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In this episode, Tom Burton and Carson Heady explore how artificial intelligence is transforming sales in real, practical ways. While AI offers powerful tools to plan smarter, personalize outreach, and even recover stalled deals, the human element remains central to success.

With insights drawn from their experience working with sales teams at Microsoft, Tom and Carson break down each phase of the sales cycle planning, prospecting, forecasting, and customer engagement and show how AI can augment, not replace, authentic relationship-building.

If you want to stay relevant and effective as the sales landscape evolves, this episode is your playbook.

What we discussed:

1. Smarter Sales Planning with AI

AI can analyze your pipeline, uncover gaps, and spotlight high-potential accounts.

It helps you plan your year or quarter with data-backed insights rather than guesswork, identifying where to invest your efforts for the biggest returns.

2. Personalized Prospecting and Outreach

By scanning LinkedIn profiles, company info, and recent news, AI crafts tailored messages and subject lines designed to increase open and response rates.

But Tom stresses: AI drafts the message you add the personal tone and relevance that build trust.

3. Data-Driven Forecasting

Forget adding arbitrary percentage increases to last year’s sales. AI can process historical data and industry benchmarks to help build forecasts that are both ambitious and achievable.

This brings more credibility and accuracy to your sales planning.

4. Handling Ghosting and Tough Conversations

When prospects go quiet or hesitate, AI can help draft empathetic, clear follow-ups that acknowledge their concerns and reduce the perceived risk of moving forward.

These messages open doors to honest conversations and keep deals moving.

5. Balancing Automation with Authenticity

Ultimately, the episode highlights a vital truth: AI boosts efficiency, but it can’t replace empathy, insight, or the human connection.

Your unique voice and understanding of your customer’s needs remain the biggest competitive advantage.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s here and changing how we sell. But success isn’t about replacing the human touch; it’s about combining AI’s power with your authentic relationship-building skills.

Tom and Carson’s advice offers a roadmap for sales pros who want to stay effective, relevant, and indispensable in an AI-driven world.

Don't miss out, your next big idea could be just one episode away!

This Show is sponsored by Fist Bump
Your prospecting partner to authentically fill your pipeline with ideal customers.

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