Geek Speak with Lincoln James

Summary In this episode of the GeekSpeak podcast, Lincoln Parks interviews Kristina Morris from the ICBA (Independent Community Bankers of America) about the organization's role in supporting community banks. They discuss the transition from Fintech Atlanta to ICBA and the focus on innovation within the organization. They also explore the three pillars of ICBA: advocacy, education, and innovation. The conversation covers the adoption of Fintech products by community banks and the opportunities for collaboration between banks and Fintech companies. They also touch on the importance of talent development in community banks and the efforts of ICBA to support education in the banking industry. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about hidden talents. Takeaways ICBA is a national trade organization focused on creating an environment where community banks can flourish. ICBA has a dedicated focus on innovation, in addition to advocacy and education. Community banks are at different stages of digital transformation and adoption of Fintech products. ICBA offers various programs and events to connect community banks with Fintech companies and promote innovation. Talent development is a key focus for community banks, and ICBA provides resources and support in this area. Education and awareness about the opportunities in the banking industry are important for attracting new talent. ICBA collaborates with other organizations to promote Fintech and banking education. The conversation concludes with a lighthearted discussion about hidden talents. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of ICBA 01:13 Transition to ICBA and Focus on Innovation 03:10 ICBA's Three Pillars: Advocacy, Education, and Innovation 04:08 Community Banks and Fintech Adoption 06:30 ICBA's Innovation Programming 08:43 Focus Areas for Community Banks 09:41 Fostering Talent in Community Banks 11:47 Education and Talent Development 13:11 Hidden Talents 14:45 Conclusion --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

Summary In this episode of the GeekSpeak podcast, Lincoln Parks interviews Leonard Moreland, former CEO of Heritage Bank and Heritage Southeast Bank. Leonard shares insights on his retirement, hobbies, and journey to becoming a CEO. He discusses community banks' challenges and opportunities, strategies for staying competitive in the economic climate, and the importance of balancing technology with personal interaction. Leonard also shares his thoughts on working with the fintech industry and provides advice for aspiring leaders in the community banking industry. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the economic uncertainty and the possibility of a recession. Takeaways Retirement can be a time to pursue hobbies and spend time with family. Community banks play a crucial role in supporting small businesses and providing personalized service. Balancing technology with personal interaction is key for community banks to stay competitive. Working with fintech companies can provide opportunities for innovation and future products and services. Economic uncertainty and the possibility of a recession require careful monitoring of unemployment rates and inflation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 05:34 Leonard's Retirement and Hobbies 07:11 Journey to Becoming CEO 09:32 Challenges and Opportunities for Community Banks 11:05 Dealing with Bank Failures 17:31 Staying Competitive in the Economic Climate 20:37 Advice for Aspiring Leaders in Community Banking 23:21 Working with Fintech Industry 27:00 Hidden Talent: Fireworks 28:13 Economic Uncertainty and Recession --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

My guest on today’s Podcast is Miriam Cross, Technology and Fintech writer for American Banker.   In this jam-packed episode, Miriam answers the following questions;   1. Your path to becoming a writer at American Banker, how did you get there at such a prestigious Brand?   2. How many articles do you have to write in a month? Or better yet, what’s the most you have written?   3. Do you have a technical Background? What made you interested in Technology and Finance?    4. You interview some of the Top Technology Executives and I’m sure you have had some interesting trends. What are 3 trends that you see in Banking now in the post COVID environment?   5. From those trends what excites you the most in your personal Banking?   6. What is an area that you feel Banks and Credit Unions need to focus on more for the 2 or 3 years?   7. I won’t ask you where you Bank, but what is something that keeps you at your current Bank or Credit Union?   8. What advice would you give to Bankers looking to innovate?   Miriam also shares one fun fact about herself that we didn't know.   About Miriam, Miriam Cross is a Washington-based reporter covering bank technology and fintech at American Banker. Previously, she was an associate editor at Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.  About American Banker American Banker is the essential resource for senior executives in banking and financial services, keeping its users updated on vital developments and focusing sharply on their most important concerns — innovation, transformation, and disruption; technology, regulation, and reform. Financial industry professionals turn to American Banker, every day and throughout the day, to stay maximally informed — drilling down on complex issues, keeping up with breaking news, and downloading research and data. Paid subscribers and registered visitors engage deeply with an authoritative community of analysts, practitioners, and innovators through opinion content, research panels, social media, and live events. ------ WebMobileFusion's 90-Day Growth Accelerator (http://www.webmobilefusion.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

