While my time here on planet Earth continues to expand along with my knowledge of your languages, customs and ways of living, not a day goes by that I don’t learn something new. Oftentimes, it comes in the form of “learning something the hard way,” as you say. Why just the other day, I discovered that it is necessary to allow a freshly baked pizza some time to cool off before enjoying its cheesy goodness. I’m guessing all of you have hastened that first bite of your pizza pie, so I don’t need to describe the scalding results. If only I had listened to Prymatt Conehead when she warned Beldar not to, “…sear the top of your neck hole with the molten lactate extract of hoofed mammals.”
Apart from my dietary adventures and mishaps, I continue to learn about more substantial things as well. For instance, there is “culture.” I’ve read about and observed different cultures from around the planet and studied their unique attributes. I’ve also been fortunate to be immersed in a culture within a culture – the credit union culture. I’ve elaborated on this special way of doing business many times, emphasizing that it’s all about people helping people … and so much more.
Generally, when we talk about the credit union way of doing business and people helping people, we are of course referring to our members. For the purpose of this discussion, it means striving to help more of those members with homeownership; however, as I’ve discovered during my time at myCUmortgage, members are just one segment of the “people helping people” equation.
Coworkers and Colleagues: No phrase rings truer for the credit union mortgage lending industry than, “We’re all in this together.” To successfully embrace the credit union way and help members with homeownership, we need to work as a team within our credit unions. No more silos because in some way, we are all touching each members’ loan and are part of their mortgage journey. To make it a wonderful and unforgettable journey, we need to do our parts, assist colleagues with their parts when needed and willingly step outside your silo and wear different hats, all for the greater good that is homeownership.
Nonmembers: We talk a lot about our credit union members, but demonstrating, living and educating nonmembers on the credit union way of doing business is paramount to growing your home loan business and getting more NEW members into homes. We know we are different (and in my humble opinion, better) than the large financial institutions and online lenders – we need to show these nonmembers this by going out and getting in front of them. Whether it’s traditional advertising or guerilla marketing, show them your passion for assisting them in realizing their dreams of homeownership. And always remember that it’s not just about your loan products and rates – for the most part, those are commodities. It’s more about the intangibles and the people that make the homeownership dream a reality.
Realtors and Mortgage Services Partners: The unique credit union culture is well recognized by most mortgage service providers, so much so that many of them have dedicated teams focused solely on their credit union business partners. Take full advantage of their expertise and in-depth insights into their distinct industries. Just as important, develop and foster partnerships with local Realtors. Doing so will help them understand and become ingrained in the credit union culture – they will recognize your passion and commitment to getting your members (their clients) into homes. In turn, chances are their realization will lead to even more of their clients becoming your members!
CUSO Partners: I learned on Day One with myCUmortgage that our CUSO (Credit Union Service Organization) is unique because of our people… our EXPERTS, as we’ve become known. We were born from a credit union and owned by a credit union. The credit union way IS our culture, only ours dials up to 11 (please excuse the Spinal Tap reference). Every day, I hear stories of experts going above and beyond for fellow experts, partner credit unions, members and vendor partners alike. That culture is contagious – make sure to embrace it when it comes your way.
As you strive to help more members with homeownership, avoid learning things the “hard way.” Embrace the credit union culture and expand upon it. How is your credit union doing that today? What opportunities do you see to grow and celebrate your culture in the future? And how does all that help you with your goal of getting more members into homes? Please share your stories – we are ONE credit union family and need to build on each other’s successes.
Oh, and one last thing. To my supervisor who is retiring tomorrow, thank you for your Earthly guidance over the years. I’m not sure how I’ll get along without you as my proofreader and pillar of encouragement and support! Happy Retirement!