This is probably one of the hardest blog posts I have ever written. Well, mentally preparing to write it was the challenge - actually putting the words down was pretty easy, because I’ve learned a LOT from being an Account Manager at Addison Clark. In case you haven’t heard yet – today is my last day at AC. I’m not just leaving for any old reason; I’ve discovered a new dream to become a nurse. I start school in August, and since it’s a full-time program, I had to make a tough decision. It’s weird leaving a job and people that you love for something new and unknown, especially when you’re a creature of habit and pretty set in your normal patterns and routines. But I have to say, I’m excited for this new journey!

Before I leave, I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned about being an Account Manager over the past seven years in this position. Hopefully, I can pass on some knowledge to a future Account Manager (AM) and give our clients some insight on what I’ve actually been doing all these years!

What I’ve Learned As An Account Manager

1. People skills are a must. You can’t be an AM and be afraid to talk to people! Over the past seven years, not only have I been able to expand on my natural social skills – I’ve built client relationships that I’m truly proud of and will treasure forever. Plus, it makes it easy to take care of any situation when you know how to work well with others.
2. Organization is key. I’ve never been a master at organization. There, I said it. It’s been a challenge for me to get where I am today. When I first started seven years ago, I had no set system for tracking my tasks or process for getting things done. Now, I’ve developed a systematic way of doing things that doesn’t involve random papers strewn about and leaving tasks unaccomplished. I have this job to thank for that!
3. Your teammates are your best resource. Each and every Account Manager that works for Addison Clark has their own special talent. I never got tired of asking my fellow AMs for their input on something, whether it be an email subject line (“Anne-Stuart, does this sound lame?”) or an entire blog post (“Whitney, can you please read through and make sure this makes sense?”). That extends to the creative and development side, too. Everyone in this office has taught me valuable lessons over the past few years.
4. If you don’t have the answer, find the answer. I know I can’t always have the answers to everything that comes up, but I have learned to do what it takes in order to find a solution whenever possible. One of the most gratifying things about working here is when you start the day not knowing how to solve a problem, and are able to come to a resolution by the end of the day. That not only shows the client you’re willing to go to bat for them – it does wonders for your own sense of accomplishment!
5. No day is the same as the last – so be ready to handle anything! Boy, this one will be true for my future profession! I love not having the same exact routine every day. Variety is very important to me. Also, you never know what the day will bring – so if you’re able to accept that things aren’t going to get done exactly according to plan, you’ll be good to go (and relieved when the day actually does go according to plan!).

And finally, but most importantly...

6. Be confident and believe in yourself. I have been told again and again by Andrew and Jeff that they trust my judgement and that they believe in me. It took a while for me to grow confident in my abilities and decisions, but I can see now that they helped truly shape me into the person I am today. I will always be true to myself thanks to my job here at Addison Clark. Jeff and Andrew gave me something that most business owners don't give — the confidence to just be ME and live up to my potential.

 I'll be forever grateful for Addison Clark. I have no doubt that the friendships I've made here will last a lifetime. I can't wait to watch this company grow and succeed for many years to come! Can I crash the next Happy Hour?

— Jocy