Community Bank CEOs: The 3 Leadership Phases That Make-or-Break Bank Sales

 

You've decided to sell your bank.

 

Whether it's market conditions, succession planning, or strategic growth, you're about to face one of the toughest leadership challenges of your career.

Most bank sales that fail don't fall apart because of price.

They fail because CEOs lose control during ...

Continue Reading...
Community Bank CEOs: Why Most Bank Acquisitions Lose Their Best Employees in Year One

 

This article is primarily for bank buyers.

But if you're a seller, read it anyway.

 

Understanding the buyer's perspective helps you prepare your team.

 

This guidance is meant to help your acquisition succeed.

Read it in that spirit.

 

If you get this right, you'll distinguish yourself i...

Continue Reading...
Community Bank CEOs: How to Handle Closing Day Without Destroying Morale

 

The deal closed.

Legal counsel confirmed everything is complete.

Documents were exchanged.

The paying agent has funds ready for shareholders.

Your bank's internal accounts now belong to the buyer.

 

Friday afternoon, employees walked out the door under your brand.

Monday morning, they'll w...

Continue Reading...
Community Bank CEOs: The 3-Step Plan That Keeps Customers Calm During Mergers

 

Your customers heard the announcement.

Now they're confused.

 

"When does this happen?"

"What changes for me?"

"Do I need to do anything?"

 

Without a clear roadmap, anxiety fills the gap.

Customers start shopping for new banks.

Employees can't answer questions confidently.

Chaos builds...

Continue Reading...
Community Bank CEOs: How to Lead When You’re No Longer in Charge

 

The announcement went out yesterday.

Your board approved the sale.

The press release hit the wire.

Employees got the news.

 

And just like that, everything changed.

 

You're still the CEO.

Your title hasn't changed.

Your office is still yours.

But something shifted overnight, and everyo...

Continue Reading...
Community Bank CEOs: How to Announce Your Bank Sale Without Losing Control

 

Your board just said yes.

The buyer's board is about to do the same.

 

You've kept this secret for months.

Now you're about to tell everyone.

 

This is announcement day.

And it's going to be intense.

 

The Perfect Plan vs. Reality

Here's what should happen:

You and the buyer spend a mo...

Continue Reading...
Community Bank CEOs: 5 Questions Buyers Want to Know About Your Team

 

The management meeting with potential buyers is scheduled for next week.

Your team is ready.

But are you prepared for what buyers really want to know?

 

Here's what most CEOs don't realize:

Buyers have five specific questions about your team that determine whether they'll improve their offer...

Continue Reading...
The Ultimate Bank Value Builder: Why Your Leadership Team Matters More Than You Think

 

Let me share a counterintuitive truth about bank leadership:

Your most important job as CEO is to make yourself replaceable.

 

I've seen too many community bank leaders who believe their personal involvement in every decision is the path to success.

They're wrong.

And if you're planning a po...

Continue Reading...
The CEO's Playbook: Three Strategic Approaches to Selling Your Community Bank

 

Let's talk about one of the most crucial decisions you'll make when selling your bank: how to take it to market.

There are three distinct approaches and choosing the right one can mean the difference between a smooth, value-maximizing transaction and a messy process that destroys shareholder val...

Continue Reading...