I have recently developed a strange relationship with shoes. Whenever I accomplish something momentous in my life or reach a milestone, I buy an iconic pair of shoes symbolic of the occasion.
For instance, when my daughter was born I bought a pair of pretty pink shoes, dainty as a newborn baby girl. When I won a big award I didn’t expect last year, I purchased a pair of ruby red slippers because the event was as surreal as a yellow bricked lined jaunt to Oz. And just recently when we launched a big local cooperative campaign, I acquired a funky pair of orange sandals that reminded me of the campaign’s graphics.
It is hard to find occasion to wear these shoes. After all, it does seem like a bit much to wear shimmering red shoes to a membership drive at a manufacturing plant. But I do love to walk into my closet, survey my wearable trophies, and reminisce about the events, decisions and occasions that mark major landmarks in my life. I suppose it is probably atypical to celebrate through a 7.5 sized pair of open toe, fuchsia pumps, but it does add a little chic flair to life’s events. I realize it’s a strange vice.
I often think that as credit unions, we have so many opportunities to add to our members shoe closet. We’re there for them through all the important life events – from marriage to divorce, apartment to house, sports car to minivan and back again. We’re an ally through life’s ups and downs, offering aid and comfort through the best and worst. And just like a good pair of shoes, we help them walk, run and jump through life’s obstacles.
What I love about shoes is that they’re all different, each with a purpose, and each solves a problem for the moment – whether it’s to help me run faster, improve my game, gain confidence, look stylish or just simply to get me from here to there at that moment.
It is pretty amazing when you stop and think about all the shoes that grace your lobby, the problems solved and lives enhanced. So, whether you serve work boots, high heels, or loafers, whatever you do – just make sure the shoe fits.
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Kelley… if I didn’t know better I would have thought you attended one of the South Carolina Federal Credit Union branding meetings in early 2006 and took notes. We rolled out a LifeSimplified brand that continues today using the ‘shoe’ imagery to convey a significant part of what we do … we know what’s it like to walk in your shoes, that’s why we want to make your life simplified.
As one of the corporate blog authors (www.simplecentsblog.org), we strive to make our posts relevent to what the member is, might, or should be experiencing.
… thanks for reminding me ‘what it’s all about’.
Kelley- I love this article! You summed it up perfectly. Your articles are inspiring. Thank you!
@ Troy – I would LOVE to see your South Carolina Brand shoe collateral. And your simple cents blog is fantastic. I bet you have a good following. Do you give away shoes? If so, I may have to join – ha!
@ Jennifer – Thank you so much.That means a lot to me.
Isn’t it funny what we use to remember an important time in our lives? I have always been able to remember what I was wearing at pivotal points in my life. My husband (who can’t remember a thing) associates automobiles with people and events of the past.
Yes, wouldn’t it truly be nice to have a member associate a CU employee (and the credit union) with something important in their life. I know it can be done because credit union employees really do care about their members.
Val – I love the idea that we give members something to associate the credit union with a critical moment in time. For instance, I know some credit unions will send gift baskets to new homeowners or gifts for new babies.
Kelley – Even more than a gift basket. How about the member that remembers a specific MSR who waved first time fees or an FSR that helped a member with their first car or home loan. Big stuff!
We have FSR’s that get flowers from appriciative members. Members whos experience was made all the better because of one of our credit union employees. That’s what I am talking about.
Val – That’s fantastic! Yes, those little things are definitely what members remember. Gotta love it when members give your staff flowers. That’s pretty special.