How can you develop a cross-functional team to support a new account?

1 Identify the account needs

The first step is to understand the needs and expectations of your new account. What are their goals, challenges, pain points, and opportunities? How can your products or services help them solve their problems or achieve their desired outcomes? What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will measure your success? You can use various tools and methods to gather this information, such as interviews, surveys, audits, SWOT analysis, or customer journey mapping.

2 Select the team members

The next step is to select the team members who will support your new account. You want to choose people who have the relevant skills, expertise, experience, and availability to contribute to the account's success. You also want to consider the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and personalities that can enrich your team's creativity and problem-solving. You can use a skills matrix, a RACI chart, or a stakeholder map to identify and assign the roles and responsibilities of your team members.

3 Communicate the vision and goals

The third step is to communicate the vision and goals of your new account to your cross-functional team. You want to make sure that everyone is aligned and committed to the same purpose and direction. You also want to clarify the scope, timeline, budget, and deliverables of the account. You can use a project charter, a kick-off meeting, or a team contract to communicate and document the vision and goals of your new account.

4 Establish the collaboration process

The fourth step is to establish the collaboration process for your cross-functional team. You want to create a system and a culture that foster communication, coordination, feedback, and accountability among your team members. You also want to leverage the tools and platforms that enable your team to work effectively and efficiently across different locations, time zones, and departments. You can use a communication plan, a project management tool, a collaboration platform, or a feedback loop to establish the collaboration process for your new account.

5 Monitor and evaluate the performance

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the performance of your cross-functional team. You want to track and measure the progress and results of your team's work against the account's goals and KPIs. You also want to identify and address any issues, risks, or changes that may arise during the account's lifecycle. You can use a dashboard, a report, a meeting, or a survey to monitor and evaluate the performance of your new account.

6 Celebrate and recognize the achievements

The sixth and final step is to celebrate and recognize the achievements of your cross-functional team. You want to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of your team members. You also want to share and celebrate the successes and learnings of your new account. You can use a reward, a recognition, a testimonial, or a case study to celebrate and recognize the achievements of your new account.