What’s your advice for attracting and keeping good account managers?

 Industry Consultants

Kevin Kehoe
3PG Consulting
Laguna, Calif.

“Simple:
1.Good pay with a commission structure;
2. Opportunity to be promoted to senior status over time (the job is essentially dead end when you really think about it);
3. Good working tools: Computer information systems that are mobile allowing them to be productive;
4. A good boss—someone who can mentor them so they can be successful; and
5. Perks: a vehicle and phone (occasional travel like to GIE+EXPO).”

Phil Harwood
Pro-Motion Consulting
Farmington, Mich.

“Don’t overload them!”

Frank Ross
3PG Consulting
Alpharetta, Ga.

“1). Make sure they are the best person for the job; then, 2). Pay them well with incentives.”

Jeffrey Scott
Jeffrey Scott Inc!
Trumbull, Conn.

“A growing successful company is the best magnet. To attract a first-class account managers, you have to create and demonstrate you have a destination company with a written vision that you can show your prospect that you have a long-term growth plan, with good systems and people in place, and the ability for your account managers to influence and grow their careers in your company. It all starts with an organized interview process (and first impressions) that wow the account manager. Keeping them requires not only a well-run company, but that you have clients in your sweet spot—they match your brand promise and fit well with your firm. Employees quit their boss or if they lack social connections with their peers, so make sure you give them a good boss and a good environment!”

Jody Shilan
FromDesign2Build.com
Upper Saddle River, N.J.

“I don’t think there’s anything unique to account managers versus any other type of employee. Everybody wants to be treated with respect, paid a fair salary and feel like they have the potential to grow with the company.”