Here is a link it an interesting article from AdAge, written by Maureen Morrison in 2016…
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/dad-s-account-man/303804/
The article describes a new day and a new definition of what it takes to be a modern-day agency Account Manager. As you will see when you read it, the job description has morphed into account folks being among the most powerful players in an agency. I used to split account people into two types – project managers and strategists. It really took both types of A/E’s to create, produce and ship on-brand work. Today, the most effective account people are knowledgeable in many more tactics, there is no question about it. But importantly, the fundamentals of thinking strategically, managing projects, budgets and timelines as well as developing and maintaining relationships with clients as well as internally at the agency remains the same. So, to me, Account Management has not been “reborn” – it never died. But it has evolved into more of what it always was – the “agent” within the agency. The one who catalyzes the work and the relationships within and without of the agency itself.
But, then again, I could be wrong. I am interested in other account folks chiming in on this. What do you think?
Comments are closed.