Leveraging AI to Improve Sales and Customer Support with Thomas Ryan of Bigly Sales

The Accidental Entrepreneur

Summary: In this episode, Mitch Beinhaker interviews Thomas Ryan, the founder of Bigly Sales, about his background and the development of AI and CRM systems. Thomas shares his experience in the staffing industry and how it led him to create a CRM system to automate outreach and improve efficiency. However, he faced challenges in finding product-market fit and dealing with fraud and security issues. Despite these obstacles, Thomas continues to innovate and provide solutions for small businesses. In this part of the conversation, Thomas Ryan discusses the theft and cybersecurity issues he faced while running a tech company. He emphasizes the importance of protecting against cybercrime and the need for secure systems. The conversation then shifts to the implementation of AI in sales processes, with Thomas explaining how Bigly Sales uses AI to automate communications and improve customer interactions. He highlights the benefits of AI in increasing closing ratios and reducing the need for salespeople. The discussion concludes with a focus on the rise of AI in sales and customer support and its potential impact on traditional roles. In this conversation, Thomas Ryan discusses the impact of automation and AI on various industries. He explains that as technology advances, many jobs that involve tasks done on a computer, such as data gathering and research, will be replaced by automation. The need for lawyers, accountants, and other specialized professionals may also decrease. However, Ryan notes that the highest echelon of expertise will still be necessary. He emphasizes that AI can streamline sales organizations and customer support, providing faster, better, and cheaper service with perfect information.

Takeaways

• CRM systems can greatly improve efficiency and automate outreach for businesses.
• Small businesses should consider using CRM systems to track customer interactions and improve sales processes.
• Fraud and security issues are common in the CRM industry, and businesses need to implement measures to protect their data.
• Continuous innovation is necessary to adapt to changing market needs and overcome challenges. Cybersecurity is crucial for tech companies to protect against theft and cybercrime.
• AI can be implemented in sales processes to automate communications and improve customer interactions.
• AI can increase closing ratios and reduce the need for salespeople.
• The rise of AI in sales and customer support may impact traditional roles.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Sponsorships

04:08 Background and the Birth of Bigly Sales

08:02 Transition to AI and CRM Systems

16:24 Challenges in the CRM Industry

23:10 Fraud and Security Issues

31:05 Theft and Cybersecurity

37:45 Implementing AI in Sales Processes

40:12 Building Bigly Sales

50:16 The Rise of AI in Sales and Customer Support

59:19 The Impact on Salespeople and Support Staff

01:01:02 Automation and Job Displacement

01:02:12 Benefits of AI in Sales and Customer Support