But it’ll absolutely torch the ones who think “relationship building” means sending LinkedIn connection requests with zero personalization.
You know the type. Still manually updating CRMs like it’s 1997. Spending 3 hours crafting follow-up emails that sound like they were written by a compliance lawyer. Using “hope this email finds you well” unironically.
Here’s your survival guide:
Step 1: Figure out what AI can already do better than you. Spoiler alert – it’s probably 60% or more of your current tasks. The research, first drafts, data entry, scheduling gymnastics. Let it handle that stuff.
Step 2: Double down on what makes you irreplaceable. Reading between the lines on a discovery call. Knowing when to shut up and let the prospect sell themselves. Navigating office politics to find the real decision maker.
AI can write a proposal. It can’t visit and look someone in the eye and know they’re lying about budget.
AI can qualify leads. It can’t grab drinks with a prospect and find out their CEO is getting divorced and making terrible decisions.
The sellers crushing it next year? They’re the ones using AI to handle the busywork so they can spend more time doing actual selling.
The ones getting replaced? Still arguing about whether CRM updates are “relationship building.”
Choose wisely.
