3+ years of high performing BDR experience | advice on moving into a closing role?

Hi - I've been an SDR for just over 3 years at two startups (1 unicorn) and have always lead the pack for the team for nearly every single quarter. Been promoted & received pay bumps. I've built a very positive reputation and have been told from multiple people that I can close today, and do it well. For both companies the promise of moving into a closing role have been dissolved due to layoffs / restructuring & removing SMB/commercial AE teams.


I'd rather not take another stab at being an sdr that turns into an AE role if all things go well. I'm ready, I've been preparing and shadowing since day one - just looking for advice for those who have been in a similar position?


Covid & a "looming recession" sucks.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Hiring
๐Ÿš€ Career Goals
๐Ÿ’†โ€โ™‚ Mindset
9
Pachacuti
Politicker
7
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
My first bit of advice - don't apply for any more SDR jobs. That way, you won't be offered one.

That bit of obvious advice aside, I would reach out to the former colleagues you have and see what they are up to and if they can make some intros for you to VP's of Sale, etc. Networking is the best way to go.
oldcloser
Arsonist
3
๐Ÿ’€
Yes to the above. If you don't change the road you're on, chances are you're gonna get where you're headed. If you want something else, you're gonna need to do something different.

my work here is done.
stewblue42
Fire Starter
1
Strat BDR
You got it.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
4
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
*recession

I'd like to suggest that you search through the forums - there are a ton of threads about moving to AE from SDR, moving to AE without closing experience, etc., with a lot of good advice about navigating how to apply, how to interview, and more along those lines. You might find some of this helpful as well.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
๐ŸฆŠ
Check the academy tab too.
stewblue42
Fire Starter
0
Strat BDR
thank you all for the advice, I need to do a even more thorough search. Haven't dove into to too many forums.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
0
Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Well, this forum in particular is tuned toward advice and guidance. Sometimes it's a bit of tough love, but for those who really want to sort things out and excel, you're going to get opinions and help on most anything sales-related you ask.
Gasty
Notable Contributor
4
War Room Community Manager
@stewblue42: Welcome to the war room! I had a colleague in a similar situation once who started closing really small deals as an SDR only. Once that started happening, he was promoted to an AE within a few months. Opposed to trying this?
stewblue42
Fire Starter
0
Strat BDR
Our company doesn't make money off small deals (yet) which is why they removed the smb/commercial function.

I'll see what I can drum up though. Thank you!
Diablo
Politicker
3
Sr. AE
Donโ€™t apply for more SDR roles if you are confident you can close. I would follow what Pachacuti said.
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Have you applied?
stewblue42
Fire Starter
1
Strat BDR
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Keep grinding and follow above advice.

Also, if you want a resume critique post an anonymous version here.
stewblue42
Fire Starter
0
Strat BDR
Good idea, appreciate the advice
Maximas
Tycoon
1
Senior Sales Executive
I feel you, that's a much of an SDR role.
Next application needs to involve either a closing role or an AE position directly and I believe you're a good fit for both for being promoted once before with a very good experience!
punishedlad
Tycoon
1
๐Ÿง™โ€โ™‚๏ธ
Man, one of the tough things about being a top performing BDR for several years is that your managers might view you as a professional BDR. You're really good at setting meetings, filling up the pipeline, and getting things rolling with prospects.

If you're doing too good a job at that, there are some folks who would want to keep you in that role. The issues you mentioned about team restructuring at the AE level make it tough. I'm assuming you've been expressing to your manager your desire to move into a closing role?
stewblue42
Fire Starter
1
Strat BDR
Yep, you're right. My manager is well aware of my ambitions and is a big advocate in the company for me to move up.

Definitely folks in the company who would rather see me stay put as well.
CPTAmerica
Opinionated
1
President/CRO
Be proactive. Talk with your leaders one on one. Let them know you're eager to move into an AE role. Ask what you can do to help prepare you. Don't do that just once, stay on them. "Ok I read that book it was great! I loved these couple of points... What should I be doing next?"

This shows you are dead set on moving up. If you're their top rep they will start to worry that you will leave if they don't promote you.
7

Advice for moving from SDR to AE role

Advice
11
26
Members only

Looking for career advice. Moving from an AE role to BDR - am I crazy?

Question
23
6

Advice- AE for 3 years promoted to EAE Manager

Question
11