---
title: Plansmith Blog (15)
description: (15)
---

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# Plansmith Blog

## [Surge Deposits: 3 Regulatory Expectations](https://blog.plansmith.com/surge-deposits-3-regulatory-expectations)

 Posted by [Dave Wicklund](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/dave-wicklund) on 2/1/17, 8:01 AM

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[![surgedepositsregulatory.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/surgedepositsregulatory.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/surge-deposits-3-regulatory-expectations)

In the last 5-10 years, there's been a lot of growth in DDA, NOW, MMDA, and savings accounts. These deposits can provide a great low-cost funding base, but they can also draw attention at your next exam.

Examiners are looking closely at these surge deposit balances. Specifically, they're looking to see if you've considered surge deposits in 3 ways.

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/surge-deposits-3-regulatory-expectations)

## [Torque Guest Post: How proposal software is defining our brand](https://blog.plansmith.com/torque-guest-post-how-proposal-software-is-defining-our-brand)

 Posted by [Kevin Masi](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/kevin-masi) on 1/25/17, 1:23 PM

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[![TorqueDigitalProposalSoftware.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/TorqueDigitalProposalSoftware.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/torque-guest-post-how-proposal-software-is-defining-our-brand)

*Read this guest blog by Kevin Masi, [Co-Founder & CMO at Torque Digital](https://torque.digital/team), to learn how proposal software is defining their brand and could influence yours.*

Since I started my business in 1992, we’ve always looked for ways to improve our marketing, our finances and our operations. As we’ve gotten better, what I’ve also found is that these three areas are much more interconnected than I had ever considered. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that because of growing competition, the need to differentiate ourselves from competitors is more critical than ever. Brands are the expression of what makes a business different and valuable to the market. And we are beginning to see all the ways that operations affect our brand – and seeing how our handling of financial matters also affects our brand.

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/torque-guest-post-how-proposal-software-is-defining-our-brand)

## [Answered: Bankers' 5 Most Painful Questions about Backtesting](https://blog.plansmith.com/answered-bankers-5-most-painful-questions-about-backtesting)

 Posted by [Dave Wicklund](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/dave-wicklund) on 1/23/17, 8:18 AM

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[![](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/backtestingpainfulquestions.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/answered-bankers-5-most-painful-questions-about-backtesting)

Backtesting can be a painful topic for bankers. In this post, I'll answer the top 5 most common questions I hear about backtesting. I'll reference my first post, [Independent Review, Model Validation, and Backtesting](https://blog.plansmith.com/independent-review-model-validation-and-backtesting-for-community-banks)*,*so you might want to revisit it before reading on. In that blog, we looked at the interrelationship of these three items and brought up a few questions on backtesting.

Specifically, we questioned 5 things: who should do it, how often should it be done, what period should be covered, do you need to backtest model results and assumptions, and why even bother if market rates really aren’t changing.

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/answered-bankers-5-most-painful-questions-about-backtesting)

## [OCC: Risks Facing National Banks & Federal Savings Associations](https://blog.plansmith.com/occ-risks-facing-national-banks-federal-savings-associations)

 Posted by [Jim Fugitte](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jim-fugitte) on 1/6/17, 2:55 PM

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[![AreYouReallyReadyForRisingRates.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/AreYouReallyReadyForRisingRates.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/occ-risks-facing-national-banks-federal-savings-associations)

In its [Semiannual Risk Perspective](https://www.occ.gov/publications/publications-by-type/other-publications-reports/semiannual-risk-perspective/semiannual-risk-perspective-fall-2016.pdf), the OCC said strategic risk remains high as banks consider business model changes and **face revenue challenges**.

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/occ-risks-facing-national-banks-federal-savings-associations)

## [The Loyalty Benefit: 5 Steps to Win Back Business](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-loyalty-benefit-5-steps-to-win-back-business)

 Posted by [Megan Plis](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/megan-plis) on 1/6/17, 8:53 AM

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[![LoyaltyBenefitWinBackBusiness.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/LoyaltyBenefitWinBackBusiness.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-loyalty-benefit-5-steps-to-win-back-business)

It's a new year. It's a good time to evaluate performance and revisit overall bank strategy. The new year also means looking into sales techniques. Of course you focus on prospective clients, but what about everyone else? Who is everyone else? Good question...

