When it comes to your marketing, we're what you need us to be. Whether you just need help with your strategic planning, you're looking for an extension of your marketing department, or even a full marketing team — we can tailor our services to your needs.
It’s simple. Because we only work with credit unions and we don't put you in a box or have fixed pricing structures as other agencies tend to do. We have the chops to do exactly what you need. And, no matter how big or how small your needs are, client connection is paramount to how we work. We immerse ourselves in your culture, celebrate your victories, and work alongside you to achieve your goals. Because your goals become our goals too.
Strategic Business Planning
Who We Work With
Our strategic business planning services are designed for credit union leadership, specifically targeting C-Suite executives such as CEOs and upper management. The board is typically involved only when it’s essential to the process.
What We Do
At The BA Group, we approach credit union strategic planning with the perspective that your credit union is, first and foremost, a business. Unlike many strategic plans that are merely glorified tactical to-do lists, our planning sessions delve into the core existence of your credit union.
Our Process Includes:
Phase 1: Situation Analysis
We begin with a thorough understanding of where your credit union stands today, examining various facets of your organization and its journey since inception. This ensures we enter the planning session with a comprehensive awareness of your current position.
Phase 2A: Strategic Planning Session Preparation
Member and staff surveys, along with demographic and marketing analysis, competitor analysis, and a review of all relevant business and marketing documents.
Phase 2B: Strategic Planning Session
A 1 ½ – 2-day in-person session with key credit union leaders, covering objectives, goals, member analysis, competitive analysis, and more.
Phase 3: Overall Business & Marketing Planning Development
Development of your credit union’s Strategic Business Plan and Budget for the upcoming year(s).
Recommendations for future marketing processes, procedures, and roles, both in-house and external.
Where We Operate
The in-person strategic planning sessions take place at your credit union’s desired location over 1.5-2 days. The remainder of the process is typically conducted virtually.
Why It Matters
Every credit union reaches a point where they realize past planning methods are no longer effective. Many have worked with strategic consultants who delivered plans that felt more like task-driven action items rather than authentic strategic guides. At The BA Group, we understand the true nature of strategic planning—defining a vision for the future and setting concrete goals to achieve it.
For more on the difference between strategy and tactics, read here.
Strategic Marketing & Brand Planning
What We Do
Your marketing and brand are the visible and audible outcomes of your business plan. They are the essence of your credit union’s strategy made tangible, and they ultimately shape your organization’s reputation.
Our Strategic Marketing & Brand Planning Includes:
Comprehensive Brand Analysis:
We start by understanding your brand’s current positioning, strengths, and opportunities.
Market Research and Competitor Analysis:
We conduct in-depth research to identify trends, opportunities, and threats within your market.
Strategic Alignment:
We ensure that your marketing and brand strategy align with your business goals, creating a cohesive plan that drives results.
How We Do It
Our approach is rooted in the belief that your credit union’s marketing and brand strategy should be a direct extension of your business strategy. We work with you to create a unified plan that resonates with your target audience, enhances your brand’s reputation, and drives measurable success.
Name Change Considerations
In an era of unique and evolving names, we respect the legacy and pride associated with your Credit Union's current name. We assess whether the name aligns with your values and identity, guiding you through a name change only if necessary. Our expertise ensures a smooth and effective transition.
Cultural Development
Brand culture is how your team embodies and delivers your brand to the market. We help integrate your brand into every aspect of your Credit Union's operations, ensuring consistency that drives success both internally and externally.
Brand Story and Graphic Standards Document
Our Brand Story and Graphic Standards document narrates your brand’s evolution, detailing core values, visual guidelines, and examples. This tailored booklet serves as a reference for your team, ensuring brand integrity.
Field of Membership (FOM)
We tailor your brand strategy to resonate with the specific demographics and needs of your Credit Union's community, ensuring your brand remains relevant and impactful.
Marketing & Brand Analysis & Budgeting
Who We Help
BA is your external expert providing objective reviews, in-depth analysis, and strategic recommendations to elevate your credit union’s marketing and brand efforts. If there are concerns about your current marketing and brand performance, they may stem from operating with a lean or non-existent in-house marketing team or from the stagnant reputation your credit union holds among its members and the community it serves.
What We Do
To address these challenges, BA will work closely with your team to build strong relationships with key staff and third-party vendors, both existing and new, that are essential to Marketing roles and responsibilities. We will thoroughly learn and assess all current systems, resources, tools, and where necessary- research and recommend improvements or new solutions. Additionally, we will learn, optimize, and/or establish new project management workflows that encompass the development, tracking, and reporting of projects, efforts, plans, and budgets.
The outcome of this comprehensive process will be well-founded recommendations and blueprints for your credit union’s marketing and brand initiatives, along with strategic budget planning to ensure long-term success and growth.