Kim Dreyer

The first step is to ask for help. Connect with your supervisor. Be specific about your struggles and have an example. Show how you're currently managing your top goals/ tasks. And show how you've attempted to address managing these. Ask for suggestions on how others are managing their workflow. Reach out to colleagues too for inspiration. Be open to the answers and suggestions. This may include reprioritizing, trying something new, delegating tasks, and learning new ways to manage your time. Make notes on what's working and report back to your supervisor on your progress.

Here's what else to consider when "managing a key account and spotting issues before they become long-term problems". Industry insights & trends always lend valuable lessons around what's happening. And some lend their predictions on what's to come. Here's where you can gain the ability to offset objections & problems before they occur at your Accounts. Help your customers to stay informed and ahead of issues. Offer examples or advice around problems that "like" organizations are experiencing. This may help them avoid similar problems. Of course don't forget... be prepared to offer a plan or solution on how they might avoid or fix the issue(s).

Remember, in order to be effective [at collaborating or anything else] and to determine effectiveness, you gotta have something to measure. Something by which to gauge results. Such as a [collaboration] goal. Set goals with detailed expectations around the desired outcome. AND have a plan around how & when you'll measure whether or not you're meeting, exceeding, or falling short of these. The results then show you if your [collaboration] goal was successful.

Something to keep in mind when working remotely; it doesn't mean you can't have meaningful facetime. Turn your camera on when interacting with customers or prospects. Do this routinely. Use face time to nurture relationships. People can "see" that you're interested and being authentic. And stay engaged by checking in even when you don't have a specific business reason. This way you'll get to know more about their likes & dislikes outside of work. You'll form more intentional bonds around those commonalities. It then becomes natural to tailor your business interactions, even online, with an approach that leans into their specific preferences.

Manager or not, this first step isn't to be missed (Defining Goals). Set goals. Include a stretch goal. Be specific by outlining as much criteria as possible for those goals so they can be measured, to truly gauge outcomes and manage future expectations. And collect & record feedback so collaboration is meaningful as you move forward through your project and so that you can evaluate the success of your efforts.

here's something to consider, with all this data flying around (i.e. being collected, stored, etc.) don't forget to secure that data. Having cybersecurity measures to strengthen security protocols is a must when working with all this information.