The Myth of the Deaf Banker

Perhaps it’s a product of the tremendous amount of noise and chaos in the market today. Perhaps it’s because of the “stuffy” and “fat” stereotype assigned to bankers and bank executives. But I think it’s most likely attributable to the current economic turbulence and the sickening reports of bailouts and bonus pay for the “Big City Bankers” and the giant Wall Street firms. Whatever the cause, I’m here to tell you that not all bankers are deaf.

There’s a lot of discussion about change in the banking industry right now. Business plans have been turned on their ears. Once solid and seemingly safe ways to make loans are now being questioned. It’s getting more difficult for financial institutions to provide distinguishing products and services. It’s even getting hard to tell what a bank is or is not anymore.

What an incredible opportunity this presents for all of us! This shifting is creating an environment where it has never been a better time for consumers to make their voices heard, and for bankers (at least the smart and successful ones) to be taking the time to seriously consider every customer comment, complaint, note of praise, or suggestion.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret…this is not a totally new concept to community-based financial institutions. I’m not talking about the big guys claiming to be community banks, I’m talking about the true community-centered banks that take the time to look a customer in the eye, who may have had to eat some crow now and then, and who have tried to adjust to their customers’ needs and wants in order to stay alive in a highly-regulated and viciously-competitive marketplace. For these smaller institutions, listening and adapting to your needs is something they try very hard to do.

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, not every small bank or credit union fits this description, but generally they try. They at least try harder and are more capable of faster change than the giant institutions that care more about making money off of your money than they do about earning your trust, providing you honest services at a reasonable rate, and investing in your future as a partner–whether you have $5 or $5,000,000.

So here’s a chance for you to make your voice heard. Whether you’re a customer of Western Community Bank or not, comment on this post. If you’re reading this on our blog, comment below. If you’re an email subscriber, visit http://smartbankingtips.com/ and leave us your thoughts. Help us transform banking to be better for you. Help us strengthen our communities. Help us better understand your needs so we can better serve you.

Our ears are open. We’re a little nervous. But we want to hear from you. The platform is now yours…