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PODCAST

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions

FI GROW Solutions

FI GROW Solutions is a partner agency that works with credit unions and community banks to help drive growth and sales. We think bank marketing is broken! We decided to "Hit Record" during our strategic conversations around what"s working for our partners, to share with other bank and credit union marketers and executives. If you"re looking for best practices for your bank or credit union, join us while we talk all things sales, marketing and strategy for financial institutions!

business marketing

All Episodes

10:48

Episode 106 - AI and Social Media How to Use It...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/11/26

AI is everywhere, but that doesn’t mean your content has to sound like a robot wrote it. In Episode 106 of the Hit Record Podcast, Meredith Olmstead and Sophie Bawany break down how financial marketers can use AI tools to save time while still creating real, engaging content that sounds human. Key Takeaways: Use AI to streamline, not to replace: AI is a powerful tool for idea generation, scheduling, and research. But it should never create final content on its own. Real stories, emotional n...

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12:40

Episode 105 - Digital Ad Tips for the End of 2025 and...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/11/12

In Episode 105 of the Hit Record Podcast, Meredith Olmstead and Ads Director Ida Burr dive into how banks and credit unions can make smarter digital ad decisions heading into 2026. From rising competition to AI placements and budget strategy, this episode is packed with quick tips to help you get more from your marketing dollars. Key Takeaways: Conversion Volume Matters: Campaigns need at least 20 conversions every 30 days to fully optimize and reduce cost-per-acquisition.Budget Gaps Cost Yo...

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13:00

Episode 104 - Top 5 Branding Mistakes You Can Easily...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/10/22

In this episode of the Hit Record Podcast, CEO Meredith Olmstead is joined by Digital Marketing Director Rebecca Gwaltney to break down the top five branding mistakes that banks and credit unions should avoid. From inconsistent logos to outdated visuals and confusing calls-to-action, they share practical tips and simple fixes that can help financial institutions present a more cohesive, modern, and trustworthy brand. Whether you're building a new website or refreshing your ads, this conversat...

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11:25

Episode 103 - Using Tiny Questions to Drive Huge...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/10/07

In this new episode of the Hit Record Podcast, Meredith Olmstead sits down with Nida Ajaz, FI GROW’s Senior VP of Marketing, to discuss how micro surveys: short, one or two-question polls can deliver powerful insights for credit unions and community banks. They explain why these simple tools are especially valuable in an AI-driven search environment and how they can help financial institutions personalize member experiences, improve content strategies, and identify hot leads faster. Ke...

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12:20

Episode 102 - Application Abandonment Done Right -...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/09/24

In this new episode, Meredith Olmstead sits down with Taylor Malm, Senior Marketing Strategist at P1FCU, to uncover an unconventional yet highly effective approach to application abandonment campaigns. Using HubSpot and MeridianLink, Taylor shares how his team engineered a smart workaround that boosted loan and deposit completion rates significantly, without relying on traditional form captures. Key Takeaways: Track with Purpose: Use custom event tracking between MeridianLink and HubSp...

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10:27

Episode 101 - User Generated vs Employee Generated...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/09/09

Authenticity is the new currency in social media. In our latest blog episode, CEO Meredith Olmstead sits down with Sophie Bawany to break down the difference between User-Generated Content (UGC) and Employee-Generated Content (EGC). Learn why both matter, how to integrate them into your content strategy, and how they can help your credit union or bank stay relatable, trustworthy, and top of mind—without breaking the budget. Key Takeaways: UGC builds trust from the outside. Real c...

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14:46

Episode 100 - Top Takeaways from 4 years and 100...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/08/21

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of the Hit Record Podcast with a special roundtable discussion featuring Meredith Olmstead, Nida Ajaz, Kristin Mock, and Sophie Bawany. From how the podcast started to our team’s favorite episodes over the years, we’re reflecting on the trends that haven’t changed—and the tactics that still move the needle for credit unions and banks. Whether it’s email strategy, branded search ads, or being human on social media, this episode is packed with timeless insights fo...

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11:47

Episode 99 - Is your financial institution missing...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/08/13

In this episode of the Hit Record Podcast, Meredith Olmstead and Kristin Mock discuss a critical and often overlooked opportunity for financial institutions: capturing leads before they drop off during the application process. They explore how simple lead forms, automation, and thoughtful follow-up can recover lost revenue and boost funded loans without burdening your team.

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13:09

Episode 98 - 2025 Instagram Myths BUSTED for Banks...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/07/15

In this episode, Meredith Olmstead and Sophie Bawany tackle common myths about using Instagram for banks and credit unions. From replying to comments to using hashtags wisely, they share what actually works to boost engagement without burning out your team. Key Takeaways: Replying Still Matters: Responding to comments and direct messages can increase reach by up to 35 percent. Even quick replies help build trust and loyalty.Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Posting two or three stro...

