EP 478: Everything agency owners need to know about their account executives with Lori Highby
Dec 2, 2024
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In this discussion, Lori Highby, an expert in agency operations and instructor for AE Bootcamps, dives into the pivotal role of account executives. She highlights the importance of clear communication and the need for agency owners to support AEs in achieving their goals. The conversation covers the challenges AEs face, the integration of AI in their roles, and the value of collaborative learning. Highby emphasizes that a strong focus on professional development and recognition fosters a thriving agency culture.
Account executives are integral to agency success by managing client relationships and driving growth, highlighting the need for support and clear expectations from agency owners.
The importance of effective communication and continual professional development opportunities is emphasized to foster a motivated and competent account service team.
Deep dives
The Critical Role of Account Executives
Account executives, account managers, and account strategists play an essential role in agency operations as they serve as the primary contacts between clients and the agency. They are responsible for nurturing client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction, and identifying opportunities for growth and expansion in the client’s business. A strong account service team allows agency owners to step back from day-to-day operations, as effective account executives minimize the need for owner involvement. Their knowledge and ability to manage client expectations are vital for retaining clients and driving agency profitability.
Learning and Adapting to Emerging Trends
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in agency operations has become a significant topic amidst account executives during training sessions. While some agencies embrace AI, others hesitate, which creates a divide in knowledge and understanding about its applications. The workshops encourage knowledge sharing among participants, where experienced executives can exchange insights on implementing AI and other best practices. This collaborative learning environment fosters a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation to technological advancements in the industry.
Communication Challenges and Solutions
Communication, both internal and external, is highlighted as a major challenge faced by account executives. Issues arise from unclear expectations regarding communication styles, leading to misunderstandings among team members and clients. During workshops, participants engage in discussions about the importance of defining communication guidelines to avoid conflicts and promote effective dialogue. By providing practical tools and strategies to enhance communication, account executives can ensure smoother interactions and better overall client management.
The Need for Recognition and Continuous Learning
Account executives express a desire for recognition of their contributions and achievements within the agency. They seek feedback and positive reinforcement from agency owners to feel valued and appreciated, which motivates them to excel in their roles. Additionally, there is a growing interest in ongoing education and professional development opportunities that empower account executives to enhance their skills, particularly in areas like agency math and client management. By fostering an environment that supports continuous learning and acknowledges employee achievements, agency owners can cultivate a more engaged and effective account service team.
Account executives are critical for agency profitability and success. Without them, we wouldn’t have anybody responsible for building deeper trust with clients and growing their accounts.
That’s why we’ve brought Lori Highby on the show this week to share everything she knows about the account executive role. Some of you might recognize her from the AE Bootcamps she teaches at, and she’s here to bring that wisdom to the greater AMI community so we can better understand just how important our AEs are for agency success.
As someone who has an inside look at how AEs think and the questions and concerns that are always in their heads, Lori is the perfect person to share them so we can learn how to better support our AEs.
We cover everything from the expectations in an AE role, how agency owners can better communicate their goals and expectations to AEs, recognizing their hard work, and supporting their goals and aspirations within their role so they can also grow with the agency.
This episode is packed with incredible insights, so we hope you can take some of these topics and use them to better understand and support the AEs in your agency.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
Recurring struggles that account executives face and are looking for guidance about
The importance of standardized communication on the team and with clients
Helping AEs level up their soft communication skills
Supporting your account executives’ eagerness to learn and level up
The importance of AEs knowing agency math and using it to determine profitability
What AEs really want from agency leadership
Take more time to recognize and appreciate your account executives’ hard work
How to find more moments for recognition on your team
What AEs love about their jobs
How to support and encourage your team in leveling up their skills
How agency owners can amplify AE success in the agency
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