Hotlead

Producer

Whats too long to be in a SDR role?

When I took my current job they told me It was a minimum of 1 year in the SDR role before I could take any meetings myself. I'm about 10 months in now and feel like I'm ready to take the next step and am prepared. Do you think I should bring this up to management, or continue to bang on the phone like a good lil sales boy?

✌️ Growing Pains

🧠 Advice

18 comments

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CoorsKing

WR Officer

Retired King of the Coors Knights

I was an SDR for just shy of 2 years. Definitely talk with your management, but don’t jump ship if they don’t promote you right away.

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

Makes sense to bring it up to management and tell them you feel you're ready to take the next step. Make sure you have proof to back it up - booking good meetings, exceeding quota, helping other SDRs...whatever it may be. Ask what the steps to move into an AE role look like going forward.

alecabral

Arsonist

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

I guess it depends on the rhythm of the company. In large corporations, SDRs are bound to stay at least 12-18 months in role. I think jumping before the full year in the role might be a bit premature but that's just my own pov. If you feel you're ready for the next move you should at least talk to your manager about it, let that person know you want more. That way they can help!

Hotlead

Politicker

Producer

I did let them know, they just gave me more study materials. I'm setting qualified meetings to someone who will close them, I'd much rather take the meeting myself and get paid appropriately.

alecabral

Arsonist

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

So, quick one: do you have the experience they seem to think you need to have to go and close a deal? If you do, maybe you can ask to just own one of those leads and close it yourself. If you don't, then don't rush it. I wouldn't be afraid of asking for an opportunity if I thought I had a shot.

Hotlead

Politicker

Producer

I've already pulled in two clients under my book this past year from networking, had to split the commission with my boss because he helped a little bit but I've already closed.. Just don't if I should push them or just get fucked for another 2 months

alecabral

Arsonist

Director - Digital Sales Transformation

Well, 2 months is not bad I think but you can still try and see if they allow to close more of those on your own. Never mind the credit right now as long as they move you over to sales soon. For that to happen I reckon you might need a few more closed deals. That being said...I would definitely want this to be in writing. If you commit to closing, they should commit to moving you up in a certain time frame. If they won't do that, then it goes back to how much of you can/want to take, or just change jobs.

I myself waited, and got my rewards. But I was never one to rush anything honestly. Not sure if it was the best I could do, but it worked out for me!

ChangeTheChannel

Good Citizen

Channel Sales Manager

It takes 6 weeks for anybody to hire someone so yes, you should be starting those conversations now. Especially if there are openings.

You should also be networking with the hiring managers for the AE roles.

softwaresails

Politicker

Sales Manager

Yeah you can definitely bring it up. But you need to be prepared for them to tell you that they still need you to be in your role for another two months at least.

Just because you feel like you are ready doesn't mean the org is ready for you to make that change.

thesecretsauce

Politicker

Business Development

Is the money good?

Hotlead

Politicker

Producer

Money is pretty shit rn but I only need one promotion and I will never have to get promoted again and yes the money for the next level is good.

CharmingSalesGal

Politicker

Account Executive

Lots of good feedback here, I'd definitely make sure to prepare for this meeting with management but it's worthwhile having if you want to move up! Maybe even ask if you can shadow an AE for a day or two?

I moved up fairly quickly from SDR to AE and never really understood the role and responsibilities of an AE- my only regret (because I LOVE my job) is not knowing beforehand what's all included in being an AE.

That being said, I also know plenty of people who are just happy and content with being an SDR and have been so for 5+ years. AE positions are not for everyone, AND THAT IS OKAY. ❤️

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Let them know you are ready. You could start with the reminder your anniversary is in two months.

Blackwargreymon

Politicker

MDR

I guess it depends on the rhythm of the company.

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

Rolling 20's all day

Well I just saw someone post that they have been one for 6 years now, but it was more building teams for others.
I'm not sure the size of your company, but showing your sales fire and drive - asking them about it and letting them know you're hungry for sales seems like a good plan to me.
Come up with bullet points and reasons they should promote you and back it up with data if you can.

Beans

Big Shot

Enterprise Account Executive

2+ years depending on company stage.

cw95

Politicker

Sales Development Lead

2.5+ years and then maybe go into an AE!

MR.StretchISR

Politicker

ISR

I try to stretch every hour and make sure to walk around too. Pelvic exercises while sitting are good for core support.

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Hotlead

Whats too long to be in a SDR role?

18 comments

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