Modern Prospecting

Heartcast Media

Andre Yee, founder and CEO of Tiga AI, delves into revolutionizing the age-old practice of prospecting. In our debut episode, Andre shares his insights into the broken nature of the old prospecting playbook and the growing need for a fresh, modern approach. With over a decade of conversations with sales and marketing leaders under his belt, Andre highlights how traditional methods, like the "spray and pray," no longer suffice in today's dynamic sales environment. Tune in as we invite seasoned sales leaders and expert practitioners to uncover what truly works in modern prospecting, discussing everything from SDR roles to the intelligent use of AI, with a promise of practical tips and engaging discussions.

Episodes

  1. Prospecting is a Math Problem Bound by Time

    5D AGO

    Prospecting is a Math Problem Bound by Time

    Fuentes failed the bar exam, took a holiday job at Best Buy for the employee discount, and ended up falling in love with sales. That path — from law school to retail floors to founding a sales acceleration firm that's worked with over 700 clients — shaped how he thinks about prospecting, process, and what actually drives revenue. On this episode of Modern Prospecting, Andre Yee talks with Will about why the old playbook of mass emails and high-volume dials has lost its edge, and what's replacing it. Will breaks down how layering signals, applying behavioral psychology, and building structure into sales teams produces results that gut instinct alone never could. He also gets honest about AI's role in sales — where it's a force multiplier for top performers and a warning sign for everyone else. Along the way, Will shares the story of getting fired on his son's first day of kindergarten, calling his wife from the parking lot, and deciding he'd never work for anyone again. Within nine months, he'd sold a million dollars in services. This conversation covers what's working in prospecting right now, why the SDR role isn't going away but is changing fast, and how to build a career in sales when the ground keeps shifting underneath you. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:11 – From Retail to Entrepreneurial Success 06:35 – "Consistency Drives Predictable Results" 08:56 – Focus on Connections, Not Traffic 12:40 – Decoding Signals Behind Layoffs 16:35 – Optimizing Workflows with AI Agents 20:19 – "Shifting Sales Roles with AI" 21:20 – Sales Pipeline Requires SDR Support 27:19 – "40/20 Rule for Growth" 29:06 – "Persistence Through Practice and Patience" 33:03 – Self-Reflection and Being Present 34:44 – "Fatherhood and Sales Insights" 35:15 – Outro Quotes: Will Fuentes: "Life is momentum. Stay down too long and nothing happens. Get up, stay calm, and bet on yourself." Andre Yee: "Prospecting is the hardest part of selling — that's exactly why it matters most. You're at the tip of the spear." Key Takeaways: Bet on Yourself Process is Power Prospecting in the Modern Era AI as a Force Multiplier SDRs are the Tip of the Spear The 40/20 Rule Stay Calm and Present Connect with Will Fuentes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-fuentes-drivefastersales Website: https://maestrogroup.co/ Connect with the Host Andre Yee: Website: http://tiga.ai/ Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com

