Inside NACM’s Online Community: Where Learning Never Stops

Certifications build credentials. Webinars deliver focused learning. Conferences forge connections. Yet for many credit professionals, deeper understanding comes from everyday conversations with peers. When colleagues are spread across distances, continuing that dialogue between events can be a challenge.

Why it matters: NACM’s monthly Thought Leader Forums bridge that communication gap, offering a space where practitioners discuss real-world challenges, share solutions and build lasting relationships. Thanks to our preferred payment processor, United TranzActions (UTA), Thought Leaders now have access to NACM’s Online Community: a digital platform for members to exchange ideas, ask questions and crowdsource solutions in real time.

“As NACM’s partner since 1996, I can affirm that the Online Community is a powerful extension of NACM’s mission, bridging formal education with everyday application,” said Dean Middleton, president of United TranzActions (Miramar, FL). “We’re proud to support a resource that helps members not only learn but also implement practical improvements to cash flow, risk management and overall financial performance.”

The Online Community hosts seven Thought Leader Forums, with an eighth—the Legally Speaking Forum—launching by the end of March:

Performance Metrics: Drives confident, data-backed credit decisions through shared insights and best practices, from measuring department performance using comprehensive KPIs to benchmarking against other industries.

Construction Credit: Explores the nuances and challenges of the construction industry, typically beginning with an expert-led presentation on relevant topics, followed by open discussion.

Global Credit: In this forum, credit professionals unravel the intricacies of international trade credit and learn from others who extend credit globally.

Credit: A space where experienced credit managers look for ways to strategically guide their teams and lead with authenticity.

Technology: Designed for credit professionals who aspire to better their processes and want to use technology more strategically. Popular topics include AI integration and automation to streamline credit processes.

Emerging: Unlocks leadership potential and forms meaningful connections among rising credit leaders. Members are not only challenged to lead beyond their role but to inspire others to do the same.

Mentors & Mentees: A mutually beneficial mentorship program led by experienced credit professionals, designed to foster meaningful discussions and provide insights for navigating credit management challenges.

Legally Speaking: Creates a forum for members to discuss and explore legal topics and will be an excellent resource for CBF and CCE exam candidates.

What sets NACM’s Online Community apart from broader networks is its exclusive focus on business-to-business credit professionals, the depth of specialized expertise and the candid, solution-oriented tone. “We frequently see—and sometimes contribute to—conversations around integrating tools like check/payment guarantee, ACH processing and mobile deposit to improve cash flow,” said Middleton.

Through shared best practices, members find ways to streamline operations and make necessary improvements. “Despite my 19 years in credit, I still have questions that only another credit expert can answer—like how to handle a credit application with unfamiliar information or strategies for making higher-level decisions,” said Deana Reynolds, director of credit at Edges Electrical Group (Sacramento, CA). “Compared to other networking sites, it creates a safe, judgment-free zone to ask questions. You’re less afraid of making mistakes because it’s not public, especially for those who don’t understand your industry. I also find it an easy way to stay in touch and maintain those relationships.”

Getting Started
NACM Thought Leaders have immediate access to the Online Community. To begin, simply log in using the username and password provided with your membership. Once logged in, complete your profile by adding professional details such as a headshot, biography, work experience, education, contact information, social media links and professional certifications. The more complete your profile, the easier it will be to connect and engage effectively with others.

Next to your face icon, you’ll find a “Create” button that allows you to start a discussion thread, add a library entry or publish a blog post to your designated forum community. If you’re seeking mentorship, click the “Mentorship” tab in the menu bar. From the dropdown, you can choose to “Enroll as a Mentee” to join the program or “Find a Mentor” to connect with qualified specialists.

Members can manage notification preferences in their account settings. You can opt for real-time email notifications or choose to receive a daily or weekly digest summarizing activity, staying informed in whatever way works best for you.

Looking Forward
In time, the platform will expand to host a robust knowledge center filled with educational resources, including webinars, articles and white papers. An interactive job board is also in development, enabling members to discover relevant positions and network strategically.

The platform will also include the highly anticipated Mentor Match Program, an opportunity for members to deepen their involvement by becoming a mentor or mentee, investing in the next generation of credit professionals. “I’m really looking forward to mentoring newer members as they sign up,” said Reynolds. “After all, you can’t compare what you learn in a textbook to real-life experience.”

The bottom line: Daily engagement with experienced peers provides knowledge that formal training simply can’t replicate. NACM’s Online Community promotes professional advancement while strengthening connections for years to come.