First time SDR Manager

Hey Savages,


Like the title states, I'll officially become our team's SDR manager next month. I'm definitely excited about the promotion, but I can't help feeling anxious at the same time.


For context:

Been at the company since June 2019 (was hired fresh out of college). I've been the team lead since last August so I'm already used to handling the day to day shenanigans. I'm nervous about how my relationships with my teammates are going to change moving forward. I'm super invested in their success and want to steer the ship properly.


Would love to hear about your experiences being a first time sales manager/advice you're willing to offer. Much appreciated!


Any do's or don'ts I should be mindful of?

๐Ÿงข Sales Management
10
Kinonez
Celebrated Contributor
2
War Room Enthusiast
First of all huge congrats!!ย 

I haven't gotten that far, but hopefully I can help.ย 

First of all, you've got this, it's normal to be nervous, but they promoted you for one reason and one reason only. You are the right person for the job!!ย 

Always try to learn new things to bring to the table, be the boss you would like to have and do your best, give it your all, and enjoy it! You've earned it!
TheIncarceration
Politicker
1
SDR Manager
I appreciate the encouragement. I'm sure you'll get there soon!ย 
Kinonez
Celebrated Contributor
0
War Room Enthusiast
I just started with my company in Junuary and I have made it from BDR to Team Lead, so I feel like I have done some good, but I am always giving my best and training myself for other roles within the company!
Justatitle
Big Shot
2
Account Executive
Congrats on the promotion. Itโ€™s important to maintain the relationships you have already built because if you become by the book people will probably push back on you which may be driving your anxiety anyway. Iโ€™d recommend that you have a meeting with the other sdrs you were cool with and lay the groundwork. Youโ€™re still friends but you have taken on this role and you have responsibilities you have to abide you or youโ€™re in hot water if theyโ€™re your friends theyโ€™ll respect that and want to see you succeedย 
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Oh man, I could talk your ear off about this. There are two immediate points that are quite important.

1) Don't be an asshole. People who become managers and become uptight assholes suck.
2) Do also command respect. You got promoted (hopefully) because that's where the company sees you doing good. Don't start showing up hungover/late/whatever now that you're in a good spot. Lead by example. Leading by example also means telling team members to call it a day rather than burning the midnight oil.

Be the manager you would want to work for while also holding your standards to a level that's needed.
TheDeplorable
Politicker
1
AE
Congrats! Whatever you do, don't micro manage. Coach your team on hitting numbers
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
Youยดre already team lead. So do no change too much when you become manager.

Watch out for micro managing, Itยดs a mistake a lot of first time managers make.
batman
Good Citizen
0
Account Executive
Be a leader! Learn how each of your peers like to be coached & managed. Understand their personalities. Don't be stats focused, be results focused.ย 
Undefined
Valued Contributor
0
SDR
Congratulations! I've been a manager before but not a sales manager.ย 


Number one the most important thing to remember is your priorities need to shift from IC to supporter. Put your team and people first, give a shit about them and they'll take notice. You'll get a lot of motivational levers to pull. When your employees trust you and respect you they'll not want to let you down.ย 

Take some time for self reflection. Grab a notepad and write down everything about prior bosses (in every job you've held) that you didn't like.ย 

Do it again but write down what made you respect them. Focus on the good things.ย 

Emulate the good, avoid the bad, and put your people first. Do that and you will be well on your way.

I would tell my employees that I would go to bat for them everytime unless they put me in a position where I couldn't.ย 

Aside from that, recognize that just as your clients/prospects had different needs so will your employees. Never paint with broad strokes.ย 

Lastly, KISS.ย 


Keep it simple shithead.ย 

Being a manager is special, something it's thankless, but it's always rewarding.ย 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
๐ŸฆŠ
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