Lindsey Russett has always been up for a challenge.

Consider her own parents, both disabled, whom she cares for on a regular basis. Her father suffers from COPD, emphysema and bronchitis, while her mother experienced a horrific car accident at age 16 and suffers life-long injuries from it. Taking her father to doctor’s appointments, regular visits and shopping trips, cleaning, cooking – what the needs may be from week to week are often unknown.

But there’s no limit on what Lindsey can or will do for them.

“Although it may be a challenge, I consider myself blessed to be able to help them and take care of them. It makes me happy to do so,” Lindsey says.

Consider, too, her career over the past two years. In the summer of 2019, her company, Firmin’s Office City’s copier division was acquired by Datamax, and with it came an entirely new and challenging role for her professionally. Moving from the service department to collections, with a new set of colleagues? It was a complete change in gears for Lindsey. It was daunting, and intimidating.

The unknown can be a challenging adversary. But it’s one that Lindsey takes on with a vengeance.

“I was scared at first of the unknown. Once I was able to meet the people who I would be working for and with, and knowing the job I would do, frankly, I was EXCITED for the opportunity,” Lindsey says.

How does one familiarize oneself with the completely unfamiliar? How does he or she take a leap into mysterious territory and walk through to the other side a success? Lindsey shares her insights.

3 Attributes of Lindsey Overcoming the Unknown

1. The Right Atmosphere.

Lindsey shares the story about the first time ClientConnect Manager Kristen Finkbeiner (Little Rock) came to Texarkana to lay out plans for the new office. She and Lindsey were both wearing cheetah that day.

“It was just a coincidence, but it really kicked off an automatic, immediate connection I had with Kristen,” Lindsey says.

The connection goes deeper than clothing. Kristen goes to great lengths to explain processes. She sticks up for Lindsey and her team. She provides the right tools that come with success.

And then, there’s the company at large.

“I had heard nothing but great things about Datamax, so I was super stoked about the opportunity. My first impressions of the company were just being very reputable. People here were efficient and fast. They had their ducks in a row and got things resolved very quickly. I was very excited for the opportunity that lay ahead of me,” Lindsey says.

2. The Right Acumen.

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain, doesn’t come on its own. After all, being a “collector” is a tricky tight rope. It’s not always easy.

“No one wants to hear they owe money and have past due invoices. But I have found, it’s all about approach,” Lindsey says.

The right acumen means, first, having all the resources available to you. Lindsey was provided “cheat sheets” for how to approach her new position. She was given answers to every single question that came to mind. She was also given time to understand the role.

And then, she took the tools and ran with them.

“For me, it’s about being just very respectful on the phone and having a nice tone. You don’t need to tell people what to do – you need to give them options. I like to ask them, ‘what are ways they suggest to resolve this. I ask them to explain to me what may be going on,” Lindsey says. “I ask them if they mind researching that invoice on their end.”

Predominately, Lindsay says, you have to pay attention to what they’re saying, and you have to let them talk.

3. The Right Attitude.

Anyone who has visited with Lindsey senses her enthusiasm for whatever is in front of her. Her excitement for success spills out into her words and her actions. One can’t help but feel motivated by her own energy.

Behind that enthusiasm lies a sense of pride.

“For Lindsey to step into something completely different then what she was previously doing, I know she was definitely nervous,” Kristen, her manager, says. “But she takes great pride and responsibility in whatever task she’s given. She learned quickly how to work with all of us. But a lot of it is just innate in her taking pride in getting the numbers that meet our goals every month. Learning how to get to know our customers. And, most importantly, she understands the importance of what that does for the company.”

In both service to her family, and honing in on the service she provides both customers and her own company, Lindsey no longer fears the unknown. It’s been said that everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear. Lindsey’s seen the other side.

For her, a great challenge presents great opportunity.

“Being in the position I’m in now allows me to challenge myself often,” she says. “I push myself every day to be a better person and exceed my goals. Datamax has taught me not to sell myself short. I challenge myself every period to see if I can make it better than the last one.”

“I’m thankful for that opportunity.”