It’s hard to explain to friends and family what I really do in an average day as an account manager at a boutique design agency without being met with seemingly glazed looks of confused benevolence.
But the truth is, being an account manager is far from mundane. It’s a role that requires a unique blend of creativity, organisation, and relationship-building skills. So, let me take you behind the scenes and give you a glimpse into the everyday accounts of an account manager.
One of the most exciting aspects of being an account manager is the diverse range of clients we work with. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities as we navigate the intricacies of different industries and businesses.
One moment, I may be collaborating with American Express on their branding strategy, and the next, I could be discussing a social media campaign for the Mandarin Oriental. Communication is at the heart of what we do. From the moment we step into the office, our day is filled with a whirlwind of emails, phone calls, and meetings. We serve as the main point of contact for our clients, acting as their advocate within the agency and ensuring that their needs are met.
Building strong relationships is crucial in this role. We take the time to understand our clients’ goals, their target audience, and their unique challenges. By delving deep into their business, we can provide them with tailored solutions that drive results. This involves working closely with our creative team, project managers, and other stakeholders to develop and execute strategies that align with the client’s vision.
As an account manager, we wear many hats. We act as project managers, keeping track of timelines, budgets, and deliverables. We also serve as problem solvers, finding solutions when unexpected hurdles arise. It’s not uncommon for us to be juggling multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that everything stays on track and exceeds the client’s expectations.
In addition to the day-to-day responsibilities, account managers are always on the lookout for new business opportunities. We proactively seek out potential clients, attend networking events, and participate in pitches and presentations. This constant drive to grow our client base keeps us on our toes and adds an element of excitement to our role.
But being an account manager isn’t just about business. It’s about the people. We have the privilege of working with a talented and diverse team, from designers and copywriters to strategists and developers. Collaboration is key to our success, and we thrive in an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and mutual support.
So, the next time someone asks me what I do as an account manager, I’ll proudly share the story of how I bridge the gap between creativity and business, how I build lasting relationships, and how I help bring my clients’ visions to life. Being an account manager may not always be easy to explain, but it’s a rewarding and dynamic role that allows me to make a meaningful impact in the world of marketing and design.