My guest on today’s Podcast is Eddie Davis, SVP Sales & Operations for Finsync. In this jam-packed episode, Eddie answers the following questions; Who is Finsync? How has Finsync pivoted and helped Small Businesses through COVID What do you see as your #1 asset to small Businesses? Who is Finsync’s ideal customer? Tons of Fintech Companies are in this space; what makes you guys a major player in this space? What’s the difference between Quickbooks online, Gusto, Paychex, and Finsync? What is the major advantage you have over the others? What Books are you reading that you can share? Any Podcasts? Eddie also shares one fun fact about himself that nobody knows. About Finsync FINSYNC’s mission is to help small to midsize businesses grow and succeed with innovative software and unmatched services. Our payments platform helps businesses centralize control of payments, automate accounting, process payroll, and manage cash flow (the “software”), and connect with members of the FINSYNC Network for banking, financing, accounting, and insurance needs (the “services”). We only partner with the best so our customers can always expect the best service, and we help our partners deliver their services through the FINSYNC platform, resulting in improved operational efficiency and more profitable results for customers and partners. ------------- You will walk away from this podcast episode inspired, happy, and ready for more. Let’s listen to this episode with Eddie Davis. //////// Please support our sponsor WebMobileFusion and experience the 90-Day Growth Accelerator.  Learn more at WebMobileFusion.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

My guest on today’s Podcast is Lon Langston, CEO of the Engaged Banker Experience. Lon excelled in management and leadership at several companies and non-profits. In 2004, he started his own business, which he grew to $21 million in sales and eventually sold for 11 times EBITDA (eee-bit-da). After selling his business, he served a 2-year term as Executive in Residence at Clayton State University. In 2010, Lon began studying behavioral science and added it to his understanding of management and leadership to create a unique coaching and consulting method. He has helped clients in many industries achieve their goals, including serving as Chief People Officer for a bank holding company, which operates three community banks. Lon offers coaching and consulting to community banks with his Engaged Banker eXperience brand and to other businesses with his ThrooCode (through code) brand. The proof is in the results. Lon’s clients say things like: “I learned more working with Lon than anyone else, including professors throughout college and direct managers.” “I am amazed at the breadth of material, but more, the depth to which Lon took us within each topic.” “Possibly the biggest benefit is that people are so busy they forget to invest in themselves. Lon reminds them and shows them how.” You will walk away from this podcast episode inspired, happy, and ready for more. Let’s listen in to my podcast discussion with Lon Langston. //////// Support our sponsor WebMobileFusion and experience the 90-Day Growth Accelerator. Learn more at WebMobileFusion.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

What you don't have a website in 2019? Get one developed for under $1000 today. In today's day and age having a website is critically important to your business. Its just as important as you wanting to stay in business. We are going to talk about how to get your website up and running for less than 1K.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In this episode Lon Langston (Executive Coach) shares with us how he grew his company to 21 Million Dollars and sold it 11 years later. Lon discusses his ups and downs and some myths of Entrepreneurship. Lon also shares with us what Marketing tactics he used back then and what tool he is using now for his Coaching Business.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

Summary In this episode of the GeekSpeak podcast, Lincoln Parks interviews Lon Langston from Engage Banker Experience. Lon shares his background in the produce business and how he transitioned into executive coaching and corporate training. He discusses his experience in the banking industry and how he helps improve morale in banks. Lon explains his approach to understanding the leadership team and building trust with individuals. He also delves into the concept of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how it relates to employee engagement. Lon shares his perspective on his own talents and the importance of motivating others. The episode concludes with information on how to contact Lon Langston. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

