Wednesday, September 1, 2010

What Kind of Professional Are You?

I had a conversation with a dear cooperator friend of mine yesterday that focused on credit union philosophy. As we chatted, she shared an insight that made me suddenly pause and reflect on what credit unions really mean to me.

I’d like to share her insight with you as well, so you may also consider how you value credit unions.

She said, “Are you a communications and PR professional working with credit unions, or are you a credit union professional working in communications and PR?”

After a brief reflection, I had to admit that when I first started out in the credit union industry more than 10 years ago, I was the communications and PR professional. Today, however, there is no doubt. I am first and foremost a credit union professional practicing communications and PR.

A lot of factors contributed to that conversion, most especially my becoming a development educator and participating in the Emerging Co-op Leaders program sponsored by NASCO (North American Students of Cooperation).

However, I’d have to say the greatest influence came from befriending many individuals within the movement, national leaders and rank and file executives alike who believe wholeheartedly that the credit union/cooperative business model we espouse makes sense, delivers value and makes for a better world community.

If you believe you are first and foremost a credit union professional, don’t be shy about sharing your convictions. You never know how you might influence another person’s life’s journey or for that matter, the industry you have come to love.

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