More SBMM Testimonials

Here are some more testimonials from current and former students. Please contact me at mark@haberfeld.com if you’d like to share yours.

What another current attendee says about the SBMM:

Lara Hudson, 2010 SBMM Class VP of Events. Public Relations Director for Countybank in SC.

“Being from a small community bank in Greenwood, South Carolina I was a little gun-shy when my bank asked me to attend the school. I was excited but also nervous (mainly because I hate to fly), but also because I thought I would be surrounded by other brilliant marketing minds who knew so much more than me and whose banks were doing so much more than little tiny Countybank. Now don’t get me wrong I was still one of the smallest banks represented, but I quickly realized these folks were all just like me and we could learn so much from each other. Which we did and are still doing today!

I have made not only great financial marketing contacts I have made some life friends who I now enjoy sharing stories about my children with on Facebook. By taking an active role as a Class Officer has also added so much to my experience! I suggest you jump in with both feet from day one of your School experience and get involved! You will walk away with a great understanding and appreciation for your role as a bank marketer and a vital part of your Management Team in your organization."

What another previous attendee says about the SBMM:

Audri Godfrey, CFMP. First Vice President/Marketing for Security National Bank in NE.

“After 4 years of asking, no begging to let me go to SBMM I had, in my hands, the approval to go. Finally! Wow! I am excited and hesitant at the same time. Questions race through my mind; Who will I meet? What will the school be like? Will I know enough that I won’t look silly? Will I come back with enough that my bank will see the value in sending me? I was soon to find out that nearly everyone there had the same questions!

Genuine people. Some of the best teachers you’ll every hope to meet. I know it’s cliché but they truly made me feel like there are no stupid questions and they wanted me to succeed. Classmates. Where else will you ever have a chance to get with nearly 100 (or more) people who do the same thing as you? Ours is a secretive industry in our markets but outside of them we are all doing the same things. Trying to do them according to what the customer wants and what the government demands. Sharing. Some of the best and brightest in our class shared their stories of successes they have had. Value. Amazing value to bring back and put into use…immediately.

Having graduated just 2 short years ago, I still pull out notes from class on occasion. Daily, I see what is being posted on the ABA Marketing Network online. Often someone has brought something up that we are all working on. I’m able chime in with my experience or a question or two. I know these people, well not all of them, but some of them and they are all friends.

In closing, on my review the first year after graduation my boss noted he had seen a marked improvement in the projects I work on. I’m pleased to say SBMM has made a significant difference in how I am viewed by senior management and the contributions I bring to my bank. And isn’t that what it is all about? Success.”

22 days and counting.