Don’t Forget the Pacifiers

 

The moment my wife and I found out we were pregnant with our first child, our reactions were ones that you might expect of first-time to-be parents. Shock, excitement, disbelief. More shock. Finally, acceptance.

 

From there, we moved in two completely natural, but totally separate, directions. As planners, we both created versions of priority lists and what we needed to accomplish. My wife zoned in on all of the information that she needed to know as a now-pregnant woman and how best to prepare for the changes coming. I zoned in on all of the things that would need to be planned out (such as our new financial situation!) and items that would need to be acquired to support a newborn in our home.

 

A great example of this was my growing list of items that we would need to make sure that we purchased ourselves or were gifted by registering for them.

 

Now, for those that may not have gone through this process recently (or at all): there is nothing short of a metric ton of STUFF for newborns and babies that you seemingly cannot live without. Before walking into Babies ‘R Us, I would have been willing to admit that half of the items in that store had absolutely no use or any business being invented. Until you view it through the lens of being a parent to-be!

 

 

I’ve said all of that to tell you this:

 

After my wife and I were “done” registering, we returned to the concierge desk in Babies ‘R Us to find out how we had done. After going through our list, the very helpful associate asked me if we intended to leave out a selection of pacifiers on our registry list.

 

 

How could I have forgotten the pacifiers?! Especially as a person who enjoys quiet from time to time!

 

The point is: every once in awhile, we forget some of the important things when we are faced with planning major life points.

 

For many, 2015 strategic planning sessions are in full swing. Or, perhaps planning is wrapping up. Plans will be written, tactics identified, and marketing will be planned for the coming year. Some plans will have major changes. Others will have very few.

Through all of the planning you will do for your financial institution in 2015, be sure not to forget about those very important things and how they fit in with what you hope to accomplish in 2015.

 

Your story, your message, your mission…your brand. These should be at the forefront of your list. Then, tell everyone what your marketing story for 2015 will be. You won’t have to worry that the marketing is following your brand! It will be practically built-in to everything you do.

 

It’s a surefire way not to forget the pacifiers.