    36 min
  2. Signals, Not Spam: How CMO Nick Panayi Builds Modern Pipeline

    12/04/2025

    Signals, Not Spam: How CMO Nick Panayi Builds Modern Pipeline

    Prospecting is harder than ever—noisier channels, distracted buyers, and shrinking attention. Nick Panayi, CMO of Inovalon and an early adopter of marketing automation and ABM, shares how he navigates that reality with a simple, disciplined start: listen first, map the culture, assess talent, then design the org to fit the mission. Across his career at HP, Avaya, Amelia AI, and now Inovalon, Nick has seen pipeline generation shift from volume to timing. He explains why reading digital signals and offering real value—especially through short, substance-first webinars—outperforms pushy outreach. Email still matters as a delivery vehicle, LinkedIn drives influence beyond last-click, and search now demands generative optimization alongside SEO. AI features prominently, but not as a replacement for marketers. Nick frames it as human-plus-AI: accelerate content production without losing expertise, and scale prospecting with triggers like mergers, leadership moves, and regulatory changes—while keeping humans in the loop where it counts. Expect a practical playbook for your first 90–120 days in a new role, a content-led approach to pipeline, and a clear view of how mass customization and signal-driven engagement will shape go-to-market over the next five years. The throughline: the right people, the right timing, and a habit of never stopping learning. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:11 - "Modern Prospecting Podcast: Nick Panay" 06:18 - "Talent Assessment and Adaptation" 07:15 - "Organizational Design and Talent Matching" 13:26 - Graceful, Thoughtful Buyer Engagement 15:29 - "Content Leads, Channels Follow" 18:08 - Effective Communication Channels 23:41 - "Adapting to Regulatory Changes" 27:18 - AI's Impact on Marketing Jobs 29:44 - "AI-Driven Sales Prospecting Signals" 32:29 - "Automated Outreach with AI" 36:07 - "Proactive AI Adoption in Marketing" 40:40 - Automated Messaging with Human Oversight 45:10 - Leadership Advice for Growth 45:50 - "Subscribe to Nick's AI Insights" 46:15 - Outro Quotes: "Never stop learning. Even the most experienced among us aren’t done growing—always keep your eyes open, always be learning, and that will keep you excited for what’s next."- Nick Panayi "As marketers and go-to-market professionals, we should be leaning in—if your board is telling you to implement AI, you’re already behind. Play offense, not defense."- Andre Yee Key Takeaways: Start With People, Not Platforms Break Through the Noise With Value Webinars and Content Rule AI as an Accelerator, Not a Replacement Customize Prospecting at Scale Always Be Learning Leadership With Heart Look Ahead, Lean In Connect with Nick PanayiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpanayi/ Website: http://www.inovalon.com/ Connect with the Host Andre Yee: Website:http://tiga.ai/

    46 min
  3. Stop Chasing ROI, Start Banking Time: AI’s Real GTM Value

    10/21/2025

    Stop Chasing ROI, Start Banking Time: AI’s Real GTM Value

    Welcome to another episode of Modern Prospecting! Host Andre Yee engages in a compelling conversation with Craig Rosenberg, a distinguished go-to-market expert. Craig's career has traversed sales, consulting, and venture capital, making him a seasoned guide in the tech industry. As the co-founder of Topo, a renowned sales consultancy acquired by Gartner, and now a leader at Scale Venture Partners, he helps startups navigate the dynamic tech landscape. In this episode, Craig reflects on his unique career trajectory, sharing insights into the optimism that fuels startups and what he has learned from the venture capital world. The discussion delves into the integration of AI in sales and marketing, highlighting unexpected findings on productivity gains and examining the effects of technology on go-to-market teams. Craig also offers a glimpse into the future of sales roles and how organizations are adapting to the AI revolution, emphasizing the enduring importance of hope and human creativity. This episode promises valuable takeaways for founders, sales professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike, offering practical advice and a new perspective on thriving in the evolving world of prospecting. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:13 - "Sales Development Journey Reflection" 06:12 - Hope Fuels Happiness 10:02 - AI Adoption in SaaS Companies 11:40 - "AI Adoption with Rev Ops" 14:28 - "AI ROI: Functional Impact Insights" 18:13 - "Measuring ROI Through Productivity" 21:56 - AI's Role in Productivity Improvement 26:12 - "AI Power in Outreach Strategies" 28:42 - AI-Assisted Outreach with Human Touch 33:31 - "Business Acumen and Value Building" 37:12 - "Go-to-Market Transformation Insights" 37:50 - "AI's Impact on Market Teams" 41:58 - Exploring Fun and Relaxation 44:14 - "Embrace Failure, Keep Going" 45:14 - Outro Quotes: "Hope is a powerful force—chasing something amazing fuels unstoppable energy."- Craig Rosenberg "Innovation inspires hope, not just for you, but for your customers too."- Andre Yee Key Takeaways: The Power of Hope in Startups AI Adoption Is Real—and Rapid Productivity Gains Trump Immediate ROI The Future of Human-Centric Selling GTM Engineering: The Next Frontier Success Is About Learning, Resilience, and Action Above All: Share Knowledge Generously Connect with Craig Rosenberg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigrosenberg/ Website: https://www.scalevp.com/ Connect with the Host Andre Yee: Website: http://tiga.ai/

