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How AI Challenges Sales to Be More Human - Cisco Blogs
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Blogs</a> / <span><a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/innovation">Innovation</a> / <span class="breadcrumb_last" aria-current="page">How AI Challenges Sales to Be More Human</span></span></span></span></p> <div class="blog-post-header"> </div> <article id="post-460897" class="post-460897 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-innovation tag-ai-and-human-interaction tag-cisco-innovation tag-cisco-sales tag-featured tag-global-virtual-sales"> <div class="main-content"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="entry-meta"> September 12, 2024 <a id="post-comments" href="https://blogs.cisco.com/innovation/how-ai-challenges-sales-to-be-more-human#respond">Leave a Comment</a> <hr> </div><!-- .entry-meta --> </header><!-- .entry-header --> <div class="blog-post-header"> <div class="thumbnail-avatar"> <div class="post-thumbnail" style="background-image:url(https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/09/IL20240912181629-Office_GettyPartner-867416914-600x200.jpg);"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/08/Kim-Pasche-Square-Cisco-Blog-2-150x150.jpg" width="102" height="102" alt="Avatar" class="avatar avatar-102 wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-102 photo avatar-default"> </div> </div> <div class="blog-cat-post-author-container"> <a href=https://blogs.cisco.com/innovation><h5>Innovation</h5></a> <h1 class="entry-title">How AI Challenges Sales to Be More Human</h1><p class="wordcount"><span class="black">3 min read</span></p> <p> <a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/author/kimpasche" title="Posts by Kim Pasche" rel="author">Kim Pasche</a> </p> </div> </div> <!-- .blog-post-header --> <div class="entry-content"> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW46368286 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46368286 BCX0">While some industries are just starting to catch on, </span></span><a href="https://blogs.cisco.com/partner/digital-disruption-hits-sales-the-rise-of-the-hybrid-seller">the sales sector has been riding the wave of technology and AI for decades</a><span class="TextRun SCXW46368286 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46368286 BCX0">. In recent years, this evolution has accelerated at an astonishing pace, driven by rapid advancements in AI innovation and data. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46368286 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0">The question is h</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0">ow </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0">you separate</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0"> the hype from reality</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0"> What are some </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0">tangible</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0"> examples of how AI is transforming businesses?</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147136530 BCX0"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW147136530 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW171489520 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171489520 BCX0">Cisco is committed to driving industry AI advancement and adoption to ensure </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171489520 BCX0">our customers and partners</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171489520 BCX0"> can safely, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171489520 BCX0">reliably</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171489520 BCX0"> and responsibly capture maximum value from AI.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW171489520 BCX0"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW171489520 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">We </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">are </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">embracing </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">AI across all Cisco</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0"> functions to revolutionize the way we work, create, and connect.</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">In sales, we </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">leverage</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0"> AI to transform raw data into actionable insights, placing a goldmine of information directly into our sellers’ hands</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">. This helps us </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52493712 BCX0">to enhance customer engagement and accelerate the sales process.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW52493712 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <p>Today, I’m talking to Ignacio “Nacho” Castroverde, our Global Strategy & Operations Senior Director within Global Virtual Sales & Engineering, about how we are using AI to help our sellers become more efficient, accurate, and helpful to our customers than ever before.</p> <p> </p> <hr /> <h3><strong>What are the three coolest things we can do with AI?</strong></h3> <p><strong><img class="wp-image-462316 alignright" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/09/IMG_2871-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="257" height="342" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/09/IMG_2871-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/09/IMG_2871-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/09/IMG_2871-1153x1536.jpeg 1153w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/09/IMG_2871-1537x2048.jpeg 1537w, https://storage.googleapis.com/blogs-images-new/ciscoblogs/1/2024/09/IMG_2871-scaled.jpeg 1921w" sizes="(max-width: 257px) 100vw, 257px" />Nacho:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">Lately</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">, everyone is talking about AI but only a few have implemented it in their processes. We recognized that prospecting is inherently time-consuming for sellers</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">.</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">The goal was to remove</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0"> some of this burden from sellers so they could focus their efforts on higher value activities. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">AI is </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">a game-changer</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0"> for </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">us</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">, from lead </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">prioritization</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0"> to customer engagement</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0"> and wi</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">nning deals</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">.</span></p> <p><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">Here are the three </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">top</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0"> things we do with </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">it</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW11013562 BCX0">:</span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Helping customers</strong><strong> & partners:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0">AI “digests” </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0">high volumes of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0">signals and data to help </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0">sellers</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0">understand what customers need</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0"> (</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0">even before they ask</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW205111262 BCX0">), ensuring we maximize the value for them.</span></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Helping s</strong><strong>ellers:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW51658211 BCX0">AI gives strategic advice and powers tools that help </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW51658211 BCX0">sellers scale</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW51658211 BCX0"> and excel</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW51658211 BCX0">.</span></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Helping leaders</strong><strong> & people:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0">AI helps </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0">leaders manage </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0">pipeline and forecast</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0">, al</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0">lowing </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0">them</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW199493756 BCX0"> to spend more time coaching and supporting their teams.