The "10-80-10" List Building Secret

    CQ

    Corey Quinn

    Founder, Deep Specialization™

    How to build your dream client list without doing all the work...

    Just shared this framework with a client stuck in list-building hell...

    The 10-80-10 Method:

    1. First 10%: YOU create the criteria

    • Define ideal client profile

    • Set clear parameters

    • Document your "must-haves"

    2. Middle 80%: DELEGATE the heavy lifting

    • Have assistant pull data

    • Use tools like Apollo

    • Build initial list

    3. Final 10%: YOU refine and validate

    • Quick scan for obvious misses

    • Verify high-value targets

    • Green light final list

    This turns a 10-hour job into a 2-hour involvement.

    Your time is better spent closing deals than building spreadsheets.

    CQ

    Share this article:
    CQ

    About Corey Quinn

    Founder, Deep Specialization™

    Corey helps founder-led agencies scale through Deep Specialization™ and programmatic M&A. Former CMO of Scorpion ($20M to $200M). Author of "Anyone, Not Everyone."

    “Is this a good fit for my agency?”

    I partner with founders who want to build something meaningful, not just a busier agency, but a stronger, more scalable business.

    You’re likely a strong fit if:

    • You’re generating $1M–$20M+ annually
    • You want to lead your market, not blend into it
    • You’re thinking about long-term scale, not short-term tactics
    • You want a growth engine that doesn’t rely on you
    • You value clarity over complexity
    • You’re open to advanced growth levers, including acquisitions
    Anyone Not Everyone Book Cover

    Escape Founder-Led Sales With My Free Book

    My bestselling book Anyone Not Everyone reveals the positioning and outbound system that helps founder-led agencies create predictable, scalable growth.

    Endorsed by Aaron Ross, Alan Dibb, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and many other top thinkers in the agency world.

    ★★★★★
    Over 100 5-star Amazon reviews