WHAT IS AN external account manager jobs
An external account manager is a professional who is responsible for managing and maintaining relationships with external clients or customers on behalf of a company. They act as the main point of contact for these clients, ensuring their needs are met and that they receive the highest level of service. External account managers play a crucial role in building and maintaining strong business relationships, fostering customer loyalty, and driving revenue growth for the company.
WHAT USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION
In this position, external account managers typically handle a wide range of responsibilities. They are responsible for identifying potential clients, establishing contact, and building relationships with key decision-makers. They act as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their business needs, and providing tailored solutions to meet those needs. They also handle negotiations, contract renewals, and upselling opportunities to maximize revenue.
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR POSITION
To excel in an external account manager role, there are several key skills that are highly valued:
- Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for building and maintaining relationships with clients. External account managers must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
- Relationship Building: Building strong relationships with clients is crucial. External account managers need to be able to establish trust, understand clients' needs, and provide personalized solutions.
- Sales and Negotiation Skills: External account managers often engage in sales and negotiation activities. They need to be skilled in identifying opportunities, negotiating contracts, and upselling products and services.
- Problem-Solving: External account managers are often faced with challenging situations. They need to be able to think critically, analyze problems, and come up with creative solutions.
- Time Management: Managing multiple client accounts requires excellent time management skills. External account managers must be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
HOW TO BECOME THIS TYPE OF SPECIALIST
To become an external account manager, there are several steps you can take:
1. Education: A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field is often required for this role. Courses in sales, communication, and customer relationship management can be beneficial.
2. Gain Experience: Entry-level roles in sales or customer service can provide valuable experience in building relationships and managing client accounts. Look for opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and demonstrate your ability to drive results.
3. Develop Skills: Focus on developing the key skills mentioned earlier, such as communication, relationship building, sales, negotiation, problem-solving, and time management. Take advantage of training programs, workshops, or online courses that can help you enhance these skills.
4. Network: Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities in account management. Attend industry events, join relevant professional associations, and connect with professionals in the field.
5. Apply and Interview: Once you have the necessary skills and experience, start applying for external account manager positions. Prepare for interviews by showcasing your relevant experience, skills, and your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
AVERAGE SALARY
The average salary for external account managers can vary based on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and the size of the company. According to data from Payscale, the average salary for an external account manager in the United States is approximately $70,000 per year. However, it's important to note that salaries can range from around $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on these factors.
ROLES AND TYPES
External account manager roles can vary depending on the industry and the company. Some common roles and types include:
1. Key Account Manager: This role focuses on managing and nurturing relationships with the company's most important clients. Key account managers typically work with a smaller number of high-value clients and are responsible for driving revenue growth through these accounts.
2. Territory Account Manager: Territory account managers are responsible for a specific geographic area. They manage and develop relationships with clients in their assigned territory, working to achieve sales targets and increase customer satisfaction.
3. Strategic Account Manager: Strategic account managers work with clients who have long-term strategic importance to the company. They focus on building and executing strategic account plans to drive business growth and ensure client satisfaction.
4. Global Account Manager: Global account managers handle multinational clients and coordinate efforts across different regions. They work closely with international teams to ensure consistent service delivery and maximize global revenue opportunities.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR JOBS IN USA
External account manager jobs can be found in various locations throughout the United States. However, some cities are known for having a high concentration of these jobs. Some of the locations with the most popular external account manager job opportunities in the USA include:
1. New York, NY
2. San Francisco, CA
3. Chicago, IL
4. Los Angeles, CA
5. Atlanta, GA
6. Dallas, TX
7. Boston, MA
8. Seattle, WA
9. Houston, TX
10. Washington, D.C.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS
External account managers often rely on various tools and software to effectively manage their client accounts. Some typical tools include:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: CRM platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM help external account managers organize client information, track interactions, manage sales pipelines, and generate reports.
- Communication Tools: Tools like email, video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), and project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello) enable external account managers to communicate and collaborate with clients and internal teams.
- Data Analytics Tools: Tools like Google Analytics, Microsoft Excel, or Tableau help external account managers analyze client data, track performance metrics, and identify trends or opportunities for improvement.
- Presentation Tools: Presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides is often used to create visually appealing and impactful presentations for client meetings or sales pitches.
- Social Media Management Tools: Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer) assist external account managers in monitoring and engaging with clients on social media platforms, as well as measuring the effectiveness of social media campaigns.
IN CONCLUSION
External account manager jobs are critical roles within companies that require strong communication, relationship building, and sales skills. These professionals play a crucial role in managing client accounts, fostering loyalty, and driving revenue growth. By developing the necessary skills, gaining relevant experience, and leveraging the right tools, individuals can pursue a successful career as an external account manager. The demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to continue growing, providing ample opportunities for those interested in pursuing this path.