    45 min
  4. Beyond Intent Data Using Layered Signals for Sales

    09/24/2025

    Beyond Intent Data Using Layered Signals for Sales

    Welcome back to Modern Prospecting. In today’s episode, Andre Yee converses with Nadia Davis, Vice President of Marketing at CaliberMind and a prominent Account-Based Marketing (ABM) specialist. Drawing from their extensive professional history, Andre and Nadia explore the current landscape of ABM, explain why effective execution is essential even with advanced technology, and address the challenges of modern prospecting in a competitive market. Nadia shares her approach to creating impactful campaigns, influenced by her love for reading and her ability to incorporate elements from pop culture and personal experiences into initiatives like her “Hitchhiker’s Guide to Marketing Analytics.” They discuss the changes in the prospecting field over the past decade, the significance of data-driven storytelling for marketing success, and strategies for navigating the complexities of intent data and AI to drive pipeline growth. This episode is ideal for go-to-market leaders seeking innovative strategies and professionals interested in balancing ambition with work-life integration. Nadia’s insights provide practical advice and effective strategies to thrive in the evolving world of B2B marketing and sales. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:10 - Creative Storytelling in Marketing 03:21 - Dynamic Spectrum of Marketing Roles 08:06 - ABM Tools Need Effective Execution 10:55 - ABM Challenges: Costs and AI Solutions 12:55 - Unified View of Buyer Journey 17:41 - Crafting Niche Marketing Channels 21:14 - Integrated Marketing Data Insights 23:43 - 'Black Box' Data Challenges Explained 26:14 - Targeted Prospecting Through Buying Signals 29:47 - AI-Powered Insights for Sales Teams 33:41 - AI in Human Interaction Dynamics 38:31 - AI: Boosting Productivity Over Conversions 42:16 - Music Conservatory's Lasting Impact 43:07 - Embracing High-Speed Productivity 44:26 - Outro Quotes: “Anchor your story in data to empower your business and accelerate your growth. Embrace it, and unlock exponential possibilities.”- Nadia Davis “Go-to-market leaders succeed by identifying the right channels and signals. There’s no shortcut—mastery sets great teams apart.”- Andre Yee Key Takeaways: Creativity is Everywhere—Feed Your Inspiration ABM Isn’t Dead—Execution is Everything It’s Time to Rethink Prospecting Data is Your Superpower Intent Data: Directional, Not Deterministic AI: Productivity Booster, Not a Magic Bullet Own Your Balance—Discipline Creates Freedom Connect with Nadia Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-davis-mba/ Website: https://calibermind.com/ Connect with the Host Andre Yee: Website:http://tiga.ai/

