favorite 3 letters for 2010.

5. Make it Public

If you tell your peeps that you're going to complete your first marathon this year, you might think twice before sleeping in and skipping a run. If you share your goals with senior management and the Board, you'll spend less time on Facebook and more time reading these wonderful Marketing Blogs for ideas on how to grow your business. Better yet, you'll call MarketMatch (866-501-2233) to help you achieve the goals you promised!!!!! (Cheap plug - sorry)

Have a wonderful 2010.

Take care,

Eric