Be Plex for your members
Each time it works, I feel like Merlin.
I’m talking, of course, about Plex. Consider it a software platform made of pixie dust, magic, and a bit of alien technology. Or just years of dedicated effort from a small team of developers.
“What is Plex?” you ask. Great question. Plex lets you access your digital library on any device, anywhere on Earth (or on the International Space Station, since they have internet now, too), at any time, with no additional effort. It also will add all appropriate information onto your movies, music, TV shows that help sort and access (like episode descriptions, air dates, ratings, etc.). As a long-time user, I’ve watched it grow from a buggy computer program into a must-have feature on any set-top accessory. Pulling up shows and movies within the home is neat enough, but the crowning achievement was when I was waiting for my flight in LAX. I pulled out my phone, opened the Plex app, and it immediately connected to my computer at home. Then, I proceeded to watch one of my movies, 2,000 miles away, as if it were saved within the device. Ask your IT person how many steps of awesome needed to occur for that to work.
Be Plex for your members. No, I’m not suggesting hosting your credit union’s new reality TV series on it, rather, follow their mission: Empower your members to access all services no matter where they are or what device they use. Further, like Plex recognizes a movie and adds all pertinent information, consolidate and organize the member’s relationship as such. A list of transactions and services held is fine, but what about more? If a member doesn’t have a credit card with you, what does your system display? Imagine a dashboard that can adapt to all screen types/sizes and has all of your potential services included. However, it will highlight and feature only those the member holds, to keep the experience focused. Of course, this enables tailored marketing based on their activity. What would help them most based on their current habits?
Before you go rushing out to replace your internal systems, remember, being Plex for your members isn’t about fad desires (they’ve been working on the software for many years). I could be wrong about the dashboard approach. The key is being adaptable. Just because Virtual Reality gear seems awesome doesn’t mean you need an Oculus Rift app for your credit union…yet. Feel free to swap VR for anything else your board or executives claim is essential today.
Even from this geek, at the end of the day, a great experience which fulfills my expectations is golden. Whether I want to watch an episode of my favorite show or check that last swipe on my card, tapping it and watching is all I need.
