What Makes a Great Account Manager?
Running a successful business means finding the right people for your team.
However, as most companies know, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all perfect employee. The skills, attitudes, and proficiencies you need from your new staff member will all depend on the role you're recruiting for.
As a professional recruitment agency with more than 30 years of experience, we know a thing or two about finding the right fit for different positions. One of our specialties happens to be sourcing and presenting the ultimate account managers for our business clients.
An Account Manager is someone who focuses on maintaining relationships with your clients. They help your customers to achieve their goals while making sure that you establish the most lucrative partnerships for your future.
So, what makes a great Account Manager?
They're Communication Pros
Great account managers need to master both sides of the communication coin: listening and speaking. The right person for your team will be someone who can absorb information carefully and use it to make effective decisions for your clients.
Although your employee needs to be able to articulate their ideas clearly when laying out potential strategies for clients, they'll often listen more than they talk, and ask plenty of questions to ensure that they're making the right assumptions.
Communication skills ensure that your clients are never left wondering whether an account manager understands what they want and need.
They're Focused and Organised
Exceptional client service is a big part of any account manager's role, but there are also other responsibilities that your employee will need to make time for too.
Your new team member knows that they also need to present ideas to stakeholders, connect with their colleagues, and collaborate on projects.
So, how does your account manager maintain this busy schedule? Simple, they organise everything.
Whether it's colour co-ordinating different parts of a file or setting up weekly checklists and goals, a great account manager knows how to stay on track. Remember to keep an eye out for this attention-to-detail during your behavioural interviews.
They're Caring and Passionate
Any candidate you hire needs to be dedicated to the role they fill. However, account managers need an exceptional level of passion to make them proficient at their jobs. The best ones care about your problem as if it's their problem rather than yours.
Account managers have to get to know every client on a personal level. They need to create an intimate, yet professional rapport with each account they deal with and show that they genuinely care about their goals.
No client wants to know that they're not your employee's top priority. That means that your account manager needs to be able to treat every customer they work with like the most important person in the world.
They Get Their Hands Dirty
While successful people know that a little delegation can go a long way, the best account managers always immerse themselves into the heart of every project.
Account experts accomplish their goals by jumping into the mix and executing exciting marketing campaigns. They don't just sit on the side lines or suggest new concepts from a distance, they get their hands dirty and make themselves a central part of every important task.
Good account managers also "keep" their hands dirty by staying on top of current trends and learning as much as they can about their clients' industry. By living in the trenches, these people make themselves a powerful partner to work with.
They're Always Ready to Innovate
Just as effective account managers avoid sitting on the side lines, they also make sure that they're never just "doing what's needed."
Effective account managers devote themselves to staying ahead of the curve, topping up their knowledge and experience all the time. They don't just deliver the same edited campaigns for each client but take the time to learn what each project needs.
Interestingly, despite the job title, many account managers excel by "leading" rather than managing their clients. They push them out of their comfort zones, push themselves to accomplish new things, and they reap the rewards.
They Grow Accounts
Finally, the account manager you choose to join your company must be someone who knows that every client is driven by different goals.
Account managers get to know each business they work with intimately, discovering what it takes to motivate them, and what they need to accomplish to consider their time with your agency a "success."
Your employee will be there to offer consultative feedback, give useful guidance, and constantly remind your customers that they're dealing with someone who understands their business.
Remember, your clients don’t want someone to tell them what to do - they want a partner for their company. The best account managers are always on hand to remind customers that they've got what they need in your agency.
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What Next?
Can we help? We have placed and filled over 100,000 temp and permanent assignments over the last 30 years so have a range of techniques, ideas and platforms which could help you. Why not call us on 0113 367 2880 to have a conversation with one of our team. Alternatively drop us an email here or check out our Testimonials and Case Studies.