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15:14

Episode 97 - Top 2025 Digital Ad Trends for Banks and...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/07/01

In this new episode of the FI GROW podcast, Meredith Olmstead and Ida Burr break down what’s changing in digital ads for credit unions and community banks; from seasonality shifts to personal loan trends and the real numbers you need to hit for optimized conversions. Tune in for practical strategies to spend smarter and stay competitive. Key Takeaways: Seasonality is Out the Window: Consumer behavior has shifted, follow the data, not the old calendar.Conversions Drive Optimization: No matter ...

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12:56

Episode 96 - Tips for Growing the Marketing Budget at...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/06/18

In this episode, Meredith Olmstead and Kristin Mock break down how credit unions and community banks can advocate for bigger, smarter marketing budgets. From connecting marketing efforts to core data to shifting the mindset from "expense" to "investment," they share actionable tips to align your budget with real growth goals. Key Takeaways: Data Changes the Conversation: Connecting your core and marketing systems can prove that marketing drives revenue, not just impressions.Budget Shouldn’t B...

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12:38

Episode 95 - How to Make Complex Financial Topics...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/06/04

In this episode, Meredith Olmstead and social strategist Sophie Bawany share how credit unions and banks can make financial content actually work on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. From simplifying the message to embracing real, behind-the-scenes moments—this episode is your cheat sheet for Gen Z engagement. Key Takeaways: Simplify to Amplify - To engage younger audiences, financial institutions must strip away jargon and break complex topics into digestible, relatable bites—think “Part ...

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16:04

Episode 94 - Setting the Stage for More Success with...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/05/20

Cross-selling at community banks and credit unions doesn't have to feel like sales—it should feel like service. In this episode of the Hit Record Podcast, FI GROW CEO Meredith Olmstead and Director of Sales Danielle Fancher unpack real-world strategies for creating authentic, high-impact cross-selling efforts. From live chat and automation to frontline staff training and data-driven segmentation, this episode is a deep dive into how to serve more deeply, not just sell more. Key Takeaways: S...

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13:55

Episode 93 - Why Customer Rention is More Important...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/05/07

In this episode of the FI GROW podcast, CEO Meredith Olmstead and Sales Director Danielle Fancher dig into a powerful conversation around customer acquisition vs. retention—and why focusing on deeper relationships with your existing members may be your most overlooked growth opportunity. From defining true onboarding to real-world tactics that work, they share actionable strategies to personalize, automate, and maximize every new relationship at your credit union or community bank. Key Takeaw...

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18:52

Episode 92 - Effectively and Strategically Using...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/04/14

Surveys aren't just for collecting opinions—they’re tools for growth. In this episode, Meredith Olmstead and Nida Ajaz explore how banks and credit unions can use surveys strategically to deepen member relationships, improve product offerings, and make smarter, data-informed decisions. From onboarding to attrition, they share real use cases that turn feedback into action. Key Takeaways: Surveys + Data = Smarter Strategy: Relying on surveys alone can miss the mark. Marry member sentiment wit...

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14:28

Episode 91 - Fast and FREE Ways to Increase...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/04/08

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15:13

Episode 90 - Creative Ways to Use Email Automation...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/03/25

In our latest episode, Meredith Olmstead, CEO of FiGrow Solutions, joins forces with Inbound Marketing Manager Rebecca Gwaltney to explore creative and effective ways to harness the power of automated emails. Beyond the basics, they delve into advanced strategies for financial institutions to engage customers meaningfully, ensuring their services remain indispensable. Key Takeaways: Re-engagement Campaigns: Utilize transaction data to trigger re-engagement emails, encouraging consistent usa...

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18:46

Episode 89 - Three Hidden HubSpot Gems for Your Bank...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/03/12

Join Meredith Olmstead and Kristin Mock from FI GROW Solutions as they dive deep into the lesser-known features of HubSpot that can transform how financial institutions engage with their clients. Discover innovative ways to leverage smart content, enhance user experiences, and optimize your digital strategy. Key Takeaways: Smart Content: Tailor your digital presence dynamically based on user behaviors and characteristics to provide a personalized experience for each visitor.SEO Website Scan: ...

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11:44

Episode 88 - Making Sure Your Marketing is Fully...

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/02/26

Meredith Olmstead and Kristin Mock from FI GROW Solutions discuss a recurring challenge faced by marketing departments in banks and credit unions: the lack of clear, measurable goals. In their conversation, they explore the importance of setting specific objectives for marketing teams to effectively align their strategies and resources, enhancing overall institutional performance. Three Key Highlights: Clear Goals Essential: Specific, measurable goals are vital for marketing departments to ef...

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17:59

Episode 87 - Guest Sam Paxson Talks Member vs....

Hit Record Podcast - FI GROW Solutions ·

2025/02/11

In this engaging podcast, Meredith Olmstead, CEO of FI GROW Solutions, speaks with Sam Paxson, founder of the Power & Light Collaborative and a seasoned expert in the credit union industry. They explore transformative strategies for banks and credit unions to shift from product-centric to member-centric models, focusing on leveraging digital tools to align services with member needs and behaviors for enhanced engagement and growth. Key Takeaways: Embracing Member-Centric Strategies: Sam d...

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106 results

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