As spring begins and I see all of the new growth stretching, peeking up through the ground and the trees budding, I reflect on my own life and growth. I think about how plants gain strength through sun, water and food. We are the same. In order to grow, we need to continue learning and experiencing new things. Spring is a good time to assess our strengths and weaknesses in credit. It's also a good time to think about the areas in which we need improvement to help us better manage our company's accounts.

In the construction industry spring is when business begins to blossom and increase. It's a good time to take a look at the accounts, to think about where the risks may be and what changes have or may occur in the economy that will impact the overall quality of your accounts receivable. One thing is for certain, things change. It is a good time to review the credit worthiness of the accounts you manage by obtaining new NACM credit reports, verifying their business entity, contractors license (or other things relevant to your business type), and ask for updated financial statements on any accounts you would consider marginal or higher risk. I also like to look for new ways to help minimize risk; its a good time to look at what tools are available that are not being used. Are there courses or seminars available that would help to prepare and equip you to do a better job for your company now or in the future? New reports or features that can improve the information available on your accounts?

I've worked in credit for most of my fairly long career and I have been involved in the building materials industry for most of that time. It has been a very interesting experience where I have learned and grown greatly. Even with years of experience, there is still a lot to learn since things do change. I have taken many courses in credit and have attended many seminars since being involved in credit. However, there are things related to areas I seldom visit that I know I have forgotten. As the saying goes "If you don't use it, you may lose it."

It is a fact of life that things change so it is important to do all that you can to be prepared for changes. I have been at L.K.L. Associates for 15 years working on the same computer system. As such I am very comfortable with that system and know how to do all of the necessary functions I need to do related to my job. Alas, we are getting ready to go through a conversion to a new system! I know this will take me out of my comfort zone, and just like a spring seedling, I will have to stretch and peek through the newness as I nervously learn a different system. Although we have had some training, changing systems can be a huge challenge. Being prepared, as much as possible, for company changes is essential for a smooth transition.

Through NACM there are so many opportunities to learn the skills necessary to be at the top of your game. There are courses on all aspects of credit management available plus seminars, the National Credit Congress and Western Region Credit Conference. This year the Western Region Credit Conference will be in Salt Lake City at the downtown Hilton hotel. I truly believe we all need to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Every session available at both Credit Congress and Western Region Credit Conference will be excellent providing each of us with an opportunity to learn about areas of credit where we need improvement. Networking at these conferences and talking with other credit managers sharing similar problems, is just another important tool we have at our disposal.