Part salesperson, part customer-service rep, an account manager is all about doing whatever it takes to get the job done. If putting a smile on someone else’s face tickles your fancy, this may be your job. Read on to be sure.
What exactly does an account manager do?
An account manager is the liaison between an agency and its clients. She oversees the agency-client relationship, determining clients’ needs—what they want to achieve short-term and long-term—and ensuring the agency delivers.
The primary responsibilities of account managers are to foster client relationships, work with sales and marketing teams to prepare presentations and sales pitches, design marketing strategies, and media proposals, handle client communications and write client reports, and communicate client agendas to other staff members.
Monitoring budgets, spending, and revenue and explaining cost factors to clients are also part of the gig.
Some account managers are responsible for identifying new clients and potential business opportunities and upselling products and services.
As a senior publicist at Three Girls Media, a public relations and social media management agency in Yelm, Washington, Beth Adan’s daily work ensures the firm’s clients are happy campers.
“I am responsible for making sure clients’ needs are met and their voices are heard while coordinating with others and fulfilling the contractual day-to-day duties we’ve been hired to perform,” says Adan, whose position includes account manager duties.
What skills are required to be an account manager?
An account manager should be a proactive self-starter who understands business in general, says Dave Di Maggio, president of Aqua Marketing & Communications, based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He should also be a keen observer of society and trends, specifically among clients’ target audience, and possess financial management skills, adds Dave, who heads up several of the company’s accounts.
Availability is crucial, says Adan. That includes evenings and weekends. “While your work-life balance is important, being available and timely with your communication is essential for building trust and keeping [a client’s] account up to date,” she says.
Attention to detail is also important. Being meticulous can help you avoid missing information vital to telling a client’s story or misinterpreting what a client wants.
“The simple mistake of incorrectly translating Eastern Time to Pacific can make or break a deal for your client,” says Adan.
Who is an account manager’s boss?
In larger firms, an account manager typically reports to an account supervisor or VP of client services and supervises the account executives assisting her.
Are there other titles with similar responsibilities?
A publicist is a similar role depending on the company you work for, though the jobs aren’t interchangeable.
“As a publicist, I am an account manager, but not all account managers are publicists,” says Adan.
What do I need to get ahead as an account manager?
“Those with strong interpersonal skills—empathy, emotional intelligence, verbal skills, flexibility—tend to go far, even making up for having less strength in other skills,” says Di Maggio. He adds that people want to do business with people they like.
How can I get my foot in the door as an account manager?
Adan recommends having a strong personal brand. Strengthen your social media presence, personal website, and professional profiles to show potential employers how well you can manage the public view of yourself to represent a client successfully.
“A college degree is a must,” says Di Maggio. One in public relations, advertising, marketing, or communications could give your career the jump-start it needs.
And don’t thumb your nose at working for pennies—or free. Internships can turn into full-time jobs.
Sealing the deal: your account management adventure
And there you have it, the ins and outs of being an account manager. If you’re turned off by Pete Campbell, don’t worry. It’s a role that combines the art of people-pleasing with the science of business strategy. If you’re the type who gets a buzz from turning client frowns upside down and thrives in the dynamic crossroads of sales, marketing, and customer service, then this might be your calling.
Remember, as an account manager, you’re the bridge between your clients and your agency, a master coordinator and a strategic thinker. Your days will be filled with the challenge of understanding diverse client needs and the satisfaction of meeting them.
For those itching to start this journey, keep honing those interpersonal skills, keep your eyes peeled for learning opportunities, and yes, even those seemingly small internships can be golden tickets to bigger opportunities.
Ready to leap into the world of account management? Why wait? Dive into Mediabistro’s job board for a plethora of media roles that could kickstart or elevate your career. It’s a treasure trove of opportunities waiting for you to explore. Find your next role here.
So, gear up, future account managers! Your adventure in client relations, strategic planning, and business growth awaits. Please go on, make those connections, seal those deals, and let’s see where your account management path takes you!
FAQs on Becoming an Account Manager
1. What is the primary role of an account manager?
An account manager is the critical link between a company and its clients, ensuring client needs are met, relationships are maintained, and the company delivers on its promises. This role involves understanding client objectives, coordinating with sales and marketing teams, designing strategies, handling communications, and monitoring budgets.
2. What skills are essential for an account manager?
Key skills include strong interpersonal abilities (such as empathy and emotional intelligence), keen observation of societal and industry trends, financial management, attention to detail, and availability for client needs, sometimes outside standard business hours. Proactivity and the ability to be a self-starter are also crucial.
3. Who does an account manager report to within a company?
In larger organizations, account managers typically report to an account supervisor or the VP of client services. They may also oversee account executives who assist in managing client relationships.
4. Are there similar positions to account managers in other fields?
Publicists often share similar responsibilities with account managers, especially in managing client relations and media strategies. However, the roles are not interchangeable, with each focusing on different aspects of client service and media engagement.
5. How can someone advance their career as an account manager?
Advancement often depends on interpersonal skills, such as understanding and connecting with people, flexibility, and strong verbal communication. Building a strong personal brand and showcasing your ability to manage public perceptions effectively can also help advance your career.
6. What steps should I take to start a career as an account manager?
Begin with a relevant college degree in public relations, advertising, marketing, or communications. Enhance your social media presence and professional profiles to demonstrate your branding skills. Consider internships, even unpaid ones, as they can lead to full-time employment opportunities.
7. Where can I find job opportunities as an account manager?
Job boards like Mediabistro offer various media-related roles, including account management positions. Networking, maintaining an active professional online presence, and continuously developing your skills can also uncover opportunities in this field.
8. What makes account management a fulfilling career choice?
Account management is a dynamic role in sales, marketing, and customer service. It offers the satisfaction of solving client challenges, the thrill of strategic planning, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships. If you enjoy positively impacting clients and navigating the complexities of business strategy, account management could be an enriching and gratifying career.
