adminTonderai Gwangwawa Business Correspondent
The role of a credit manager can be a lonely one. Networking, ideas and resources can be limited. Other than events such as credit conferences and other Institute of Credit Management events, opportunities to network and share ideas with fellow credit managers are minimal. With the benefit of online technology, credit managers now have the opportunity to tap into networking on a day-to-day basis.
Credit Network’s online forum is a powerful communication tool which offers several strong benefits. The following are five ways it can help you stay connected with fellow credit professionals and make life as a credit professional easier.
1. Pool of knowledge
Help or advice specific to your business can be hard to come by, particularly with the complex issues that credit managers deal with. Before online technology, it was the days of leaning over your cubicle to ask a question.
The tools of Credit Network enable credit managers to reach out, ask questions and stay connected with other credit professionals in the industry. The chances are your problem or query is one that others in the industry have encountered before and will be able to provide solutions to.
Participation in the online forum gives you the opportunity to get your questions answered by other credit managers that are knowledgeable about your topic. You are also able to contribute and help others by sharing your knowledge, posting your comments, answers, experiences and engaging in online discussions. The forum is a great tool for learning new ideas and refining old ones. It brings the wealth of information and know-how of your peers to your fingertips.
2. It’s who you know
The power of networking rings true. Making contacts, business leads and knowing the right people can be an asset to you and your business down the track. However, getting a group of peers and experts in the field together in the same place at the same time, especially finding a time when everyone is available to meet face-to-face, can be chaotic.
Collaborating online gives the benefit of being involved whenever and from wherever you like. People can participate in multiple conversations simultaneously without interruption, take the time to reflect and valuably add to conversations and are able to access them at a later date.
Credit Network is unique in that it is built specifically for the credit professional. This means you can enjoy the benefits of a community membership of like-minded people willing to help you out at any time.
3. Staying in the loop
Staying up-to-date is vital in the credit management industry.
The forum is a great way to learn of current events taking place and to also gain a variety of diverse opinions and perspectives that come with collaboration. Tapping into the minds of other credit professionals provides a plethora of fresh ideas and current practice methods.
You get a deeper knowledge through conversation that you don’t get from news and articles.
4. Business recognition
Familiarity is key. People are far more likely to use or refer a product or service they are familiar with. Active participation in the Credit Network forum generates recognition of your business and demonstrates your expertise
This can strengthen and build professional relationships, potentially drumming up business and driving traffic to your site.
5. One-stop shop
Unfortunately, time cannot be manufactured. Efficiency is essential in busy practices, and the credit industry is no exception. To assist in this, Credit Network also equips credit professionals with:
a. useful online resources and tools;
b. the latest industry news and articles;
c. the most recent training and events for professional development;
d. debt recovery data, insights, tools and processes; and
e. valuable analysis and statistics.
Credit professionals should not get left behind. Taking advantage of the technology and resources available at Credit Network will ensure you keep on the cutting edge of the profession and stay connected to the collective knowledge of fellow members in the industry. Credit Network is everything for the credit professional.
Tonderai Gwangwawa is a credit controller and he can be contacted at [email protected] or 0773887202 or 0735935045.
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