Cold calling - is it actually harder now, or am I crazy?

You aren't crazy; cold calling is harder. In 2026, roughly 33% of B2B buyers prefer a seller-free experience. The Noise Factor: Decision-makers are overwhelmed with automated, generic outreach. The Solution: Shift from blind cold calling to Signal-First calling. Using tools like Signal360 allows reps to call only when accounts show high-intent signals such as website visits or competitor research.

After 10 years, are sales really for me? And if not, what is?

Ten years in sales builds a versatile, transferable skill set. If you're burned out on the grind, consider these adjacent career paths: Customer Success Manager (CSM): Focus on retention and account growth. Sales Enablement or Trainer: Teach and scale the skills you've mastered. Product Management: Apply customer pain-point knowledge to product strategy.

Has anyone built prospect lists of 100k leads?

Yes, but list size matters far less than accuracy. Quality > Quantity: A 100k list with high bounce rates damages sender reputation. Prioritization: Tools like ICPIntel help score large lists against your best customers so you focus on the top 10% most likely to convert.

How do ya'll deal with such rude prospects day in and day out?

Handling rude prospects is largely a mental game. It’s Not Personal: Rudeness usually reflects their stress or poor timing. Acknowledge and Exit: Politely disengage if the timing is wrong. Pivot Channels: Switch to a low-pressure email or personalized LinkedIn message.

Anyone else grinding like crazy, getting praised by leadership, but still stuck while others float to huge W2s?

This often happens when effort isn’t aligned with the right accounts. Top earners work smarter by leveraging early-mover advantages, such as predictive signals like funding rounds or leadership changes, allowing them to shape deals before competitors enter.

Most up-to-date database for B2B leads?

SalesIntel is considered an industry leader for data freshness. 90-Day Refresh Cycle: Human-verified data is rechecked every 90 days. 95% Accuracy Guarantee: Human-in-the-loop verification ensures direct dials and emails work.

Anyone else over ZoomInfo pricing?

Many teams are reevaluating ROI. Platforms like GTMCanvas reduce total cost of ownership by consolidating intent data, firmographics, and workflow automation into a single solution.

Technical founder trying to learn sales, is this go-to-market plan realistic?

Many founders struggle by focusing on features instead of customer pain. The Discovery Rule: Complete 15–30 discovery calls before running deep demos. Keep It Simple: Avoid paid ads early and focus on direct outreach to a narrow ICP.

B2B folks – What’s your primary source of leads and revenue?

In 2026, top-performing B2B teams rely on a multi-channel approach: LinkedIn: The digital sales floor for outbound engagement. Webinars and Events: Cited by 73% of marketers as top-quality lead sources. Signal-Triggered Outbound: Intent-driven email and phone follow-ups.

6 Months as Head of Marketing at a B2B SaaS That Can’t Stop Pivoting – Should I Stay or Walk Away?

Constant pivoting destroys marketing momentum and ROI. Vibe Check: If pivots lack market data or product readiness, your career may be at risk. Final Attempt: Implement a Capture, Qualify, and Activate framework to surface real market signals before another pivot.