Make your collection letters sound like they were written by a solicitor: use plain English

Use a credit control system that works & is understood by all users - especially by customers

Always prepare account information before calling debtors

Never 'burn your bridges' - maintain debtor communication

When dealing with debtors always carry out what you say you will do - change your demands only if it suits your needs

Go on at least 2 one-week credit control courses a year

Make difficult credit/debt decisions fast and often

Have Inter-departmental meetings - even if only 2 staff are involved in your credit function

Set targets for cash - ensure company budget maintained

Do your finance administration daily and correctly

Use a Credit Management consultant at least once every three years - for a few hours or a few weeks: it will pay off

With the greatest of respect: Do not assume all 'bookkeepers' are credit controllers - compiling accounts is a world away from communicating effectively with debtors (if you have a bookkeeper who is also a credit controller WOW!)