Credit unions have “The Right Stuff”

Hi, my name is Amanda, and I have been a die-hard New Kids on the Block fan since 1986.  Their time in the spotlight lasted until 1994 when their stardom took a nosedive.  Some of them went on to have their own individual music careers, but never achieved the success they had as members of NKOTB.

Then, in 2007, the group secretly reformed in the studio at the request of Donnie Wahlberg and, in 2008 began touring to promote their new album.  October 5, 2008, was a super special day for me because I got to see them in concert for the first time ever.  It was worth the wait.  

Fast forward to summer 2017 and their most recent tour was the best concert I’ve ever seen of any artist.  

You’re probably thinking what the heck does NKOTB have to do with credit unions?  First of all, I think most anything can be applied to credit unions.  Secondly, their brilliant storytelling during the 2017 summer tour was what keeps their fans so excited about them.  They even do an NKOTB cruise every fall.  (Confession: yes, I would love to go.  If they do one in 2018, I’m gonna be on that boat).

NKOTB has recorded several albums since their reformation in 2008.  Is it the best music ever?  No.  In fact, I still love their old stuff the most.  And NKOTB knows that.  They know exactly who their fans are and what their fans love about them and they give it to them.  They traveled back in time with this show starting with their first hit in 1986 all the way to 1994 singing songs only their most devoted fans would know and told stories about each song.  And it was the best concert I’ve ever seen.

Many credit unions are still struggling with their identity.  They want to be relevant, and they want to continue to grow.  You can have the lowest rates all the time and get people to bank with you because of the price.  You can have the greatest technology and get people to bank with you because you save them time.  Or you can get to know your members and community.  You can connect with them by telling your story and telling it really well.  

Just like NKOTB, your story will evolve over time.  You will have to continue to cultivate relationships and foster new fans, which means continuing to tell your story in a way that is meaningful to them so they connect with you and become your biggest fans.  We are an incredibly special industry with an incredible mission and an incredible story to tell.  Just as NKOTB sings “You’ve Got the Right Stuff” to their adoring fans, remember that you have “The Right Stuff” too.