The Time Dimension - Presented Versus 1991 Zip Codes
An important object to keep in mind about ZIP code finder is that they change over time. In some cases these change can be quite amazing, but more frequently they are small and subtle. When a ZIP code changes its definition it does not change its name like a census zone. The ZIP code that was called '63301' in St. Charles County, Mo in 1985 has since been broken into first two and now three ZIP codes. These new codes were not called 63301.01, 63301.02 and 63301.03; they were called 63301, 63303 and 63304. So what is referred to as 63301 today represent about a third

A Business Meta - Fore
Many professional golfers go on to develop successful and significant business interests. Greg Norman is a standout example of this. Many senior business leaders play golf at a high level. This link between success at golf and successful business may not be coincidental, the attributes required for both are very similar. Consider the following.Applying FundamentalsChampion golfers spend hours getting the fundamentals right. They call this practicing. Very few golfers become champions without establishing the right grip, shoulder turn a

When It's Time to Make a Job Change
Do you find yourself dreading Monday mornings? Have you become a clock watcher? Do you lose your patience at work over things that never bothered you before? You may be ready for a job change.In the middle of the last century, most employees worked for the same company their whole lifetime and never considered switching jobs. But now loyalty to one company or boss is a thing of the past. Employees want to feel they are making a contribution to the company, are being paid what they’re worth and getting great benefits, and also have a work/life balance. 67% is a heck of a lot better than 0%. I mean, I actually get excited when one of my accounts goes to collections because I know it will be paid soon. My collection agent is a "Pit Bull" and there is absolutely no one that can handle his constant badgering and harassing. I am talking about Business to Business collections. In most states there are no laws protecting businesses from collection agents like there are for consumers. Therefore they can be forced into paying.

Here are ways to limit the use of a Collection Agent and collect your past due accounts.

Don’t extend credit!

First of all, the best way to prevent the use of a collection agent is to not extend credit in the first place. This can be achieved by explaining to the customer that the terms are COD and asking him or her to either bring a check with them or making sure they have a check on site to give to your service technician. It’s nothing personal and most other small business owners understand the importance of keeping the cash flowing. If you are up front and consistent, asking for a check becomes second nature.

Let your customers know you mean business right out of the gate!

Secondly, if you must extend credit you need to tell them that you expect to be paid as soon as possible and that they shouldn’t wait 30 days. Put “Payable Upon Receipt” on the invoice. Let your customers know right away that you will do everything in your power to collect the debt and that you intend on getting paid. It needs to be clearly spelled out on your job tickets, contracts and invoices. This should also be explained verbally. I always say something like “sorry I couldn’t take your call, but I was on the phone with our collection agent” or “my lawyer” or something to that affect and then I start discussing how I would never leave another small business owner hanging for his/her money. Don’t direct it towards them but discuss the problems that non payment causes and how much you despise a deadbeat.

Use a quality looking invoice system!

Third, you need a competent invoicing system. This includes quality invoicing software. Your invoices should be printed on quality letterhead and should always include a number 9 return envelope pre-addressed with your company name and logo on it. Your invoice package should scream out "I MEAN BUSINESS!" and not “Please pay if you get a chance someday!”

Be fast and consistent with your invoicing!

Fourth and very importantly you must send out your invoices immediately if not sooner. Send Statements every 15 days. When your customer’s invoice goes over 30 days, you must make a “courtesy call” a

ent is to not extend credit in the first place. This can be achieved by explaining to the customer that the terms are COD and asking him or her to either bring a check with them or making sure they have a check on site to give to your service technician. It’s nothing personal and most other small business owners understand the importance of keeping the cash flowing. If you are up front and consistent, asking for a check becomes second nature.

Let your customers know you mean business right out of the gate!

Secondly, if you must extend credit you need to tell them that you expect to be paid as soon as possible and that they shouldn’t wait 30 days. Put “Payable Upon Receipt” on the invoice. Let your customers know right away that you will do everything in your power to collect the debt and that you intend on getting paid. It needs to be clearly spelled out on your job tickets, contracts and invoices. This should also be explained verbally. I always say something like “sorry I couldn’t take your call, but I was on the phone with our collection agent” or “my lawyer” or something to that affect and then I start discussing how I would never leave another small business owner hanging for his/her money. Don’t direct it towards them but discuss the problems that non payment causes and how much you despise a deadbeat.

Use a quality looking invoice system!

Third, you need a competent invoicing system. This includes quality invoicing software. Your invoices should be printed on quality letterhead and should always include a number 9 return envelope pre-addressed with your company name and logo on it. Your invoice package should scream out "I MEAN BUSINESS!" and not “Please pay if you get a chance someday!”

Be fast and consistent with your invoicing!

Fourth and very importantly you must send out your invoices immediately if not sooner. Send Statements every 15 days. When your customer’s invoice goes over 30 days, you must make a “courtesy call” a

ut “Payable Upon Receipt” on the invoice. Let your customers know right away that you will do everything in your power to collect the debt and that you intend on getting paid. It needs to be clearly spelled out on your job tickets, contracts and invoices. This should also be explained verbally. I always say something like “sorry I couldn’t take your call, but I was on the phone with our collection agent” or “my lawyer” or something to that affect and then I start discussing how I would never leave another small business owner hanging for his/her money. Don’t direct it towards them but discuss the problems that non payment causes and how much you despise a deadbeat.

Use a quality looking invoice system!

Third, you need a competent invoicing system. This includes quality invoicing software. Your invoices should be printed on quality letterhead and should always include a number 9 return envelope pre-addressed with your company name and logo on it. Your invoice package should scream out "I MEAN BUSINESS!" and not “Please pay if you get a chance someday!”

Be fast and consistent with your invoicing!

Fourth and very importantly you must send out your invoices immediately if not sooner. Send Statements every 15 days. When your customer’s invoice goes over 30 days, you must make a “courtesy call” a

beat.

Use a quality looking invoice system!

Third, you need a competent invoicing system. This includes quality invoicing software. Your invoices should be printed on quality letterhead and should always include a number 9 return envelope pre-addressed with your company name and logo on it. Your invoice package should scream out "I MEAN BUSINESS!" and not “Please pay if you get a chance someday!”

Be fast and consistent with your invoicing!

Fourth and very importantly you must send out your invoices immediately if not sooner. Send Statements every 15 days. When your customer’s invoice goes over 30 days, you must make a “courtesy call” and then you need to start sending an invoice every week. I always fax an invoice and then take it out of the fax and then mail it to them. This says “hey look, you owe me money and you are late!” Have some rubber stamps made up that tell your customers how you feel. Make them unique to your business! I have one that says “we were there for you, now please be there for us.”

It’s time to get your Collection Agent!

Sometimes no matter what you do seems to work so you have to seek professional help. Statistics show that if someone doesn't pay you within 60 days chances are great that they will not pay you within 90 days. You must assume that at the 60 day past due point that they are simply out to rob your company. You must come to the realization that they will never pay you and they must be dealt with in a more severe manner. Remember no one likes to lose a customer but a customer that doesn't pay is no better than a common shoplifter and should be dealt with accordingly. They are essentially thieves! Once their account has gone to collections you should never deal with that customer again unless they pay the collection fee of 33%.

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