Why 2014 could be awful…

Stop right there…2014 should be an exceptional year!

Yet, your year might be less than you hope for if you don’t take action on your strategic objectives.  I hate to be negative…but most of us will not accomplish even half of the things we expect to in 2014.  Some of us will (Yeah!) but most won’t.  This may not make the year awful – but it sure won’t make it what you or I hope.  Why can’t we/me/you do what we need to?

My wish for you and your organization is ACTION.  Define what YOUR success looks like.  Question everything quickly on your way to a plan.  Execute that plan.  Measure the success of the plan.  It frankly is not that difficult to do.

Once a goal has been identified, reasoned men and women should be able to set a course to achieve it that is logical, practical and actionable – and then take ACTION.

Want to grow loans.  Then you have to put compelling loan offers in front of “qualified” loan candidates; both from your existing membership and beyond.  Take the water to the horse…not the other way around.  Leverage data analytics and direct marketing to get completely measurable results from your marketing spend.

Add technology that will substantially benefit the membership or your ability to serve them.  In other words, resist “nice to have that” technology.

Absolutely question why you are still doing that same old thing you did 5-10 years ago, especially if your answer to “why” is “that’s the way we have always done it” or “that’s how I was taught to do this from the person before me.”  I know this seems obvious and almost silly…but it still happens today.  It even happens to me.

Reward those who take action, even if slightly misguided.  Growing decision-makers means we have to let them make decisions without fear.  This creates many teachable moments, if you take the time to actually teach instead of letting frustration rule the day.

Will you accomplish all that you hope to, both professionally and personally, in 2014?  I sure hope so. But doing so will require that you take ACTION!

Jay Kassing

Jay Kassing

Jay Kassing is President of MARQUIS, a Texas based provider of marketing analytics solutions including MCIF/CRM software, MCIF services, profitability, compliance, consulting and direct mail creative/fulfillment. Jay has ... Web: www.gomarquis.com Details