I had the pleasure of attending a recent Portland Chamber of Commerce breakfast event this week. It was a pleasure for a couple of reasons:
- The 'speaker' was funny guy, Juston McKinney. He's actually a professional, big time comedian with stints on the Tonight Show, Letterman, etc. etc. under his belt. It was a fun morning that screamed for a Bloody Mary.
- The other reason I say that the morning was a pleasure was the insight I gained from a brief conversation with "Bob". (Not his real name. I'm transparent, but not cruel – or stupid.)
Bob is a relative "Big Dog" with Key Bank here in the ME, NH, MA region. At least I assume so because of his title and the responsibilities he described.
Before continuing, let me say that I know how banks can operate.
- I've worked for small banks and I've worked for global financial behemoths.
- I've worked for strong banks and I've been an employee of an FDIC 'asset'.
- Not that I'm good at it, but I do understand the politics that go on in a bank,
- I know the regulatory environment can choke the best of them. and
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- Banking (for the most part) is still a middle-aged-white-man's world.
I get it. …continuing…
I can't remember, in my more than 15 years spent with JPMorgan Chase, Chemical Bank, and predecessors – when I've encountered anyone more closed minded or provincial than Bob. It's now been almost 7 years since I left New York City and my employer, JPMorgan Chase – but still. I was surprised.
The conversation went like this:
I asked Bob about the role he played at Key Bank. Suffice it to say, he's a regional big dog.
He asked what I did and I described working with companies helping them understand and then integrate new social engagement strategies and tools into their business. He made a brief comment about the hype of social "network" marketing and I added that yes, most small businesses are initially interested in the marketing aspect, but that there were a number of applications for social media / new technology in business.
Then he said, he required his people to:
- Come to his office in person to deliver a message if they were in the same building (floor)
- Otherwise pick up the phone.
He ended with "I hate email." I'm sure he allowed email, but I can't remember if he told me specifically.
After Bob described how the advancement in technology was causing him grief, he described how he refused to succumb and get a Blackberry. He couldn't understand the value of being that connected. I payed attention, nodded and "hmmm"-ed politely.
Another man walked up and joined our conversation. Then another man. Pretty soon the three of them were guffawing with each other about Facebook and Twitter. They asked me "What's so great about social media?" I was almost able to give a response. Almost. Had they not been cracking each other up to such an extent, I would have said responded that it wasn't social media that was so great, but the opportunities for engagement and
relationship development that the social media helped facilitate.
Alas, it must have been a rhetorical question.
I smiled, held out my hand and said "It's been real nice talking to you gentlemen." Then I took my leave.
In fairness, these guys may have been great friends who really enjoyed giving each other a hard time. Men are from Mars, yeah, yeah.
But all I could think of was, "Wow. This man is in a leadership position at Key Bank."
I bank with Key and have since I moved to Maine in 2003. I'm a client. Maybe not Bob's client, specifically. But, heck. I'm still a client.
…and about social media being relevant, Bob – I'm not a social media rock star, but I do have a small following…
- i.e. people who read my stuff…
- i.e. people who own businesses and need banking services…
- i.e. people to whom you might want to present Key Bank's services…
- i.e. people with whom you might like to engage.
Think about it, Bob. We'll see.
side note: A couple of friends suggested I reconsider posting this. After doing so, here it is in it's original form. From my perspective, this is an honest account of an interaction I experienced at an open, public business networking event. I believe it is very telling on a number of levels. Take from it what you will, what you want to – or not.
The purpose of posting here is to share my insights and experience. Sometimes it's pretty and sometimes it's just plain BOLD. If I didn't follow through, I'd have to rename my business TurkeyVisionConsulting. Doesn't have the same ring now, does it.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks, Barbara. My point was less about the chamber or ridiculing someone’s field than about completely dissing something he had no experience with or knowledge about.
S, yes it was rude. More importantly, I think he’s scared. Such simple social technologies are impacting entire organizations.
The world has changed. Too bad he’s not trying to figure things out to stay relevant. It’s especially too bad for Key. Had it not been so painful to watch, I may have hung around. Poor Bob. Poor Key.
Thanks Barb & S for commenting!
Ouch Lynnelle that was just rude on their part. Quite observant that you mention the Good Old Boy network in this situation. I think many of them resent the Online Social Network “game” as they probably resent the traditional Good Old Boy games that took them so long to master. Contention between what they see as reality and a loud imposing “alternate reality.”
No comments? Hmmmm. So is it acceptable for chamber members to ridicule someone’s field at a chamber meeting? I don’t think so. As a very active member of the chamber and a former board member — AND the one who introduced Lynnelle to “Bob”. I’m pretty disappointed and sorry I left her to fend for herself. You tell it like it is, Lynnelle!