Day in the life of Chris, Account Manager
My name is Chris (he/him/his) and my job as an Account Manager on CDW's small business team is multifaceted, hyperactive and exciting. Day-in and day-out I speak with customers about their existing and desired IT environments, challenges and goals. I am constantly creating safe spaces where I provide reliable consultation, follow up and reassurance all while managing customer expectations, time and resources.
I’m often in communication with my partners about quarterly customer promotions, account mapping, or following up on the latest news and trends in my territory. Additionally, I manage several workstreams and relationships between customers, vendors, backend support, solution engineers, advisors and more. I sync up with my internal CDW resources to learn about the latest technology, solutions and what they are seeing in the field.
My job often involves being a sounding board for customers. They love bouncing ideas off me because they trust in my experience, ability and discernment to provide accurate feedback on what’s a good fit, what’s trending and what’s best supported.
When I’m not on the phone, I am regularly prospecting for new accounts and strategizing new ways to capture business.
What I had to learn when I started at CDW…
I had to learn how backend operations work, as well as the many CDW processes and central internal business applications. Additionally, I had to learn the value of the technology that we offer and how said solutions solve customer challenges. I had to learn how to effectively take on objections and how to properly convey the value of my role to a customer.
My favorite part of the job…
My favorite part of the job is when I’ve officially earned the trust of a customer and I effectively have a working relationship. Establishing a good relationship with a customer profoundly transforms how we see and engage with each other. I am no longer one of the many numbers calling trying to “make a sale” but instead, someone that they recognize has a genuine interest in growing their business and professional growth. It’s good when I’ve gained someone’s trust and I witness their suspicions dissipate, guards lower and now they are openly embracing me as their partner. I love when my customer and I get into a space where we can candidly talk about their Cybersecurity needs and how This Is Us is the best show on TV all in the same call. They really get to see that I am a person too and not some “sales guy.”
A Typical Day:
- Make green tea or coffee
- Check email and customer orders
- Prospect new accounts
- Review territory and technology news
- Attend team huddle
- Execute customer follow-ups and call blocks
- Book technology solutions calls with customers
- Conduct business reviews and CDW overviews with customers
- Coordinate with partners on current and upcoming technology solutions and promotions
- Introduce customers to CDW's Integrated Technology Solutions (ITS) Team
- Attend trainings and internal CDW meetings
- Prepare work and call blocks for next day
- Consult with my mentors about the day’s successes
- Cook dinner for me and my girlfriend
- Watch movie reviews on YouTube
- Watch TV or play video games with loved ones and friends
What my customers say about CDW…
My customers brag about how CDW has unparalleled customer service, responsiveness, diverse technology consultation and numerous IT solutions. They love the assurance and peace of mind that CDW provides. A lot of them refuse to work with anyone outside of CDW and often consolidate their business with us. We’re uniquely positioned to be a one-stop-shop or one-back-to-pat partner for all things IT.
The advice I’d share with others interested in the Account Representative role…
- Appreciate the small wins as much as the big ones
- Understand and demand patience within yourself as this is a marathon, not a sprint
- Build a strong book of business and discern early on what deserves your time
- Master following up with people and setting proper expectations
Lastly, be your genuine self. In this business, there are many different personalities and people will discover and embrace you because of who you are and not who you pretend to be.
One word to describe CDW:
Limitless
LUNCH GO-TO:
Hot Wings from Wing King
WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?
Music Artist
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
I LOVE Monopoly!
WHAT'S THE PHONE APP YOU USE MOST OFTEN?
YouTube
WHAT BRAND ARE YOU MOST LOYAL TO?
(Besides CDW, of course)
Marvel
– Chris Bradshaw
Explore CDW's Account Representative role.
My name is Chris (he/him/his) and my job as an Account Manager on CDW's small business team is multifaceted, hyperactive and exciting. Day-in and day-out I speak with customers about their existing and desired IT environments, challenges and goals. I am constantly creating safe spaces where I provide reliable consultation, follow up and reassurance all while managing customer expectations, time and resources.
I’m often in communication with my partners about quarterly customer promotions, account mapping, or following up on the latest news and trends in my territory. Additionally, I manage several workstreams and relationships between customers, vendors, backend support, solution engineers, advisors and more. I sync up with my internal CDW resources to learn about the latest technology, solutions and what they are seeing in the field.
My job often involves being a sounding board for customers. They love bouncing ideas off me because they trust in my experience, ability and discernment to provide accurate feedback on what’s a good fit, what’s trending and what’s best supported.
When I’m not on the phone, I am regularly prospecting for new accounts and strategizing new ways to capture business.
What I had to learn when I started at CDW…
I had to learn how backend operations work, as well as the many CDW processes and central internal business applications. Additionally, I had to learn the value of the technology that we offer and how said solutions solve customer challenges. I had to learn how to effectively take on objections and how to properly convey the value of my role to a customer.
My favorite part of the job…
My favorite part of the job is when I’ve officially earned the trust of a customer and I effectively have a working relationship. Establishing a good relationship with a customer profoundly transforms how we see and engage with each other. I am no longer one of the many numbers calling trying to “make a sale” but instead, someone that they recognize has a genuine interest in growing their business and professional growth. It’s good when I’ve gained someone’s trust and I witness their suspicions dissipate, guards lower and now they are openly embracing me as their partner. I love when my customer and I get into a space where we can candidly talk about their Cybersecurity needs and how This Is Us is the best show on TV all in the same call. They really get to see that I am a person too and not some “sales guy.”
A Typical Day:
- Make green tea or coffee
- Check email and customer orders
- Prospect new accounts
- Review territory and technology news
- Attend team huddle
- Execute customer follow-ups and call blocks
- Book technology solutions calls with customers
- Conduct business reviews and CDW overviews with customers
- Coordinate with partners on current and upcoming technology solutions and promotions
- Introduce customers to CDW's Integrated Technology Solutions (ITS) Team
- Attend trainings and internal CDW meetings
- Prepare work and call blocks for next day
- Consult with my mentors about the day’s successes
- Cook dinner for me and my girlfriend
- Watch movie reviews on YouTube
- Watch TV or play video games with loved ones and friends
What my customers say about CDW…
My customers brag about how CDW has unparalleled customer service, responsiveness, diverse technology consultation and numerous IT solutions. They love the assurance and peace of mind that CDW provides. A lot of them refuse to work with anyone outside of CDW and often consolidate their business with us. We’re uniquely positioned to be a one-stop-shop or one-back-to-pat partner for all things IT.
The advice I’d share with others interested in the Account Representative role…
- Appreciate the small wins as much as the big ones
- Understand and demand patience within yourself as this is a marathon, not a sprint
- Build a strong book of business and discern early on what deserves your time
- Master following up with people and setting proper expectations
Lastly, be your genuine self. In this business, there are many different personalities and people will discover and embrace you because of who you are and not who you pretend to be.
One word to describe CDW:
Limitless
LUNCH GO-TO:
Hot Wings from Wing King
WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?
Music Artist
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
I LOVE Monopoly!
WHAT'S THE PHONE APP YOU USE MOST OFTEN?
YouTube
WHAT BRAND ARE YOU MOST LOYAL TO?
(Besides CDW, of course)
Marvel
– Chris Bradshaw
