Different writers have uniquely personal ways to get their words out of their craniums and into a communications channel where they can share what they authored. I am no different; however, I do use a method that seems antiquated in today’s digital world. I like to think of my method of writing as retro, which is seemingly cool these days—I actually transcribe my thoughts onto a data pad using only my tentacles and a writing device. Someone once told me this method is called “longhand” on Earth; in my case, it’s in “long-tentacle.”
I also find it critical to write in the right surroundings—someplace quiet and free of interruptions. My tranquility pod in my spaceship is perfect for composing my blog posts for you. Comfortable platform on which to rest, natural light from your solar system’s sun and the soothing automated background sounds of nipatoes and teraharps, native to my planet, Amicitia. There’s also a direct line of sight to my neighbor’s terrain where there are feeding apparatuses for Earth birds. Somehow, he attracts hundreds of these birds of all shapes, sizes and colors—more than I’ve ever witnessed at any similar feeding stations.
In my continued quest to learn more about Earth and its people, I slid and shimmied my way over there when I saw him restocking the feeder. I asked how he attracts so many birds of various species on a regular basis? With a single word, he replied, “Variety.” I naturally asked, “Variety of what?” As his answer started streaming out of his intake orifice (that’s “mouth” to you Earthlings), I quickly realized he was more than a casual or novice bird man—he was a borderline ornithologist. So, in traditional Mort the Mortgage Mentor fashion, I immediately constructed corollaries between his bird feeding process and the credit union mortgage industry.
First, he has a good variety of food available to the birds. He showed me his custom mixture and I saw at least eight different types of seed, bits of fruits and nuts, food pellets, cracked and whole corn, and dried bugs and worms. (Okay, I can sense your disgust from where I’m situated, but bugs and worms are very nutritious—don’t knock them until you try them.) And then he pulled out some blocks of… well… I’m really not sure what these block or cakes, as he called them, consisted of, but apparently many species of birds prefer these. All in all, it was a literal smorgasbord of bird goodies with something for each and every one of them.
In credit union mortgage lending, it’s wise to have a solid variety of products and services available to your members. Loan products is one example—particularly in today’s competitive real estate market, you need different products, both conventional and government, to help more members with homeownership. Another example is servicing and providing excellent member service for the life of the loan.
The next thing my neighbor pointed out was the variety of actual feeding devices he used, which totaled six if you count the ground where he scattered some special food. What this indicated to me was that there needs to be various options or outlets for credit union members to learn about and apply for mortgage loans. Some members may prefer a digital portal, and those same members my be split between PC access and using an app or mobile device. Some may want to print out a paper application to complete by hand. And yet others may prefer face-to-face meetings with the credit union mortgage team or, at the very least, telephone and/or video communications. Other members like a combination of applying online with ongoing access to all the helpful humans involved in the process.
I was thinking, “Wow, this variety approach is built to succeed.” Then I was hit with a “but wait—there’s more!” My bird man neighbor went on to explain that all the components of his feeding process change in response to the seasons of the year. He explained migration patterns, cold and warm weather birds, the influx of aquatic birds, and on and on and on! To me, that’s like a galactic sized neon sign flashing SPRING BUYING SEASON! I’ve mentioned a marketing calendar in the past, and just like the weather patterns of the birds, the peaks and valleys of member mortgages change over the course of the year. As credit union mortgage lenders, we need to follow industry patterns and occurrences to assist the right member at the right time with the right mortgage product.
So, I wondered, what happens when my neighbor goes on vacation and the food supply runs dry? He said that it’s not an issue as long as you consistently feed the birds the rest of the time. They are very forgiving, he said, and very loyal; however, he did say that if this absence of food continued too long, the birds would naturally find another feeder with another neighbor.
Credit union members are the most loyal group of advocates I’ve every witnessed across the galaxy. They know you’re there for them, striving to constantly assist them with homeownership by all available means. But, just like hungry birds, if you don’t offer variety and consistency, they have no choice but to seek a mortgage from another provider.
Don’t give your birds any reason to flock to another feeder. Do you offer a solid variety of products and services? How about various means of member communications? Are you prepared for seasonal influxes? Share with us how you’re keeping your birds in the yard. If you’re experiencing member migration, I recommend you contact the bird experts at myCUmortgage and start attracting them back to your credit union.
For me right now, no more bird watching—it’s time to get back to writing. After this experience, however, I do have a piece of advice for my fellow authors—don’t get too nostalgic and use a bird’s quill and ink to do your writing. Doing so may attract some genuinely angry birds. Nevermore!