10 Skills Every Sales Development Rep Needs to Learn in 2022

In 2022, the sales development rep role will look very different than it does today. To be successful in this new era, sales reps need to learn and develop new skills. Here are 10 skills that every SDR needs to know by then.

What does a sales development representative do?

A sales development representative (SDR) is a trained professional who works within a company's sales department to generate new customer leads and market opportunities.

The typical duties of an SDR involve research, identification of potential customers, contact initiated through various channels such as phone or email, and Qualification of these leads through discovery conversation designed to assess the prospect's needs further.

10 Skills Every Sales Development Rep Needs to Learn in 2022

What are the skills expected from an SDR?

  • Relationship-Building
  • Overcoming Objections
  • Video Prospecting
  • Customised Outreach
  • Active Listening
  • Coachability
  • Self Awareness
  • Curiosity
  • Follow-up
  • Resilience

#1. Relationship building

SDRs are responsible for identifying and nurturing potential leads until they are ready to be handed off to a sales representative. But in order to be effective at this, SDRs need to have strong relationship-building skills.

By building solid relationships with potential customers, SDRs can help increase sales and boost company revenue.

#2. Overcoming objections

First, they need to be able to qualify leads quickly and efficiently. If an SDR cannot overcome objections, they will likely waste time pursuing leads that are not actually interested in what they're selling.

A good SDR will be able to develop a rapport with potential leads, listen attentively to their needs, and then provide them with the information they need to make an informed purchase decision.

#3. Video prospecting skills

Video prospecting is an effective way to build trust and credibility with potential customers. In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to put a face to the name.

By sending a personalised video message, SDRs can create a more personal connection with potential customers and quickly determine whether or not they're a good fit for the company's products or services.

#4. Customised outreach

As a sales development representative (SDR), your primary goal is to generate new qualified leads for your sales team. And one of the most effective ways to do this is through customised outreach.

Customised outreach involves tailoring your messages and communications to specific individuals and companies. It shows that you’ve done your research and that you understand their needs and challenges. This personalised approach dramatically increases the likelihood of getting your foot in the door, making a connection, and securing a meeting or call.

#5. Active listening

Active listening is a key skill for any sales development representative (SDR). It's about being fully present and focused when someone is speaking to you, and then conveying that you understand what they've said.

There are several reasons why active listening is so important for SDRs. First and foremost, it's a key part of building rapport with potential customers. When you're able to show that you're truly listening to someone and understanding their needs, they're much more likely to trust you and do business with you.

#6. Coachability

A sales development representative should have Coachability skills because it will help them to learn and grow in their role.

A good coach will work with a sales development representative to help them develop their skills, identify areas for growth, and set goals for the future. With Coachability skills, a sales development representative can be open to feedback and willing to learn from their mistakes. This will help them to continue growing and developing as a sales professional.

#7. Self Awareness

Self-awareness is defined as the ability to understand and accurately assess one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. A self-aware individual is able to monitor their own emotions and reactions, as well as those of others, and use this information to adjust their behaviour accordingly.

Sales development representatives (SDRs) play a vital role in any organisation - they are the bridge between potential customers and the sales team. It is therefore crucial that SDRs have strong self-awareness skills in order to be successful in their roles.

#8. Curiosity

A sales development representative should have Curiosity skills because curiosity is the engine that drives learning and innovation.

People who are curious are constantly looking for new information and experiences. They're always asking questions, exploring new ideas, and tinkering with things to see how they work. This thirst for knowledge helps them learn quickly and come up with innovative ideas.

Curiosity also makes people more interested in others. They're more likely to engage in conversation and learn about other people's lives and interests.

So if you want to be a successful sales development representative, you need to be curious.

#9. Resilience

A sales development representative should have resilience skills because they will be dealing with a lot of rejection. Resilience is the ability to dust yourself off and keep going after you've been knocked down. It's the ability to stay positive and motivated in the face of setbacks.

A sales development representative is constantly meeting new people and pitching their product or service. They will inevitably be rejected many times. They need to have resilience skills so they can keep going and eventually find a buyer. A little bit of persistence goes a long way in sales.

#10. Follow-up

It allows sales representatives to stay top-of-mind with their prospects, even when they're not actively pursuing a sale. It also demonstrates to prospects that the sales representative is Serious about doing business with them. By having strong Follow-up skills, sales representatives can increase their chances of making a sale and building strong relationships with their clients.

To sum up:

Sales development reps are an important part of any sales team. They play a critical role in qualifying leads and helping to move them down the funnel. But what skills will they need in order to be successful in 2022? We’ve identified 10 skills that every SDR needs to learn if they want to stay ahead of the curve. Are you ready for the future of sales?

If you want to know more, please reach out to us at:

Phone: 020 3500 2602

Email Id: info@gluu.co.uk