The Strategic Planning Lie That’s Keeping Banks Mediocre [VIDEO]
Roxanne Emmerich exposes the toxic lie behind most strategic plans—and the second-order thinking top banks use to pull away from the pack.
So, I’ve had a mentor for about 30 years now. He’s one of the wealthiest people in the country, and when he came here, he had just fifty bucks in his pocket. He once shared a system with me, and as soon as I started using it, things just clicked. It worked right away. Soon enough, some of my colleagues started asking him, “How is Roxanne getting all this business—and at such high prices?”
And he said something I’ll never forget. He said, “She’s ignorant. She doesn’t know she can’t.” Honestly, that was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received.
What he meant was this: I wasn’t letting myself buy into the story of playing small. I wasn’t thinking I had to match everyone else’s prices. I didn’t let the fact that most people were playing small hold me back. I didn’t let any of that limit my growth.
Now, I know, as an executive, you’re probably dealing with the same struggles. You’re pushing your team, using every incentive under the sun, trying both the carrot and the stick, but still getting nowhere when it comes to getting them to charge premium prices. And the issue isn’t just about incentives—it’s deeper than that. They just don’t believe they can do it.
A lot of it comes down to scarcity thinking. They’re stuck in the mindset that if they charge more here, they’re taking away from someone else. But they’re missing the bigger picture. We’re not fighting over pieces of the pie—we’re growing the pie. We create a situation where the customer is so well taken care of that they’ll thrive, and as a result, they’ll make millions—even if we’re charging an extra $10,000. Once your team gets that, the magic happens.
Yes, it might feel like you need to do some brain surgery to get them to realize that price isn’t the primary factor for affluent customers. The wealthy don’t buy based on price alone—but they will buy based on something else, something that matters more to them.
That’s why you need a sales process that’s built on a clear differentiator—something that sets you apart and makes you the option. When you’re a category of one, you can pretty much charge whatever you want.
Now, there’s a process to get to that point: defining what makes you different, helping your people experience some of those big wins so they can believe in it, and once that flywheel starts spinning, things take off from there.
So, if you’re still dealing with this problem, know you’re not alone. There are thousands of bank executives who’ve been right where you are.
But here’s the thing: you can’t keep living with this issue. You need to get rid of it, because if you don’t, it’ll cost you—whether that’s losing your bank’s name or your legacy. This problem has to be fixed.
At the Breakthrough Banking Blueprint™ Bootcamp, and I’m going to show you exactly how to get this done. I can’t stand seeing you struggle with this any longer.
When you’re there, make sure you come find me. I want to get to know you, and figure out how I can help. I’m committed to making sure every community bank in this country stays independent, but you have to be there so I can show you how.
See you there.
To your continued success,
Roxanne Emmerich
Please watch the video above and share it with your exec team and board.
Roxanne Emmerich exposes the toxic lie behind most strategic plans—and the second-order thinking top banks use to pull away from the pack.
Your boardroom may be your biggest blind spot. Discover how elite banks fix strategy at the Breakthrough Banking Blueprint™ Bootcamp.
Great employees don’t automatically produce great bank results. Discover why Top 5% performance requires employees who understand profitability, create deeper relationships, command premium pricing, and become trusted advisors customers never want to leave.
Elite banks aren’t born elite. They build systems, practice the right behaviors, and continually sharpen how they create value. Discover what helps top 5% banks reach exceptional performance—and stay there.
What separates America’s top-performing community banks from everyone else? Discover the systems, culture, and performance disciplines that help extraordinary banks protect profitability and independence.
Most banks lose the pricing conversation long before rates are discussed. Discover how elite community banks command premium pricing while protecting profitability and independence.
Most banks never intend to compete on price, yet rate matching quietly erodes profitability every day. Discover the strategy that allows top-performing community banks to command premium pricing and protect net interest margin.
The best community banks don’t win pricing wars—they avoid them. Discover how stronger positioning leads to higher net interest margin and greater profitability.
The highest-performing community banks don’t waste months searching for their ideal customers. Discover the proven process they use to identify profitable relationships quickly and execute with confidence.
Most banks believe their market determines pricing. Discover why that belief destroys profitability—and how elite community banks command premium pricing instead.