The most powerful ways AI agents will accelerate sales and marketing teams

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve beyond basic generative tools, AI agents are emerging as sophisticated systems capable of autonomously handling complex, multi-step tasks across sales operations and business processes. These agents are particularly transformative in the sales industry, where they can manage everything from initial lead qualification to administrative tasks while complementing human salespeople’s relationship-building abilities.

Current state of AI agents: AI agents represent the next evolution beyond generative AI tools, capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks autonomously without human intervention.

• Unlike task-specific generative AI tools, AI agents can handle multiple types of tasks simultaneously while making independent decisions
• Companies are developing AI agents to streamline operations and enhance productivity
• Jotform is currently developing its own AI agent focused on improving user experience

Key applications in sales: AI agents offer significant potential to enhance sales operations while complementing rather than replacing human salespeople.

• 24/7 customer engagement capabilities allow real-time response to customer inquiries at any hour
• AI agents can conduct video calls, share screens, and personalize interactions with customers
• Customers often feel more comfortable asking questions to AI agents compared to human representatives

Lead generation and qualification: AI agents can autonomously manage the early stages of the sales pipeline.

• Proactively engage with website visitors and potential customers
• Schedule demos and follow-up meetings with human sales representatives
• Evaluate and qualify leads based on interactions and collected data
• Simultaneously handle multiple tasks like chatting, qualifying leads, and scheduling

Data-driven forecasting: AI agents enhance sales forecasting through continuous data collection and analysis.

• Gather real-time data about customer needs, preferences, and timelines through interactive conversations
• Automatically update sales records and refine forecasts
• Follow up with leads and maintain pipeline momentum
• Enable more accurate revenue projections and pipeline management

Administrative automation: AI agents can handle routine tasks to free up sales teams for high-value activities.

• Automatically update CRM records based on customer interactions
• Coordinate calendars and schedule meetings
• Send personalized follow-up emails
• Manage administrative aspects of closing deals

Future implications: While AI agents show promise in enhancing sales operations, their true value lies in augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them, allowing sales teams to focus on relationship building and strategic activities that require human insight and creativity.