Good sales teams are always looking for ways to increase their efficiency and lead-to-customer conversion rates. Lately, these efforts have included the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the workplace.
But how can a sales team know if an AI program will integrate seamlessly with their existing software programs? And when a team is already stretched thin, will it really be worth the time and effort to implement and learn an entirely new form of technology?
If your team is considering implementing AI to improve workflow, follow these steps before you spend your valuable time and money on a potentially ineffective product.
1. Find free AI trials
Many AI companies offer free trials of their programs on their websites. G2 is a reputable website that categorizes software by type – for example, “sales tools.” This can be a great place to start your research. As you investigate which types of AI might benefit your sales team, make note of whether or not a free trial is available.
Pipes.ai, a lead validation AI software, was recently ranked a “High Performer” and “Best Support” by G2. Consider trying the free trial lead optimizer tool as you continue to learn about your options.
2. Talk to an expert
Once you’ve narrowed down your potential products, it’s time to talk to an expert. It’s crucial to find the right person for the job. A recent article on Success.com warns that in this new and expanding field, it can be difficult to ascertain which consultants are true “experts” and which are just using smoke and mirrors.
A key part of hiring an AI expert should involve a problem-solving test. You want to propose an issue you’re trying to solve to the AI consultant, who should be able to innovatively come up with several different ways this problem could be approached. Because AI is constantly changing, someone’s process matters far more than their exact answers. Expect to pay anywhere from $42 to $56 per hour for quality advice.
3. Invest in doing it right the first time
Speaking of money, investing in an AI purchase upfront will pay dividends in the long run. Besides the money you spend consulting an AI expert, you’ll be spending your own valuable time researching your options and then paying what could be a large amount for the product itself.
Don’t let this fact scare you away. If you don’t thoroughly vet an AI program before purchase, it might not integrate with your existing technological systems and cause more headaches and more costs down the road. Even worse, if it doesn’t have an effect on sales outcomes, all that money may have gone to waste. Better to do your research and pay a little more upfront to guarantee effectiveness.
4. Build in a timeline for review and adjustment
Even if you do everything right, not every team will adjust seamlessly to a new AI program. When you are planning to purchase and implement new software, always add a 90-day review task to your calendar to ensure things are running as intended. Even the best tools are only as good as the worker who wields them and the condition in which they’re maintained.
Make sure that the program you’re purchasing has excellent customer service with easy accessibility. This way, if your team runs into issues a few months after purchase, you’re not left on your own to figure it out.
Pipes.ai makes customer service a priority. In fact, all of their generative AI is human-guided and edited, leaving little room for misunderstanding and mistakes. Even better, the founders come from a background in sales and vetted the program on their own sales team first.
If you want to implement AI for your team, be sure to try our AI today.
