19 Feb, 2020
Maintain Relationships
Employers expect key account executives to know their assigned clients inside and out. Execs fully understand their charges’ products, services, objectives, competitors, and brand image. They frequently check in with them to discuss needs, concerns, and satisfaction. If questions or problems arise, clients know exactly who to contact for a prompt response. That attention to and excitement for client growth strengthens bonds.
Sell Additional Services
Knowing customers well enables key account executives to generate additional business. For instance.
Handle Contracts
Spelled-out details provide an accurate record for both sides. Key account executives negotiate terms such as price and delivery, then draw up the appropriate paperwork. When accounts come up for renewal, execs draw upon past successes to draft new mutually satisfying arrangements.
Collaborate with Colleagues
While the key account executive takes charge of a client’s account, others in the company are also involved in delivering results. An exec, for example, may interact with the marketing department to ensure their campaign is in line with customer requests. Key account executives also attend meetings with other leaders to offer reports and discuss company matters.
Network with Potential Clients
With the goal of generating new business, key account execs attend events or connect with potential target markets. Looking for “ins” promotes interest. For example, someone a key account exec meets at an auto convention might express that his current parts supplier is hard to reach. This creates an opportunity to talk about how the key exec’s company prides itself on availability.
Key Account Executive Skills and Qualifications
Being trusted with valuable clients is a large responsibility, so key account executives need spectacular interpersonal skills. They must listen well, communicate clearly, and maintain a positive, polite demeanor at all times. Picking up the phone, dropping an email, or meeting face-to-face are all second nature to a customer-centric exec, whether the person on the other side is a regular employee or a CEO. Other factors critical to the job include:
Organization skills – keeping on top of each account requires focus, prioritization, and excellent follow-through
Attention to detail – mistakes cause clients to go elsewhere, so key account executives double-check everything and avoid letting anything slip through the cracks
Salesmanship – looking for ways to increase business and getting clients to buy in to new ideas makes employers happy
Self-motivation – key account executives are go-getters always looking for ways to grow business and operate more efficiently
Computer competency – in addition to using standard Microsoft Office products, execs frequently input information into a CRM (customer relationship management) system, such as Salesforce.com, that stores valuable details about clients and interactions
americana
Remote (Riyadh Saudi Arabia)
Full time