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-loyalty-benefit-5-steps-to-win-back-business)

## [The Loyalty Benefit: 5 Steps to Improve Client Retention](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-loyalty-benefit-5-steps-to-improve-client-retention)

 Posted by [Megan Plis](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/megan-plis) on 1/6/17, 8:51 AM

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[![loyaltybenefitimproveretention.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/loyaltybenefitimproveretention.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-loyalty-benefit-5-steps-to-improve-client-retention)

## **New Year - New Clients?**

It's true, it is a new year. What happens when the new year hits? Sales goals are reset, people are desperate for change and everyone is presented with a fresh start -- ready or not. If it sounds overwhelming, you're not wrong, but let's focus on the positives.

In this time of chaotic newness lies beautiful opportunity. This includes the chance to earn new business, as well as the opportunity to maintain current clients and win back former ones. It's definitely an exciting concept, so let's dive in!

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/the-loyalty-benefit-5-steps-to-improve-client-retention)

## [Learning to Lead: 5 Things a Leader Must Learn](https://blog.plansmith.com/learning-to-lead-5-things-a-great-leader-does)

 Posted by [Sue West](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/sue-west) on 12/28/16, 7:56 AM

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[![LearningToLead.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/LearningToLead.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/learning-to-lead-5-things-a-great-leader-does)

From my very first job at 15, I knew I had management potential. I was always able to coordinate a variety of projects at once. I often compare myself to a circus act. You know, the one that keeps the plates spinning on sticks at one time? Now known as "multitasking."

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/learning-to-lead-5-things-a-great-leader-does)

## [3 Ways to Reward Your Employees (And I'm Not Talking Money!)](https://blog.plansmith.com/3-ways-to-reward-your-employees-and-im-not-talking-money)

 Posted by [Megan Plis](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/megan-plis) on 12/8/16, 9:18 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/rewardbankemployees.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/3-ways-to-reward-your-employees-and-im-not-talking-money)

Money isn't everything! Yeah, it's important, but it's not all that matters to employees -- and upping the pay scale isn't always possible. When a raise isn't an option, consider these three alternatives to reward your high-achieving employees.

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/3-ways-to-reward-your-employees-and-im-not-talking-money)

## [Another Reason to do Strategic Planning](https://blog.plansmith.com/one-and-only-reason-to-do-strategic-planning)

 Posted by [Tom Parsons](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/tom-parsons) on 11/18/16, 3:46 PM

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[![strategy blog 2 (1).png](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/strategy%20blog%202%20(1).png)](https://blog.plansmith.com/one-and-only-reason-to-do-strategic-planning)

**I’ll Take BOSS for $1,000, Alex**

Answer: “Because the OCC says so.”

What is “Why should I care about strategic planning?”

More specifically, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency says so. 

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/one-and-only-reason-to-do-strategic-planning)

## [5 Tools Everyone In The Banking Industry Should Be Using](https://blog.plansmith.com/5-tools-everyone-in-the-banking-industry-should-be-using)

 Posted by [Megan Plis](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/megan-plis) on 11/16/16, 11:32 AM

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[![rsz\_apple-791323\_960\_720.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/rsz_apple-791323_960_720.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/5-tools-everyone-in-the-banking-industry-should-be-using)

You see some people using them, and they're working great. Why isn't everybody already on board? Maybe the tools are brand new. Perhaps they're too expensive. Who knows, they might be really exclusive.

Except, most of the time, they're not. So, what keeps people from getting their hands on the [best time-saving tools](https://info.plansmith.com/free-infographic-5-tools-every-bank-should-be-using) in the banking industry?

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/5-tools-everyone-in-the-banking-industry-should-be-using)

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