Back when many of us got started using the Web in 1994-1995, I remember many bank CEOs saying "I don't know how to use a computer and I don't want to learn." Essentially, their thinking was that computers were secretarial tools.

Boy, how things have changed. Or have they? What do you think the current level of Internet usage is by bank CEOs? We've put a new poll on the front page of BankersOnline. Take a moment to take part. Just go and click.

Got any good stories to share? I know there are still some CEOs who have their secretaries print out their email each day and who dictate replies. I also heard of one CEO who put the mouse on the floor and tried to use it like a foot pedal. Surely those are relics from the bad old days . . .

The CEO who used the mouse as a foot pedal is probably the same one who loved the integrated cup holder.

You push the little button on the front of the computer box and a little cup holder tray pops out.

But he also had problems. Like when the instructions said to hit "Any Key", and there wasn't one or when he had to move the desk because the mouse was at the edge of the mousepad but the cursor hadn't reached the edge of the screen.

------------------
Andy Zavoina
Opinions stated are not necessarily that of my employer.

Our CEO, also dictates to his secretary. I believe the PC is on the floor in the office. We do not have E Mail or voicemail either. But we have a website and online banking.

And no our CEO is not OLD! He is just from the old school of thought but very modern and progressive in other areas.

Yes I am safe in writing this information as I am moving from NJ to SC the end of June!

Helen Potter
Security Officer

I can understand the reluctance of key decision-makers to "hit the Net" for business purposes. Like all of us, they experienced the novelty phase of Internet useage & know that it can be a fascinating time waster.

Andy's "appropriate use" policy addresses many of the "don't", but what about the "do's"? Does anyone have guidelines, job descriptions, performance evaluation standards, or any other collection of "best practice" expectations for your staff online?

What do you tell your managers and staff to do online and how long it should take? How about e-mail--do you teach them effective e-mail communication skills, or leave that to AOL?

In the early 1980's I purchased a Compact portable PC (28lbs) and using Visacalc (B/4 Excel or Lotus) set up a spread sheet to analize financial statements. It took about 15 minutes to do what others were taking a couple of days to do. Everyone from the CEO down were throughly intimidated, and would not trust the numbers unless they manually recalculated them. I had to take the PC home as it was "giving the impression to other loan officers that I "wasn't working"

Using PFS File I did an analysis on new accounts, as to which competitor bank, accounts were being transferred from, and why to us. It gave a clear picture of our competitors weaknesses, and how we could exploit them. Again Senior management would not accept it, as they did not see anything coming out of a PC as reliable.

I was asked by a competing bank to accept a senior position, and one of my requirements was that they buy a new PC and allow me to use it. It had to get Board approval. Can you imagine standing in front of a Board of Directors justifying the purchase of a PC.

We've come a long way baby, Are have we?

Our president, who is over 60, signs on to the Internet every day, but is not real keen on e-mail. We continue to distribue paper memo's when e-mail would work just as well.
We also created our own internal site, providing updates on security, compliance, operations, procedures, etc. We also include a calendar, giving employees a list of holidays, promotions, statement cut days, etc. The calendar also works well as a reminder who is scheduled to bring treats on Fridays!