    45 min
  5. How to Build a 50-Meeting Pipeline from One LinkedIn Post

    08/12/2025

    How to Build a 50-Meeting Pipeline from One LinkedIn Post

    In this episode of Modern Prospecting, I had the chance to sit down with Santosh Sharan, founder and CEO of http://Zeer.AI , whose journey spans leadership roles at ZoomInfo, Apollo, and RB2B. With a front-row seat to the evolution (and breakdown) of traditional go-to-market strategies, Santosh shares an insider’s take on why the old playbooks no longer work—and what needs to change. We get into it all: why B2B buyers are harder to reach than ever, how http://Zeer.AI is rewriting the rules with its buyer-led model, and what founders need to understand about navigating today’s noisy, AI-saturated landscape. Santosh doesn’t just talk theory—he shares the exact LinkedIn strategy that helped him book 50+ meetings with senior execs, and breaks down why authenticity, personalization, and building your own tribe are more critical than ever. If you’re a startup founder, sales pro, or just curious about the future of prospecting, this one’s packed with practical insights and hard-won wisdom. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:13 "Unique Industry Insight Expertise" 03:20 - GTM Playbook Broken: Seeking Solutions 07:06 - Evolving Challenges in B2B Prospecting 12:25 - Evolving Market Trends and Parity 15:18 - AI-Driven Solution Collaboration Platform 19:11 - "Startup Founder Embraces Sales Mindset" 22:31 - Navigating Rising CAC in SaaS 24:25 - Building Buyer Loyalty Through Tribes 28:30 - Automated Engagement for Targeted Outreach 32:32 - Importance of High-Quality Content 35:13 - Efficient Content Creation Strategy 39:57 - AI's Impact on Vendor Competition 42:18 - Evolving AI-Driven Sales Tools 44:36 - "Solitude Experience and Future Discussion" 47:07 - Humanity vs. Machine Performance 48:13 - Outro Quotes: "True transformation requires daring risks and the courage to build something new."- Santosh Sharan "The playbook is broken, but that creates space for new ideas, honesty, and innovation. The future belongs to those willing to question everything and build what’s next."- Andre Yee Key Takeaways The Old Go-to-Market Playbook is Broken Custom Signals Are the Future of Prospecting Flipping the Funnel: Buyer-Led, Agentic GTM Building a Tribe Over Chasing Leads LinkedIn as a Prospecting Engine The Human Element Still Wins—But Scaled by AI Personal Growth Fuels Professional Success Connect with Santosh Sharan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssharan/ Website: https://www.zeer.ai/ Connect with the Host Andre Yee: Website:http://tiga.ai/

    48 min
  6. Why Endear’s Sales VP Ditched SDRs — And What Startups Can Learn

    07/23/2025

    Why Endear’s Sales VP Ditched SDRs — And What Startups Can Learn

    In this episode of Modern Prospecting, host Andre talks with Casey Drake, VP of Sales at Endear. Casey shares how he moved from being the first Account Executive at Endear to leading the sales team. Instead of following the usual SDR/AE model, Casey built a team of full-cycle AEs who manage the entire sales process. They discuss how the team uses signal-based prospecting and tools like Tiga to improve timing, reduce manual tasks, and focus on real conversations with prospects. Casey explains why the traditional SDR model doesn’t work for their team and how they’ve made changes to improve results. Topics covered include: How Endear approaches outbound salesWhat metrics they track to measure prospectingHow sales and customer experience work togetherWhat tools help their team work betterIf you’re looking for ways to improve prospecting, update your sales process, or explore new tools, this episode will give you clear steps and ideas to try. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 00:13 – From First AE to Sales Leader: Casey’s Startup Journey 05:23 – Redefining Prospecting: Moving Past Traditional Playbooks 07:03 – Learning Sales Without Formal Training 10:15 – Why the SDR/AE Split No Longer Works 15:57 – The Challenge of Scaling in a Niche ICP 19:00 – What’s Blocking Better Sales Engagement 21:09 – How They Target Brands Opening New Stores 25:57 – Using Signals to Spot Revenue Decision-Makers 27:41 – What Signals Matter Most in Prospecting 32:59 – Building Smarter, Not Noisier, Outreach 34:16 – How to Set Up AEs for Better Results 37:47 – Integrating Tiga: Clear Use Cases First 40:10 – Outro Quotes: "We hand the toughest task in sales—convincing strangers they need something they've never heard of—to the least experienced people on the team. That’s the SDR trap."- Casey Drake "Nearly everyone says they’re using AI—but most admit they haven’t seen it actually do anything. It’s all hype until it drives real results."- Casey Drake Featured Guest: Casey Drake Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseybdrake/ Guest Website: http://www.endearhq.com/

    40 min
  7. Joy of Missing Out: Matt Heinz on Work-Life Balance and Winning in B2B Sales

