In January APR will be at the Real Green Users Conference.  This time around, Ryan Melnechuk will be attending and helping.  I am very excited because over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to speak with and meet many of our clients from across the country and this year, he will have this same opportunity.  Perhaps the best part of this conference is meeting people who we have only met over the phone and being able to put a face with the name!

Ryan and myself...Yeah, we do have a a lot of fun at this collection agency...

We have a great relationship and partnership with Real Green Systems. If you’ve been using their system for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of us. We’re one of many collection agencies in the country but we feel we’re the only choice for companies in the lawn care and pest control industries.

We’ve partnered with Real Green Systems for a number of reasons. The most important is that you the customer can have a seamless operation when using Real Green Service Assistant and keying in overdue accounts. Our two systems work as one. You can also do this 24/7 and get a complete snapshot of your accounts any time during the day.

When you come see us at the Real Green Users Conference in January, you’ll see how utilizing our interface with Real Green can not only save you time and money, but retain your customers!   Be sure to look in your schedule and come to one of our workshops and learn more about improving collections.

Take a quick peek with the video below to find out why so many businesses in the Green Industry use our service and then keep your eyes open for us at the Real Green Users Conference in January. We can’t wait to see you…

It is easy to get caught up in the hype that surrounds us this time of year and focus on the excesses associated with annual traditions. While there is shopping to do, parties to attend and gifts to wrap, it is nice to pause for a moment and find the true meaning of the season by being charitable. Take time to find one charity where you can make a donation; your contribution will make you and others feel good. In lieu of buying that extra gift or little embellishment, trim one thing away from your list and look to give the money to someone or someplace in need. A donation as small as $5-10 can make a big difference to those experiencing hard times, especially if you inspire friends, family and coworkers to follow in your footsteps.

Our Michigan team with presents for the Adopt a Family program

Recently a woman in Pacific Grove spent a year researching holiday spending in relation to humanitarian efforts that assist with some of the planet’s most daunting problems. She found that the average American can spend as much as $2,000 on holiday decorations, gift wrap, presents, food, greeting cards and travel. As a guy who has worked at collection agencies for many years, you see why people get in trouble. She reviewed how taking a small percentage of holiday expenditures from each American can aid humanitarian efforts that would make a sizable dent in many of the planet’s most-serious maladies.

If you are not looking to act globally and would rather contribute locally, research charities in your community where your donation can make a difference. Although you may not have money to donate this time of year, time and manpower can be equally valuable. A local charity may be thrilled to have you donate a few hours to their cause and an extra set of hands can be priceless. Taking a moment to reflect and find an organization that will make the most of your donation to help others this holiday season can truly make it ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. We’ve just done our part by dropping off a ton of gifts to the families we adopted through our Adopt a Family program. And I can tell you, we’re smiling as much as the families.

Many joke, in these modern times, of Darwin’s work on selection and the dwindling effects of environmental adaptation. In as far as we are now able to control our environments, sentiments like “Evolution: From hunter-gatherer to browser-purchaser,” are relatively accurate. However, In the Origin of Species, Darwin wrote that what makes us successful as a species is specifically because of our nurturing, altruistic and compassionate traits (1859).

Predispositions handed down to us from our ancestors still persist in such universal traits as tacit knowledge and reciprocal altruism. Academics at the University of California-Berkley have shown evidence in neuropsychology research that “Helping others triggered activity in the caudate nucleus and anterior cingulate, portions of the brain that turn on when people receive rewards or experience pleasure:”
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_compassionate_instinct/
In other words the same feeling of jubilee we get when we win something or are awarded something we get when we show consideration and selflessness in helping someone in need. There is also evidence that Altruistic behavior, along the same lines as eating right and getting regular exercise, can even extend your life expectancy: http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/mind-soul/doing-good/2010-11-30-passages30_ST_N.htm
If being generous simply because it’s the right thing to do isn’t enough, then help others in order to help yourself.

Organizing all of APR’s charity work can be quite daunting sometimes.  This collection agency does A LOT … many times a year … and then many unplanned times too when an employee just needs some extra care.  I usually take on a big chunk of this myself – running errands or ordering shirts or picture taking.  People donate – but its Melissa in MI and me in MA who have to be sure it all gets done.  Well, usually …   

This year my MA team helped me TREMENDOUSLY and delivering the gifts yesterday in honor of the great group of employees I have behind me was both rewarding and emotional.  I wish I could have taken everyone with Jeff and I so they could have shared in the joy of delivering Christmas to a disabled single mom and her 5 children and grandchildren.  Since work had to be done, I’ll instead acknowledge their contribution here:

Thank you to:

• Sam who found the perfect Spiderman toothbrush from Christopher’s wish list.
• Austin – a guy in his 20s – for purchasing the awesome Buzz Lightyear sweatshirt for Jose.
• Ginny, in the midst of moving, for running out what seemed like every night to pick up just one more thing so each bed had sheets and Ana had enough dishes for her large family.
• Lindsey who couldn’t imagine not having music so she got the family stereo. 
• Andy who yet again showed he can be a nice guy (I tease) with hats and mittens for all.
• Al who couldn’t get out shopping so he gave me a little extra cash to pick up some gifts in his name – dishes and toilet paper!
• Our PR guy Dave who called and said “what can I buy?” – and bought clothes and shoes.
• My boss Jeff … who after surgery helped me lug every crate and heavy box and went to WalMart so I didn’t have to carry the dresser alone. 

