Business Development Commission & Progression Policy Kaitlin October 9, 2025

Business Development Commission & Progression Policy

Effective Date: October 8, 2025

Applies To: All Business Development Personnel

1. Overview

This policy outlines the structure, progression path, and commission system for Business Development personnel within Spade Marketing. It is designed to promote growth, reward performance, and establish clear guidelines for advancement from Business Development Representative (BDR) to Business Development Executive (BDE).

2. Business Development Representative (BDR)

The BDR role is an entry-level training position that provides hands-on experience in lead generation, outreach, and client acquisition. BDRs are part of the Spade Marketing Training Community, gaining access to mentorship, workshops, and ongoing professional development resources.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Generation: Proactively source and identify new clients through inbound and outbound strategies, including cold outreach, networking, and personal brand building.
  • Pipeline Management: Track, manage, and nurture opportunities through each stage of the sales funnel.
  • Outreach: Engage prospects through phone, email, social media, and in-person interactions to introduce Spade Marketing’s services.
  • Qualify and Pitch: Professionally represent Spade Marketing, understand the proposal process, and present our value proposition to qualified leads.
  • Appointment Setting: Schedule and attend initial discovery meetings alongside a BDE or Account Director to ensure smooth transitions and gain experience in advanced sales processes.
  • Lifestyle: Stay informed on economic trends, market activity, and emerging technologies. Build your personal reputation as a commerce expert and explore opportunities such as partnerships or speaking engagements.

Compensation

  • BDRs earn a 5% commission on all client sales personally acquired during their training period.
  • Commissions are calculated based on collected revenue, not projected or booked revenue.

Promotion Requirements (to BDE)

  • Generate $50,000 in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR).
  • Train and develop 2 new BDRs.
  • Mentor each to obtain 2 new accounts.
  • Lead monthly development training for your team.
  • Master personal branding and lead generation.
  • Create and document a personal Business Development System.

3. Business Development Executive (BDE)

Upon meeting promotion requirements, a BDR is promoted to BDE. The BDE role represents leadership and full commission status within the business development program, including mentorship, training, and downline development responsibilities.

Core Responsibilities

  • Lead Generation and Pitching: Acquire and close new business opportunities with strategic marketing solutions.
  • Pipeline Ownership: Manage the full sales cycle from lead qualification through closing and onboarding.
  • Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor BDRs within your program to help them achieve BDE promotion.
  • Training Leadership: Host monthly workshops and development sessions for your BDR team.
  • Strategic Branding: Establish authority in your niche through thought leadership and personal branding.

Compensation

  • 8% commission on personal client sales.
  • 3% override commission on sales generated by BDRs under your mentorship.
  • 2% downline commission on sales generated by BDEs promoted from your training program.

4. Commission Guidelines

  • Commissions are based solely on collected revenue.
  • Payments are issued according to Spade Marketing’s standard payroll cycle.
  • Overrides and downline commissions are paid only on active, collected revenue.
  • The Company reserves the right to modify commission structures prospectively without retroactive effect.

5. Retirement Residuals (Vesting)

Residual commissions are available to vested BDEs who have served a minimum of five (5) consecutive years with Spade Marketing prior to retirement.

  • 10% commission on clients personally acquired prior to retirement, for as long as those clients remain active.
  • 3% override and 2% downline commissions on qualifying downline accounts established prior to retirement.
  • Residuals are forfeited if retirement occurs before vesting requirements are met.

6. Death Clause

In the event of a BDR or BDE’s death, all future commissions, overrides, and residuals immediately cease. Neither the estate nor heirs are entitled to any further payments.

7. Company Margin Protection

  • Commission percentages apply only to net collected revenue after refunds, chargebacks, or cancellations.
  • All interpretations and clarifications of this policy remain at the sole discretion of the Company.

8. Agreement

By participating in Spade Marketing’s Business Development Program, all personnel (BDRs and BDEs) acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Business Development Commission & Progression Policy. This document supersedes all prior agreements regarding commission or progression.