I know it may sound like a dumb question, but what are you planning to buy this week? What's on your shopping list right now? Ink or toner for your printer? Some lumber for a project? A new tablet to organize your schedule? New windshield wipers for your truck? Business cards or marketing materials?

Whatever is on your shopping list, you need to make sure you buy from a company that can report your payment to the commercial credit bureaus. It's what I refer to as "passive" creditbuilding — buying what you already need, but in a way that benefits your business. Here's a good example: I usually buy pens, ink, and paper from local supplier. I buy online using a company that reports to D&B. Last month, while preparing materials for a trade show, I decided to buy 200 pens with my company name and give them away as freebies.

Instead of buying the pens through my local supplier, I purchased them from two different online retailers my clients have successfully used in the past. This month, I have two new payment experiences on my D&B report and all my scores and ratings earned another boost. It's just that simple. Another example: I just had to buy a new space heater for my home office. While it was something I could easily pick up at the local WalMart or Target, I instead purchased through a trusted provider who auto-reports all business transactions to D&B every month.

When that heater shows up in my credit report next month, it will not only keep my toes warm this winter, but it will also give my scores another boost and help to passively (and continuously) build my credit scores. The point is, you don't need a closet full of highlighters you are never going to use or enough toilet paper to wipe all of Atlanta. And you don't need to go out of your way to buy something JUST to build your credit scores. Instead, just buy the things you already buy — the things you already need — the things you are already shopping for — but buy them from someone who will help build and boost your credit along the way. If there is something on your list right now, give me a call to see if I know of a supplier that will suit your needs and also benefit your business. The information is free. The consultation is free. And the boost to your credit will only cost as much as you were already going to spend anyway... Killing two birds with one stone doesn't mean you have to kill your budget in the process.