It’s a brand new year and everywhere the messaging is the same: newer, faster, better. If you’re in a leadership position at a call center or sales department, you might be feeling the same way as you look at your competition’s use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Many sales companies have recently implemented AI, and if your business doesn’t have it yet it’s easy to feel behind. It’s tempting to want to purchase the first AI you can find to stay relevant in today’s technologically competitive landscape. However, implementing AI without careful planning could lead to job elimination, legal compliance issues, or software incompatibility. What are the best ways for leaders to avoid these common AI pitfalls?
Know your competition
According to Ringover, 58% of business to business (B2B) companies use AI chatbots regularly. And it’s not just making them sound more modern, it’s positively affecting their bottom line. A study by Harvard Business Review found that use of AI in sales increased lead generation by more than 50%, and reduced overall costs by 40-60%.
With this knowledge in mind, research your top competitors. Have any of them recently implemented AI? If so, what kind? Do you know if it’s affected sales? How about their team member satisfaction? Did it eliminate any jobs? Is it saving them money? Take notes on the landscape of your industry’s involvement in AI.
Know your team
It is crucial to discuss the potential for AI integration with your sales team. While AI may be dominating the news cycle, it is generating a lot of fear among employees. According to research by Salesforce, almost 40% of sales professionals worry about job loss related to AI.
Get ahead of the rumor mill by being clear and open from the beginning. Send out a memo explaining the company’s goals for 2024, and include AI in that update. Ask for team member input during this process, and assure everyone that the goal is not to eliminate staff but to increase efficiency and maintain the company’s competitive edge.
Host brainstorming focus groups or ask for anonymous feedback from your sales team. You will gain valuable insight into current pain points and inefficiencies. Are there aspects of their daily tasks that could use streamlining? Are there certain client interactions that could be handled automatically by AI? Alternatively, which client needs are best handled by humans alone? The people actually making the sales are the best source of information you have.
Know your AI
Finally, seek out AI companies that let you “try before you buy,” like this lead optimizer that lets you validate 600 leads for free. Consider not only the technology itself, but how long it has been in existence and what the customer service options are should any issues arise. Consider reviews and compare programs on reputable sites such as G2.
Consider Pipes.ai if you are looking for a lead management software that can seriously increase your lead to client conversion rate. Founded in 2018, Pipes.ai has had more time than most competitors to perfect their AI. Their program includes a custom-built, human-guided large language model (LLM) and SMS Smart Scheduler. In addition, it is compatible with most API’s and CRM’s and can be integrated with your current software in just 1-2 business days.
Pipes.ai is committed to customer satisfaction. In fact, Pipes.ai was created by leaders seeking a solution for lead management issues in their own sales company, and they’ve proven the concept on their own team. But don’t take our word for it. Try our AI for yourself today.
