Peer References - Beyond Reviews
Credit unions don't make solution decisions based on star ratings—they make them based on conversations with peers who've been there.
Why Reviews Don't Tell the Whole Story
Let's be honest about how credit union solution decisions actually get made. Every credit union has that unofficial step in their vendor evaluation process: "Let me find someone who's actually used this."
A five-star rating doesn't tell you what the implementation looked like when half your team was out on FMLA, or how the vendor handled that critical integration issue at 2 AM. You need to hear from a Chief Lending Officer at a similar-sized credit union who can walk you through what really happened.
How it Works
Volunteer to be a Reference
- Sign up and volunteer - After your account is approved, you will receive an email link and instructions to select solutions you have experience with.
- Your profile appears - Your name, credit union and asset size, and title/role will be added to those solution listings.
- LinkedIn connection - Your LinkedIn profile link appears alongside your information.
- Manage connections - Accept or decline requests through LinkedIn as you normally would.
- Share your experience - Spend as much time as you want connecting with your peers.
When Researching a Solution
- Browse solution listings - View solution listings as usual in the marketplace.
- See peer volunteers - Identify the peer reference section of the listing.
- Review context - Review the peer's information to find relevant matches.
- Connect via LinkedIn - Click through to their profile to send a connection request.
- Have the conversation - If the peer accepts your request, have that impactful conversation!
The Credit Union Way
This works because it's built on the collaboration that defines the credit union movement. When credit union professionals take time to share their direct experience with peers, it provides better information than any solution provider presentation ever could.
"References and recommendations—relationships—are the currency of the credit union movement."
Our Commitment to Your Privacy & Control
Your privacy is our top priority. Here's what you can expect:
- A Private Community: Peer reference lists are visible ONLY to other approved credit union users, creating a safe space for discovery.
- A Strict No-Contact Rule: While a provider can see the references on their own listing, our User Agreement strictly prohibits them from contacting you. Any provider who violates this rule can be removed from the Solution Playground.
- You Are in Control: To have your reference information removed at any time, just email us.