Women, Women, Women.. They make up a vast majority of Entrepreneurs in Business. Banks want to work with them, they collaborate with each other and they make it happen. On this interview with Ariel Shaw, Founder of Southern Crescent Women in Business we talk about how this organization was birthed, to how women in this Climate can get assistance to continue to grow or launch new businesses. You don't want to miss this episode. According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, the fastest growing market of entrepreneurs are women. Women have created more businesses and contributed more than $40 Billion Dollars in revenue over the last 10 years. This unique trend is not really a trend, but is now becoming the standard. There are more women in business than ever before and across all demographics. However, with this increase, also comes the reality that there is a need for more foundational support in order to be successful. Henry County Women in Business is a conglomerate of women owned businesses and women in business that have come together to change the economic landscape in Henry County and the Southern Crescent area. Our partnerships go beyond Henry County, the Southern Crescent and Georgia. http://www.webmobilefusion.com WebMobileFusion is a Digital Strategy firm that Helps Community Banks, & Small Businesses thrive. The goal is to make sure that marketing is done right using a framework that can continue to 2x Business growth strategically. We are not a tactic firm, but lay the groundwork with Strategy first.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

To like or not to like? That’s the question at hand. So, I know on social media right now, a lot of people are… And you may be either a business owner or you may be… Or you may work for a corporate company. You may be in a campaign, that you’re a part of a campaign, and one of the metrics that a lot of people are still really concerned about is the Like and hitting that Like button. Pow, smash, hit the Like. And really, you should not be concerned with the Like. That’s not the end all, be all. People have goals. And by the way, the place where I like to shoot my videos the most is in the car because that’s where I think a lot.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In this interview with Uday Akkaraju CEO of Bond.AI a Fintech company, we learn more about him, what got him started in Fintech and how his company created a Human Centered App that help Banks with identifying customer trends. You won't be disappointed with the content of this interview, and you will understand how Banks are looking to learn more about you so that they can help you be better financially. You can learn more about WebMobileFusion at http://www.webmobilefusion.com - A Bank Marketing Strategy Firm. We help Banks by creating strategic marketing efforts that help them increase deposits, grow into new markets effectively with Digital Marketing, Automation and Artificial Intelligence. You can visit Uday and his company at http://www.bond.ai and learn more about how his company Can help your Bank succeed in 2020. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In this episode we capture audio from the 1st Stockbridge Economic Summit that featured speakers from Coca-Cola, Stockbridge City Government, and more. This episode will leave you wanting more information to help you grow as an Entrepreneur or an Executive. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

Andrew and Jennifer Richards are the owners of Ajaa Naturals a Natural Hair Care and Skin Care business. They moved from Illinois to Georgia seeking a new and fresh start. They share with us how they moved, opened a retail location in Dunwoody GA in one of the most Expensive Malls in Atlanta, closed the store and transitioned to an E-Commerce Brand fully. Learn the ups and downs and the move to continue to build their Business into a Multi-Million Dollar Brand. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In this episode, I am live at the Creatives and Coffee event in Jonesboro GA. I am speaking to a room full of Creative folks on how they can improve their website with 10 simple SEO tips.  If you are a creative and you want to improve your website ranking and get discovered by just doing some basic things, then this Podcast is for you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In 2019 we are getting serious about helping more businesses use the same methods as we do. Yes its going to take commitment and dedication and it does not happen overnight. Lots of planning goes into taking your business to the next level and what I have experienced is that most companies want it to happen instantly. Well I want to share with you from our Mentorship with Digital Marketer and Ryan Deiss  on what the customer value journey is. If you are missing this key and critical element of your business, please stop now and pay attention. This will help you in the long run. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In this episode Jill and I talk about Mailchimp and Social Media and how it is the fuel that starts your business. Going into 2019 we want you to take your marketing seriously and if you don't have an email marketing list then you need to start building one. By the end of 2019 if you follow our advice, you will be in a place where sending one email could me dollars in your pocket. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

Video Marketing for Small Business owners is critical to your success in 2019 and beyond. If you are not thinking about including video in your strategy you are missing a BIG opportunity to take your business to the next level. Michelle Amarra of SCBTV join us to talk about its importance as a strategy for your business going forward. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

Marketing Automation for Small Businesses can be a scary thing, but it does not have to be. If you are looking to save some time and resources in your marketing, then you should listen to this podcast. It can litterally save you thousands of dollars. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In this episode we speak to Leonard Sledge the Executive Director of the Henry County Development Authority. We speak extensively about how he and his team Market Henry County to the world. We speak about Social Media, Google, and then Leonard shares a tip on how he uses LinkedIn to effectively connect with individuals at Conferences. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message

In this episode we talk about Branding with Lydia Pierre of Pierre Branding Group. We start off by answering some questions like what is Branding? Why you need Branding and more. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lincolnjames/message