Posted by Christopher Stevenson
Disclaimer: Every once in awhile, I get the urge to write one of those feel-good posts in which I don't really share any great insights and preach to the choir about how good credit unions are, all in an effort to encourage credit union folk to keep up the good fight and not get discouraged. This is one of those posts. If you are looking for depth of insight and meaningful discourse, I'd encourage you to look elsewhere.
Recently, Charlie Trotter posted a video on his Tumblr blog about a vintage banjo ukulele he'd restored. He found the uke at a little antique store at a bargain price, bought it, and with the help of online friends, figured out how to bring back some of its original luster. Charlie concluded his video with a rousing rendition of Dance with Who Brung You.
When I saw Charlie's video, I became interested in ukuleles for myself. I've never played a string instrument (and my trombone playing in junior high could hardly be called music), but I've heard that the ukulele is fun and easy to learn, so I began to research it. Here's what I learned:
- Ukuleles are only about 130 years old, but their popularity has gone through cycles during their short history. Ukuleles were invented in Hawaii in the 1880s, but they didn't gain popularity on the mainland until the Panama Pacific International Exposition in 1915 when a guitar and ukulele ensemble triggered a slew of Hawaiian themed songs among Tin Pan Alley songwriters. The uke became the instrument of choice for many Vaudeville performers and its popularity continued through the 1950s with the help of performers like Arthur Godfrey. But with the advent of rock 'n roll guitar, the uke fell silent for decades. Recently though, with the help of advocates like "Jumpin'" Jim Beloff there's been a resurgence in the uke's popularity.
- The ukulele is amazingly versatile. Erase your memories of Tiny Tim singing Tiptoe Through the Tulips; ukuleles are real instruments that can produce a fantastic range of music. Need proof? See here or here or here.
- It's still awfully fun and easy to play, in spite of its serious side.
- Ukes aren't all tiny little things; there is a ton of variety. The soprano is probably the ukulele you're most familiar with, but there are three larger versions, each with a different sound and feel. In addition, there are hybrid ukes that have the characteristics of banjos, harps, lap-steels, or dobros. There's a ukulele for just about anyone.
- Uke fans are everywhere and they thrive on community. Google "ukulele forum" and you receive over 19,000 search results. Ask a question on a forum and other enthusiasts respond promptly with well-thought-out answers and recommendations. The ukulele culture is strong and active, and it's slowly raising people's awareness and appreciation of this long misunderstood instrument.
Do you see any parallels to the credit unions? Brief history, but with ebbs and flows in popularity. Consumer friendly, versatile, and suitable for just about anyone. Die-hard fans who thrive on the community that a common bond creates.
It seems to me that CUs can learn a few lessons from the history of ukuleles.
- Our grassroots efforts will eventually pay off. I love credit unions. You love credit unions. When we share our enthusiasm for the movement with our friends and family, they'll see the value of their local CU, they'll tell their friends, their friends will tell their friends, and so on. It's a long, slow process, but we'll get the word out. It's good thing.
- A few strong advocates make a huge difference. The grassroots effort gets a turbo boost when it has a few strong voices. Case in point: Ondine Irving, who through sheer determination made Suze Orman aware of the benefits of credit union credit cards. The results have been amazing. Orman has touted the benefits of credit unions on national TV, including Larry King and Morning Joe. That's good press. A strong and tenacious advocate can make a world of difference.
- We need to be intentional. Ebbs and flows in business can often be smoothed out by developing a strategy that makes sense and sticking to it rather than relying on the winds of fortune to keep our business afloat. I believe both the ukulele industry and CUs could do better in this arena. We have too much to offer to leave it to chance.
Ukuleles and credit unions may seem an unlikely pairing, but there's more in common than it appears, and apparently I'm not the first to combine them. Check out this testimony before a Washington State Senate committee. Play on.
