How can you build a successful career in account management?

1 Know your clients

The first step to becoming a great account manager is to know your clients inside and out. This means not only knowing their business objectives, challenges, and preferences, but also their personal interests, motivations, and communication styles. By doing your research, asking questions, and listening actively, you can create a rapport and trust with your clients, and tailor your solutions and interactions to their specific needs.

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to any relationship, and especially to account management. You need to communicate clearly, frequently, and professionally with your clients, keeping them informed of the progress, results, and feedback of your projects, and anticipating and addressing any issues or concerns. You also need to communicate internally with your team, managers, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment and collaboration across the board. Use the appropriate channels, tools, and formats for each situation, and always follow up and confirm expectations and agreements.

3 Add value

As an account manager, you are not just a salesperson or a project manager, you are a strategic partner and advisor to your clients. You need to demonstrate your expertise and credibility, and provide value-added services and insights that help your clients achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. You can do this by staying updated on industry trends and best practices, identifying opportunities and risks, proposing solutions and improvements, and delivering results that exceed expectations.

4 Manage expectations

One of the most difficult aspects of account management is managing expectations. You need to balance the needs and wants of your clients with the capabilities and resources of your organization, and set realistic and achievable goals and timelines. You also need to manage your own expectations, and avoid overcommitting or underdelivering. To do this, you need to be transparent, honest, and proactive, and communicate any changes or issues as soon as possible. You also need to negotiate effectively, and seek win-win outcomes for both parties.

5 Seek feedback

Feedback is essential for learning and improving as an account manager. You need to seek feedback from your clients, your team, your managers, and yourself, and use it to identify your strengths and areas for development. You also need to give feedback to your clients, your team, your managers, and yourself, and use it to recognize achievements and address challenges. Feedback should be constructive, specific, timely, and respectful, and should lead to action and improvement.

6 Grow your skills

Account management is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. You need to grow your skills and knowledge in various areas, such as sales, marketing, project management, customer service, problem-solving, negotiation, and leadership. You can do this by taking courses, attending webinars, reading books and blogs, joining networks and communities, and seeking mentors and coaches. You also need to track and showcase your achievements and results, and seek new opportunities and challenges that help you advance your career.

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?