How to find/hire a lead gen expert?

First, don't just hire someone because they say they've 'done lead gen.' That could mean anything from running cold emails to buying sketchy lists off Fiverr. Here's what I'd do instead:

1. 1Look for outcome-first thinkers - Ask them: "How would you generate 20 SQLs monthly for a SaaS targeting HR heads in the US?" If they talk about tactics (like 'I'll use Saleshandy/Apollo and scrape LinkedIn'), cool, but if they ask about ICP, messaging, and conversion flow first? That's your person.
2. 2Check proof of past results - Ask for a quick Loom or case study showing how they generated leads for past clients. Not just numbers, clarity on what they did and why it worked.
3. 3Test with a pilot project - Give them a 2-week trial. Here's the ICP. Here's the goal. Show me 10 qualified leads and the steps you took. Execution speaks louder than buzzwords.
4. 4Avoid generalist marketers - You want someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes lead gen. Not someone who also does your reels, blogs, and runs your FB ads.