Dream Big! Do You Have Fire in Your Belly?

Barbara Sanfilippo, Romano & Sanfilippo
February 14, 2005

As marketing and business development professionals, you play a vital role in promoting your credit union. While we’ve made much progress in the past, there’s no time to rest. We must walk boldly forward seeking knowledge, creating opportunities, and taking our professionalism to the next level. With the bankers’ attack in full force, telling the credit union story is more important than ever.

Are you ready, willing, and able to be an ambassador for the movement? Are you in tip-top, fighting shape? Only the brave and bold need apply for this challenging and rewarding assignment.

Too often we get so caught up in our day-to-day activities, we lose sight of the big picture. With daunting deadlines and unanswered e-mails it’s easy to lose our enthusiasm and focus. Imagine what would happen if we each did one thing to advance our role, our credit union, or the movement? We can be a powerful envoy of eager and energized ambassadors working together to make a difference. So let me ask you—do you have fire in your belly? How big is your dream?

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. How excited are you about your current job and the role you play?
2. Does your job description turn you on?
3. How comfortable and compelling are you when explaining the difference between banks and credit unions? Do you believe your own story?
4. Are you viewed as a key player in your credit union?
5. What are you doing to stay current and connected?

In my session at the March 2005 CUNA Marketing Council Conference, we’ll explore these questions and much more. Plus, if you’re really serious about advancing as a professional, be sure to attend to learn the latest strategies and network with the best and the brightest in Palm Springs. I look forward to seeing you there!

Barbara Sanfilippo, CSP, CPAE, is the opening keynote speaker at the CUNA Marketing Conference in Palm Springs, California, March 16-19. Based in San Diego, Sanfilippo runs Romano & Sanfilippo, a consulting and training firm that assists financial service organizations to advance their service and sales culture. She is also author of Dream Big! What’s the Best That Can Happen. For more information, visit www.RomanoSanfilippo.com.