The Myth of the Deaf Banker
Posted on 08. Mar, 2010 by Adam Weight in Business & Economy, Family Finances, Loans & Credit, Ways to Save
Perhaps it’s a product of the tremendous amount of noise and chaos in the market today. Perhaps it’s because of the “stuffy” and “fat” stereotype assigned to bankers and bank executives. But I think it’s most likely attributable to the current economic turbulence and the sickening reports of bailouts and bonus pay for the “Big City Bankers” and the giant Wall Street firms. Whatever the cause, I’m here to tell you that not all bankers are deaf.
There’s a lot of discussion about change in the banking industry right now. Business plans have been turned on their ears. Once solid and seemingly safe ways to make loans are now being questioned. It’s getting more difficult for financial institutions to provide distinguishing products and services. It’s even getting hard to tell what a bank is or is not anymore.
What an incredible opportunity this presents for all of us! This shifting is creating an environment where it has never been a better time for consumers to make their voices heard, and for bankers (at least the smart and successful ones) to be taking the time to seriously consider every customer comment, complaint, note of praise, or suggestion.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret…this is not a totally new concept to community-based financial institutions. I’m not talking about the big guys claiming to be community banks, I’m talking about the true community-centered banks that take the time to look a customer in the eye, who may have had to eat some crow now and then, and who have tried to adjust to their customers’ needs and wants in order to stay alive in a highly-regulated and viciously-competitive marketplace. For these smaller institutions, listening and adapting to your needs is something they try very hard to do.
Now, in the interest of full disclosure, not every small bank or credit union fits this description, but generally they try. They at least try harder and are more capable of faster change than the giant institutions that care more about making money off of your money than they do about earning your trust, providing you honest services at a reasonable rate, and investing in your future as a partner–whether you have $5 or $5,000,000.
So here’s a chance for you to make your voice heard. Whether you’re a customer of Western Community Bank or not, comment on this post. If you’re reading this on our blog, comment below. If you’re an email subscriber, visit http://smartbankingtips.com/ and leave us your thoughts. Help us transform banking to be better for you. Help us strengthen our communities. Help us better understand your needs so we can better serve you.
Our ears are open. We’re a little nervous. But we want to hear from you. The platform is now yours…
5 Responses to “The Myth of the Deaf Banker”
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Jack Hadley
09. Mar, 2010
In my mind, too many financial organizations believe that they can reap the rewards of being a sincere, trusted, social, honest community bank WITHOUT ACTUALLY BEING a sincere, trusted, social, honest community bank. They must think they can simply “buy” this status through large advertising spends. Not so. You can’t fool people anymore. People are savvy, well informed, connected, and skeptical.
Banks must ask themselves the question, “Do we LIVE social?” Living social doesn’t mean approving an ad campaign that simply claims you do.
It’s refreshing to discover Western Community Bank’s outside-the-box thinking. It comes from unusual and unexpected vision. It comes from the heart. And in an industry crammed full of insincerity, noise and clutter, it’s the little difference that actually makes a difference. Thanks for being a listening bank—my listening bank. Keep it up.
Jared Barrera
15. Mar, 2010
Probably the biggest thing that I enjoy with Western Community Bank is the small “Home Town” feeling associated with both the customers and the employees. It’s like Cheers in the sense that “Everyone knows your name and their always glad you came.” Knowing what I know about banking, every bank for the most part provides the same products but not every bank delivers that personal touch people enjoy from relationship banking. That’s been my experience with Western Community Bank. Thanks for the posting Adam.
JaNae Munden
16. Mar, 2010
Western Community Bank is more than a large building with a name painted on the door. It is a place where people feel welcome, and can have their banking needs met. Inside the doors are people who are friendly and willing to help meet your financial needs. And, believe it or not, it is a place where you can still talk to a real person on the phone and not just an automated machine!
Kevin Staley
16. Mar, 2010
Coming from a small town, I remember the bank that my family did business with all through growing up. In a town of only a couple of thousand people, everybody knew everybody. When you walked into a bank, it wasn’t looked upon as called “customer service” when customer and employees exchanged hello’s. It was a genuine, friendly interaction where conversation felt like one another knew each other on a personal level. That is exactly what Western Community Bank brings to the people that are associated with it. In a society in which banking is a commodity, and the line of distinction is thin between financial institutions, its great to see a bank that is concerned with its customer and bringing that “hometown feel” when you walk in the door.
Adam Weight
22. Mar, 2010
Great comments. Thanks for the positive feedback. Is there a service or product not currently available that you would like to see us offer or do you have any suggestions for a way to improve an existing offering?