SaaSy Talk S01.46: Embracing the Role of SDRs

About The Guest(s): Victoria is an experienced SDR Leader, most recently awarded top 60 SDR Leaders in the space. She currently is the Director of Sales Development for NAMER and LATAM over at LivePerson.  She started her journey at LivePerson as an SDR about 4 and a half years ago and has been there ever since. She is passionate about managing SDRs and SDR Leaders and helping them reach their career goals and full potential.  Episode Summary: In this episode, Victoria shares her journey into the tech industry and provides valuable insights for aspiring SDRs. She emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research on top tech companies, reaching out to people at those companies, and networking to break into the industry. Victoria also discusses the role of SDRs in a tech company, the skills required to be successful, and the significance of onboarding and training. She highlights the need for a strong tech stack and the importance of using tools effectively. Additionally, Victoria shares her perspective on career progression for SDRs and the role of SDR Managers in supporting their growth.Key Takeaways: Conduct thorough research on top tech companies and reach out to people at those companies to break into the industry. Start as an SDR to gain valuable experience and learn the fundamentals of sales. Focus on building relationships and networking to create opportunities for career growth. Utilize a strong tech stack and ensure proper onboarding and training for SDRs. SDRs should be motivated by hitting their numbers, making money, and career progression. Notable Quotes: "Starting out as an SDR is the best way to break into the tech industry and learn the fundamentals of sales." - Victoria "SDRs are a privilege, not a necessity. They play a crucial role in generating interest, booking meetings, and qualifying leads." - Victoria "The role of an SDR is to generate interest, book meetings, and qualify leads. It's all about creating opportunities for the sales team." - Victoria Chapters 00:47 Victoria's Early Career and Transition into Tech 03:35 Victoria's Career Progression at LivePerson 04:49 Advice for Aspiring SDRs 05:38 Tips for SDRs Looking to Break into Tech 08:36 Building a Successful SDR Team 12:31 The Role of SDRs in a Tech Company 13:49 The Importance of Onboarding and Training for SDRs 19:01 Career Progression and Transition for SDRs 22:30 The Future of SDR Roles and Career Opportunities 31:55 Understanding Commission Payouts 33:19 Tracking Key Metrics for Success 35:24 Exploring the SDR Tech Stack 36:50 Debating Where SDRs Belong in an Organization 42:16 Becoming an SDR Manager: Skills and Pathways 44:16 The Value of Mentorship and Personal Development 47:58 Quick Fire Round including The Great Peanut Butter Debate Subscribe on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZVkJ12FIqD39oqgj7Kcjq  Subscribe on Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saasy-talk-unfiltered/id1709426070 Subscribe on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SaaSyTalkUnfiltered Subscribe on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saasy-talk-unfiltered Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://substack.com/@saasytalkunfiltered Visit our Website:  https://saasytalkunfiltered.transistor.fm/  Follow Ricky Sevta on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickysevta/ Follow Sean Diljore on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/seandiljore/  #Leadership #SaaSyTalk #CEO #Founder #business #investing #vc #venturecapital #entrepreneur #startup