How can you position yourself for a promotion in Sales Development?

-In my experience, if I create a set of stretch goals that will push me but are realistic to achieve AND make them known to all my superiors, I am significantly more likely to reach/attain them. Generally speaking, with the right leaders in place, they will cheer you on and will be available to help whenever needed. This makes me more accountable and drive harder to achieve. The result: most often, my goals are realized.

In my experience, positioning yourself for a promotion starts as early as possible by making your manager or seniors aware of your ambitions to advance quickly. Ask them what you can do or achieve to expedite this and also how they can help facilitate your career progression. Ultimately, it comes down to things like your eligibility (target achievement, suitability to more senior role) and the company position and capacity to promote, but if these things are there, make people aware that you’re thinking about your next step, so that they can think that way too.

1. Understand the requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria and expectations for promotion within your organization. 2. Set clear goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. 3. Enhance your skillset: Continuously improve your sales and communication skills. 4. Excel in your current role: Consistently perform at a high level in your current position. 5. Seek feedback and mentorship: Activ 6. Take on additional responsibilities: Volunteer for tasks or projects outside of your core responsibilities. 7. Show leadership potential: 8. Build strong relationships: 9. Document your achievements: 10. Express your interest:

This is critical. Give constructive feedback to others and seek feedback from your peers and bosses. Being the type of person that seeks feedback from clients, peers and managers shows that you approach work from an “always learning” perspective and value their input in your development. Without feedback from others, you might be unaware of unknown knowns that are holding you back.

First and foremost, you need to understand if your organization is seeking a true leader or an organizationally compliant follower “leader”. From there, you have to decide if your skill set matches your organization. If they are seeking a true leader, you just put the nose to grind stone and lead from the front. Never assume your efforts will be acknowledged so networking thoughout the organization is key so your value is known at all levels. If your organization is seeking a follower “leader”, you have to dig deep asking yourself if you can be a proverbial “yes man”. It is often a one way path so choose wisely

Everyone else might not always be thinking about what’s best for you - you have to drive and take charge of this. But just as you wouldn’t pitch to a firm that couldn’t buy your product or services, or you wouldn’t try pitching a product or solution to someone who clearly doesn’t value your proposition - be sure to time your “ask” and put forward a compelling case which shows you will add value in the new role.