>

Here’s an idea that folks outside the Credit Union Movement have used with great success… hire student reps to act as roving young adult delegates who advocate on your behalf.

Some call these folks street teams, brand ambassadors, or promotional teams. I call them a great way to communicate to this demographic that your credit union is there to help them out. This approach also adds a personal touch, offers someone young adults can identify with, and personifies your marketing efforts.

Here, take a look at an article describing what other companies are doing at UCLA. There’s also a discussion in the YES CU Community Forum about hiring college students to teach personal finance to their peers.

These efforts can be inexpensive and if given the right motivation and support, they’ll come up with some fun ways to bring a young adult touch to your credit union. Keep in mind this approach is best served with an equal dosage of services fit for the demographic. Otherwise it’s an attempt that will fall short and young adults see right through it. Espeically when they unable to find services that meet their needs.