Great way to start in a growing company
Pros
• I was an SDR for about 1 year and 3 months. I am writing this as honestly as possible. The company has a great outlook and the SDR program is still only a year or two old (in its current form) and management is constantly trying to adapt its practices. • With my previous job being very unstructured I was able to appreciate the efficiency and structure that AppFolio and the SDR program supplied. I learned a lot within just the first 3 months there than in previous jobs / positions. • I was not the greatest SDR (I always fell into sales roles but it isn't where I shine). I struggled quite a bit early on but I put my head down and worked hard. Support from my team and tips from management helped as well. In the end I was able to leave the role at the top of my game and move to another position within the company that fit my persona better. • The team there is great and I made lasting friendships with my colleagues. • The job is tough but it is a great way to get into AppFolio, especially so if you are looking to breakout and start your sales career or further your career in sales. This really is the top SDR program around. If I could do it then just about anyone can. • Since I left the role I have heard the management and SDR program is doing a much better job at being transparent and involving SDRs in more important decisions. Also, the sales team is engaging much more with the SDRs than before.
Cons
Some of my cons have silver linings. A lot of this is what I observed and just didn't think it fit in the whole heartily in the "Pros" section. • The job is a grind (50+calls a day plus emails). Management tries very hard to break up the grind with growth and self improvement through development team meetings. Essentially learning how to think positively, have resilience, and get out of your comfort zone. • The position is best suited grow into a sales career. If you know that is what you want to do, then hit your goals and talk to the sales managers. • Moving to a different position in AppFolio besides sales can be pretty difficult. So the downside being if you are inconsistent your options could be a bit limited. I was lucky another position came along that I was able to peruse hard and get but most other positions require 1-2 years knowledge of the AppFolio software. • The SDR formula works but it isn't for everyone. Follow what management and the senior team teaches you. STC is an amazing tool but you need to find your way (be a person not a robot) while still utilizing the training you get. It can be hard to explain that to management at times but if you are showing results then you will be left alone. • This may be a stretch but I would say too many meetings. I came from a job that had a lot of meetings but this has even more. I get that meetings were used to break up the day and improve us as callers but there were a lot of times I just wanted to be on the phone hitting goals and not in another meeting. Just added to my stress but maybe that is just me.