    06/12/2025

    Joy of Missing Out: Matt Heinz on Work-Life Balance and Winning in B2B Sales

    In the latest episode of Modern Prospecting, host Andre Yee engages with Matt Heinz, founder and president of Heinz Marketing and host of the Sales Pipeline Radio podcast. Matt's career transitioned from journalism to leading B2B marketing, offering valuable insights from starting his own firm amidst economic uncertainty and the role of unexpected opportunities in his professional journey. The conversation explores the shifting landscape of pipeline building and prospecting, highlighting the significance of consistency, genuine value provision, and fostering enduring relationships over short-term gains. They address the challenges of cutting through the B2B sales noise, the growing complexity of buying processes, and the impact of AI on go-to-market strategies. Additionally, Matt discusses work-life balance for revenue leaders, elaborating on the concept of the “joy of missing out” and the deliberate choices that enable him to excel both professionally and personally. For those seeking practical insights on modern prospecting, effective sales strategies, and the evolving future of B2B marketing, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:13 - Navigating Innovation and Life 04:52 - Heinz Marketing's Expertise Sharing 10:07 - "Sustained Success Through Value Creation" 13:45 - "Challenges in Immediate Sales Conversion" 16:45 - "Engaging Outreach Strategy" 18:20 - "Lizard Brain Connection" 23:35 - Automate SDRs with AI Tools 25:21 - "Human-Centric Selling with AI" 28:32 - AI Accelerates Data Discovery 31:53 - Embrace AI for Daily Tasks 34:24 - Travelocity CEO on AI Hiring 39:53 - Choosing Wisely: Embrace the "No" 40:32 - Intentional Living Through Selective Choices 43:45 - Prioritize Health Over Convenience 44:35 - Outro Quotes: "Life is written in pencil. Embrace new ideas—you never know where they'll lead you."- Matt Heinz "Relationships matter. Consistent, genuine connections create lasting impact beyond the metrics."- Andre Yee Key Takeaways: Embrace the Unexpected Journey Consistency & Value Trump All in Prospecting Relationships Still Rule in a Noisy World Outbound Isn’t Dead—But It Has Evolved AI Is a Powerful Ally—But Not a Replacement for Humans The Joy of Missing Out: Choose What Matters Most The Fundamentals Remain: Target, Multithread, Motivate Lead the Change—Don’t Wait for Perfect Invest in Your Health and Happiness Connect with Matt Heinz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattheinz/ Website: www.heinzmarketing.com Connect with the Host Andre Yee: Website:http://tiga.ai/ Produced by:http://heartcastmedia.com

    44 min
  8. Insights for High Performance Prospecting from Sales Development Expert, Steve Richard

    05/13/2025

    Insights for High Performance Prospecting from Sales Development Expert, Steve Richard

    In an era where countless sales messages flood inboxes daily, effective prospecting has never been more challenging. Welcome to Modern Prospecting! In this episode, host Andre Yee speaks with Steve Richard, the SVP of Revenue and Enablement at Mediafly. With over two decades of experience in sales development, Steve has built a reputation as a speaker and trainer in the industry. Together, they explore the transformation of the sales development representative (SDR) role, addressing the challenges that make it less appealing and how it has evolved over time. They examine the current state of sales prospecting, the tools and technologies that have reshaped the landscape, and the traits that define successful SDRs. Steve provides actionable tips for effective prospecting in a world saturated with spam and discusses the impact of AI on the future of sales development. Gain valuable insights and strategies for modern prospecting to enhance your sales performance. Steve Richard is SVP of Enablement at Mediafly following their acquisition of ExecVision, the company he founded. Steve also founded and exited Vorsight. His mission is to help as many sales teams as possible achieve success. He has been featured in publications including The Harvard Business Review, The Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Post. Outside of work, Steve enjoys scuba diving, skiing, running, and watching football. He lives in Arlington, VA with his wife Ellen and their four children, aged 9, 11, 13, and 15. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:19 - Rethinking the SDR Role 04:43 - Evolving Skills for Modern Sales 07:28 - Clever Prospecting Success Techniques 10:22 - Know Your Audience's Platforms 14:04 - Effective Experimentation and "Tub" Emails 19:31 - Interview Traits: Curiosity, Drive, Systems Thinking 21:45 - Challenges in Evaluating Writing and Communication Skills 24:47 - AI and Broad Channel Testing 26:44 - Creative Demand-Generation Activities 30:50 - AI's Role in Modern Sales Strategies 33:50 - AI Tool for Sales Teams 35:58 - Outro Quotes: "Effective prospecting is about delivering valuable messages that resonate with prospects."- Steve Richard "Mastering prospecting requires dedication and thoughtful experimentation."- Andre Yee Key Takeaways: Evolving Role of the SDR Experimentation is Key Embracing AI Tools Personalization at Scale Characteristics of a Great SDR Creative Offers as Bait Connect with Steve Richard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srichard1/ Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mediafly/ Connect with the Host Andre Yee: Website: http://tiga.ai/

