The first goal of the Consumers Union is to educate clients on their rights when they are being pursued by a debt collector. These rights are granted by state law and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). These laws are commonly violated by collectors either because they are poorly trained or counting on the fact that the consumer does not understand or are unaware of their rights. Being in debt and getting creditor calls can be an extremely stressful and intimidating situation. Even some people who do know their rights are too frightened by the collectors to take action. This is where the Consumers Union can step in between you and the creditor to offer the protection you need in this vulnerable situation.

A Consumer Advocate is not only designed to educate but also to protect their members. If you are dealing with a collector who is ignoring the laws which regulate their industry, the Consumers Union should be able to contact the abusive creditor on your behalf. In many cases a cease and desist letter will be sent instructing the Debt Collector to cease all communication with the client. If this is ineffective they can help you file a complaint or even refer you to an attorney if need be.

In the Debt Relief industry, the services of a Consumers Union will usually be offered with or as part of a Debt Help program such as Debt Settlement, Debt Reduction, Credit Counseling, Debt Management or Foreclosure Relief. Most of these organizations have in-house customer service departments that can help clients deal with Debt Collectors and the Consumers Union will be utilized in extreme cases of abuse and harassment. For many people the Consumers Union can help relieve a lot of the pressure associated with the inevitable Creditor Collection calls when a debt falls behind.

Creating, building and working your advocate list are different from networking. Where networking is the building of business contacts (which is also a good thing) an advocate refers you because you’re you!

An advocate’s relationship is often built on their perceptions of your character and values. Take a look at these scenarios and you’ll get what I mean.

“I play golf each month with my brother-in-law (high end game, control, family) who’s a plumber (apprenticed, good focus, attention to detail, makes decent money). He always goes home after the round is finished (responsible, family man)”

Advocates perception Why wouldn’t I refer him when I can – he’s a good guy with decent values – doesn’t really matter what kind of plumbing he does!.

“I like my accountant, she’s always so bubbly (enthusiastic, accessible) when she visits me (goes to customer – good customer service) and I always learn new ways to save money or improve cash flow (up to date on practices, policies, legislation, customer coach)”

Advocates perception: Why wouldn’t I refer her when I get great service, she’s fun to be with and knows her stuff!

When it’s personal, your advocate will experience that “afterglow” that comes with having referred you, will feel good about what they’ve done and usually that’s all the reward they need. Because they like you, respect you, believe in you and it’s personal.

But make sure you recognize them in turn. Never let more than a few weeks go by without touching base with each of your advocates. It doesn’t matter whether it’s by phone, a get together, a meeting, e-mailing them, writing a personal note or, of course, by being their advocate too!

When the company goes for customer advocacy roll out, the most negativity comes from the mindset of the employees itself. Since this program is all about better services to the customer. Normally the Customer Advocacy Team would be built from the managers from various departments who will have their primary responsibilities different from this program. These people will treat this program as just their secondary activity. These managers would be the big reasons if the roll out would be lagging in time. There has to be constant motivation for the team to see its goal in right perspective.

Let us see the other group of people, the top management who should be closely associated with the program. Now here are the employees whose mindset is often plagued with ego and they would delay the whole initiative if they are not been involved in the major activities of the program, There should be a constant endeavour to remind the top management that this program is not indebted to their egos.

The last in the mindset problem is the customer itself. Sometimes the mindset of the customer is conditioned in such a way that they would not be responsive to the customer advocacy initiative of the company. This problem can only be solved with the time when the company shows its persistent better customer services and advocacy initiatives.