KQ Article

It’s a challenging time for us all, and it looks like we’ll continue in these challenging times for the foreseeable future. So I think it makes sense to dig deep to find any opportunities that may have arisen from the turmoil.

Some in the financial services industry seem to be doing just that. In fact, in my many conversations with banking professionals across the country, I’m beginning to catch glimmers of optimism.

These optimistic people seem to have something in common: they work for financial institutions that decided long ago to place the needs of customers first. Now they’re differentiating themselves in the marketplace by simply doing what they do best.

In his essay “Good First” on page 10 of this publication, Will Marré uses the example of Grameen Bank to show how prosperity tends to follow institutions that focus on the needs of the customer. The intentions of Mohammed Yunus were clear when he founded a bank to provide low-interest loans to impoverished women. Today he serves eight million customers and enjoys a 98% repayment rate. These are enviable numbers on any scale.

The elevated value of the service-oriented institution bodes well for the consumer. Banks and credit unions everywhere seem to be recommitting themselves to providing exceptional service — because now more than ever, there is tremendous opportunity in getting closer to the customer. And Deluxe is committed to helping you get there.

Speaking of opportunities, I want to express how excited I am to be leading Deluxe Financial Services, which gives me the chance to assume a more active role in The Deluxe Knowledge Quarterly. I’ve been an avid reader for years, and now I’m eager to directly participate in the fascinating discussions that so often arise in this publication. I invite you to take a closer look at this issue now.

_{© 2010 Tom Morefield}