It's December....where did June go??

Good morning...I woke up this morning and thought to myself..."good, its only the 10th of December." It took about 30 seconds for that thought to actually sink in....wait, I meant to think "Its ALREADY the 10th of December!"

Every year speeds past and the summer fun we all had is just a memory....but the good news: we still have time to plan to make 2008 great! So with that, I will share my top 10 planning tips for 2008!

Here we go...

#10 ... Market Share. You need to see how consumer trends will effect the future of your business. You need a sustainable competitive advantage over your competitors, based on what you can deliver upon (performance) and what is important to the market (Importance).

#9 ... Measuring Competition. You, your marketing team, branch personnel, and operations are aware of the competition's products, services and advantages. Identify the opportunities and plan for changes, competitive pressures, and weaknesses.

#8 ... New Products and Service Development. Make sure your products are meeting the lifestyles of your customers. And what products would create new opportunities.

#7 ... Product or Service Redesign. Changes in consumer lifestyles can impact your products and services. Re-evaluate your current products and services.

#6 ... Positioning. What consumer lifestyles are out there that your competition isn't satisfying? Position yourself as the full service institution you are...or the nimble niche player!

#5 ... Sales. How do your customers react to your sales process? You need to develop a service culture that will drive your competitor's customers right in your front door and deliver sales opportunities.

#4 ... Pricing and ALCO. Understand the the current consumer trends on the way they spend and save their money at your bank and the market. Do you know how your customers feel about price, value and quality? Are you on ALCO? Do you know what to provide the team?

#3 ... Measuring Brand Loyalty. Build strong brand loyalty. Activity is the best long-term predictor of loyalty...communication ensure activity, focus ensures communication!

#2 ... Targeting the right groups. Define the consumer groups you want or should target and what new groups show the best opportunities. Leverage your time, effort and resources!

#1 ... Branding. Make sure your brand is an intersection of quality products and quality experiences. Evaluate your brand consistency and then set out to make it 100% consistent!

If all else fails...make sure you do a quarterly Strategic Plan check-up to ensure you are on pace with your plan and to assess what modifications are necessary to your tactical delivery.

See you soon...

Go Buckeyes!

Bruce