Founders: Opportunity disqualification framework: 🚩 Can't articulate specific pain costs 🚩 Gatekeepers blocking access to decision-makers 🚩 No comparable solution investments 🚩 Absence of compelling events 🚩 Refuses to discuss financial constraints Two or more? Remove from your forecast.
Founders: Pipeline qualification red flags: 🚩 Problem impact is 'hard to measure' 🚩 Multiple unnamed stakeholders 🚩 DIY solution currently in place 🚩 No urgency indicators in conversation 🚩 Budget is 'being determined' Two red flags = move them to nurture.
Founders: Prospect disqualification criteria: 🚩 Pain described in general terms only 🚩 Complex approval chain with no champion 🚩 First-time category purchase 🚩 'Someday' implementation timeframe 🚩 'We don't share that information' on budget If you see two flags, focus elsewhere.
Founders: Sales discovery qualification checklist: 🚩 Can't quantify problem cost 🚩 Unclear who signs the contract 🚩 No budget history for similar tools 🚩 No compelling event driving action 🚩 Refuses to discuss investment level Two red flags means they're not a real prospect.
Founders: Discovery call warning signs: 🚩 Vague answers about current challenges 🚩 'Need to talk to my boss' responses 🚩 No current spend on similar solutions 🚩 'No rush' timeline signals 🚩 Deflects all pricing questions Seeing 2+ flags? Move on to better opportunities.