The Funnel Is a Fraud: Reinventing Speed and Innovation in ABM

Episode #258: Nathan Burke, Chief Marketing Officer at 7AI, explains why the funnel no longer matches how buyers actually purchase. He explains why being different is measurable and why sameness kills attention in cybersecurity, and he breaks down what buyers want now, including trust in the people behind AI. He also outlines how speed, service, and relationships can replace outdated motions.“The way that we’ve approached buying behavior hasn’t been updated to reflect the reality of the world anymore. The real answer is being able to create an experience and to create something where it’s different, it’s interesting, and it solves a problem.” – Nathan BurkeIn this episode, Nathan challenges legacy go-to-market thinking and explains why linear funnels fail to reflect real buying behavior. He explains how differentiation, trust, and human relationships drive measurable impact, especially in complex markets such as cybersecurity. The conversation explores how speed comes from solving real problems with the right people, not louder outreach or more automation.Follow Nathan Burke on LinkedInFollow host Steve MacDonald on LinkedIn