5 Things I’d Do on My First Day as a New SDR

Day one as an SDR can feel overwhelming, but it’s also your biggest opportunity. What you do in your first 90 days will shape the trajectory of your entire career. Here’s how to approach it with intention, urgency, and a focus on the fundamentals.

1. Ramp Down, Not Up

Don’t ease into the role—attack it head-on. If you’re expected to learn a new product pitch by Friday, know it by Thursday. If the goal is to start making dials in three weeks, start in two.

This mindset isn’t just about impressing your manager—it’s about creating momentum. Every day you get ahead compounds over time, turning a 18-month promotion goal into a 12-month promotion. By starting strong, you’ll not only build confidence but also put yourself in a position to exceed expectations consistently.

I always say, the HARDEST jump I had to make in my career was SDR to AE. AE to Manager, Manager to Director, Director to VP were all infinitely easier.

2. Focus on Conversations, Not Meetings

Many SDRs make the mistake of focusing solely on the number of meetings booked early on. Instead, shift your attention to the quality of your conversations and the habits you’re forming.

Start by building a pipeline of engaged prospects who may not be ready today but could take meetings in the future. When your fully ramped quota kicks in, you’ll already have a strong follow-up list waiting for you. This approach ensures you’re not just meeting your targets but exceeding them with a warm, engaged audience.

3. Copy the Best Until You’re the Best

Success leaves clues, and the best SDRs in your organization are leaving a trail. Study them. Watch how they select accounts, manage their activity levels, and craft their messaging.

The goal isn’t to mimic them forever but to learn what works and adapt it to your own style. Excellence in sales often comes from combining proven methods with your unique personality and experience.

4. Create a Feedback Loop

Your manager is your best resource—use them wisely. Set up a system where you regularly share your work for feedback. This could include:

• Sending email templates for review.

• Sharing call recordings (yours and others’) for analysis.

• Asking detailed questions about what you’re doing right and where you can improve.

Frequent feedback not only accelerates your growth but also shows your manager you’re committed to improvement. The more you pick their brain, the faster you’ll refine your skills.

5. Track the Basics

Data is your friend. Create a personal scorecard to measure:

• Activity (calls, emails, outreach).

• Connects (how many people you’re reaching).

• Conversations (meaningful interactions).

• Meetings booked.

• No-shows or cancellations.

By tracking these metrics, you’ll gain clarity on where you excel and where you need to focus. Sharing these insights with your manager during 1:1s will make those sessions more targeted and actionable. Plus, this level of self-awareness helps you take ownership of your success.

Final Thoughts
Your first few months as an SDR are about building habits, not just hitting numbers. The skills and systems you develop early will determine how quickly you grow in this role—and beyond. Start with urgency, stay coachable, and focus on creating a strong foundation.

Remember: Every day you’re ahead of your goals today brings you closer to your next big milestone tomorrow.