Accounts Receivables

How Industrial-Organizational Psychology Transformed my Career in Debt Collections

By Mike Hiller:

If you’ve ever watched a slugger step up to the plate in the MLB and knock the cover off the ball, you know it’s not luck, its preparation, technique, and timing all coming together in one moment. Staking up enough moments gets you into the Hall of Fame.

For me, that’s what applying a Master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology has felt like in my career in debt collections. It’s taken the background of fundamentals of human behavior, team dynamics, and organizational performance and turned them into a playbook for exceeding expectations, both personally and for the company and operations team I lead. […]

2025-12-02T13:26:37-05:00December 2nd, 2025|Categories: Accounts Receivables, Community Outreach, Small Business Collections|

The debt collection industry has changed-and it’s better for everyone

The debt collection industry has changed dramatically in recent years. And those are positive changes that have made the experience for both consumers and businesses not only better, but far more effective and productive.

These changes are driven by a growing emphasis on respect, dignity, diplomacy and transparent conversations.

The collection agency of today is creating a far more positive experience for both consumers and clients.

Let’s take a look at how the collection industry has changed for the better and why it matters. […]

Don’t Wait Another 30 Days: How to Spot When Late Payments Are Hurting Your Business

It’s human nature. Many people wait far too long to ask for help or get the assistance they need to improve a challenging situation.

We also find this in business. Especially in small business. Many owners and operators attempt to resolve an ongoing challenge until it reaches a point where they can no longer “go it alone.”

This is especially true when it comes to managing cash flow and ensuring customers pay on time. And we’ve heard this story time and time again over the past two decades. A business invoices, calls and sends statements. But for a section of their client base, these prove ineffective. And it’s a clear sign that your business needs professional help.

How […]

2025-11-09T11:15:56-05:00November 9th, 2025|Categories: Accounts Receivables, Small Business Collections|

Looking for highly rated collection agencies? Here’s what they do best

“I’m looking for a highly rated collection agency with great recommendations. What do these agencies do best?”

We often hear this question on our travels. It’s a question we hear at trade shows and seminars, and it’s frequently asked in online forums.

It’s a great question, and one you should ask when looking for an agency to represent your business. Who do other businesses recommend and why?

Here’s a breakdown of what the best collection agencies do to maintain their reputation and be considered highly rated and often recommended. […]

2025-10-08T09:50:39-04:00October 10th, 2025|Categories: Accounts Receivables, Small Business Collections|

The Silent Killer of Small Business: Are You Waiting Too Long to Collect?

Early intervention is a critical strategy in effective debt collections. And that’s especially important when you’re working with a reputable debt collection agency. To put it simply, it can mean the difference between getting paid or not collecting your money.

What is early intervention? It is proactive engagement with your delinquent accounts as soon as they become overdue. It’s not waiting for, or putting off, the process of contacting late-paying customers. And it is a necessary tool to substantially increase the likelihood of successfully recovering your money.

According to numerous reports throughout 2025, Americans are racking up historic debt. Household debt is on the rise and it continues to climb. Because more and more families are choosing […]

2025-10-08T09:27:01-04:00October 8th, 2025|Categories: Accounts Receivables, Small Business Collections|

Two Decades in Debt Collections: A Career of Purpose, Leadership, and Positive Impact

By Mike Hiller:

When I walked into my first entry-level debt collection job 20 years ago, I never imagined the journey ahead. What began as simply learning the ropes of an industry often misunderstood has turned into a deeply fulfilling career: one marked by leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to showing the world the positive impact our profession brings to people, businesses, and the economy as a whole. […]

2025-09-25T07:45:36-04:00September 10th, 2025|Categories: Accounts Receivables, Small Business Collections, Team APR|

How to maximize the results from your collection agency

We are often asked how a small business or a larger organization can achieve the desired results from using a collection agency.  And while every business is unique and the challenges that got them to need a collection agency are different as well, there are overall must-haves to make your relationship with your collection agency effective.

If you are a small business owner or someone in a leadership position who is tasked with bringing on a new collection agency, treating that agency as a strategic partner rather than a last resort is your first step.

Here’s how you, as a business leader, can strengthen your recovery outcomes with the collection agency you are working with.

2025-08-13T08:06:22-04:00August 13th, 2025|Categories: Accounts Receivables, Small Business Collections|

Understanding the role of respect and dignity in effective debt collections

You never know what an individual is going through and that is certainly true when it comes to consumers struggling with debt. No consumer wants to have a pile of unpaid bills and it’s a stressful place to be at the least.

How every consumer ends up in debt is different depending on the circumstances. While some people have mismanaged their money, other consumers have had various circumstances that could be out of their control.

Because we never know how a person gets to where they are, it is absolutely critical that we treat people with the dignity and respect they deserve. Because most people never wanted to be in the situation they are in.

When a consumer […]

2025-08-07T08:09:00-04:00August 8th, 2025|Categories: Accounts Receivables, Small Business Collections|

An insider’s look at managing negative cash flow

Many small businesses with negative cash flow, as well as larger organizations, are making the same costly mistakes.

Handling everything with internal resources.

Leaders, owners and founders tell themselves the same thing over and over again.” If we just keep calling, emailing and sending statements, eventually these customers will pay.”

The problem with that thinking is that it is a false belief, and over time, it proves to be unsuccessful. […]

4 proven tactics to stop negative cash flow in your small business

Every business owner or founder has experienced the effects of negative cash flow at some point.

The question for you is, how long are you going to let this go for and how often are you going to tolerate negative cash flow?

Whether you’re running a lawn care or landscaping company, dental practice, or even a restoration company, you’re not immune to the frustrations of late paying customers and negative cash flow.

Hoping customers will pay is just not a strategy. It’s a recipe for even further financial difficulties for your small or medium-sized business.

What does your business need to do to get back your positive cash flow? Check out our four must-haves! […]

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