To successfully transition from a Sales Development Representative (SDR) role into a closing role, such as Account Executive, it's essential to focus on skill development and business impact rather than just promotion timeline. SDRs should ask themselves if their approach generates high-quality leads that drive revenue growth and shortening deal cycles. Hitting quota is not the end goal; becoming the top-performing SDR on the team is crucial. Most SDRs aren't ready for closing roles with less than fifteen months of experience, so focusing on skill development and business impact is key. Shadowing closing reps and identifying these skills sets qualified SDRs apart from other candidates. Industry experts, including those at Intercom, offer advice such as building relationships with customers, understanding customer buying stages, and staying organized to help SDRs succeed in their new roles.