However, the tell comes when you try to drill down for specifics. I have done this a few times recently. What I’ve noticed is that many of these purveyors of transformation will divert your attention back to their carefully curated demo – ‘Look what I was able to do!’ Oooh, ahhh…
Back in the real world, marketing thought leader and board advisor Tom Goodwin posted candidly about his own experiences test-driving AI this past year. I share some of these frustrations. There is a disconnect between AI potential, the promises made by vendors selling AI solutions, and what your sales organization can tangibly benefit from today.
So, the suggestion for sales leaders is simple – stay curious and informed about new developments. Test solutions sparingly and direct real energy towards tightening up the fundamentals like process and performance. That way your organizational infrastructure will be ready for when true, transformative AI rolls onshore.
Bottom line: AI possibilities are interesting, but right now the tech isn’t mature enough to make a definitive impact on growth efforts. So lay the operational groundwork now to get ready for when it is.