The best banks in Georgia will consistently encourage employees to broaden their scope of knowledge, as banks compete for their customers and depend on a knowledgeable workforce. Commercial banks in Georgia will often offer their own training on procedures, but as a bank executive, you come to expect a basic level of competence from your employees.

A bank employee generally doesn't need a four-year degree to work at a bank. However, continuing education and training will help your staff gain an important edge and help your bank remain competitive. If you are managing a bank in Georgia, you need to know the best ways for your employees to get the education and training they need. Training courses for banks in Georgia are available through local banking associations, community colleges and national banking organizations, as well as outside sources.

1. Explore your training options with local Georgia banks associations.

2. Invest in training aids that your employees can use on-site at your bank in Georgia.

3. Hire an outside company to plan strategic training for your Georgia bank employees.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find training courses that will bring your Georgia bank employees up to speed

Traditional training courses may be the best way to offer employees the most intensive education on banks. Georgia bank employees and management can benefit from seminars that will ensure that everyone is on the same page.

I recommend: Georgia Banks Association (GBA) U offers training courses for Georgia bankers. Through EdComm Group, Banker's Academy offers banks in Georgia five-day and 10-day training seminars. Middle Georgia Technical College gives certificates in teller training for banking in Georgia.

Take advantage of Georgia bank training that allows employees to stay at work

You may shy away from losing valuable tellers for a whole week or having to excuse your best customer service representative in order for them to receive additional training. Invest in courses that employees can access online or by other means, or allow them to take short banking seminars in your area so they can stay on top of their game.

I recommend: Banker's Training offers training courses that are available to all banks, through Internet, video and print options. The Community Bankers Association of Georgia lists classes available in different areas of Georgia including Savannah, Atlanta and Macon.

Use in-house training for fresh ideas for banks in Georgia

Sometimes it can be more cost-effective to bring in an outside company to conduct training for banks in Georgia. Education and training that takes the form of in-house programs can have several benefits, including training that is right for your bank's needs. Additionally, you'll be able to address a larger audience for a specific training topic.

I recommend: BVS Performance Systems can offer customized training to your Georgia bank. Lorman Educational Services provides training seminars to local banks in Georgia. The American Banking Association can bring customized training right to your Georgia bank.

You cannot do business without a bank, and banks in Georgia are ready to do business with you.

Georgia banks serve a variety of needs for businesses and consumers. Most commercial banks in Georgia offer special services for business owners. They may allow you to process credit cards and receive the funds directly into your account. They allow you to pay your bills and collect payments. Your Georgia bank can probably even help you out with a business loan.

Consider the following when looking for a bank in Georgia:

1. Do you prefer to do your banking remotely or in person? Some banks charge a small fee to do business with a teller.
2. What services are you looking for in Georgia banks? Each bank offers a wide variety of services. You need to determine which bank best fits your needs.
3. Will you be traveling or doing business out of state? Some banks charge a fee when you use an ATM machine that is not theirs.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out if your bank has branches in Georgia

To avoid leaning on credit cards or getting hit with ATM fees while traveling in Georgia, plan ahead.

I recommend: Bank of America has over 800 branches throughout the state, and offer special services for business owners. Wachovia is also well represented throughout Georgia.

Use the online banking offered by commercial banks in Georgia to access your accounts from anywhere

Online banking is becoming increasingly popular. Using online banking, you can view your account transactions and even pay bills. Many business owners find this more convenient than banking in person.

I recommend: You can find online banking at most banks. Georgia Banking Center has an online service. So does the PatriotBank of Georgia. If you are interested in online banking, ask your bank if they provide this service.

Show Georgia pride by using local banks

Many people prefer the level of service provided by small Georgia banks. The tellers are friendly and will get to know you by name. Choose a local Georgia bank if you prefer to do your banking business in person.

I recommend: Georgia Bank and Trust offers specialized business banking services, including loans, savings accounts, and business checking. The Peach State Bank and Trust covers the gumut, as well, including money market accounts tailored to the needs of small businesses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always make sure that you understand the fees associated with your account when you do your banking in Georgia. Small hidden fees can quickly add up. You need to make sure that you have the correct level of account for the amount of business you do. Your bank account representative can help you choose the account level that's right for you.
• •  Consider using the automatic bill pay option if your bank offers it. This can save you time in paying recurring monthly bills, such as utilities or a mortgage.