</span></span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Paradoxically, AI is making us more human.</strong> Instead of replacing the human touch, AI gives us more time to build those invaluable<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106722736 BCX0">, meaningful</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106722736 BCX0"> human connections with customers, partners, and colleagues.</span></p> <h3><strong><span class="TextRun SCXW170175734 BCX0" lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170175734 BCX0">AI is enhancing the performance of our sellers. On the other </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170175734 BCX0">hand</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170175734 BCX0">, there is a fear of AI replacing people. Why would you want to embrace it?</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW170175734 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></strong></h3> <p><strong>Nacho:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0">Based on what we are seeing today, I believe that sellers who use AI will be able to save time and enhance their performance.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0"> It is not a threat to a</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0">salesperson; instead</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0">, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0">it is</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0"> an opportunity</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0"> to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0">magnify</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0"> human skills</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW233400303 BCX0"> and their success.</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Sales have always been about the connection between buyer and seller. AI helps us do that better. It empowers you to come to meetings with data-backed recommendations that can help you act as a trusted advisor.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">It is all about building trust, empathy, and emotional intelligence—skills only </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">you</span></i><span data-contrast="auto"> can bring. In the AI age, those become our new superpowers!</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <h3><b><span data-contrast="auto">Let’s talk about tangible examples. Can you share insights into the Next Best Action pilot that is reshaping Virtual Sales?</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></h3> <p><b><span data-contrast="auto">Nacho:</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> Sure! We are shifting to AI-assisted selling, which provides valuable insights and guides sales actions, ensuring we engage at the right time with the right solutions. Sellers in Virtual Sales serve up to 100 accounts. It’s hard to know everything about each customer and partner.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Cisco deployed a Tech-Teammate that uses generative AI to perform account-based targeting and opportunity progression. We have three use cases to help teams excel and never miss a thing:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":278}"> </span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Customer prioritization:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">Sellers receive </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">recommendations on </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">which </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">15 </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">customers</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0"> to prioritize each </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">week </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">with</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0"> the full reasoning behind the AI prioritization</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW32407966 BCX0">.</span></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Optimal contact strategies:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">AI suggests the best </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">times</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">, ways, and contacts for offering </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">Cisco </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">solutions offers</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">.</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">Sellers </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">can </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">automate</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">customer outreach with </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">AI-</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">suggested</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0"> messaging</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW34887734 BCX0">.</span></li> <li style="text-align: left;"><strong>Financial forecasting:</strong> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW97568004 BCX0">AI</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW97568004 BCX0">–</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW97568004 BCX0">generated pipeline forecasting</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW97568004 BCX0"> with AI</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW97568004 BCX0">predict</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW97568004 BCX0">ing</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW97568004 BCX0">financial outcomes helps leaders take the correct next step at the right time.</span></li> </ul> <h3><strong>Thank you, Nacho!</strong></h3> <p> </p> <hr /> <p>AI is undeniably shaping the future of sales and will continue to do so. The golden rule still remains the same: <strong><em>“People buy from people.”</em></strong></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW17318974 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW17318974 BCX0">What do you think about the future of sales with AI? Would you like to see more use cases and feedback from our </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW17318974 BCX0">sellers</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW17318974 BCX0">?</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW17318974 BCX0">Let us know in the comments section below.</span></span></p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Learn more about how Cisco can <a href="https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/artificial-intelligence/index.html">make AI work for you</a>.</em></strong></h2> <div id="share_bar_desktop"> <span class = "share_title">Share</span> <div class="twitter"> <div class = "box"> <a class = "share" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blogs.cisco.com/innovation/how-ai-challenges-sales-to-be-more-human&text=How AI Challenges Sales to Be More Human&via=Cisco" target='_blank' data-config-metrics-group='social_shares' data-config-metrics-title='twitter_shares' data-config-metrics-item='twitter_share'> <img class="share_image" src="https://blogs.cisco.com/wp-content/themes/ciscowordpress-child/svg/share_X_white.svg" alt="share on twitter"></a> </div> </div> <div class="facebook"> <div class = "box"> <a class = "share" href = "http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blogs.cisco.com/innovation/how-ai-challenges-sales-to-be-more-human&title=How AI Challenges Sales to Be More Human" data-config-metrics-group='social_shares' data-config-metrics-title='facebook_shares' data-config-metrics-item='facebook_share' onclick="javascript:window.open(this.href, '', 'menubar=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,height=600,width=600');return false;"><img class="share_image" src="https://blogs.cisco.com/wp-content/themes/ciscowordpress-child/svg/share_fb_white.svg" alt="share on facebook"></a> </div> </div> <div class="linkedin"> <div class = "box"> <a class = "share" href = "https://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?url=https://blogs.cisco.com/innovation/how-ai-challenges-sales-to-be-more-human" data-title=" " data-config-metrics-group='social_shares' data-config-metrics-title='linkedin_shares' data-config-metrics-item='linkedin_share' onclick="javascript:window.open(this.href, '', 'menubar=no,toolbar=no,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,height=600,width=600');return false;"><img class="share_image" src="https://blogs.cisco.com/wp-content/themes/ciscowordpress-child/svg/share_li_white.svg" alt="share on linkedin"></a> </div> </div> <div class = "mail"> <div class = "box"> <a class="share" href="mailto:?subject=Cisco Blog: How AI Challenges Sales to Be More Human&body=I saw this post on Cisco Blogs and thought you might like to read it.%0A%0AHow AI Challenges Sales to Be More Human%0A%0Ahttps://blogs.cisco.com/innovation/how-ai-challenges-sales-to-be-more-human%0A%0A****Disclaimer****%0A%0ACisco is not responsible for the content of this email, and its contents do not necessarily reflect Cisco’s views or opinions. 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