Nov 19 • Shelley Walters

From Rival to Sidekick: How AI is Shaping the Future of Sales

Discover how AI is transforming the sales profession in our latest blog, From Rival to Sidekick: How AI is Shaping the Future of Sales. Learn how to leverage AI tools to streamline repetitive tasks, enhance client engagement, and boost productivity. With real-world examples and practical tips, this blog shows how AI can be your ultimate partner in closing more deals and building stronger relationships. Whether you’re a sales professional or a business leader, find out how to harness the power of AI to thrive in today’s fast-paced sales environment.

The New Role of AI: Your Strategic Partner

AI’s rise in the workplace is not about replacement but augmentation. It’s about freeing you from the mundane so you can double down on the work that truly makes an impact. Imagine automating the repetitive grind—manual data entry, scheduling follow-ups, sorting through prospect lists. AI takes these off your plate, allowing you to focus on tasks that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.

Consider this: AI won’t remember your client’s kid’s name or share a laugh about the latest football scores. But it will ensure your client communications are timely, personalised, and relevant. It’s the perfect behind-the-scenes partner, amplifying your human strengths while handling the heavy lifting.

 

Real-World Examples of AI in Action

Let’s take a look at some companies using AI to supercharge their efforts:

1. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE):
HPE employs AI avatars for executive presentations and employee training. Their team can focus on driving innovation and building stronger professional relationships by automating these functions.

2. Customised Client Engagements:
AI avatars are also making waves in client communications. With the ability to deliver messages in multiple languages, these tools ensure clients feel seen and understood, no matter where they’re located. It’s personalisation at scale.

 

How to Embrace AI in Your Sales Process

Integrating AI doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here’s a simple approach to get started:

  1. Identify Repetitive Tasks:
    Which parts of your day could be automated? Start with data entry, meeting scheduling, or basic prospecting.
  2. Leverage AI for Insights:
    Use AI tools to analyse client data and predict behaviour. This can help you tailor your approach and maximise every interaction.
  3. Scale Personalisation:
    Adopt AI solutions that allow you to personalise outreach at scale, maintaining the human touch while increasing efficiency.

A Cheat Sheet of AI Tools You Can Use Today

Looking for the right AI tools to supercharge your sales efforts? Here are some favourites:

  • CRM Enhancements: AI-powered CRMs like Salesforce Einstein or Microsoft Dynamics help you track and predict client behaviour more effectively.
  • Outreach Automation: Tools like Outreach.io and SalesLoft streamline your prospecting and follow-up processes.
  • Content Personalisation: Platforms like Vidyard allow you to create personalised video messages at scale.

 

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t here to take your job. It’s here to make your job better. By embracing it as your ultimate sidekick, you can spend less time on the grind and more time on what truly matters: building meaningful connections, solving complex problems, and closing deals. The future of sales is about human-AI collaboration. Together, they’re an unbeatable team.

 

 Shelley Walters