---
title: Plansmith Blog | strategic planning for banks (2)
description: strategic planning for banks |  (2)
---

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# Plansmith Blog

## [Run Your Meeting Like a Sales Pro: The Up-Front Contract](https://blog.plansmith.com/run-your-meeting-like-a-sales-pro-the-up-front-contract)

 Posted by [Tom Parsons](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/tom-parsons) on 2/22/17, 8:29 AM

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[![betterbankmeetings.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/betterbankmeetings.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/run-your-meeting-like-a-sales-pro-the-up-front-contract)

When I made the leap to marketing after years of sales, I immediately rewound the last 25 years and watched a virtual VHS tape (yes, that old - [click this if you don't remember](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VHS)) in search of what I learned. You see, I didn't have the luxury of learning on the job this time, I had to apply what I already knew and apply it fast.

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/run-your-meeting-like-a-sales-pro-the-up-front-contract)

## [Focus on Customers Not Commodities](https://blog.plansmith.com/focus-on-customers-not-commodities)

 Posted by [Jim Fugitte](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/jim-fugitte) on 2/15/17, 8:03 AM

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[![customersnotcommodities.jpg](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/customersnotcommodities.jpg)](https://blog.plansmith.com/focus-on-customers-not-commodities)

With so many different community banks offering so many different products, banks often ask us how they can better compete on product offerings. If a bank is offering two checking accounts with no monthly fee, three with rewards, and one with insurance, what should a competitive bank offer in response?

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/focus-on-customers-not-commodities)

## [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)

## [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)

## [Think | Plan | Execute](https://blog.plansmith.com/think-plan-execute)

 Posted by [Tom Parsons](https://blog.plansmith.com/author/tom-parsons) on 10/19/16, 2:07 PM

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[![](https://blog.plansmith.com/hubfs/Blog_Pictures/StrategyReleaseTeaser-750x250.png)](https://blog.plansmith.com/think-plan-execute)

You've seen the [Home Depot](http://www.homedepot.com) ad: "More Doing," and we agree. We think it's time for more doing, or in Plansmith parlance, execution. But what exactly do we mean?

[Read More](https://blog.plansmith.com/think-plan-execute)

[Previous](https://blog.plansmith.com/topic/strategic-planning-for-banks/page/1) [All posts](https://blog.plansmith.com/all)

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