The Heck-Mizoroki (HM) reaction is one of the most widely used C-C bond-forming methods of contemporary synthesis. Notwithstanding this, these reactions frequently require significant optimization before efficient transformations can be obtained. We describe here the results of a study that aimed to establish a generic experimental protocol for HM reactions which enables acceptable yields from first-pass experiments. The methodology utilizes readily available stable catalysts and can be applied to a broad range of coupling partners.