Journal

Notes on B2B client acquisition, cold outreach, and growing a service business.

Artem Smirnov in a dark suit against a charcoal studio backdrop, next to the line 'The money was good. The client was not.'

Who Outbound Actually Works For, and Who It Doesn't

Outbound results depend on who signs the contract. Seven lessons on client selection from campaigns that worked, ones that stalled, and one I refused.

Jul 1, 2026 · 5 min read

Artem Smirnov in a dark suit against a charcoal studio backdrop, next to the line 'Send it and find out. Or audit it first.'

How to Audit a Lead List Before You Send a Single Email

A bad lead list costs you the domain, not just the campaign. Seven checks to run on the file before you send, and the rule that decides go or no go.

Jun 28, 2026 · 5 min read

Artem Smirnov in a dark suit against a charcoal studio backdrop, next to the line 'A message for everyone lands with nobody.'

Pick One Offer, One Audience, and Give It Twelve Months

Companies with seven services and one message for everyone stall in outbound. The case for one offer, one audience, and twelve months of commitment.

Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Artem Smirnov in a dark suit against a charcoal studio backdrop, next to the line 'Build the list first. Write the email later.'

How to Build a B2B Lead List That Is Worth Sending To

Build a B2B lead list in this order: qualify the company, fix the titles, source from real providers, exclude, verify, then segment before you send.

Jun 20, 2026 · 5 min read

Artem Smirnov in a dark suit against a charcoal studio backdrop, next to the line 'Nobody ignored your email. You emailed the wrong people.'

Your Cold Email Is Fine. The Problem Is Your List.

Most cold email problems are list problems. Here is how my team takes a B2B lead list apart, what to cut, what to verify, and what changes once you do.

Jun 17, 2026 · 5 min read