How To Break Into The Customer Success Manager Role

 I had an interesting week. I tend to try to consume thoughts and ideas that will help me formulate an opinion or a thought. Podcasts and blogs tend to be the easiest way for me to do that. For instance, I was listening to the latest podcast episode of The Nathan Barry Show. Nathan is the founder of Convert Kit and a long time blogger and podcaster. He was interviewing a professional from the music industry. One of the things his guest recommended to anyone trying to create more opportunities in their business or careers was to collaborate. More importantly, to collaborate with folks that are two steps or more ahead of you. You should do this by giving value, not by asking for what they can DO for you. I was intrigued by this, so I saved it in my mind palace. 

Fast-forward two days later, and I was invited on a one to one Zoom call with someone I met in a group call through Grow Gain Retain, a community that trains and helps CSMs (Customer Success Managers) by sharing ideas. His name is Oliver Plane. Oliver was interested in having a conversation and sharing some ideas. It was a very fun and enlightening call. One thing I learned from Oliver was how he approached getting involved and building a brand in the CSM network and community. He collaborated by sharing value with leaders in the community. His methods, persistence, and excitement worked very well. He was also chosen as one of the 2021 Top 100 Customer Success Strategists. 

For anyone interested in breaking into an industry or building their brand or presence online or offline. We often get caught up in a lot of the noise out there. Advice on how to grow and gain access is plentiful, but we have to be careful. The truth and bottom line is we are all trying to do that. We are human, after all. We are all trying to get to our goals. I believe that helping each other get to those goals is one of the best ways to get there. We can't grow by ourselves. We have to grow together. I've tried growing by myself, not only is it very difficult, but it's also very lonely. So how do we find ways to collaborate? Well it starts with participating in the community.

Find something you can share of value to the community. One question you might ask yourself is "what is a way I can help this community grow or help find value?". I think the key is to spend time listening and engaging with the goal to understand. Once you have a good understanding of the pain points and needs of the community, think creatively and develop or share something that will be valuable. Then find ways you can get that valuable resource to as much of the group as possible. The best way is to do it through the leaders in the group. Or even through channels the community members already use. Either way I think this is the key to standing out and being seen as a valued member or MVP (most valuable professional). 

In the end, I think what you will come to realize is that the benefit wasn't getting to the goal of getting the job of your dreams, but the way and process you achieved it. You may find that delivering value and helping others in the community was what you found most satisfying. Perhaps continuing to do that will open more opportunities than you ever thought possible.