IC vs SDR
IC (Individual Contributor) and SDR (Sales Development Representative) both come up in business conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.
The key difference: IC refers to individual contributor, while SDR refers to sales development representative — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
IC — Individual Contributor
Builder or doer, not a manager. Beginner trap: Promoting ICs to managers by default.
SDR — Sales Development Representative
Opens doors and books meetings. SDRs should not be closing deals.
When to use IC
Reach for "IC" when the conversation is specifically about individual contributor. Builder or doer, not a manager. Beginner trap: Promoting ICs to managers by default.
When to use SDR
Reach for "SDR" when the conversation is specifically about sales development representative. Opens doors and books meetings. SDRs should not be closing deals.
FAQs
What is the difference between IC and SDR?
IC stands for Individual Contributor — Builder or doer, not a manager. Beginner trap: Promoting ICs to managers by default. SDR stands for Sales Development Representative — Opens doors and books meetings. SDRs should not be closing deals.
Are IC and SDR the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. IC = Individual Contributor. SDR = Sales Development Representative.
When should I use IC vs SDR?
Use IC when you're specifically referring to individual contributor. Use SDR when the topic is sales development representative.