Business Development Representative: Facts, Skills, and Next Paths

A Business Development Representative (BDR) generates new sales opportunities by identifying, qualifying, and developing potential customers. Day-to-day work involves targeted multi-channel outreach—phone, email, LinkedIn—to book introductory meetings with key decision-makers.

Core responsibilities include executing territory-level strategy, managing account prioritization, and collaborating with Account Executives and marketing teams to fill the sales pipeline. For example, at Tyndale Company, the role focuses on energy and industrial sector accounts with potential for rental-to-ownership conversions, while at Buyers Edge Platform, the BDR uncovers prospects’ challenges to qualify opportunities. The role is often the first point of contact for potential customers and serves as a pathway to a sales career.

The median salary for this role is approximately $80,080. The most requested skills in current job postings are Business Development (100% of postings), CRM (90%), and Prospecting & Outreach (60%).