Sep 27, 2024
Jamilex Gotay, senior editorial associate
In an ever-changing and often volatile economy, the B2B credit sector is constantly evolving, demanding that professionals adapt and innovate. However, staying ahead of the curve can be challenging without the right resources. NACM’s Thought Leadership Forums serve as a valuable resource for credit professionals, offering transformative opportunities to advance and adapt in their careers. Here are some reasons to get involved:
#1 Tailored to your educational needs
Credit professionals understand that the industry is filled with nuances and technicalities that involve other departments. That’s why it’s essential for all credit professionals, whether seasoned or new, to seek every learning opportunity. With seven forums available, they can access invaluable information on a range of topics. We’ve outlined each one for you below:
- Performance Metrics—Focused on driving confident, data-backed credit decisions and measure performance.
- Construction Credit—Explores the nuances and challenges of the construction industry, from material suppliers to general contractors.
- Global Credit Leaders—Discusses the challenges faced with international trade credit and learn from others who extend credit globally.
- Credit Leaders—Helps experts in credit to strategically guide their teams and lead with authenticity.
- Technology Leaders—Designed for those who aspire to better their processes and want to use technology more strategically.
- Emerging Leaders—Driven to unlock leadership potential and form meaningful connections with rising credit leaders.
- Mentors & Mentees—A mutually beneficial mentorship program led by experienced credit professionals, designed to foster meaningful discussions and provide insights for navigating credit management challenges.
# 2 Stay current
The Thought Leadership Forums keep credit professionals informed about the latest industry trends and technologies, enabling them to advance and adapt effectively. “The Credit Leaders Forum helps me understand how the current economic environment is influencing credit departments and decisions both within and outside of my industry,” said Wendy Mode, CCE, CICP, corporate credit manager at Delta Steel, Inc. (Cedar Hill, TX). “While my industry may not have been impacted as others at the time, it has encouraged me to look for clues and cues about what might be on the horizon.”
# 3 Refine your skillset
From benchmarking to leadership, the forums equip credit professionals with the skills they need to excel in their roles. “My most recent takeaways were tips on managing my Microsoft Outlook emails,” said Asha Weekes, ICCE, senior manager, credit at Gildan Activewear SRL (Christ Church, Barbados), a frequent attendee of the Technology Thought Leadership Forum. “Something so simple has made a significant impact on managing my time and ability to respond to relevant emails. Now, I’m not missing them in the cluster.”
# 4 Tackle challenges
Each forum addresses the most pressing industry challenges, assisting credit professionals in finding practical solutions. “As a newer credit professional, it has been nice to bounce ideas off others in terms of credit policy or how others deal with certain issues that arise in the forums,” said Kyle Kern, AR specialist at Outdoor Research (Seattle, WA). “The Emerging Leaders Forum, in specific, reminds you to check on your department’s processes while empowering you to lead that effort.”
# 5 Forge connections, build a community
The Thought Leadership Forums allow credit professionals to forge connections to learn and grow in their field. “The Credit Leaders forum members have become trusted resources for me, and I value the advice and insight they bring from their unique work experiences,” said Val Hardesty, CCE, CICP, director of credit and AR at Vallen Distribution (Belmont, NC). “The topics that we discuss are always relevant and timely to what I have going on in my new role.”
By consistently attending the forums, you’ll have the chance to form lasting relationships that can enhance your career growth from anywhere in the world. “For someone like me, based in Barbados, it’s challenging to attend conferences in the U.S.,” said Weekes. “This online forum allows me to connect with others and share valuable experiences.”
# 6 Earn Continuing Education Units (CEU)
Each time you participate in a forum, you can earn 0.1 CEU toward a designation from NACM’s six-level Professional Certificate Program, further enhancing your skills and increasing your credit knowledge.
Still on the fence? “Just do it,” said Darrell Horton, ICCE, director of revenue and credit at AGS, LLC (Las Vegas, NV), a member of the Performance Metrics group. “You will be surprised to learn how much you really do know and how much others are struggling,” Horton explained. “It’s a great way to get yourself grounded where you are and go to where you want to be,” said Horton.
For more information and to join our NACM’s Thought Leadership Forums, visit our website. To learn about each designation within NACM’s Professional Certification Program, click here.