Weekly Newsletter - 04.09.2024

Balancing technology and human skills in sales enablement

Author

The FinLearn
September 04, 2024

AI in Sales

Let’s talk AI in sales. It’s the shiny new tool everyone’s raving about, with promises of a 20-50% revenue boost in just a few quarters.

Sounds like a no-brainer, right there?

But here’s the thing - those results won’t just roll in because you’ve added AI to your process.

Salesforce recently found that 58% of sales pros are banking on AI to save them time—potentially freeing up 4.5 hours a week. But the big question is, are you actually seeing those kinds of results? Or is AI just another thing on your to-do list?

So, curious to see how AI can make your sales process smoother, smarter, and a whole lot more effective? From prepping for discovery calls to nailing proposals, and even simplifying those tricky compensation plans, we’ve got you covered. Plus, there’s some advice on getting your team onboard with AI—because let’s face it, new tech can be a bit intimidating.

Sales Strategy

The article emphasizes the importance of balancing technology with human skills in sales enablement. While technological advancements like AI and CRM systems enhance efficiency, soft skills and emotional intelligence remain crucial for building relationships and understanding customer needs. Organizations should integrate both to create effective, engaging sales strategies.

Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI offers new opportunities for L&D but requires careful planning. Key considerations include ensuring value, data protection, human oversight, and authenticity. GenAI can enhance learning experiences but must be used responsibly, with human involvement to maintain quality and ethics.

Business Strategy

To elevate their role from transactional order-takers to strategic business partners, learning professionals must adopt a business-focused mindset. This shift involves seeing themselves as business leaders with learning expertise, aligning their projects with organizational goals, and navigating company culture and politics effectively. By doing so, they ensure that their contributions are integral to the business's success.

Strategic business partners are proactive, inserting themselves into key conversations to understand the business better and identify where learning can have the most significant impact. They create overarching strategies and make recommendations before being asked, ensuring their efforts are always aligned with business needs.

Adding value is a constant priority for these leaders. They exceed expectations by integrating their expertise into every project and focusing on scalable solutions. This approach educates the organization on the full capabilities of the learning team, ensuring that their value continues to grow.

Collaboration is essential for strategic business partners. They engage with various stakeholders to maximize the effectiveness of every project, breaking down silos and encouraging cross-functional communication. By equipping others to act as trainers or mentors, they ensure that learning and development are embedded throughout the organization. This comprehensive approach significantly increases the impact and contributions of learning teams.

Finance Compliance

The 2024 State of Embedded Finance Report reveals that 80% of U.S. sponsor banks struggle with compliance, despite embedded finance generating over 50% of their revenue. Increased regulatory scrutiny has led to significant financial and reputational losses. Banks are investing in compliance technology to address these challenges.

Finance Strategy

Integrated Business Planning (IBP) aligns finance with broader business functions, enhancing forecasting, decision-making, and strategic alignment. Originating from Sales and Operations Planning, IBP breaks down silos, integrates cross-functional insights, and supports dynamic, accurate financial planning. Embracing IBP and Extended Planning & Analysis (xP&A) positions FP&A professionals as strategic business drivers.