Finesy profile picture
Finesy profile picture

Finesy

Account Representative III

Valued Contributor
Catalyst
Opinionated
+3

Why do AE’s dislike sdr’s so much?

Time and time again I’ve seen someone get really pissed off at an sdr for calling into the wrong accounts, giving bad notes etc


i realized awhile back that once I started working with an sdr and teaching them what you want them to say or do. Why not mold them to help you?


last year I was in a covid sales slump and decided to email a bunch of clients about new features. I took the list of those that actually opened the email and had an sdr call through them. Saves me time, sdr gets their meetings quota. Basically I think sales reps take the wrong approach when it comes to sdr’s.

🎈 Mentorship
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13 comments

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LordBusiness
Politicker
2
Chief Revenue Officer
I think in a lot of places the SDR/AE relationship is pretty gross (and toxic).  This 'master/servant" vibe that some folks have going on really doesn't jive with me.  Maybe I'm biased, but unless you have a ridiculously large TAM, with 1000's of leads a month flowing in and a high % of tire kickers, the SDR function is forced.  The purpose of the AE/SDR role originally was to create specialization, to give the AE time to perfect their craft with practice, reps, research, etc.  The reality is, most AE's aren't keeping up their end of the bargain.  That being said, whether its an SDR or CX or Sales engineers, etc --its on us as sellers to be in service of our support teams, not the other way around.  It actually grinds my gears when company executives put too much of an emphasis on "supporting the sales team".   
goose
Politicker
0
Sales Executive
In many organizations the SDR function was built as a career track for sales as well.  That, in my opinion, didn't help the relationships either as the SDR was often seen as the "little brother".
atxsalesguy17
Fire Starter
1
SMB Account Executive
In short, it all goes back to the relationship and that 1:1 connection. I say this in short as each of their success depends on one another in most bdr to ae relationships. 
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
1
Digital Business Associate
Yea I like your take. The relationship between the two can be so important that it boggles my mind when there is a disconnect like that.
justsignit
Contributor
1
Account Executive
Ironic that some AE's who used to be SDR's treat SDR's like dirt... If you treat them well and give them some well-timed coaching, you just might end up with 5-10 extra deals a quarter that you wouldn't have gotten otherwise. 

Don't bite the hand that feeds. 
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
In short, it all goes back to the relationship and that 1:1 connection. I say this in short as each of their success depends on one another in most bdr to ae relationships.
Clashingsoulsspell
Politicker
1
ISR
I think in a lot of places the SDR/AE relationship is pretty gross (and toxic).  This 'master/servant" vibe that some folks have going on really doesn't jive with me. 
IceColdCloser
Contributor
0
AE
Its all about finding a balance.

Most AE's treat SDR's as their PA's. Truth behind it is that SDR's need opps and AE's need pipe. Team up instead of having 1 way traffic.

As an SDR you need to stand your ground and make the best of your time. Only work with reps that are worth your time otherwise you'll be walked all over. And try not to send dogshit..

As an AE, meet them in the middle. Feed them opps that you've found yourself. Form a mutually beneficial partnership. Moving something to stage 2 is the click of a button and doesn't bother you too much does it?

Most of the toxic relationships are formed from a mismatch of expectations. Set your expectations straight from the start and you're on to a winner.

Also, not everyone is built to work together. If your personalities clash, move on and save the both of you the ball ache.
goose
Politicker
0
Sales Executive
I went out of my way to work with an SDR that was assigned to our team and he was a total dick.  Acted out of line, faked dials, didn't respond to coaching.  It was an individual case.  Speaks to the tough relationship between the teams.  It's not always one way.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
🦊
We don't dislike them in general. We dislike dicks.
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
I think in a lot of places the SDR/AE relationship is pretty gross (and toxic). This 'master/servant" vibe that some folks have going on really doesn't jive with me. Maybe I'm biased, but unless you have a ridiculously large TAM, with 1000's of leads a month flowing in and a high % of tire kickers, the SDR function is forced. The purpose of the AE/SDR role originally was to create specialization, to give the AE time to perfect their craft with practice, reps, research, etc. The reality is, most AE's aren't keeping up their end of the bargain. That being said, whether its an SDR or CX or Sales engineers, etc --its on us as sellers to be in service of our support teams, not the other way around. It actually grinds my gears when company executives put too much of an emphasis on "supporting the sales team".
Mr.Floaty
Politicker
0
BDR
So he proceeded to say “So here’s how this is gonna go.
Cyberjarre
Politicker
0
BDR
So he proceeded to say “So here’s how this is gonna go. I’m going to tell you what all my problems are.

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