You Don’t Have to Be Mean to Be Effective — Even If You’re “Mean Gene”
Let’s face it: most collection emails are way too nice. I know. This actually sounds like the opposite of what you would expect.
Here is the deal though. They’re polite and cautious. They’re worded like a customer service survey rather than a request for payment. And guess what?
They get ignored.
Here’s the truth — being effective in collections has nothing to do with being mean.
You don’t have to threaten. You don’t have to argue. You don’t have to write like you’re ready to burn the bridge with the customer.
But you also can’t be so soft that your emails sound like you’re asking for a favor. There’s a fine line between being polite and being passive, and walking that line is what makes a great collector.
The Myth of the “Mean Collector”
Over my years in credit and collections, I’ve learned that the best collectors are rarely the loudest, the most aggressive, or the ones who pound their fists on the table.
What sets them apart is their presence and clarity.
They’re professional.
They’re firm.
They communicate in a way that can’t be ignored.
That’s part of why I lean into the “Mean Gene” name — not because I’m mean, but because I’m direct. I don’t dance around the issue, and I don’t send “just checking in” emails that get buried under a mountain of spam.
Your Collection Emails Are Too Nice
Here’s the problem with the typical collection email:
It often opens with “Hope you had a great weekend!” or “Just wanted to follow up…”
It gives the customer no urgency or clear call to action.
It often feels optional — like paying the invoice is a suggestion, not an obligation.
Collections isn’t about begging for payment. It’s about making it easy for the customer to understand what’s due, when it’s due, and what happens if it’s not paid.
Polite vs. Passive
There’s a big difference between being polite and being passive.
Too Nice:
Hi! Just checking in to see if you’ve had a chance to look at invoice #12345. Let me know if you need anything. Thanks so much!
Firm But Friendly:
Hi [Name],
Invoice #12345 is now 15 days past due. Please confirm payment status or provide a payment date by Friday, August 9 to avoid account hold.
Let me know if anything is preventing this from being resolved — I want to address it quickly.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Notice the tone difference? One sounds like a suggestion. The other sounds like a requirement.
The Mindset Behind Effective Collections
This is where the philosophy from “Mean Gene” comes in.
You don’t have to be mean.
You don’t have to get personal.
But you do need to own the communication and the result.
That means:
Being clear and confident in your emails.
Not taking rejection or excuses personally. (This is straight out of The Four Agreements, a book that’s shaped how I approach my work.)
Always doing your best, because the effort you put in directly affects cash flow and customer relationships.
Psychology 101: Why Direct Emails Work
People respond to clarity.
A customer might ignore a friendly “Just checking in” message because there’s no tension — no reason to act now.
But a firm, respectful email with a deadline and next steps?
That creates accountability without hostility.
It’s not about being mean — it’s about being heard.
Final Thought
Collections isn’t about being the “bad guy.”
It’s about being the reliable, consistent voice that ensures the business gets paid for the value it provides.
So the next time you draft a collection email, ask yourself:
Am I being clear? Or am I just being nice?
Because here’s the thing:
Nice emails don’t collect cash. Clear, confident ones do.
And that’s what “Mean Gene” is all about — not being mean, but being effective.
