SDR to Account Executive in 6 Months or Less

SDR to AE in 6 Months: How I crushed Quota & Earned a promotion - All from home.

When I first started as an SDR, I knew breaking into SaaS sales meant grinding, especially in a remote role. However, I had one goal in mind - become an Account Executive as fast as possible.

At $55,000 base salary, I wasn't satisfied. I wanted more - more deals, more commission, more opportunities. The only way to do that? Hit my SQL (Sales Qualified Lead) quota consistently and prove I was AE material.

Mastering the Tech Sales SDR game

Working from home had its challenges - no in-office energy, no floor buzz, just me, my laptop, and my targets. Instead of seeing it as a limitation, I turned it into an advantage.

1. Structured My Day Like an AE: Instead of just dialing blindly, I built a daily routine - mornings for prospecting, afternoons for follow-ups, and evenings for strategy.

2. Obsessed Over My SQLs: I didn't just aim for the quota, I crushed it. If the goal was 20 SQLs, I was pushing for 30. If the other SDR hit 30 SQLs, I made sure to hit 35. I was relentless.

3. Built Relationships with AEs: I shadowed top reps, learned their closing techniques, and even teed up prospects perfectly so they had no choice but to book meetings.

The Bonus That Changed The Game

Every quarter, my company offered a $5,000 bonus for SDRs who hit quota and stayed consistent. Once I got that first payout, I made it non-negotiable. I was hitting that every quarter, no exceptions.

With my base, commissions, and bonuses, I was bringing in close to $75,000 a year as an SDR - a huge from where I started. I wasn't stopping there.

Making the Jump to AE

After 6 months of crushing my numbers, proving my value, and thinking like an AE before I had the title, I finally got the call -- Promotion to Account Executive.

• Waaayy Higher Base Salary ($88,000)

• Waaayy Bigger Commissions

• More control over my deals

Working remotely didn't hold me back - it forced me to be more disciplined, strategic, and proactive. If you're in an SDR role now and want to make the leap, focus on overdelivering, building trust with leadership, and treating your pipeline like your own business.

Your Next Step? Start Thinking Like An AE today, and The Title Will Follow.

Would love to hear - what is your biggest goal in SaaS sales this year?