Newsletters

In This Issue
- Wanna Get Lucky?
- Making a Statement: The Value of Strong Writing Skills
- February Recap: Making Better Credit Decisions
- Spotlight, Heidi Krum, Johnstone Supply

Looking Ahead

Are you tired of dealing with
credit reference requests?

Direct the requesting company info to NACM. As a member they will have access to our reports. You will get fewer credit reference requests and their information will be added to your NACM reports.

Wanna Get Lucky?

by Kelley Kunz, CCE, Martin Door Mfg.

I remember the quote from Arnold Palmer from our last ICEL meeting. "The more I practice the luckier I get." So maybe that wasn't luck when I received a check in the mail this week. I really didn't think I was going to get this one. It is a great feeling when you think you have been lucky, but an even better feeling when you know all your hard work has paid off.

I have been to Credit Congress a few times in the past and always find a new technique or an idea that I can take back to work and start using. I have an information sheet on my desk that gives me examples of responses to excuses . "Our bookkeeper quit " or "We're still waiting for approval." Response : Find out who is replacing him or her or when they expect to fill the position. If you get a vague answer, contact the president or head of the organization directly. Send copies of unpaid invoices with pertinent information to the new person and offer to assist in any way. If you practice these responses and make them your own you will get the answers you need. You will be confident and won't get rattled when an excuse is given.

One of our ICEL speakers, Sherilyn Olsen, gave us great information on "How to Hold on to the Money You Collect." What would you do if you received a notice that you had to give back the money you collected on an account because they went bankrupt? Sherilyn gave us great information on things you can do to keep a trustee from taking back that hard earned cash. Although you may feel lucky when you get paid, it was your hard work that got results. There is a great ICEL article that recaps information on preferential payments. 

Making A Statement:

by Melissa Mickelsen, CBA, Geneva Rock Products, Inc.

"The beautiful part of writing is that you don't have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon." Robert Cormier

The ability to write clearly, concisely and effectively is a valuable asset in today's business world. The following guidelines and suggestions may be of help in developing or polishing strong business writing skills.

Content
Before you begin writing, have a clear concept of what you're trying to accomplish. If your document is strictly informative, consider the information that your audience already has as well as any new information that they will need. Avoid including information that is redundant or unnecessary. If you are making a request, clearly communicate the action your reader will need to take. It is often helpful to state your request at the beginning of a document, followed by any supporting information. A request buried in the body of a document could be easily overlooked. View full article

 February Recap: Making Better Credit Decisions

by Melissa Mickelsen, CBA, Geneva Rock Products, Inc.

Mark Jones, Credit Manager at Geneva Rock Products, was the speaker at the February ICEL meeting. Mark is an avid reader and loves to learn. He shared valuable information he learned while reading three books by Malcolm Gladwell.

First, Mark addressed The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. In this book Gladwell discusses the things that can be tipping points for a success or a phenomena. Included in these ideas are three different types of people: Connectors, Mavens and Salespeople. Connectors are people who know a lot of different people and are able to facilitate connections that may not normally occur. Not only do Connectors know a lot of people, they tend to know the right people. Mavens are people who gather information and are able to help others make informed decisions. Salespeople are dynamic and charismatic. They develop relationships and are able to persuade people to see their vision. View full article

Spotlight: Heidi Krum

by Rebecca Knaak, Alder Sales Corp

Heidi Krum is a new ICEL member and works for Johnstone Supply in the Accounts Receivable department. She has enjoyed working there for just over two years.

Originally from Arlington, Texas, Heidi holds a Bachelor's degree from BYU in Clinical Psychology which she finds very useful in her collections work. She is currently working on both her CBA and CBF certifications.

Heidi loves to learn and uses her insatiable curiosity to good advantage in both her career and her relationships with other people. She values the differences that make up individuals and makes friends easily due to her curiosity and genuine sense of caring for others.

Heidi is a volunteer foster parent for the Human Society of Utah. In less than five years she has fostered over 89 kittens. She remains permanent mommy to Qtip who fetches and brings her toys when he wants to play.

Heidi is interested in many hobbies including rappelling, quilting and yoga. She also loves red velvet cake and southern food in general. Welcome Heidi!