Pivoting from normal business practices to thriving in a COVID-19 economy

Only 30 days ago, the banking community was networking, sharing and celebrating at the ICBA Live 2020 in Orlando, Florida. It was the annual trade show for the Independent Community Bankers of America, the national organization that serves the community banking industry. ICBA Live was attended by more than 2,000 bankers, their strategic partners and vendors that serve them and hosted by ICBA staff. It was amazing!

Since arriving home from Orlando on March 11, I have canceled two business trips within the US, an international trip for vacation and been asked by my employer to stay home. What happened? Our sales team was asked not to visit clients and not to invite clients to our corporate headquarters. Our warehousing and manufacturing staff were both asked to stay in their respective locations and not to mingle with corporate. Logically this all makes sense but emotionally...clearly, this isn’t business as usual. It seems we have all been confused by the new rules for business during this pandemic and fortunately, our leadership has been very progressive and communicative about how we will approach this as an organization.

The past four weeks have consumed us with an unprecedented response to a global pandemic. The United States established, encouraged and enforced “Social Distancing” or more accurately stated “Physical Distancing.” Business leaders throughout the United States are creating content to reassure their employees, clients and business partners how they will protect their people, their companies and their relationships as they navigate this new economy.

Now, more than ever, people are engrossed in social media, social networking, digital communications, and digital media. Today is not the day to discuss digital marketing strategy and the ROI of certain marketing channels. Now is the time to communicate with your loved ones, communicate with your colleagues, communicate with your clients and communicate with your community. Without a brick and mortar location or a friendly branch to meet new clients, having a strong digital presence is not only important, it is essential for the next six to twelve months.

One month ago, our goal was simply to help banks increase deposits and improve brand awareness. Today, I want to offer my services for your community bank so we will not only survive but thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic. WebbMason Marketing will focus on what we can do to help you and your marketing team right now. Let us know if you need our help with any of the following:

●      Improving your customer’s digital experience

●      Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program

●      Communicating with customers who need cash

●      Adjusting regulations and policies to assist with loans

●      Creative copy and design services

I’m looking forward to finding new ways to share our WebbMason Marketing story with friends and clients. I’m excited about discussing new ideas and new strategies for sharing your unique banking story with your community. Our mission has not changed and our passion for serving others is still as strong as ever. We are certainly changing in our approach and we are learning how to use new tools every day. Hopefully, we become a much better company and become much better at working in this digital environment when this is all over. 

The world is becoming a much smaller place and the need for community and community banks is greater than ever. Let me know how we can be a resource for you. I may not be able to meet you for a cup of coffee today, but we can meet online or even share stories over the phone. Be well and be safe!

Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.