When I started with my company 10 years ago, I was not officially in the credit department. The A/R position was held by someone who was very active in NACM and (thankfully) ICEL. I began to be curious about these organizations, and when I was given the opportunity to work in credit, I decided to find out what benefit existed for my company as well as for me.
Many good things were immediately obvious, the indispensable business and credit services of NACM, industry groups, seminars, on going education through ICEL, as well as the certification programs, social events, and most importantly, networking.
It might seem strange that I would call networking the most important, but as a board member of ICEL I have questioned many of you regarding the value of this organization to you personally. The answers have varied depending on the size or type of business each person is working in, but networking appears on nearly every list.
This word is tossed about pretty freely in business circles these days, but just what does it mean? Mr. Webster still defines a network as: "An open fabric or structure in which cords, threads, or wires cross at regular intervals. A system or pattern made up of interconnecting parts." Now, a person with a good thesaurus could examine this definition and find a good fit for our purposes here, but I went to ICEL members for their personal definitions of what ICEL/NACM networking means to them. Here are a few of the answers I received:
Networking means sharing of information.
Making solid contacts within the Credit Industry. This may be beneficial in many ways, such as keeping yourself informed on the latest credit news and changes, employment opportunities and news on common customers.
Networking is a way for each of us to work with our own tools (knowledge) but allows us to expand our capabilities by drawing on the expertise of others. It is an unencumbered exchange of value with the idea that you will reciprocate to others in need. Networking also allows us to share our successes and failures with others who understand what we do. It provides an opportunity to bounce ideas off one another, and improve our processes.
Networking is getting to know people interested in some of the same things you are. Then you can feel comfortable in calling to talk over a problem or situation. We make many new friends and acquaintances.
Networking is essential both inside and outside a company. It helps to get the "big picture." Todays buzz words "teamwork," "collaboration," and "relationship building" are just other names for networking. It's like a big safety net; it's your career yellow pages.
Networking increases your visibility, helping you find people and people find you, both inside and outside your company. It exposes you to innovative ways of doing things and to new ideas.
The best part of being involved with NACM and ICEL is the knowledge of the people and their willingness to help others learn. Whenever a problem or issue comes up in a particular industry; someone is out there in ICEL with experience that can and will help.
According to my survey it seems Mr. Webster was right with terms like "crossing at regular intervals" and "made up of interconnecting parts." Networking may be the essential "soft side" to this very strange and wonderful credit world; it is definitely the Bonus Program for your participation with us. Thanks!
