Client servicing is an important facet of business, which many account managers actually overlook. Some people think that account management is just all about face-to-face interactions with clients. However, it should be kept in mind that account management is a form of investment. It is a series of interactions that ought to lead to a harmonious relationship. If you want to go this route, you will need to invest time and effort. This may sound hard work, but the efforts will pay off in the end.
Being an account manager does not mean that you always have to be perfect and prompt. After all, you are a human susceptible to mistakes. This should not be your excuse, though. You will need to strive to make your performance flawless and reliable. With that, you need to avoid the most common blunders committed by some account managers.
Below are some of the mistakes you need to do away with. You will learn more when you attend a key account management training course.
Mistake #1: Not Taking Down Notes
Many account managers actually depend highly on their memory. Some overestimate their memorising capabilities, which should not be the case. Meetings with clients can be long and tedious, but you have to make sure that you cover all the details, which is why you should take down notes. Come up with an efficient way to take down notes — you may use keywords and highlighters. If the meeting is teeming with details and you have troubles catching up, you may want to use a voice recorder.
Mistake #2: Being Too Lax
Client and account management is not a job that should be taken lightly. There are many things happening around, and you need to be on top of things. If you are too relaxed, you may miss the important details. But, that does not mean that you cannot relax. Of course, you still can, but you can only do that if you have managed your workload properly and you have set your deadlines promptly.
Mistake #3: Not Being Proactive
This is in connection with mistake number 2. As an account manager, you are expected to be a leader. This means that you should take the lead, the initiative. If the client has not reverted to you after some time, it is your responsibility to make a follow-up. When there are things to do, you should ask your boss or your clients more about the details. Never wait for them to explain the brief.
Mistake #4: Not Minding Deadlines
Deadlines are tricky, so you should always be careful with them. Tight deadlines for activities, such as meetings and presentations, happen all the time, so you should manage your time properly. Do not be too caught up with low-impact day-to-day tasks. Instead, prioritise the important things. More importantly, do not be ashamed to seek help.
Mistakes will make you better in the long run, but do not use them as an excuse not to improve. Be mindful of your actions and their effects to the organisation.
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