You’re an account manager who needs to deliver a project on time. What tools do you use?

JIRA, ASANA Microsoft & Kanban Boards - also add great value for client managed projects. JIRA has a great control, and feedback loop setup to help manage complex deliveries.

Tool may change according to the industry, project & stakeholders you are managing. But in general, 1. A tool that allows regular & clear visible communication of the progress - Trello, MS Teams, JIRA etc. 2. A scheduling software like Trello, MSPO, Asana (Gantt chart on excel templates are no bad) that allows to track delivery schedule, milestones, delays, critical path, variances etc. 3. Reporting Mechanism like Tableau, Google data studio, but don't undermine the power of a simple template on excel.

When starting a project the first thing I use is KanBan Board. It helps me prioritize the important stages and critical resources. This ultimately sets a prioritisation of both resources in hand and things to be done. Now with the help of the MS Project I can allocate the resources required for the tasks and how we can optimise and reduce the TATs at every point. Ultimately if some bottlenecks are there, I assign some resources which are available once the other task which got completed to efficiently manage and monitor.

I usually plan, track, and organize tasks using project management software such as Trello or Asana. These platforms facilitate collaboration, assist create goals, and guarantee that project milestones are reached on schedule. They improve teamwork by acting as a focal hub that helps the group stay coordinated and goal-focused.

As an account manager, I rely on a combination of project management tools like Jira, Trello or Asana for task organization, communication platforms such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for team collaboration, and time-tracking software like Harvest or Toggl to monitor progress. Additionally, utilizing Gantt charts in tools like Monday.com or TeamGantt helps with scheduling and timeline management. Finally, for document sharing and version control, Google Workspace or Microsoft Office 365 are indispensable. Efficiently coordinating these tools ensures timely project delivery.

My experience says PM, communication , reporting and time tracking tools are important for delivering. Along with these tools if we add on the release mgmt tool then its the icing on the cake, which will help complete project and delivery mgmt. as per me CRM tool is also important if customer facing else if it is integrated with PM/DM tool then it is very helpful.

As a professional deeply involved in client management and sales, finding the right tools to streamline processes and maintain effective communication is crucial. In my role, tracking interactions with prospects and clients is paramount. HubSpot CRM has been my go-to tool, providing an intuitive and comprehensive platform for this purpose One feature that stands out in HubSpot CRM is the reminders system. Setting reminders for follow-ups on specific emails and tasks has been a game-changer. In the fast-paced world of sales and client management, it’s easy to get caught up in daily tasks. Whether it's nudging a prospect or completing an internal task, these reminders have been instrumental in maintaining momentum.

I found CRM software non applicable for managing projects, nor managing and monitoring tasks. Hub spot as mentioned in Waleed's contribution is useful in managing task with better reporting and reminder mechanisms. In the context of AM managing projects , I would keep the CRM software to record: 1. Project documents (such as project initiation document, project plan, etc.) 2. Any formal sign offs by the customers 3. Record minutes from status meetings 4. Record stakeholders details and sentiment

CRM software, like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and Pipedrive, is crucial for account managers. It helps organize contacts, track interactions, and identify sales opportunities. These tools offer insights on sales performance and customer satisfaction, aiding in better client management and business growth.

CRM software is crucial for account managers to effectively manage their client relationships and sales opportunities. It enables them to organize contacts, track interactions, and identify upsell or cross-sell opportunities based on customer needs and preferences. Additionally, CRM software provides valuable insights and analytics on sales performance and customer satisfaction, aiding account managers in making informed decisions. Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and Pipedrive are popular CRM options that offer comprehensive features to support account management functions. Choosing the right CRM software depends on factors such as business size, specific requirements, and integration capabilities with other tools in the tech stack.

Effective communication is key, I leverage tools like #Slack or #MicrosoftTeams to stay connected with my team members, clients, and stakeholders. Instant messaging and video conferencing capabilities help streamline discussions and eliminate delays.

We use internal project management tools to stay on track and to assign tasks. This way we deliver results and earn trust with customers by following through on our commitments.

We use Microsoft Teams for successful collaboration between the internal specialist departments when it is important to meet a project deadline such as a tender submission. Clear responsibilities and deadlines are assigned so that we can work in parallel on our tasks in the respective subject area. In the tool, there is a central filing system, documents can be easily shared and processed by several colleagues at the same time. It is also possible to use various add-ins such as ramp-up plans or Kanban boards.

communication software is essential for account managers to effectively collaborate with their teams and clients. It should provide various channels for exchanging messages, making calls, and conducting video conferences, along with features like screen sharing and document sharing. Security, reliability, and user-friendliness are also key considerations. Slack, Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet are popular choices for communication software, each offering different strengths in terms of features and integrations. Account managers should select the software that best fits their communication needs and preferences, ensuring smooth and efficient interactions with both internal teams and external clients.

