How many times this year have you heard this?: AI is going to replace a lot of jobs. We hear it often and it is increasing every day. Will it replace a Salesperson’s job? Will it replace a Sales Leaders role? Keep reading . . .
Most people would agree that AI is one of the greatest technological advances we have seen in a long time. It’s amazing!
Five pretty common uses for AI are: automation of tasks, natural language processing, fraud detection, personalized recommendations, and virtual assistants.
We are Salespeople. We are Sales Leaders, so let us zero in on the common uses for AI in sales. Some key applications include sales forecasting, lead scoring, sales automation, personalized communication, and customer behavior analysis.
There may not be one person reading this blog that has not used AI to write a prospecting email or reply to a customer’s email. We use it and it is fantastic.
If you are not waiting for the GIGANTIC BUT . . . you likely forgot the title of this blog: What AI Can’t Do.
Here goes: Last time I checked, AI doesn’t have a pulse. AI can’t read body language. AI can’t read the room. AI can’t read between the lines. AI can’t see a prospect fidget (or squirm). AI can’t feel emotions. AI can’t sense hesitation. AI can’t recognize buying signals (cues). AI does not have emotional intelligence.
AI can do a lot of things. And there is no doubt it will only get better in the months and years to come. No doubt.
But if you re-read the paragraph above, you will see the 9 items listed are all necessary to be successful in sales. Those 9 items are what happens on sales calls – real sales appointments. Those 9 items are selling!
AI can help you identify prospects for sales appointments. AI can help you personalize your message to prospects and customers. AI does all of the items in paragraph two. Again, AI is fantastic! Salespeople hear this: AI can’t run the sales appointment. If you get in front of people, gather information, set expectations, read the room, touch a nerve, etc., you have job security. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t let up. But don’t think for a minute that AI will replace you. Unless you are replaceable. Are you?
