In this episode of the Credit on the Go podcast series, host Bob Schultz sits down with Pam Ogden, President of Business Credit Reports, a credit industry veteran. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of business credit and how modern technology has transformed the ways companies evaluate risk, manage collections, and collaborate across departments.
Their discussion provides a comprehensive roadmap for maximizing the value of credit data to protect and grow your organization. Key highlights include:
The Power of Multi-Bureau Data: Relying on a single credit source is no longer sufficient. The experts discuss the necessity of blended, multi-bureau reports, featuring data from sources such as Experian, Dun & Bradstreet, and Equifax side-by-side, to ensure you have the most relevant information for every customer.
Strategic Data Reporting: Learn why contributing your own accounts receivable data is a powerful tool for accelerating payments from chronic slow-payers. By using the “carrot” of positive trade lines rather than just the “stick” of collection threats, you can improve cash flow and strengthen relationships with your best customers.
Advanced Risk Analysis: Beyond basic scores, Ogden explains how to analyze the depth and relevancy of data, such as monitoring secondary suppliers as early warning signs of a customer’s deteriorating cash flow. The episode also clarifies the critical differences between various public records, such as federal vs. state tax liens.
Bridging the Credit-Sales Gap: Discover how providing sales teams with affordable summary reports can turn the credit department into a strategic partner in revenue generation. By eliminating the classic friction between Sales and credit, the credit department can help to prevent wasted sales effort on leads that will never get credit approval, or that will need special guarantees or requirements in place before the first sale.
Proactive Portfolio Management: Also discussed is the vital role of continuous monitoring and alerts to catch red flags, such as lawsuits or collection placements, long before a customer reaches bankruptcy.
Whether you are a seasoned CFO or a credit manager new to the field, this episode offers “pearls” of wisdom on using data not just to say “no,” but to strategically facilitate business growth.
About our Guest:
After gaining industry experience with Dun & Bradstreet, ADP, Bank of America, and Experian, Pam Ogden founded Business Credit Reports (BCR) in 1989 with the goal of providing affordable business credit information and outstanding customer service to small-volume users. Today BCR is the largest independent provider of credit information on businesses in the USA; uniquely licensed to offer multi-bureau reports featuring information from Experian, Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, FICO SBSS and the best International reports. Pam can be reached at pam@businesscreditreports.com.
Editorial Opportunities:
Have insights to share? Get featured in TCLM. Contact us about contributing!
Advertising Opportunities:
Your audience is here: thousands of corporate trade credit, treasury, and finance professionals. TCLM is where quote-to-cash decision-makers engage with the latest trends and insights. Put your brand in front of the right people at the right time. Advertise with us!
