The Critical Role of Continuous Website Optimization for Financial Brands
by James Robert Lay on September 2, 2024
Imagine you're on your way to becoming one of the top financial brands in your state. In the midst of a major merger and rebrand, you've been given a $10,000 budget to launch a new website, something that will be the digital face of your institution for years to come. But here's the q …
AI, Data, Automation, and The Power of Perspective
by James Robert Lay on August 9, 2023
Automation. Data. AI. I've journeyed around the world speaking at events, and I've realized that these three buzzwords are shaping the next phase of digital evolution in our industry. Let's call this trio - "Ada." (Automation, Data, AI) But the real question is, how does Ada joining y …
Digital Dialogues: The Power of Podcasts in Financial Guidance
by James Robert Lay on June 7, 2023
Kicking off a podcast can feel daunting, but the returns can be exponential, especially for lenders and advisors with a heart for helping people. To celebrate the 300th episode of Banking on Digital Growth, I open up about my own podcasting journey and its impact on educating, connect …
The Gen Z Financial Revolution: Adapting to the New Era of Banking and Social Media Influence
by James Robert Lay on May 12, 2023
Generation Z (Gen Z) has been shaking up the financial industry with its unique banking habits and reliance on social media for financial advice. As the first generation to grow up with technology at their fingertips, Gen Z has been utilizing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twit …
Tips From a Fraud Investigator: Financial Empowerment During Divorce
by James Robert Lay on February 22, 2023
“I wanted to offer resources to help reassure, empower, and provide a framework through which someone can tackle something that seems insurmountable.” -Tracy Coenen Money is a leading cause of marital trouble in the U.S., so it’s common for people to have financial friction during div …
It’s Not the 90s Anymore! New Operations Models for Financial Brands
by James Robert Lay on February 22, 2023
“We are behaving in 1994 models of operating while thinking in 2020s strategy.” -Alex Castro
Strategic Storytelling: Intentional Communication in Marketing
by James Robert Lay on February 9, 2023
“You don’t walk up to somebody and say, ‘Will you marry me?’ You say, ‘Hello.’ You introduce yourself.” -Sarah Cooke
Money and Mental Health: Do Your Customers Need Financial Therapy?
by James Robert Lay on February 1, 2023
“Not only do we not have the skills from not having practiced for our money, we are then conditioned to think every financial conversation has to be negative when it should be the opposite.” -Dr. Megan McCoy
How to Defeat Procrastination (and Eat That Frog!)
by James Robert Lay on January 27, 2023
“The number one reason for procrastination and a lack of motivation is a vagueness or confusion about what it is you’re trying to do.” -Audrey Cannata Have you ever climbed into bed at night and wondered, “What did I even accomplish today?” It’s demoralizing to realize you’re just tre …
Why AI is Your Teammate (and Not Your Enemy) at a Financial Brand
by James Robert Lay on October 6, 2022
“I think where anxiety and hesitation come in with AI is in not knowing what it is or what it could be.” -Evan Ryan Over the years, Hollywood and dystopian novels have instilled the idea that artificial intelligence (AI) is here to destroy humanity. But in the real world, AI works as …