How can you stay up-to-date with your key accounts' industries?

1 Follow industry news

One of the easiest ways to stay informed about your key accounts' industries is to follow relevant news sources. You can use online platforms, newsletters, podcasts, or social media to find and consume industry-specific content. You can also set up alerts or RSS feeds to get notified of new articles or updates. Try to follow a variety of sources, including competitors, analysts, influencers, and trade associations, to get a balanced and comprehensive perspective.

2 Subscribe to industry reports

Another way to stay up-to-date with your key accounts' industries is to subscribe to industry reports. These are publications that provide in-depth analysis, data, and insights on specific sectors or markets. They can help you understand the current state, future outlook, and key drivers of your key accounts' industries. You can find industry reports from various sources, such as research firms, consulting agencies, or industry bodies. Some of them may be free, while others may require a fee or a subscription.

3 Join industry events

A third way to stay up-to-date with your key accounts' industries is to join industry events. These are gatherings that bring together industry professionals, experts, and stakeholders to share knowledge, network, and discuss trends and issues. You can join industry events in person or online, depending on your preferences and availability. You can also choose from different types of events, such as conferences, webinars, workshops, or roundtables. By joining industry events, you can learn from the best practices, challenges, and opportunities of your key accounts' industries.

4 Talk to your key accounts

A fourth way to stay up-to-date with your key accounts' industries is to talk to your key accounts. Your key accounts are the ones who know their industries best, and they can provide you with valuable insights, feedback, and opinions. You can talk to your key accounts regularly, either through formal meetings, informal calls, or casual chats. You can also ask them specific questions, such as what are their pain points, goals, expectations, or opportunities in their industries. By talking to your key accounts, you can strengthen your rapport, trust, and understanding with them.

5 Use industry tools

A fifth way to stay up-to-date with your key accounts' industries is to use industry tools. These are software or applications that help you monitor, analyze, or visualize industry-related information. You can use industry tools to track industry performance, benchmark industry standards, identify industry trends, or generate industry reports. You can find industry tools from various providers, such as Google Trends, Statista, IBISWorld, or Industry Today. Some of them may be free, while others may require a fee or a trial.

6 Learn from your peers

A sixth way to stay up-to-date with your key accounts' industries is to learn from your peers. Your peers are other account managers who work with similar or related industries, and they can share their experiences, knowledge, and tips with you. You can learn from your peers by joining online communities, forums, or groups, where you can ask questions, exchange ideas, or seek advice. You can also learn from your peers by attending peer-to-peer sessions, mentoring programs, or training courses, where you can interact, collaborate, or learn from each other.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?