Tip #1: David Wilkins, SDR Leaders of EMEA:
‘Go beyond your job description by becoming a true cross-functional partner. Partner with marketing to share valuable prospect insights – from audience trends to objections and messaging feedback. This real-time intelligence helps refine campaigns for better results.
But don’t stop there! Collaborate with product marketing to create a comprehensive “cheat sheet” covering product details, competitive advantages, and common objections. This resource doesn’t just help you – it empowers your entire team.’
Key takeaway: True promotion-worthy SDRs don’t just hit numbers – they actively contribute to company-wide success.
Tip #2: Shlomo Garbi, Head of Sales Development at Reality Labs @ Meta:
‘Focus on building strong relationships with the sales team by maintaining open communication and ensuring high-quality handoffs. Your leads should be thoroughly qualified and accompanied by detailed insights – this demonstrates both your sales acumen and readiness for the next step.’
Remember: Strong partnerships with your sales team aren’t just about passing leads – they’re about building your reputation as a future sales leader.
Tip #3: Jill Bruno, Co-Head of Sales Development at AltiSales:
‘Perform tomorrow’s job today – take on interviewing, mentoring, coaching, and training. Document your impact on revenue and team culture, and find both internal and external mentors. Start career discussions early and ensure there’s a clear promotion path.’
Key takeaway: Don’t wait for the title to start acting the part!
Tip #4: Catherine Olivier, VP Global Sales Development at Cognism:
‘Show that you can do the job before having the job. Help your AE map out account plans, draft follow-up emails for meetings you’ve booked, assist with discovery call prep, and provide meeting summaries with suggested next steps. Most importantly – learn from their feedback!’
Pro tip: The best way to become an AE is to start thinking and acting like one now.
Tip #5: Matthew Scott Fruithandler Founding Member, SDR Leaders of USA
‘Consistency is key – better to hit quota every period than go up and down, especially as you take on more responsibilities.’
‘Promotions aren’t guaranteed – you’re competing with fellow reps and outside hires. Create a checklist of needed skills, abilities, and competencies with both your current and future boss.’
Remember: Steady performance speaks louder than occasional peaks.
Tip #6: Elric Legloire, The Outbound Chef
‘Want a promotion in 2025? Join a company that’s actually growing. Growth = more chances to learn, build your network, and get real opportunities to step up. No growth? No AE role or internal promotions unless someone quits.’
Key insight: Your company’s growth trajectory directly impacts your promotion potential.
Tip #7: Prahelika Rajagopalan, Enterprise Business Development
‘Master consistency and metrics while adding strategic value. When I promote someone, I look at both qualitative and quantitative metrics along with consistency. Yes, there could be some dips in months, but consistent inputs are crucial for achieving outcomes.’
The secret: Excellence isn’t just about numbers – it’s about sustained performance plus strategic contributions.
Tip #8: Jack Knight, Helping you break into Tech Sales
‘If you see a need or issue on the team, step up and fix it. Don’t wait for someone else to take care of it. Document the issue, the impact, and 2-3 potential solutions that you can implement. Present those to your manager for feedback, then IMPLEMENT!’
Remember: Problem spotters are good, but problem solvers get promoted.
Tip #9: Dale Thorn, Co-Founder, SDR Leaders of USA
‘Speak with your leader to understand the clear expectations and requirements for promotion. After several quarters, ask permission to meet monthly with potential hiring managers. Show your interest and build strong relationships with future teams.’
Pro tip: Clear expectations and strong relationships are your pathway to promotion.
Tip #10: Mitch Grimes, Head of Sales Development & Growth
‘Own Your Narrative.
‘1. Document Your Wins: Track your deals, key meetings, and strategies. Be ready to show proof of your impact.
2. Solve Problems: Step up with ideas, help onboard others, and think like a leader.
3. Clarify the Path: Ask your manager what success looks like and build a plan to get there.
4. Stay Consistent: Keep hitting numbers, stay positive, and show steady growth.
5. Build Relationships: Network with leaders, share your goals, and prove you’re ready for the next level.’
Key Takeaway: 2025 is the year to stand out by being more than just a high performer—be a leader in the making. Your promotion won’t just be handed to you—it’ll be earned through preparation, proactivity, and persistence. Own your narrative and watch the doors open.
Tip #11: Dariia Gerasymova, Sales Growth
‘Be a super proactive kid. Like, literally, as kids curious to learn something new and bring on their creativity, don’t be shy to do the same!
Take some courses yourself, like a boot camp from SDR to AE, for example, and ask for mentorship from an AE you know to lead you through the role challenges. Visit as many masterclasses as you can.
Raise up your creative level, as it helps with better outreach and selling yourself for the next role. Like, really, level it up!’
Key takeaway: Be a curious and creative kid by being an SDR, as it will pay off one day.
Tip #12: Graeme Gilovitz, Head of Sales Development
‘Rethink Yourself as a Franchisee Running Your Own Business
Shift your mindset from being an employee to running your own business. When you think like a business owner, you have more skin in the game. You’re driven to analyze, optimize, and refine every part of your work to achieve the best return on investment — and that investment is you.
As an employee, you may think, “They’ll help me” or “They’ll take care of it.” But as a franchisee, entrepreneur, or sales professional, your motivation comes from results.
Ask yourself:
How do I achieve my goals more effectively?
Should I send more emails or improve their quality?
Should I make more calls or enhance their outcomes?
Should I invest in learning from others to scale success?
The key is to take ownership. Constantly evaluate what’s working, refine your approach, and focus on growth. Success happens when you treat yourself like the business you own.’
