AI in sales: what are neural networks and why do they need to be mastered

Over the past few years, technological progress has reached great heights. Artificial intelligence has received a special impetus to development. Technology is used in many areas, it has changed the approach to doing business. AI has become very widespread in sales. With their help, data can be analyzed faster, and companies that have such technologies in service receive many advantages. About what advantages the introduction of innovative technologies in sales offers 

What is AI in sales?

AI in sales represents a whole range of technologies:

• machine learning; 
• natural language processing; 
• predictive analytics; 
• automation.

All these technologies can be used in sales for data analysis, behavioral forecasting, and communication optimization. As a result, the team can make more accurate decisions and increase turnover. 

If we give examples of specific applications of AI for business in the field of sales, then it is impossible to imagine building a funnel without preliminary analysis. The collection and analysis of customer data can be automated by integrating an appropriate smart tool. 

The manager’s routine actions can also be automated. This can be sending emails, filling out reports, updating information in the CRM. Communication can not only be automated, but also personalized. Artificial intelligence will help you compose an individualized letter to the client. 

Integration of AI into sales. Advantages

High-tech sales for many companies have already become part of everyday reality. This is a valid position and it has several real positive justifications:

1. Saving resources (money and time). It so happens that it is the sales department in any company that has the largest item of expenditure. The opportunity to reduce them looks tempting. AI will streamline routine actions, for example, find errors in questionnaires, predict the result of a transaction, weed out unpromising leads, and establish communication with customers. 
2. An increase in income. Due to the ability to reduce the number of errors, set discount limits, and send reminder newsletters, the work tasks of live employees are optimized. It is easier for beginners to adapt, which means they do their job faster. 
3. Improving the quality of service. The sales department, with such technological assistants, understands customers much better. By applying such a personalized approach in practice, managers will be able to show how much they appreciate, respect, and understand the client.

For what purposes is AI used in sales

According to many analytical agencies, companies that sell using AI increase the influx of new customers by half. At the same time, expenses were reduced by 40%, and call time was reduced to 70%. The technology can be integrated into different work scenarios:

1. Building a sales funnel that requires a detailed analysis of customer information. AI can help identify more loyal customers and work out separate scenarios for each stage of the funnel. 
2. Personalized offers. This is the key to customer retention. Thanks to a detailed analysis of preferences due to smart technologies, it is possible to create more personalized offers. 
3. Forecasting demand. It is very important to know how the audience will respond to a product or service. Automated analysis of data on customer behavior and trends will also help in this. 
4. Automation of manual work. The machine can be assigned to perform ordinary simple tasks. She can send emails, remind you of scheduled events, and more. 
5. Lead generation and scoring. Manually studying leads is quite tedious, but not for AI. There are tools that are able to identify customers with the greatest purchasing potential. 
6. Filling out the CRM after the call. Neural networks are already able to recognize and structure voice information and printed text, and then enter data into the CRM system. 
7. Analytics of customer sales contacts. Noticing patterns that can lead to an improvement in the quality of service is another opportunity for new technological tools. 
8. Price optimization. The same analysis is important for prompt price correction. It takes into account demand, seasonality, competitor behavior and other indicators.
9. Appointment and taking notes of meetings. Automation tools can synchronize calendars, determine the optimal date for a meeting. After the meeting, a summary and transcript are provided. 
10. Sales automation using voice assistants. Automation of consultations removes some of the tasks from managers, opening up opportunities for other work.

Cases of companies using AI

Successful transformation of sales using artificial intelligence technologies has already been achieved by many companies:

1. Tinkoff uses Oleg’s specially designed voice robot to receive incoming calls. The bot receives more than 80% of calls, freeing the company from the need to keep a large staff of consultants. 
2. Microsoft has implemented an AI into its Dynamics 365 CRM system that automates the routine actions of managers. For example, writing emails. 
3. Salesforce with the Einstein AI module. It analyzes customer data, predicts the outcome of a transaction, and automates other tasks, allowing managers to work faster. 
4. HubSpot implements solutions for sales automation, advertising campaigns, and predictive analytics. They allow you to better understand customers and personalize communication.

In conclusion

With the fact that sales using AI is the future of marketing. This technology opens up new opportunities for businesses, allows them to increase work efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize. Any company that plans to remain competitive should adopt new rules and try to implement optimization tools in its work. 

The transition to new principles of work requires a conscious approach, consistency in actions. Companies that are aware of the potential of smart technologies should think about integrating into existing business processes today. This will strengthen the position in the market, increase sales, and increase profits. 

Questions and answers

Most often, entrepreneurs are interested in where to start. That is, what steps need to be taken to implement technologies in the work. Here are some recommendations:

• define the purpose of the implementation; 
• choose the right tool; 
• organize a test implementation mode; 
• train employees in new ways of working; 
• establish communication with employees.

Entrepreneurs are also interested in which areas the implementation of AI in sales is most relevant. Artificial intelligence technologies can be adapted to almost all areas. These technologies make it possible to reduce the number of errors, free employees from routine, and this is relevant always and everywhere.