Are you considering a career in tech sales? If so, you may be wondering where to start. One of the most common entry-level roles in tech sales is the Sales Development Representative, or SDR for short. In this post, we’ll explore what the SDR role entails, why it’s a great starting point for a career in tech sales, and what you can expect from your first SDR job.

What is an SDR and what do they do?

An SDR is responsible for generating and qualifying new leads for the sales team. This involves a variety of tasks, including cold calling, email outreach, and social selling. The goal of an SDR is to identify potential customers who may be interested in the product or service and then schedule a meeting or demo with a more senior sales representative, known as an Account Executive (AE).

The SDR role is often seen as the “front line” of the sales team, as they are the first point of contact for many potential customers. As such, they need to be highly skilled in communication, organization, and time management. They also need to have a deep understanding of the product or service they are selling, as well as the industry and market they are operating in.

Why is the SDR role a great starting point for a career in tech sales?

There are several reasons why the SDR role is an excellent starting point for a career in tech sales:

1. You’ll gain valuable experience: As an SDR, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with more experienced sales professionals and learn from them. You’ll also gain valuable experience in lead generation, cold calling, and email outreach, all of which are critical skills for a career in tech sales.
2. You’ll have room for growth: Many SDR roles are designed as stepping stones to more senior sales roles, such as an Account Executive. This means that if you perform well in your SDR role, you’ll have opportunities to move up and take on more responsibility.
3. You’ll develop important skills: The SDR role requires a variety of skills, including communication, organization, and time management. These skills will not only help you succeed in tech sales but will also be valuable in any future career you pursue.

What can you expect from your first SDR job?

Your first SDR job may vary depending on the company and industry you are working in. However, in general, you can expect the following:

1. A training period: Most companies will provide a training period for new SDRs, during which you’ll learn about the product, the sales process, and the industry. This training period is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your role.
2. A focus on metrics: SDR roles are often highly metrics-driven, with a focus on the number of calls, emails, and meetings scheduled. You’ll need to be comfortable with tracking and reporting on your activities and results.
3. Opportunities for growth: As mentioned earlier, many SDR roles are designed as stepping stones to more senior sales roles. You can expect to have opportunities for growth and advancement if you perform well in your role.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to start a career in tech sales, the SDR role is an excellent starting point. You’ll gain valuable experience, develop important skills, and have opportunities for growth and advancement. If you’re motivated, organized, and willing to put in the work, the SDR role can be the stepping stone to a rewarding and fulfilling career in tech sales.