If you have been in the Credit world for very long, you know that it is an ever-changing world. Now, more than ever, the Credit team member is an integration between customers, IT, Purchasing, Transportation, and Sales departments, as well as protector over the accounts receivable. They are at the start and end of the order to cash process, onboarding customers, and ensuring timely collections. Credit is important!
When we let change chase us, we are reactive fire fighters. We become resistant to change, deflecting the importance of adapting to new technology and progress in the Credit universe. We neglect to serve our customers and sales teams to the best of our ability, but there is hope on the horizon! New technology is improving Credit.
Being dynamic is part of who we are. It is important as a Credit professional to be transitional; to anticipate and prepare for change. If we chase the change in economic conditions, new ERP and AR systems, new payment processing methods, and new customer onboarding platforms, we drive how the change impacts our departments for our internal and external customers. We become proactive about making decisions. We better our processes to be more efficient, enabling us to spend more time with risk assessment and analytics. We become intentional with consistency and leading our team to success and growth.
Make it a priority! You can start the proactive process by reviewing your credit policy annually. Review daily duties and think outside of the “this is how we always did it” box. Be open to new possibilities. If you are attending Credit Congress, check out the Solutions Hub for new ideas and platforms that could change your world! It’s not just about the free swag, it’s about bettering your work balance. Remember chase change, before change chases you. Drive the transformation you want.
by Keeley Worley, CCE, Nicholas and Company