Curious about putting your skills to the test in a customer service role? Do you like the idea of working with clients and helping them to grow their businesses? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then a career as an account manager might be the perfect fit for you! I am not playing around since I have been an account manager for over a decade.
In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of what this exciting role is all cracked up to be. By the end, you should have a good idea of whether you should send in your application to the company of your dream or keep searching for the career that suits you best.
An account manager is, first and foremost, a people person. If you don’t like working with others or find yourself getting easily frustrated when dealing with customers, this is not your role. However, if you are a patient individual who enjoys finding solutions to problems and building solid relationships, this career could be a match in heaven.
The account manager is the link between the client and the company. It is their job to ensure that the client is happy with the product or service they are receiving and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Essential are the lines of communication and responsible for maintaining a positive relationship and ensuring all is well looked after as you drive sales.
An account manager is also responsible for meeting sales targets set by the company. This is where your commission comes into play, and things can become a little more interesting towards making that well-deserved paycheck. If you are results-driven and motivated by the idea of meeting targets and earning bonuses, then this career is definitely for you!
Is an account manager a good job?
The answer is that it depends. It all depends on who is asking. Since I am not here to sway your sessions since I don’t know you, I will give you the pros and cons as I see them.
An account manager is not an excellent fit for people looking for a fast-paced and ever-changing career; this could be the perfect role for you. You have to ask yourself, do you like working with people? Do you find satisfaction in finding solutions to problems and maintaining strong relationships? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then my friend, a career as an account manager might be the profession you have been looking for.
What is the role of the account manager?
The role of the account manager is to be the link between the customer and the company. It is their job to ensure that the client is happy with the product or service they are receiving and you are the lucky person to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
What are some skills an account manager needs?
Some essential skills that an account manager needs are people skills, patience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to build strong relationships.
Do you need a degree to be an account manager? The short answer is no, you do not need a degree to be an account manager. But it definitely will help push you past your competition. Depending on your field of study, it could be helpful to have a degree in business, marketing, or communications.
Is an account manager a stressful job?
Ah, stress, seems to pop up in almost any job, maybe not as much as a heart surgeon but it will find its way into your career at one point or another. The stress level an account manager experiences can depend on a few factors such as the size of the company, if your boss is micro-managing, or if you are constantly having to put out fires (figuratively).
I recall times of high stress during my career as an account manager, but I found that if you stay calm, be as transparent as possible, and have a solid relationship with your client, you will be able to manage any situation that comes your way.
A word of advice. Having a good relationship with your boss is also key to a less stressful career. No one wants a micromanager looking over their shoulder constantly, so try to build a good foundation with the person who signs your paycheck.
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What skills do you need as an account manager?
Well, you are not training to become an Olympic gold medalist. However, being an account manager does require a particular skill set if you want to be successful. Here are some skills that have assisted me and believe to be essential for the job:
- Confidence
- Good etiquette
- People skills
- problem-solving skills
- Patience
If you have these essential skills, you are on your way to paving the path to success in your career.
What are some challenges an account manager might face?
Ah problems. What industry doesn’t carry its share of challenges? In my experience as an account manager, I have had to deal with a few challenges.
Unrealistic expectations from clients, budget cuts, and working with difficult personalities. Although these challenges might seem daunting initially, they can be overcome with the right attitude and quick thinking.
Believe me, it is all part of the game, and the sooner you accept that, the sooner you will be able to tackle these challenges easily.
Can you make a lot of money as an account manager?
Let’s face it, you aren’t interested to work in the profession to simply wearing a suit and having a stack of business cards. I sure hope not. You want to know if you can make a promising career and create an excellent lifestyle for yourself. And the answer is yes, and you can make a lot of money as an account manager.
According to Payscale, The average salary for an account manager is $56,047 per year in the United States according to Indeed.com. Of course, this number will differ based on your experience and location, but it gives you a good idea.
Your income will directly reflect how much work you are willing to put in. If you are determined to make an excellent career for yourself, then the sky is the limit.
If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, look no further than being an account manager. With the right skills and attitude, you can overcome any challenges that come your way and be successful in this field.
The best advice I can give any potential account manager is to be patient in all they do. To be successful, there will be a lot of preparatory work, research, and learning that can quickly turn negative if the right mentality is not in place. Attitude is everything! Also, try to find a company you want to work with long-term and make sure your goals are in line with theirs.
In this game, money is a direct reflection of how much work you are willing to put in so make sure you choose a career or field you won’t mind dedicating your time to for a solid income.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about becoming an account manager?
It will mean a great deal if you share this article with friends or family members who could benefit from reading it. The first step usually isn’t easy; however, thanks for being part of my journey, and keep in mind that the best is yet to come.
This has been “A day in the life of a successful account manager.”
