"Some people think the best collectors are loud, antagonistic, and have deep, scary voices," notes one Pennsylvania collection agency chief. "But this is the antithesis of a successful collector." Instead, he seeks . . .

• A high level of tenacity.

• Self-motivation (someone who has always worked, even during school years).

• A desire to make money.

• An even-keeled temperament (someone who doesn't raise his or her voice, doesn't argue, and remains calm).

• Flexibility (someone who can play the role of a friend, psychologist, financial advisor, and bill collector all at the same time).

• Good sales skills.

• The ability to develop a bond/relationship with people.

What traits do you find the best collectors have? Is lacking any of these an achilles heal or can someone missing one or more of these traits still succeed in collections?

What do you think?

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