This is not to say that MI or NC didn’t have some stars of their own … but for the first time in a long time I had every employee under this roof help me and APR with this program and I wanted to acknowledge them personally.  The few things mentioned above are just a small snapshot of the generosity they all showed. 

Anyone can give money, if they have it to give, but it’s the gift of time – the true desire to find the perfect present for a stranger – and the asking of so many questions when Jeff and I came in today because they truly cared how it went and wanted to hear about the family they gave to.

I may have gotten to physically go to Roxbury Youthworks yesterday – but you were all there with me.  I hope each of you can enjoy your holidays a little more knowing others will because of you.  Thank you for being you.

American Profit Recovery continues to be a leader in charity and magnanimity. In addition to national, charitable initiatives such as the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association – to name a few – APR pays special attention to the local community as well.

American Profit Recovery has joined forces with the Adopt A Family program for the 2011 holiday season. Every year, and particularly in these most recent arduous and trying times, there are families in especially significant need; APR has once again answered the call. Most of us have friends or family who are in need of some help, big or small. We adopt families, not for the recognition, not for the press: We adopt families why, because it’s the decent thing to do, it’s the right thing to do.

The Collection industry has often been toted as a “dog-eat-dog world.” If more companies within the industry would wake up and realize that giving is more important than taking, the Collections world could resist the negative stigmas.

We are in the midst of the holiday season and with less than two weeks until the ‘big day’ tension and pressure are mounting. Although the holidays are a fun time, they can also be a time of stress; in addition hectic daily routines most people face trying to find the right gifts at prices they can afford. Stress can cause consumers to make bad decisions which leads to spending too much money. One way to avoid getting caught up in the spending whirlwind associated with the season is to organize. When consumers take a few extra minutes each day to organize they are more likely to make thoughtful purchases they can afford. Take it from a guy who has worked at a collection agency for over 20 years, we have a few pieces of advice. Below are a few tips on how to spend within your means this holiday season.

Make lists: When you step into a mall or department store with vague ideas on who you are buying for and what they may like, you are likely leave with random purchases that were far too expensive. Take a little time to thoughtfully review who you would like to purchase gifts for and perhaps a few items that they may need. This process can help you hone in on where you need to go and what you need to buy and can eliminate going here, there and everywhere in holiday traffic. Taking a few minutes to organize can save you money and time this holiday season.

Do your homework: When you take a few moments to review advertisements, peruse online for special offers and look for stores that offer free shipping; you can save a large amount of money while knocking items off your shopping list. Many advertisements house hidden coupons that offer free shipping or great deals when you buy from that store. Also, take a few minutes to peruse ads for the best prices. Comparing and contrasting prices offered by different stores can save you money.

Be patient: It is easy to get caught up in the holiday shopping frenzy. However, if you can muster up the patience, you can save a bundle. As the holidays get closer each day, stores dramatically lower prices. The closer it gets to Santa’s arrival, the bigger the savings. This is not always an easy practice but when performed correctly, you can reap generous rewards.

Be reasonable: Try to buy gifts that are fun and exciting but also practical – for the recipient as well as your wallet. Be reasonable about wants versus needs. Also, keep track of what you are purchasing. It is easy to loose track of purchases by continually buying and throwing items into a hiding spot. Before you know it, you have overspent.

Although shopping, keeping organized and tallying expenditures whenever possible may not be the jolliest aspect of the holiday season, it will help you enjoy the ‘big day’ when you know you are not faced with overwhelming debt celebrations end. Start the New Year celebrating peace on earth as well as peace of mind.

The upcoming holidays bring excitement and wonderful feelings of joy but they can also bring a great deal of financial stress and anxiety. The people at this collection agency have many years of experience and have worked with businesses and consumers in many different industries to effectively and diplomatically settle overdue accounts during the holiday season. No one wants to be a Scrooge and ruin the celebratory feelings of the season by asking for monies owed but postponing pursuit of payments can be more detrimental than helpful. Below are a few tips that include methods APR has found to be effective:

The holidays are a time where people push themselves to the limit; especially financially. When your business acts early on an overdue account, it can put a consumer’s finances in perspective which may lead to more responsible holiday spending. Acting early can help a business settle their books before year-end and can also benefit consumers so they do not start the New Year with a mountain of unpaid bills.

Although most have time off during the holiday season, finances and debt do not have the same luxury. Your business should maintain a regular billing schedule, even during the holidays to set the stage for direct payment policies and manages expectations. A regular billing schedule can also encourage customers to stay on track with other debts and financial obligations.

