yinkaolaito.com – the branding gavel, brand communication expert, nigeria brand consultant, social media expert

Banking industry is becoming a war zone. This is not peculiar to any industry though but the crunch has heightened the effects of the war in this industry. In Britain, there is already a great reduction in the lending rate. This may eventually reduce profit after tax. Banking industry provides full financial service to their clients by processing all financial transactions. Banks staffs are saddled with the responsibility of expanding customer base. A lot of similar products are now introduced to the market while millions are now being spent annually on advertisement etc.

For banks to perform better, new skills are now being required from the potential as well as in-house staffs. Over dependence on corporate training sponsorship for individuals will rob individuals of his work, pay.

Aside from the basic skills(like analytical mindset, tough to break in, basic accounting skill , ability to get things done as fast as possible, long hours at work among others)that average worker in bank (banker) is expected to have; ability to differentiate your personal brand will go a long way to help individuals secure his own position despite all.

Our industry research has showed that a strong personal brand for bankers will include all the followings:

1. Relationship skill: Most bank jobs now hinge on individual ability to build a strong relationship skill with friends, colleagues, customers among others. The days of shouting on customers because you are under pressure are gone for good. There is a branch of another bank in the corner. So if your personal brand can offer highest value to your bank in this regard, you can be sure of greater success.

2. Communication skill: More than ever before communication is now the backbone of business. For your brand to stand out, improve on your communication ethics. Learn how to manage personal frustration particularly when you are a point of contact employee. The customers are taking note. Ability to communicate and win deals, customers to your bank will help  brand You.

3. Industry knowledge: Proper understanding of company product is important. Whatever designation you have, you are an ambassador. Most bank employees do not have proper briefing on what goes on in their own company not to talk about the industry at large. You do not have to be in marketing department to know this. Just educate yourself with all the product brochures flying around your branches. This is the age of value acceleration.

4. Creativity: Your personal brand must be creative to enjoy strong emotional attachment among your peers. How can you save cost for the bank? This goes with ability to take initiative when required without exposing yourself to danger.

5. Sales, marketing skill: Most bank workers now have target. This is the amount of deposit individuals must bring in. Developed ability to be a great ‘brand educator’ or specialist will help. You do not have to be a guru, but having a basic knowledge of marketing skills and when to apply each will help your brand among other professionals.

6. Ability to synthesize: this is personal ability to blend, amalgamate responsibility as well as create; produce ways to do the work better will distinguish your personal brand. We must note that all the qualifications and certifications alone will not help without the help of these unique differentiation avenues.

# The other points will be featured in my soon to be released free e-book “Personal Branding For First class professionals.’