Hot List
Overview
The Hot List displays accounts that have been marked as high priority. These are accounts that require immediate attention or have been flagged for urgent follow-up.
Purpose
The Hot List serves to:
- Focus attention on priority accounts
- Organize urgent work items
- Track high-value opportunities
- Manage time-sensitive accounts
Accessing the Hot List
Navigation
- Click the Hot List tab in the top navigation
- Shows count of hot-listed accounts
- Updates automatically when accounts are marked
Display
The Hot List shows:
- Only accounts marked as "Hot"
- Same column layout as other lists
- Priority indicators if configured
- Sort options available
Marking Accounts as Hot
From Individual Account
- Open any account
- Click the Set Hot button in the action toolbar
- Account immediately appears in Hot List
- Button may change to indicate hot status
From Account Lists
- Select one or more accounts
- Use bulk actions menu
- Choose "Set Hot" option
- Selected accounts move to Hot List
Automatic Hot Listing
Some events may automatically hot list accounts:
- Large payments received
- Broken payment arrangements
- Returned mail
- Client-specific rules
Working the Hot List
Priority Order
Accounts in the Hot List can be sorted by:
- Date added to hot list
- Balance (highest first)
- Last payment date
- Custom priority fields
Daily Workflow
The Hot List is typically worked:
- First thing each day
- After callbacks
- When caught up on other work
- As directed by management
Hot List Features
Visual Indicators
- Special highlighting
- Priority badges
- Color coding
- Icons for hot status
Quick Actions
From the Hot List, you can:
- Open accounts directly
- Remove from hot list
- Add notes
- Process payments
Filtering
Within the Hot List:
- Further filter by criteria
- Search within hot accounts
- Sort by various fields
- Export hot list
Removing from Hot List
Manual Removal
- Open the hot-listed account
- Click "Remove Hot" or similar button
- Account returns to regular lists
- Hot list updates immediately
Automatic Removal
Accounts may be removed automatically when:
- Payment is received
- Status changes
- Time limit expires
- Specific conditions met
Hot List Management
Adding Accounts
Reasons to hot list an account:
- Promise to pay today
- Large balance opportunity
- Skip trace hit received
- Legal deadline approaching
- Special client request
Maintaining the List
- Review hot list daily
- Remove resolved accounts
- Add new priorities
- Keep list manageable
List Size
- Avoid overloading hot list
- Focus on truly urgent items
- Regular review and cleanup
- Quality over quantity
Hot List Strategies
Prioritization
Within the hot list, prioritize by:
- Dollar amount
- Age of hot listing
- Likelihood of payment
- Client importance
Time Management
- Set aside dedicated time
- Work hot list first
- Complete before moving on
- Track success rates
Reporting
Hot List Metrics
Track performance including:
- Accounts added/removed
- Time on hot list
- Success rates
- Payment yields
Management Views
Supervisors can see:
- Team hot lists
- Individual usage
- Performance metrics
- Trending data
Best Practices
When to Use
Add to hot list for:
- Today's promises
- High-value opportunities
- Time-sensitive matters
- Special situations
When Not to Use
Avoid hot listing:
- Every new account
- Low-value items
- Non-urgent matters
- Without clear purpose
Common Scenarios
Payment Promise
- Debtor promises payment today
- Add to hot list
- Check for payment receipt
- Follow up if not received
Skip Located
- New contact information found
- Add to hot list
- Attempt immediate contact
- Update account information
Legal Deadline
- Statute expiration approaching
- Add to hot list
- Take necessary action
- Document attempts
Troubleshooting
Can't add to hot list:
- Check permissions
- Verify account status
- Look for restrictions
- Contact supervisor
Hot list too large:
- Review all accounts
- Remove completed items
- Prioritize remaining
- Set stricter criteria
Not seeing hot accounts:
- Check filters
- Refresh the list
- Verify marking worked
- Clear and retry
Tips for Success
Daily Management
- Start with hot list
- Clear completed items
- Add new priorities
- Keep list current
Effectiveness
- Focus on results
- Track success rates
- Adjust criteria as needed
- Learn what works
Related Topics
- All Accounts - Complete inventory
- Work By - Date-based priorities
- Account Management - Account statuses
- Workflow Planning - Organizing daily work