Connect Spring 2019 | Page 3

Content T H E S T R AT E G Y I S S U E A thoughtful and effective strategy is the first step to accom- plishing any goal. From financial Jack L. Kopnisky planning President & CEO to growing Sterling National Bank a business, the proper strategy informs every decision. To put it simply, strategy is the frame- work for making decisions about how one will act in the future to reach an objective. However straightforward it may sound, strategy often requires discipline, patience, and exceptional leadership to implement. Before you craft a plan and organize the personnel and equipment it takes to operate, consider why it’s necessary and what efforts it will take to achieve success—this is strategy. Fortunately, Sterling and our team of Relationship Managers are equipped and eager to help create the financial strategy best suited for you. In this issue of Connect, you will learn how to develop strategy maps (page 12) and how to develop a portfolio strategy like a ven- ture capitalist (page 4). Make strategy a pillar of your success and adhere to its guidance as you seek to grow into the future. Sincerely, 12 STRATEGY STARTER PACK Use Strategy Maps to Get Where You’re Going 4 DIVERSIFIED STRATEGY When It Comes to Growth, Think Like a Venture Capitalist 5 BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE Should a Behavioral Science Expert Be Your Next Big Hire? 6 FIXED VS. VARIABLE 10 5 WAYS TO BOOST Knowing the Difference Could Save You Money During Retirement Before You Can Think Strategically, You Have to Think Creatively ANNUITIES CREATIVITY Creative Director Victoria R. Carlson Designer Brittany Lawson Managing Editor Michelle Bangson Contributing Writers Michelle Bangson, Rich Bailey, Katie Clem, Phil Simons, Anne Songy, Rob Toal, Laura Jane Walker Photographer Ryan Hayman PRODUCED BY LIFT1428 FOR STERLING NATIONAL BANK RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE 11 IMPROVE YOUR CASH FLOW 15 LENDING Speed Receivables and Slow Payables to Stay in the Black Understand the Ins and Outs of Warehouse Lending RANKED ONE OF FORBES' BEST BANKS OF 2019 // CONNECT STRATEGY SPRING 2019 // SNB.COM 3