A day in the life of an Account Manager
Please describe what you do.
I am one of the Account Managers at TR. The role is a hybrid of project management and account management. I’m the main contact on multiple accounts which range from food importers, to large global brands and small start-ups. Every day is different, we have a diverse range of clients and projects at TR which ensures there’s never a dull day. As well as managing clients I am also responsible for managing digital and offline projects.
What kind of skills do you need to be effective at what you do?
Organised, problem solver, a good negotiator and an even better communicator. Above all, I think having energy and enthusiasm are really important, at the same time as being able to keep a cool head on those manic days.
What do you do on a typical working day?
My day starts with checking emails. Catching up with our designers and developers to check we are on schedule for the day, and ensuring that they have everything they need to get on with the project. On busy days, I can find myself working on several projects at a time, each throwing up completely different tasks and problems, with various outcomes. Having to jump from task to task and making sure I keep everything going, while ensuring key work is prioritised, can be challenging at times. It makes for an interesting and varied day. As long as I keep focused, listen, gather information where required and communicate back to the relevant team members, the day progresses well. By the end of the day I catch up with our designers and developers to check progress and make sure we are on track for the following day.
What are the best and worst parts of your job?
The best is when you see the positive reaction from clients to the creative and to the hard work and dedication that has been put into the project. Then in turn, the reaction of the team members involved in seeing the work being well received. Meeting new clients and working with freelancers is great too. Discovering and learning about new industries, as well and other people’s way of working is always interesting and fun.
What are your favourite tech tools that help you get your job done?
Trello and Slack. I also like Nirvana’s HQ online to-do list. Trello is great to manage workflow for our web developers and artworkers. It’s easy for the team to communicate on the platform and allows for greater transparency on projects.
What advice would you give an aspiring Account Manager?
Listen to your clients and colleagues, know how to laugh at yourself and have fun.
What’s been the favourite project you have ever worked on?
The Stewart Company website. We worked with Stewart Company to design and develop a UX strategy-led website. I had never worked on a UX strategy website before and had the most fun to-date on a project. The team were great and the client, creative and digital teams worked incredibly well together. Some of us learned as we went along, and leaning on more experienced team members where necessary. We delivered a website which has excellent usability, on budget and on time.
Where do you find inspiration?
Loads of places… Working in SoHo you just have a to walk out of the door and there is usually something to feel inspired about. If I’m feeling a little deflated – maybe the day was long with a lot of negotiating – then I like to look at funny illustrations. Cecile Dorrmeau is my favourite at the moment – her work always makes me chuckle https://www.instagram.com/cecile.dormeau/?hl=en
Finish this sentence…The ideal way to start my day is….
A coffee and whatever my track/tracks of the week are. This week they are: Flock of sea gulls ‘I ran (so far away)’ b/Slam ‘Positive education’.