Why Being an Account Manager is Tougher Than You Think

Ever felt like you were juggling a million things at once, all while trying to keep everyone happy? That’s pretty much what an account manager faces daily. Balancing client needs with agency expectations is no easy task. Picture this: clients demanding immediate results, team members searching for clarity, and upper management wanting to see growth. Sounds overwhelming, right? Yet, that’s the reality for many in the field. Whether you’re the analytical type or the social butterfly, certain skills can make or break your effectiveness as an account manager.

According to the 2018 Marketing Agency Growth Report, a whopping 12% of agencies struggle with retaining employees, often due to a lack of trust in management. The key to overcoming this challenge? Strong account managers equipped with specific strengths. Here are six crucial qualities that every account manager should strive for.

6 Essential Strengths of an Account Manager

1) Understands All Stakeholders

Serving clients? Absolutely critical. But the best account managers get that clients are just one part of the equation. You’ve got senior management and your dynamic team, too—those "revenue generators." It’s all about finding that balance.

Why it matters: Think of it like a three-legged stool. If one leg is shorter, the whole structure wobbles. Keeping everyone involved is essential for stability.

2) Communicates Effectively

Communication is everything, mi amigo. It’s about sharing updates with clients, insights with team members, and overall account health with management.

Why it matters: No one likes surprises, especially in business. Open lines of communication help keep expectations and goals crystal clear.

3) Sees the Big Picture

The best account managers don’t just focus on today’s tasks; they have a firm grasp of both overarching goals and the tiny details. This means they know how each campaign is performing while understanding the client’s broader business objectives.

Why it matters: Knowledge is power, and those who can identify early warning signs can tackle issues before they snowball into bigger problems.

4) Gets Hands-On Experience

Top account managers didn’t just pop into their roles—they often have years of experience creating and executing campaigns themselves. They keep their finger on the pulse of marketing trends and their clients’ industries.

Why it matters: Trust and credibility are not given; they’re earned. If you want to be taken seriously, you can’t just swoop in now and then.

5) Avoids One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

Effective managers know there’s no magic formula for success. They take time to understand what each client needs, from pain points to goals. They lead instead of just manage.

Why it matters: Unique campaigns stand out, and a creative account manager enhances your agency’s reputation as an innovative partner rather than a cookie-cutter solution.

6) Earns Respect

Respect is the foundation of meaningful relationships. Successful account managers build authentic connections and understand the internal dynamics of their clients’ teams.

Why it matters: With trust comes influence. When an account manager has rapport, they can secure resources, manage relationships more effectively, and keep everyone on the same page.

Growing Together

These traits aren’t just useful for day-to-day operations; they also help account managers identify new opportunities to expand their agency’s role in their clients’ businesses. By becoming a valued partner, account managers can effortlessly facilitate budget increases to enhance existing relationships.

Clients want partners who can truly understand their needs—and the most effective account managers make sure your agency is seen as just that.

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Source:
https://blog.hubspot.com/agency/traits-account-managers