Roadmap for Promotion from SDR to Sales Manager
Aspiring to transition from a Sales Development Representative (SDR) to a Sales Manager is a commendable goal that requires more than just meeting sales targets or converting leads.
This progression demands a strategic approach, continuous learning, and the development of leadership skills.
In this guide, we outline the essential steps and attributes that pave the way for a successful promotion to a sales management role
Signs that an SDR is ready to be promoted to the role of sales manager
A promotion to a sales manager is usually an internal managerial discussion.
There are plenty of opportunities for SDRs to get promoted to the sales manager role within the same organization.
But what qualities make a great sales manager in the first place?
It isn’t someone who delivers on quotas consistently.
It also isn’t someone who can generate the most sales-qualified leads.
All these qualities make for a great SDR.
However, sales managers need to know the in and out of all sales processes.
They also need to know how to set goals for a sales team and how to allocate tools to help achieve these goals efficiently.
Following are five attributes an SDR must have to prove that they are ready to become a sales Manager –
- They have a positive attitude ✅
- They are eager to learn more to stay up-to-date with their skills ✅
- They are excellent listeners and communicators ✅
- They are visionary and plan for things, events, and goals ahead of time ✅
- They are loyal to the company. (probably the most crucial attribute!) ✅
- They are tech-savvy and can use sales prospecting tools (e.g.,SmartReach) ✅
The sales manager wears more than one hat.
Of course, they will have to manage their team, but a sales manager must keep team members motivated, accountable, and focused on the company’s sales goals.
If an SDR possesses the qualities mentioned above, they might be ready to take that leap to the sales manager role.
Now let’s talk about the roadmap for preparing an SDR for the sales manager role.
8 Strategies to transition from SDR to Sales manager
Below are 8 tips to help SDRs prepare for the managerial role they are aiming for.
#1 Ask for the role
Your management won’t know you want a promotion if you don’t speak up.
There is a latent assumption within the sales world that the SDR with the highest sales conversion will automatically convert to a promotion within the department.
But that is only sometimes the case.
Here are a few strategies SDRs can implement to make it clear to the higher-ups that they are ready to get promoted to a sales manager position.
- Apply for the sales manager position instead of waiting to get promoted naturally.
- Request a meeting with the VP of sales or a position similar to the title and ask for a promotion to the sales manager position.
- Write out a letter about why you would make a great sales manager, the changes you wish to implement, and plans for the future of the sales team, and send it to the higher-ups. Remember to CC your immediate managers.
Making your desire for the sales manager role known to the decision-makers of the organization keeps you on their mind when the role is vacant.
#2 Develop leadership skills for the transition
To transition from SDR to Sales Manager, start demonstrating leadership skills within your team.
Take initiative by leading team meetings, mentoring junior SDRs, and sharing successful sales strategies.
Collaborate with marketing and customer success teams to understand the broader sales funnel and improve cross-functional communication.
Develop decision-making skills by analyzing sales data and suggesting improvements to processes.
Proactively stepping into leadership responsibilities will position you as a strong candidate for promotion.
#3 Keep learning new skills
Ongoing learning is essential for career growth in sales.
Take online courses on platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning to build leadership and sales management skills.
Sample coursera course to improve the managerial skills
Reading books like “The Challenger Sale and Sales Management. Simplified” can provide valuable insights into sales strategies and leadership techniques.
Attend webinars, industry events, and networking sessions to learn from experienced professionals.
Additionally, seek feedback from your manager and request opportunities to shadow them to better understand the responsibilities of a sales Manager.
#4 Track performance metrics for promotion
Excelling in key sales metrics is crucial for securing a promotion.
- Focus on consistently hitting and exceeding your sales quota to demonstrate strong performance.
- Contribute to the pipeline generation by actively sourcing new leads and referrals.
- Improve your lead conversion rate by refining your sales outreach and negotiation skills.
- Work on shortening your sales cycle through better qualification and follow-ups.
Lastly, actively share insights and best practices with your team to show that you can lead and contribute to overall sales success.
#5 Act like a leader before you be one
If an SDR wants to get promoted to the managerial role, they must start behaving like a manager. (Sometimes “fake it till you make it” works!)
SDRs should take the initiative to help their teammates when they get stuck and ask for their input when they need help.
Be flexible. What worked for one as an SDR might only work for some.
A manager needs to understand that everyone has weaknesses and strengths. They must see those qualities and bring out the best in people.
#6 Seek mentorship
One of the most valuable things SDRs looking to get promoted as a sales manager can do is to seek a mentor.
Asking a mentor to help guide you can take lots of guts, but it is worth it in the long run.
A mentor can monitor your blindspots and point them out to you. Seeking out a mentorship also means that you have an in with the higher-ups.
