How long does it take to move from an AE role to a sales manager role?

I’ve been an AE for 2 years. I am curious to know how long it would take to move from an AE role to becoming a sales manager. Do I need any managerial experience in order to get promoted? 


What do I need to do in order to become a manager? Do I have to be one of the top performers in order to become a manager? What makes a great sales manager vs just good? How can I demonstrate that I am a suitable candidate for a managerial position in sales? 


Any advice you have is greatly appreciated!


11
fuzzy
Notable Contributor
2
CMO (Chief Meme Officer)
No, you just need to find a company willing to take a shot on you and a desperate need to pump their numbers. The easiest way is into a company that's never done outbound sales, but be prepared to do an AE job + manage others and establish everything, including forecasting. The second easiest way is to fight to the death with the existing manager (or just snipe their spot if they leave.)

>>You're always a top performer in interviews ;)
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
🦊
I love this response!
mami
Tycoon
0
Account Executive
It depends on how desperate the company is to fill that role. I was offered an AE manager role after 1 year of AE experience within a small startup where our VP of Sales exited with no notice. 

Go into a startup with good numbers but a small sales team. Work your ass off on your numbers and demonstrate a strong understanding of the product and market. Support your team member's growth without being asked. Contribute to the organization at large. Boom. Manager in a year.
swabianarabian
Fire Starter
0
Teamlead Business Development
It takes as long as the company needs a new manager and you’re their best choice
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