Business banking professionals often receive titles with the word “relationship” in them. But, when we think about banking relationships, what does that really mean?
In my perspective, a banking relationship shouldn’t be any different than the other relationships in your life; friends, accountants, lawyers, business partners, your favorite barista at the coffee shop on the corner, or whatever it may be. What it really comes down to is your level of trust, familiarity, and comfort in that particular person.
When making the decision about who you get into a relationship with, it’s good to have some sort of criteria. Dating, as an example, might come with a list of criteria about a potential partner. You ask yourself: Are they active? Do they love movies? Do they have a good relationship with their family? Are they gainfully employed? A video gamer? Educated, inclusive, caring, tall, etc.? Or with friendships; similar taste in music, enjoy the same foods, enjoy dunking Oreos into wine, etc. Banking relationships should be no different. Each person has different needs and values when it comes to financial service providers, and as a business owner, that relationship becomes even more critical. A good and active banking relationship can help your business succeed, while a weak or casual relationship can cause your business to experience challenge.
In the credit union system, our staff generally choose to work here because of our strong culture and because we hold similar personal values. The credit union philosophy is people before profits. We live and work in the communities we serve and invest in. We invest in our people so they can continue to serve our membership with the skills and experience required to offer tailored and specific advice to our clients and their needs. We think small business is big business. We value relationship banking and take it very seriously, because we exist solely to serve our members.
So, if you’re not banking with a credit union today, why not? You should really give it a try! Think of it as speed dating. We’d love to meet you and grab a coffee or lunch. You can share your goals and needs with us, and the goals and needs of your business. Then we will share with you how we can enrich your banking experience and make you and your business more financially fit. Go on – swipe right!
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Nathan is a Senior Relationship Manager with Servus Credit Union. He has been actively managing business banking portfolios for over eight years and has been a part of the credit union system for 13. Nathan is active in employee groups and is the current Chairperson of the Emerging Leaders of Alberta program which fosters leadership development of credit union employees from across the province.
Nathan is also passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging and is an active member of his credit union’s Diversity & Inclusion Council. In his free time during the summer, Nathan enjoys running, playing fast ball, and spending time with friends and family outdoors. In the winter months, Nathan enjoys curling and skiing in the mountains.