Is anyone an Account Exec/Account Manager?

[SideWinder]

Hi all,

As topic really...just wondered if you could shed a bit of light on your day to day and if I could have a chat.

From what I know of the role and reading job specs, I feel like this would be a perfect step for me.

But it would be good to speak to someone who has done the role or currently does it.

Cheers

 

[SideWinder]

So I don't do either role, but I work very closely with account managers and my role (product manager) often crosses over.

In my experience, the best account managers are the one that's establish and maintain relationships with their clients/customers. It isn't necessarily relevant if you don't have the technical skills, for example, as long as you can put them in touch with someone who can.

If you have any specific questions I could take a stab at answering them.

Thanks for replying.

I understand the basic parts of the role and it appeals to me. In previous roles, I have enjoyed bringing people together, creating relationships, working together with new people towards XYZ.

In your experience of working very closely with account managers, are there specific soft skills that stand out? I assume organised, personable, strong work ethic, ability to explain something in multiple ways depending on your client?

Is there anything perhaps like, a qualification that could set me apart? I was quite senior in my previous role (operations in retail) so I feel I have a lot of transferable skills but I want to ensure the right ones stand out. I am looking to take a step down and redevelop basically.

I read a degree in Psychology could help and I do have this.

 

[SideWinder]

Sorry I didn’t get back to you. Honestly, with the soft skills I think you hit the nail on the head. Relationships, being personable, and organisation are the ones that stand out to me. But, you need a strong grasp of the technical of whatever product you’re selling.

I don’t know about qualifications honestly! Sorry

Good to know i am on the right track so thank you.

A good account manager to me is someone who is relentlessly positive/pro-active/plan orientated. Even if everyone around you has "other things to do". You can't 'count' on anyone and frankly shouldn't - from the point of view of driving the relationship hard and delivering the best outcome for a Customer.

Working with one now who won't let me slip on what needs to happen.

Noted on this too so thank you.

They're being renamed "customer success manager" in a lot of places at the moment. Same thing. You look after clients/ customers. Make sure they keep paying you and that you can upsell them on **** to solve their problems etc. Depends on the business though as well; if it's products vs. services in the business, some people in this role then have more of a feedback into product and how customers would like things.

I had spotted this and thought they kinda looked account manager esque but wasn't sure...good to know so thank you also!