In the twenty plus years that I have been in credit one thing has remained constant. Our jobs are hard! No matter the industry, no matter how seasoned or new we are to credit, our jobs are hard. Sure, some of us have the benefit of great owners, bosses and coworkers but at the end of the day no one can understand us better than our peers, which is why we are so lucky to have NACM Business Credit Services and the Intermountain Credit Education League (ICEL).

Association = Noun - an organization of people with a common purpose and having a formal structure. Synonyms = alliance, union, society, company, band, fellowship.

Imagine if you had to do this job completely on your own; no credit reports, no groups, no education, no networking opportunities.  Now that would be hard. Fortunately, we have the benefit of having a strong and amazing support group available to us if only we will utilize it.

I know what you are thinking. "I don't need local credit reports" or "Being in an industry group won't help me" or even "Why do I need more education?" But here is the truth: the credit reports offered by NACM Business Services are not only local they contain the information of creditors across the country who are selling to your customers. And industry groups? I can't count how many times a piece of information that I received in a group meeting has saved my bacon. Even if I can't remember specifics, I now have a relationship with the members of my group so I can pick up the phone comfortably and call them for help. As for education, I think that sometimes it's true that we don't know what we don't know. The timely topics offered in seminars and each month at ICEL and the college level courses offered will only enhance our ability to do this hard job, regardless of whether we are pursuing a designation. When was the last time you met someone who just plain knew too much? Not some know-it-all but someone who actually knew too much. The need to keep learning and growing is a seed that needs nourishment, and NACM Business Credit Services and ICEL are the best avenues that I know to receive what we need to be successful.

All that being said, the key to a strong organization is its people. Since my involvement began, our numbers have been almost cut in half. This drop in members can be attributed to many factors but one thing remains the same today as it was way back then - our Association is strong. And it is up to us to keep it that way. Get involved! Signing up for a committee is an easy way to meet new people, expand your horizons and help keep us strong and it requires minimal time. Imagine being able to make a difference in literally an hour or two a year.

I know that there is absolutely no way that I would be where I am today without the services and support that I have received not only from NACM Business Credit Services and ICEL but also our awesome members who are always willing to answer my questions and provide a perspective on issues that I face because they actually get it. Our job is Hard! Why not get involved and make it a little easier?  I encourage everyone to take that step and see where it can take you.