Communication software is a type of application or program designed to enable the exchange of information between two or more systems or users. It is used for sending, receiving, and interpreting data and can involve one or more types of media such as text, audio, video, etc. File transfer protocol (FTP), messaging apps, and email are the best-defined instances of communication software.

Account managers also require reporting software like Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Studio, and Databox. These tools help create, share, and update project reports efficiently. They offer customization options, visual elements like charts and graphs, and automation features for regular reporting.

A reporting software is crucial for account managers as it streamlines the process of creating, sharing, and updating reports. It allows customization based on client needs and expectations. Visual elements like charts and graphs make reports more engaging and easier to understand. Automation features save time by automating repetitive tasks and scheduling regular report delivery. Popular reporting software options include Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Studio, and Databox.

Indeed, reporting software is crucial for account managers to effectively communicate project status, results, and feedback to clients. It should offer customization options to tailor reports according to client needs and preferences, utilizing visual elements like charts, graphs, and dashboards for clear presentation. Automation features, such as scheduling reports to be sent regularly, streamline the reporting process. Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Studio, and Databox are examples of reporting software that offer diverse functionalities to meet different reporting requirements. Account managers can leverage these tools to provide comprehensive and visually appealing reports that keep clients informed and engaged.

Use reporting tools like Power BI or Tableau to create customizable reports with visual elements. Automate and schedule report delivery. Examples include Google Data Studio and Databox.

Absolutely, time tracking software is essential for account managers to efficiently manage their time and productivity. It enables them to record and monitor time spent on various tasks, projects, and clients, facilitating accurate billing and invoicing. Additionally, time tracking software helps optimize workflow, prioritize tasks, and identify areas for improvement by analyzing time usage patterns. Harvest, Toggl, Clockify, and Time Doctor are examples of time tracking software that offer features such as task tracking, invoicing, and productivity insights. By using these tools, account managers can effectively manage their time, enhance productivity, and ultimately deliver better results for their clients.

Use time tracking software like Harvest or Toggl to monitor task time, productivity, and generate reports. Prioritize tasks, optimize workflow, and avoid distractions. Examples include Clockify and Time Doctor.

Account managers also rely on time tracking software like Harvest, Toggl, Clockify, and Time Doctor. These tools assist in monitoring time spent on tasks, projects, and clients. They facilitate invoicing, report generation, workflow optimization, task prioritization, and minimizing distractions for improved productivity.

A sixth tool that account managers need is learning software that helps them improve their skills and knowledge in account management and related fields. This software should provide access to a wide range of resources such as courses, webinars, podcasts, and articles covering topics like sales, marketing, customer service, project management, and leadership. It should also offer features to track progress and earn certifications or badges. Popular examples of learning software are LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare. These platforms offer a variety of courses and resources that account managers can leverage to enhance their professional development and stay updated with industry trends.

Use learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Udemy to access courses, webinars, and articles on sales, marketing, and leadership. Track progress and earn certifications. Examples include Coursera and Skillshare.

This article focuses heavily on the tools you can use to manage the delivery of your project. In my experience its rarely the tools but the people you need to get on board to deliver your project as an Account Manager. Its buy in at all levels from your exec team, technical team, customer sponsor, procurement, finance and legal. Remember the human element matters the most here emphasis is on Account Management!

Tools and technologies no doubt make the life of a project manager easier but for complex projects, with priorities changing throughout the development lifecycle, his/her adaptability and flexibility are the key along side how the project manager is engaging with the right stakeholders to solicit early feedback and ensures constant alignment, also plays a major role in the success.

There are three additional directions to consider: 1. Customers (mainly corporates) mandate the use of specific tools which are approved by IT and security teams to maintain data confidentiality and comply with specific regulations. Then AM /other vendors will need to comply with these requirements. 2. High profile projects require a project initiation document covering the expected approach to planning, communication, reporting, training and more. This the mechanism AM/PM has to confirm the tools and related processes to avoid gaps in expectations in a later stage. 3. Any tool selected by the AM should should address the project needs and unique setup, for example, access rights for multiple vendors and knowledge management requirements.

The biggest issues I have experienced is with IT protocols and the security implications of utilising 3rd party tools across different organisations. If existing tools are in place they may not be accepted by the other organisation or there is an extra cost for licences or integration. The biggest boost to a successful project is the people and processes rather than the tools. Executive buy in and ownership can really make the gears move more smoothly.