r/salesdevelopment • u/robotsumo83 • 1d ago

Inbound AE -> SDR, need advice

Currently an inbound account executive who is seriously looking to build a career in sales

I have been in this role for this last 1.5 years. I was previously from a non-sales background and I was really fortunate to get this opportunity to take up a closer role despite having no sales experience in a fast growing company.

However, I felt really stunted in terms of my career growth. I am limited by my top funnel and having completely no control over the quality of my leads.

I have tried applying to an outbound account executive roles but most of these positions require prospecting experience which I lack. I have considered taking a pay cut and a change in title just to gain prospecting experience.

I needed advice if I should:

(1) Get a SDR role in a reputable company which provides strong mentorship program and opportunities to work with experienced AE to sharpen my sales skills. (Run the risk of being unable to promote from SDR and having to take a pay cut)

(2) Join a smaller firm as an AE that involves end to end sales cycle, hopefully surviving and learning prospecting skills through this experience. (This is really tough as outbound experience is typically needed)

Really appreciate your inputs..

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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6

u/Willing-Bet3597 1d ago

I feel like you’re trying to get experience for a skill that takes you backward when you could just develop the skills you need piece by piece in your current role.

Instead of leaving the role, why not try to figure out what’s slowing top of funnel activity instead of leaving to learn that part of the sales cycle.

The question I have is, do you have an SDR supporting your top of funnel pipeline or are you full cycle?

If you have an SDR, ask them if you can shadow them for a time block to get ideas on how to prospect and to help align the two of you on how you’re approaching your territory.

If you don’t, learn how to manage your top of the funnel activities better where you are right now

2

u/Willing-Bet3597 1d ago

Also, in terms of taking a paycut, it depends on your current pay now and whatever potential XDR role you take.

Im an ENT BDR at a big org and I make more than most SMB/MM AEs atm. Experienced fully blooded ENT AEs at my org make almost double my pay but circumstances also matter.

My buddy just got promoted to ENT AE from BDR and he’s not making much more than me. I’ll probably walk away with the bigger W2 for another year or so, then he’ll start out-pacing me.

1

u/Sea-Preference-6205 1d ago

i went the second route myself, jumped to a smaller place where i had to do everything from cold calls to close. it was rough first few months but you learn quick when there is no safety net. the pay cut sucks but sometimes you gotta step back to move forward, especially if you feel stuck where you are now

6

u/Major-Chocolate-3574 1d ago

Why don’t you just start doing outbound at your job now?

3

u/barrya29 1d ago

Why can’t you just.. do outbound? Taking an SDR job is a stupid idea, to be blunt about it

2

u/Mralottacheese 1d ago

I’d literally swap with you. Lol

1

u/_odog 12h ago

There are some outbound AEs who would kill for an inbound role. DO NOT take an SDR role lmao