Why is it critical to pay attention to AI if you are in a sales, marketing or lead gen role?

It was an unseasonably cold autumn morning as I sat with my laptop, staring at the bewildering list of tasks in front of me. As a solo founder, I’ve often juggled multiple roles—from marketing to sales to just about everything in between. I’ve learnt that running a start-up is no small feat. But one thing that has revolutionised my journey is the application of AI automation. This might sound like another tech buzzword, but believe me, AI has been a game-changer, especially for those of us involved in sales, marketing, or lead generation.

There is however a negative, and that is that just like horses no longer became the transport of choice once cars were invented and that 90% of harvest labourers lost their jobs when the first combine harvesters were set out into the field. So too will humans lose their jobs when AI can do them, faster, better and at a lower cost.  With all that being said. We all have a window to take advantage of this.  If you are in a role that is likely to be replaced by AI, I would recommend embracing AI in your role if you can and becoming an educator within the business.  Or as I would recommend, use AI to assist you in building your own business (starting as a side hustle) and iterate until you find a customer pain that they are willing to pay for.

Why AI Matters Now

Statistics paint a challenging picture for female founders like ourselves. In 2024, merely 2% of VC funding directed to female-led businesses highlights how essential it is for us to innovate and find creative ways to maximise our resources. The business landscape is evolving at a brisk pace. AI brings that cutting-edge advantage many of us need, particularly in sectors such as sales, marketing, and lead generation. Automation helps us optimise and direct time towards nurturing relationships or strategizing growth rather than getting bogged down in repetitive tasks.

AI Tools and Applications

One of my favourite tools is make.com, which once set up, can handle everything from triggering email sequences to managing data workflows without needing constant input. Similarly, N8N offers a great open-source alternative for creating custom workflows which ensures everything from data sorting to task automation runs like clockwork. These tools don’t operate in silos. They are built to integrate with numerous applications, hence, they fit seamlessly into existing processes, acting like the hidden engine that drives efficiency.

Supporting Female Founders

I often talk to aspiring female founders about the importance of leveraging technology. AI, particularly, isn’t just about improving efficiency; it levels the playing field. Automating leads and streamlining marketing processes can mean the difference between getting noticed or drowning in the noisy startup ecosystem. Moreover, with complex operational tasks out of the way, it leaves us time to focus on strategy and networking—critical in the early stages where every decision can set the tone for growth.

A Bold Look to the Future

As I look forward, AI technology will be indispensable in every facet of business—from sales funnels to customer management. As AI continues to evolve, we might see a future where machine learning models anticipate market trends before they become apparent. These changes will impact the job market too; roles might shift towards more creative or strategic efforts, leaving the routine work to be automated.

Where AI Truly Shines

For those in roles reliant on data-driven decisions, the benefits of AI are profound. Whether it’s personalising marketing campaigns or generating leads more efficiently, AI can dissect large datasets quickly, recommending actionable insights. In sales, predictive analytics can enhance customer targeting, leading to higher conversion rates. This is the natural next step for startups and businesses eager not to just survive but thrive in the contemporary landscape.

When it comes to using AI, it’s not about complexity but about where it can create the most impact. Yes, AI is the future—but it’s already here, ready to help us build smarter businesses today. It’s now our task to harness it, reshaping and redefining what it means to be leaders in our fields.