Account Executive: Definition, Duties and Responsibilities, Skills, and Career Path

Maybe there are still many who don't know the Account Executive (AE) profession. In fact, these jobs often appear on job search portals. Many people also think that account executive and sales are the same job.

Account executive is a person whose job is to deal with customers. What are the responsibilities and skills? Come on, see the article below!

What is an Account Executive?

An account executive is a person whose role is to maintain good relations with customers so that the company's operations can run in the long term. They are also usually part of the sales and marketing team.

According to the Links International website, the account executive's job is to build customer trust so that they continue to work together or make purchases in the future.

Many people think that the roles of sales, marketing and account managers are the same, although there are some differences between the three.

The sales team's job is to sell the company's products and services directly, the marketing team's job is to develop a good sales strategy, while the account executive tends to build long-term customer relationships. Even though their job is not to sell directly like the sales team, the account executive still has the responsibility to ensure that the company's sales goals or targets are achieved.

Account Executive Duties

The main task of the account executive is to control the company's business relationships. In order for the business relationship to run smoothly, the tasks to be performed by him are described here:

1. Expanding the client network

Account executives are always in contact with clients because that is their main job. These workers not only have to maintain relationships with old customers, but also find new customers to work with the company.

It is not impossible, the account executive is in charge of sending cooperation proposals to other companies.

2. Maintain customer satisfaction

Account executives must also ensure that customers are happy and satisfied with the company. Therefore, this worker must be warm, solve problems, and understand the client's wishes.

One way is to regularly ask for feedback about a company's services or products. This is how customers feel valued.

3. Handling complaints

As a person who is responsible for dealing with many people, it is not uncommon for complaints to be submitted to account executives. That's why we need to know the process from the start, when the customer enters the company.

Even if complaints are unreasonable, account managers still need to handle them properly and offer win-win solutions.

4. Analyze client behavior

Client behavior analysis is useful for developing the company's business. Based on this information, we can determine the most ideal service or product and eliminate those that are of less interest.

Skills Account Executive Must Have

1. Communication Skills

Of course, the account executive must have good communication and speaking skills. When seeking new customers, the account executive must demonstrate the company's products or services and ensure customer cooperation.

2. Problem solving

Account executives are asked to respond to problems and provide solutions quickly, especially when customers complain. The solution must also pay attention to customer convenience, but still not hamper the company.

3. Understand sales techniques

Even if their job is not to sell directly, the account executive must understand how to get customers to cooperate. Therefore, the account executive must also understand how the sales and marketing team works.

4. Negotiation skills

During the conversation, customers can open and negotiate offers. The account executive must be able to handle this well. The outcome of the negotiation should be a win-win situation for both the client and the company.

5. Project management

Account Executives must be able to handle different types of customers. Therefore, the account executive must have the right strategy to solve problems and fulfill the wishes of every customer.

Account Executive Career Path

If you are new to the world of AE, get ready to become a Junior Account Executive. In this position you will gradually get to know this role. Starting from marketing, sales, business knowledge, report writing, learning to communicate well.

Don't be afraid to learn and ask your manager for feedback and criticism. Something you usually do from time to time becomes very possible. If you do well as a junior, you can move up to a senior account executive.

If you can master all the tricks at this level, a career as an account executive awaits.

This is a brief summary of the benefits of an account executive career that you need to know. I hope this helps.