If you are good at what you do, your mentor can put in a few good words for you.
As a Sales Development Representative, you could be good at what you do, but you need to learn a whole new set of skills as a manager.
Your mentor can help you develop these skills.
Don’t be afraid to knock on doors and ask for a meeting with seniors you look up to.
Mentors can also help prepare for the role by preparing you for challenges that will inevitably come your way as a sales manager.
#7 Take on more initiatives & job roles
Taking off work from your manager’s plate and taking on more initiatives can do wonders for your goal of becoming a sales manager.
Of course, you still need to fill in all the quotas as an SDR and do your job well, but taking these different initiatives will prepare you for your sales manager role.
Go the extra mile in everything you do, making you a desirable candidate to be promoted as a sales manager to your seniors.
Here are a few things you can do to take on extra managerial roles as an SDR ⤵️
- Shadow, your manager for a day. Schedule this day a week in advance and learn what the day-to-day activities of a sales manager look like.
- Take work off your manager’s plate by anticipating and preparing for them in advance.
- Handle your colleagues with respect, celebrate their successes, and selflessly help them when they get stuck.
- Take the initiative to onboard the new hires on your team by assisting them. You can also help them feel welcome by taking them out for a casual lunch.
Of course, take on these roles only after you are confident with your roles and responsibilities and are smashing your sales quotas.
You want to maintain the trust of your managers.
When a promotion comes along, and you are hired as a sales manager, it should seem like a no-brainer that you are the perfect fit for the role.
Suggested: Sales Personality Traits that Effective Salespersons Should Possess
#8 Work on feedback and constructive criticism
A Sales Development Representative should handle feedback with grace and dignity.
If your managers still do not promote you as the sales manager, ask them what you should improve on or what would make you the perfect fit for the role.
It should take less time to understand the reasoning behind the rejection. Have an earnest chat with your mentor and learn to improve upon those comments.
This shows the decision-makers that you know how to take criticism and are willing to improve.
Your managers might be holding out on the promotion to protect you.
Maybe they see that you aren’t ready for the promotion just yet. Whatever it may be, learn to take rejections gracefully.
When you finally get the promotion, it will be all worth it.
Wrapping it up
How you prepare for the role says a lot about the type of sales manager you’ll be. Keep your emotions aside when applying for the role.
Act like a leader; before you know it, your managers will keep you in mind when a sales manager’s position opens up.
If faced with rejection, take it as a learning opportunity and keep your eye on the end goal.
Your managers or mentor might see that you are not ready for the sales manager role just yet, so ask for their feedback and work on preparing yourself for the sales manager role.
As an SDR preparing for a leadership role, mastering sales outreach, pipeline management, and sales efficiency is key.
SmartReach.io equips you with powerful features that enhance your performance and set you apart.
Its automated email sequences and multi-channel outreach (email, LinkedIn, calls, and WhatsApp) ensure you engage prospects efficiently without missing follow-ups.
The AI-powered email personalization helps improve response rates, while detailed analytics and reporting allow you to track engagement, optimize messaging, and improve conversion rates.
Additionally, SmartReach.io offers team collaboration tools and CRM integration, helping you streamline workflows and gain visibility into the entire sales pipeline.
By using these features, you hit your targets consistently and also develop the strategic mindset essential for a Sales Manager role.
Start using SmartReach.io today to accelerate your journey toward leadership.
Take a FREE 14-Day trial of SmartReach.io (No credit card required)
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Q. How long should I be an SDR before asking for a promotion to sales manager?
Most SDRs work 1-3 years before seeking a sales manager promotion. Advancement depends on performance, leadership potential, and company opportunities. Consistently exceeding targets and demonstrating management skills accelerate career growth.
Q. What skills should I develop in anticipation of my promotion as a sales manager?
Develop leadership, strategic planning, team management, and advanced negotiation skills to prepare for a sales manager role. Strong analytical abilities, decision-making, and coaching skills are also essential for managing sales teams effectively and driving revenue growth.
Q. What other career paths are open for me as an SDR aside from a sales manager?
Aside from becoming a sales manager, an SDR can transition into roles like account executive, customer success manager, marketing specialisMost SDRs work 1-3 years before seeking a sales manager promotion.
Q. Is sales executive a high position?
No. A sales executive is a mid-level role responsible for generating leads, closing deals, and managing client relationships. It is not a senior leadership role but offers opportunities for advancement to managerial or director-level positions.
Q. How to get promoted in sales?
Get promoted in sales by exceeding targets, developing strong client relationships, and demonstrating leadership skills. Improving negotiation, communication, and strategic planning abilities also increases the chances of promotion. Consistently delivering results and taking initiative are key factors.