    36 min
  9. Modern Prospecting Strategies: Transforming Sales with Melissa Madian

    04/17/2025

    Modern Prospecting Strategies: Transforming Sales with Melissa Madian

    Welcome to Modern Prospecting! Join our host, Andre Yee, as he engages in an insightful conversation with Melissa Madian, the original guru of revenue enablement. Melissa shares her remarkable journey from leading sales engineering at Eloqua to becoming a renowned consultant dedicated to optimizing revenue engines for businesses. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of prospecting, the transformative potential of AI, and the crucial role of storytelling in sales. In This Episode, You'll Discover: The Flaws of Traditional Prospecting: Andre and Melissa discuss why the old "spray and pray" methods are no longer effective in today's dynamic sales environment.Refined Targeting vs. Mass Outreach: Learn how precise targeting outperforms broad outreach strategies.Storytelling in Sales: Understand how to incorporate storytelling to enhance your prospecting efforts.Effective Subject Lines: Tips on crafting genuine and engaging subject lines without resorting to gimmicks.Buyer-Centric Strategies: Developing storytelling techniques that focus on the buyer's needs and challenges.The Future of SDR Teams: Rethinking the necessity and structure of Sales Development Representative teams in modern sales.Optimizing SDR Roles: Strategies for placing SDRs effectively within your sales framework.Communication Channels: Evaluating the importance of different communication channels in prospecting.Multi-Channel Prospecting Challenges: Overcoming the hurdles of implementing a multi-channel approach.Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Revenue Enablement04:55 - Concerns with Outdated Prospecting Playbooks07:07 - Benefits of Refined Targeting Over Mass Outreach12:03 - Integrating Storytelling into Prospecting16:13 - Avoiding Gimmicky Subject Lines17:28 - Developing a Buyer-Centric Storytelling Strategy20:28 - Reevaluating the Need for SDR Teams23:58 - The Future of Sales: Upskilled SDRs29:14 - Optimizing SDR Role Placement31:23 - The Importance of Communication Channels33:37 - Challenges in Multi-Channel ProspectingAbout Our Guest: Melissa Madian is the Founder and Chief Fabulous Officer at TMM Enablement Services Inc. She pioneered the “sales enablement” role and has dedicated the past 25 years to enhancing the sales experience for revenue-generating teams. Melissa has successfully produced numerous Sales Kick Offs, built world-class sales onboarding and enablement programs, and created training academies for top SaaS companies. She is the author of the ultimate guide to revenue enablement, “Enabler? I Hardly Know Her! How to Make the Sales Experience Not Suck.” Connect with Melissa Madian: LinkedInTMM Enablement Services Inc.Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips that will help you elevate your prospecting strategies in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're an SDR, AE, or simply interested in the future of sales, this episode is packed with expertise to enhance your approach.

    35 min

About

Andre Yee, founder and CEO of Tiga AI, delves into revolutionizing the age-old practice of prospecting. In our debut episode, Andre shares his insights into the broken nature of the old prospecting playbook and the growing need for a fresh, modern approach. With over a decade of conversations with sales and marketing leaders under his belt, Andre highlights how traditional methods, like the "spray and pray," no longer suffice in today's dynamic sales environment. Tune in as we invite seasoned sales leaders and expert practitioners to uncover what truly works in modern prospecting, discussing everything from SDR roles to the intelligent use of AI, with a promise of practical tips and engaging discussions.