Constant and consistent contact encourages communication between businesses and customers. Keeping the lines of communication open can help clients approach companies to work out a reasonable payment plan during financially stressful times, like the holidays. Maintaining a regular billing schedule and contacting consumers to settle accounts at all times of the year keeps them from feeling alienated.

Don’t put off your collection process. Doing so could put you at the bottom of a very large pile of holiday bills. Take a look at the video interview I did with our own Matt Moskowitz about getting paid during the holidays.

I joke with prospective clients all the time. They always tell me “if our customers/patients would just call us, we would be more than willing to help them make payment arrangements.”  If I had a dime for every time I heard that…

Most business owners that I meet with have a lot in common, regardless of their industry. They are upset with the lack of communication from their customers; frustrated with the cost and efforts trying to collect on unpaid bills; and even more upset at the amount of money they have to stare at wondering if they will ever see a dime of it. More often than not, they all feel this way, yet still are concerned with turning anyone over to a third party.

Collection agencies don’t exactly have a positive presence in today’s world and many companies are hesitant of what could happen to them or their customers. I love assuring prospective clients that we offer a soft, diplomatic approach that is really more of an extension of their internal efforts, as opposed to that dreaded “last resort” type of agency. We bring them the powerful impact of a third party, but still allow the business or practice to work out payments or arrangements on their own terms. This also allows them to turn over their accounts sooner, which is when they are more collectible.

If you do the math, as a business owner, you save time, money, effort … and possibly even that customer for repeat business.

My family owned a Commercial Construction Company founded by my stepdad and two partners which supported our home for over 25 years.

I saw first hand my stepdad and brothers put all they had into this company; they were so proud! The company grew over the years and at its height they were a contender here in the local Commercial market doing everything from executive tenant finishes, new builds, and industrial warehouses to corporate retail and restaurants. As CEO of the company I often heard my stepdad talk about some of the financial struggles he endured running his business. General Contractors and tradesmen get paid in increments called draws. The majority of the time the work gets done per the construction schedule and the contractors are left at the mercy of their client to execute and pay out the last draw. There were many times my stepdad noted that he didn’t get paid on the last draw! And we are talking large chunks of money $40k & $50k+ at a time! He would tell me that it would cost more to fight it in court than the money that was actually owed to the business. He would just say that you really have to be careful who you work for in this industry!!! Being a stand up man of his word with a high level of integrity he would just say that it was the “cost of doing business.”

Well, I witnessed the “cost of doing business” run my stepdad ragged and bankrupt our family business. I saw my stepdad transferring his personal savings to pay his own trades even when he had not been paid himself. It devastated me to see what it did to him and brothers! Not only did it shatter their dreams but it also put our family in financial limbo. Now he is a 60 year old man with no retirement or savings.

The sad part is that he has a genuine love for the Construction Industry he really loved what he did on a daily basis and when he talks about it today I still see the sparkle in his eyes. I think back and wonder what his business future would have entailed, had he had a company like American Profit Recovery on his side back then.

American Profit Recovery is a great collection agency that helps guide businesses of all statures small and large in an area of their business that can be uncomfortable but ever so crucial to their financial survival. Our diplomatic approach helps businesses to not only stay in touch with their clients, but it also helps them to retain a large portion of their clients as well. In turn, increasing their company’s growth and profit.

Working for a Collection Agency has really allowed me to gain closure to the demise of my families business 7 years ago. I have closure knowing there are great Collection Agency’s out there, doing business the right way and helping businesses stay in business!!!

We’re pretty open here at American Profit Recovery. We’re proud of the way we operate and do quite a bit to keep our reputation intact. If you Google this collection agency’s name, you’ll see that you’ll find pages and pages of the good deeds we’ve done here. Google some others in our field and you might find otherwise.

We also have a philosophy of letting consumers know about their rights. We have to anyway in the course of our business but we like to go over and above what we have to do and occasionally post these informational pieces so you know exactly where you and a collection agency stand with the laws.

As a consumer, you should know your rights if called or contacted by a collection agency. A couple quick points to keep in mind.

• Acknowledging the situation and communicate: The worst thing you can do is ignore overdue debt and think it will go away. Contact the collector as soon as possible to address the situation.
• Get documentation: When you contact the collector, ask for documentation regarding what you owe.
• Make a decision: Once you obtain documentation, if you do not owe the monies claimed to be outstanding, you have the right to dispute it. If you do owe the overdue funds, make an arrangement to settle the account, event if it is paying just a little something. More and more collection agencies are working very hard to make suitable arrangements for payment including payment plans.

There are also resources for the consumer that can help with financial situations. You can contact your own personal planner to help guide you through financial hardships or you can take a look at our resource page which has a link to a program called Dr. Debt. This program can answer many questions a consumer has about being in debt and offer solutions to resolving debt. http://www.americanprofit.net/consumeradvice.htm