Account Managers serve as the link between their employer and the specific accounts (a client or customer) they’ve been assigned to handle. They are experts at developing strong relationships with customers, connecting with key business stakeholders and preparing sales reports. Account Managers also answer client queries and figure out ways to achieve their objectives and identify new business opportunities among existing customers. Most companies will have Account Managers as they are a vital way to ensure customer satisfaction.

For example, Advertising Account Managers oversee a team of creative workers to create advertisements and promotions for clients. This involves working with departments to set up budgets, coming up with pricing strategies and negotiating contracts. As a key member of an advertising team, they will also take part in conducting marketing research, developing promotional strategies, implementing those strategies and in some cases working with customers. The job responsibilities of an advertising Account Manager might include developing campaign ideas, reviewing or editing promotional materials. Additionally, they are also responsible for supervising a creative team or facilitating collaboration between a company and clients.

What are some of their responsibilities?

• Acting as a liaison between the client and departments within the company to convey information, ensure understanding, and make certain everything gets done in an accurate, timely manner
• Ensure the timely and successful delivery of our solutions according to customer needs and objectives
• Building and maintaining strong, long-lasting customer relationships
• Overseeing customer account management, including negotiating contracts and agreements to maximize profit
• Making the client aware of other services and actions that may lead to greater success
• Monitoring the client’s budget, explaining costs, and negotiating new terms if necessary
• Keeping up on trends, changes, and competitor actions that might affect their client
• Providing progress reports to clients and upper management
• Develop trusted advisor relationships with key accounts, customer stakeholders and executive sponsors
• Clearly communicate the progress of monthly/quarterly initiatives to internal and external stakeholders
• Develop new business with existing clients and/or identify areas of improvement to meet sales quotas
• Forecast and track key account metrics (e.g. quarterly sales results and annual forecasts)
• Prepare reports on account status
• Collaborate with sales team to identify and grow opportunities within territory
• Assist with challenging client requests or issue escalations as needed

Who do Account Managers work alongside?

• Sales Representatives
• PR Team
• Clients

What makes a great Account Manager?

A great Account Manager is comfortable in communicating presenting and influencing key stakeholders at all levels of an organization, able to effectively work with the client to draw out and achieve their needs as well as take their own initiative to identify business opportunities within the account.

• Solid experience with CRM software is recommended (e.g. Salesforce, Zoho CRM or HubSpot)
• Experience in MS Office (particularly MS Excel) is a requirement for most Account Manager roles

How to become an Account Manager?

• Account Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, journalism, communications, public relations, or something similar
• For further education, the American company – SAMA offer the world’s only certification for strategic and key Account Managers (https://www.strategicaccounts.org/en/training-certification/)

Networking

There are different ways to network –

• Attending events is a fantastic way to meet people in person
• LinkedIn – make connections!
• Facebook Pages – join a group and they will post jobs and advice!
• Talk to previous clients about extra work – sell yourself!

Work Experience

• Different companies may offer work experience opportunities to build up your CV, enquire with them to see if they offer anything that may help! You can reach out to places such as advertising companies, news agencies, media companies and see if they have any internships available.

How do I book an Account Manager?

If you would like to enhance your project, here at Yellow Cat we have a wide network of Account Managers to suit all client needs. For more information regarding Account Managers, their market rate (salary and day rate), and the availability of freelance Account Managers, please contact us.