Artificial intelligence can write, analyze information, generate ideas, and help us work faster. But these impressive capabilities don't answer the most important question facing any organization: What are we trying to accomplish?
As AI becomes more accessible, it's tempting to start with the technology rather than the business need. We discover a new platform, see an impressive demonstration, and immediately ask where we can use it. Yet without clear purpose, activity can easily be mistaken for progress.
More output doesn't necessarily mean more value. A faster process matters only when it produces better outcomes.
Perhaps customers need better answers. Employees spend too much time searching for information. Teams struggle to turn data into decisions. These challenges should guide our exploration of AI.
Instead of asking, “How can we use AI?” ask, “Where can AI help us achieve our goals, and how will we measure success?”
This approach encourages purposeful experimentation while recognizing that human judgment remains essential. AI can suggest solutions, but people must evaluate them. It can produce confident answers, but accuracy must be verified. It can accelerate work, but people remain accountable for the results.
Successful AI adoption requires more than mastering prompts. It demands clear expectations, thoughtful oversight, and honest evaluation.
Identify one recurring task connected to a meaningful objective. Establish what success looks like, test an AI-assisted approach, measure the results, and refine the process.
The Business Report AI Academy helps leaders develop this discipline, building the understanding, confidence, and practical skills to identify opportunities and implement AI responsibly.
Technology will continue to evolve. What remains constant is the importance of purpose, sound judgment, and measurable results.
Learn more and register for the next AI Leadership Academy at brleadershipacademy.com/ai-academy.
There’s a 99% chance the person you’re talking to doesn’t want to be sold.
Even in a sales pitch meeting.
Even if they are in the market to buy.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of people who don’t want to be sold: a person you’re meeting for the first time at your neighborhood holiday party; the other parents at your kid’s soccer game; the person on the mat next to you at Pilates.
Not even professionals you meet at networking functions want to be sold.
However, people do like to buy. Regardless of what you sell, someone needs it, and when that person needs to make a purchase or secure a new service provider or find a new business partner, they want to work with someone they know, like, and trust.
This is your goal as a sales or business development professional – make meaningful connections, so that when someone needs the thing you provide, they know you, like you, and trust you.
The way we do this is by taking a genuine interest in the people we meet – learning what they have to share. The way this translates into potential revenue is through sharing what we have to offer, at the appropriate time, enthusiastically and authentically.
We love sharers. It’s one of the first lessons we learn in kindergarten. In business, and particularly in sales, we should shift our mindset from selling to sharing.
Does your product solve a problem? Share that.
Do you offer a commonly needed service at a better rate or with higher quality results? Share that.
Do you have an offering that createsdelight or comfort or beauty? Share that!
People don’t want to know what you have to sell. They want to know what you have to share.
Selling is about the seller. Sharing is about the relationship. Your neighbors and gym buddies are more likely to keep you around long enough to build trust (that possibly, eventually translates into sales) if their experience with you is shared, not sold.
Learn more and register for the upcoming Selling Academy Boot Camp at brleadershipacademy.com/selling-academy.