As business operations become increasingly digital, it is more important than ever to understand the difference between account management and sales. Both of these activities are essential to the success of a business, but it is important to recognize that they are distinct in terms of their goals and approaches. Account management focuses on the long-term relationship between a business and its customers, while sales focuses on the short-term goal of securing a customer’s purchase. When working together, account management and sales can provide a powerful combination that can be used to maximize customer satisfaction and revenue. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between account management and sales, and discuss how to use both approaches to create a successful business strategy.
Duties of an account manager
Sales managers are usually responsible for these duties:
What is the difference between an account manager and a sales manager?
Understanding the purpose of account management vs. You can determine which career is best for you and gain a better understanding of how teams function in a business environment by working in sales-oriented roles. An important distinction between an account manager and a sales manager, despite the fact that both positions involve client interaction and customer service, is the stage of the sales process at which each is most active. The goal of sales managers is typically to secure the customers’ business with the company the manager represents. Sales managers typically work closely with customers before they have made a deal or set a purpose.
However, once a sales relationship has been established, account managers typically offer extensive service to current clients. Smooth communication between these two categories of client-facing personnel can improve client satisfaction and possibly boost sales and profits.
Account manager salary and job outlook
The BLS projects that employment in management careers will grow 5% between 2019 and 2029 with is faster than the average of all occupations They estimate that during that time, all management categories, including account managers, sales managers, and other managers, will add about 505,000 new jobs. Researching salaries in your desired location and industry as part of your job search is important because account manager salaries can vary depending on factors like location and industry.
Education required
Typically, candidates for account manager and sales manager positions must have comparable educational backgrounds. For the majority of account manager and sales manager positions, a high school diploma or an equivalent is necessary. Many also require at least an associates or bachelors degree. Due to the fact that business degree programs frequently teach the skills necessary for success in these roles, prospective account managers and sales managers might want to think about majoring in business in college. Your work as an account manager or sales manager may benefit from majors in economics or psychology.
Try examining the qualifications listed in job postings for these positions in your preferred industry and matching your educational objectives with those qualifications. As you pursue the education necessary for a career as an account manager or sales manager, you might also look for mentorship from a more experienced professional.
Sales manager salary and job outlook
Sales manager pay can differ depending on factors like location and industry, similar to account manager pay. As part of your career search, make sure to investigate salaries in the location and industry you desire.
How to become an account manager or sales manager
Here are some steps you can take if you want to become a sales manager or account manager:
1. Finish your education
A high school diploma is typically required for many or most account manager and sales manager positions, and an associate’s or bachelor’s degree may also be required. If you are still working on obtaining these credentials, make an effort to finish these educational objectives to get ready for the hiring process and your career. For more information about educational requirements, take a look at job listings for account managers or sales managers in the location and industry that you desire. Then, try to come up with a strategy for obtaining the credentials needed to support your success in this line of work.
2. Research account and sales manager roles
Continue looking into positions for account and sales managers both during and after your education. Learn all you can about the job’s qualifications and description. Consider looking into additional coursework or certifications if you see skills that you need to add to your resume in order to stand out from the competition.
3. Develop your resume and cover letter
Create a resume and cover letter that are specific to the requirements for the account manager and sales manager positions after learning what is expected of applicants for those positions. Pay close attention to the keywords you see used frequently in job listings, and make sure your application materials contain those keywords. This will increase the likelihood that a hiring manager will see your application, as many modern employers use software to screen applicants using keyword recognition technology. If it would be beneficial for you, think about asking a reliable friend or mentor to review your resume and cover letter and offer suggestions.
4. Apply for open positions
Start applying for jobs as a sales manager or an account manager. The majority of employers will request your application materials online, so make sure you have access to a reliable internet connection for the duration of the submission process. Try to modify your resume and cover letter according to the particulars of each job you are applying for. After your resume has been reviewed by the company’s online application screening technology, this can help it get in front of a hiring manager. Additionally, it can demonstrate to a potential employer that you pay close attention to details, like the demands of the position you’re applying for.
5. Interview successfully
If your materials are accepted, an interview request will likely be made. You could use video conferencing software to conduct your interviews online or in person. Think about planning your interview by researching potential questions beforehand and preparing a few key points you want to cover in your interview. Try to prepare for a mock interview with a reliable coworker or mentor. Strong communication abilities are a requirement for both the account manager and sales manager roles, so you can use the interview as an opportunity to highlight your own communication abilities.
6. Consider related roles
While training to become an account manager, you might also want to think about related positions that could act as stepping stones to your ideal position. For instance, if you want to work in sales, you might think about taking on other sales positions to develop the knowledge and expertise necessary to succeed in that position. Your ultimate career goals may be easier to achieve if you take a flexible approach.
What is the Difference Between Account Management and Sales
FAQ
What is the difference between sales and account management?
Overall, key account management and selling are very different. A key account manager (KAM) puts the future first while a salesperson must, by necessity, prioritize the short term.
Is account management a sales?
A post-sales position that prioritizes maintaining client relationships is account management. Account managers’ two main goals are to keep clients as clients and to expand business opportunities. They achieve these goals by getting to know their clients’ goals and assisting them in achieving them.
What is the difference between account manager and sales rep?
Salespeople strive to achieve the revenue goals set by sales managers. Account managers are accountable for the profitability and revenue of the accounts they oversee.
Is account manager and sales manager the same?
An important distinction between an account manager and a sales manager, despite the fact that both positions involve client interaction and customer service, is the stage of the sales process at which each is most active.
