Mrtinez

Senior Business Developer Manager

Names differences

Hi guys.

Today i got feedback from a big sales company saying that my background is business development, and even thought i close deals, i have to start as a junior Account Executive.

Whats the main difference on the business developer vs acccount executive names on the role itself? I thought was mainly different names.

Thanks a lot.

📈 Closing

👥 Hiring

🧢 Sales Management

18 comments

Sort by:

Hodgson

Valued Contributor

CEO

While job titles can sometimes vary between companies and industries, there are generally distinct differences between the roles of a Business Developer and an Account Executive beyond just their names.

Personally, I would differentiate as follows:

Business Developer:
Focuses on strategic growth, market research, forming partnerships, product development, and long-term planning for business expansion.
Account Executive:
Manages existing client accounts, achieves sales targets, generates revenue, maintains customer satisfaction, negotiates contracts, and resolves client issues.
There might be some overlap, especially in smaller organisations where employees wear multiple hats.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Good breakdown, but I'm thinking they are associating it with BDR, which would make their assertion of qualifying only for a Jr AE position make sense.

Mrtinez

Contributor

Senior Business Developer Manager

I’m BDM, not manage a team, I expand business, not working as BDR

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

I wasn't saying that's what you do, just that it's how they might be interpreting your role.
I've never really come across a BDM in the way you outline. I get it, but it's not overly familiar to me. Could be the same with them.
You should probably be careful and clear with how you position yourself and your experience.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

It's all about the experience, not as much about the title. SE, AE, BDE may all be the same thing depending on the company. So make sure your attainment and what you do are clear. If you're looking for a selling role, frame what you do from a selling perspective.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

💯

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Also many BDE roles only go after new business.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

I don’t know your exact background or experience. Nor what you have told that company. So from your very brief and one sided description I’d have to say they are relegating you to a lower position in order to pay you less.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

My assumption is they mean BDR (Business Development Rep) I would get that confirmed.

Do you have an offer?

Mrtinez

Contributor

Senior Business Developer Manager

Oh no, im actually business developer manager, and the main feedback i got is that my background is business development and not account executive, its actually for Salesforce.
I didnt have an offer, as they said, my profile would be more junior account executive and they will open that position in few months. ( When they are supposely calling me back) as they said.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I've not heard of a Jr Account Manager role at SFDC, so that's interesting.

Mrtinez

Contributor

Senior Business Developer Manager

They told me is the AE dealing with accounts from 1 to 10 employees as a start

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

SMB AE maybe? Which vertical?
Also, are you in the US, or elsewhere?

Mrtinez

Contributor

Senior Business Developer Manager

Emea

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

So you mention you're a Business Development Manager. Did you manage a team, or what was your role? And if you were (or are) in a closing role, what have you been closing? It sounds like either you don't have the closing experience they're looking for OR you somehow didn't convey that experience to the hiring team. Maybe we can help sort it out so you can make the most of the next opportunity.

Mrtinez

Contributor

Senior Business Developer Manager

Sent you a message, thanks a lot!!!!

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Sure, I will respond, but also, if you can outline (without company name) that on this post as well, you'll get advice from others in addition to mine. And a lot of that advice will be very insightful.

pirate

Big Shot

🦜☠️ Account Executive

Your background is raising concerns and they're not exactly sure where you would fit. So they offer you this position.

Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.

Products

The War Room Jobs Salary Guide Tech Sales U

Company

About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty

Contact

Press Careers

If you are hired as a contract sales rep by a Bravado customer, we may ask you to prove access to the employee email account provided to you by that customer. This data will be shared with customers to track your sales productivity; customers can use this data to confirm you meet the minimum activity requirements to pay out your ramp stipend and commission.

Mrtinez

Names differences

18 comments

Related posts

Do you know the names of reps from your competitors?

Public vs. Private Companies: Sales Team Differences?