Artificial intelligence in business is no longer a future concept; it is a present reality reshaping how companies operate. From automating routine tasks to helping sales teams personalize outreach, AI brings greater efficiency and smarter decision-making. The market for AI technologies is vast, amounting to around 244 billion U.S. dollars in 2025 and is expected to grow well beyond that to over 800 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, reflecting rapid adoption across industries (Statista). In this article, we explore key ways AI is transforming sales, lead generation, and overall operations.
The current role of artificial intelligence in business
The usage of artificial intelligence in business has expanded rapidly, offering diverse tools that adapt to different industries and company needs. In sales, the most common types of AI in use are generative AI, prescriptive AI, and cognitive AI. Each plays a distinct role in helping sales teams increase efficiency and improve results.
- Generative AI focuses on creating content and automating communication tasks. It can generate personalized emails, summarize sales calls, and draft follow-up messages. By automating these repetitive tasks, generative AI frees up salespeople’s time to concentrate on building relationships and strategic activities.
- Prescriptive AI recommends the best course of action based on data analysis. This type of AI helps sales teams prioritize leads, plan follow-ups, and optimize workflows. For instance, in Spain, a typical B2B salesperson in a small or medium-sized company spends about three hours daily on administrative tasks and outreach efforts that could often be automated or better targeted. Prescriptive AI can significantly reduce this time by automating routine processes and suggesting optimal actions.
- Cognitive AI mimics human thinking by analyzing vast amounts of data to detect patterns and understand customer behavior. It enables highly personalized interactions by anticipating client needs and preferences.
By combining these types of AI, sales teams can shift their focus from time-consuming manual tasks to high-impact activities that drive growth. AI not only improves operational efficiency but also supports smarter decision-making and deeper customer engagement.
How to implement Artificial Intelligence in business?
Implementing artificial intelligence in a business starts with identifying where it can bring the most value. In general, AI is used to simplify repetitive tasks, speed up decision-making, and improve the accuracy of business processes. Implementing artificial intelligence in a business starts with identifying where it can bring the most value. In general, AI is used to simplify repetitive tasks, speed up decision-making, and improve the accuracy of business processes. In fact, nearly half (49%) of technology leaders in PwC’s October 2024 Pulse Survey said AI is fully integrated into their company’s core business strategy.
For most companies, the first step is understanding what data they already have and which processes take too much time or rely heavily on manual work. From customer support to inventory management or marketing, almost every area can benefit from some type of AI.
To start implementing AI in your business:
- Define the problem you're trying to solve. Whether it’s improving response times, qualifying leads faster, or reducing time spent on manual tasks, clarity is essential. The more specific the goal, the easier it will be to identify the right AI solution.
- Identify repetitive workflows. Look across your operations for tasks that follow predictable patterns, like sending follow-up messages, updating CRM fields or qualifying responses. These are usually the first processes that can be automated.
- Start with one clear use case. Avoid trying to automate everything at once. Focus on a single process with measurable results, such as automating LinkedIn outreach or enriching contact data.
- Choose tools with proven results. Go for solutions that are already working in your industry. For B2B sales on LinkedIn, for example, Neety helps automate personalized messaging and qualifies leads in real time.
- Monitor results and improve the process. AI works best when it's reviewed regularly and adjusted based on real performance. Track key metrics and refine your approach to get the most out of it.
Practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in business
There are many ways to incorporate artificial intelligence in business, depending on the industry and specific goals. From automating routine tasks to improving customer interactions, AI adapts to different needs and sectors.
Lead Generation
Lead generation is the process of identifying and attracting potential customers who fit your ideal profile. It focuses on collecting relevant information to create a list of prospects that can later be nurtured into clients. For example, a marketing company might use this technique to find businesses looking to improve their digital presence or to run paid media campaigns.
Message Automation
Creating personalized messages based on LinkedIn data like job role, industry, and recent interactions helps businesses engage prospects quickly. Automated messaging avoids generic outreach by adapting each message to the contact’s profile, boosting response rates. Follow-ups keep conversations active without manual effort, saving time and increasing connections. For example, a B2B software company can automatically send tailored messages to IT managers and decision-makers in target industries.
Automated Lead Analysis
Another common application of artificial intelligence in business is qualifying leads. By defining your ideal customer or buyer persona, AI can analyze existing leads to identify the best matches for a product or service. This allows sales teams to focus on prospects with higher chances of conversion, optimizing their time and efforts.
For example, an insurance company can quickly identify leads with greater potential to buy by analyzing data such as company size, industry sector, and other relevant attributes, enabling a more targeted and effective outreach.
Contact enrichment
AI enriches contact lists by adding essential details like phone numbers and emails, making outreach more effective. For example, a recruitment company can quickly obtain the contact information needed to connect with the right candidates.
Take the first step to implement artificial intelligence in your business and unlock new opportunities for growth.