Innovation and Technology
AI Agents Are Your New Coworkers
AI Agents Are Your New Coworkers
The Evolution of AI-Powered Assistants
AI-powered assistants are firmly embedded in B2B technologies and workflows, engaging prospects and customers in conversations across channels and automating back-end tasks to improve marketing and sales productivity. They’ve facilitated and learned from billions of interactions with prospects, customers, and go-to-market teams. Now they’re smarter, capable of functioning at a higher level, and gaining autonomy as adoption increases and agentic AI capabilities evolve.
The Rise of Agentic AI
While most AI “agents” on the market now are not truly agentic, today’s AI assistants are rapidly evolving into tomorrow’s agents, with increasing levels of autonomy and adaptability. Specialized AI agents will further enhance digital experiences and support the work of human teams across functions. Within three years, agentic AI will impact every area of the business for both buyer and seller, transforming human and nonhuman interactions throughout the purchasing journey and post-sale customer experience.
The Benefits of AI Coworkers
AI coworkers such as virtual assistants, agents, copilots, and autonomous workplace assistants continuously learn to analyze, interpret, and take action on data in context of the systems and processes used to communicate and get work done. Already, 83% of automation decision-makers at B2B and B2B2C organizations expecting to accelerate their investment in AI agents or digital coworker technologies in the next 12 months say that genAI capabilities would have a greater impact on their investment decision, according to Forrester’s Automation Survey, 2024.
How AI Agents Can Help
- Improve marketing’s ability to remove friction for buyers and customers. Prospect- and customer-facing AI agents play a crucial role in meeting modern B2B buyers where they are in the complex purchasing journey and enabling the next step. These AI coworkers empower self-directed buying, acting as a personalized concierge that understands, guides, and supports buyers and customers across delivery channels and modalities. In some scenarios, the AI agent itself will act as the customer.
- Increase efficiency and effectiveness in sales prospecting and opportunity management. AI agents act as an extension of revenue teams, automating outreach while working in the background to coordinate and schedule meetings, provide feedback and coaching through role-play, and forecast deals. Agentic process automation will enable B2B organizations to sense and respond to more nuanced buying signals from natural language interactions to help progress opportunities and increase win rates.
- Elevate product innovation and guided experiences. With computer use capabilities, AI agents will become the new digital experience and software product end users, accessing and using interfaces just as a human would. You should already be considering the agent UX in addition to the opportunity for product-led growth companies to deliver more personalized, self-serve experiences in their products. AI agents will be instrumental in monitoring and influencing product value recognition.
Orchestrating AI Agents
With multiple AI agents in play across marketing, product, and sales, orchestration will be critical: They need to cooperate with one another to plan and take action on multistep processes, choreograph their sequences of steps within those processes, share data and generated outputs in real time, and resolve any conflicting next-action recommendations.
Conclusion
B2B organizations that embrace AI agents and agentic processes to create better experiences for their buyers, customers, and partners — and their internal teams —will outperform their competitors and create long-term, sustainable growth. By leveraging AI agents, organizations can improve marketing, sales, and product innovation, ultimately leading to increased efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
FAQs
What is agentic AI? Agentic AI refers to the increasing autonomy and adaptability of AI-powered assistants, which will enable them to function at a higher level and make decisions independently.
How will AI agents impact B2B organizations? AI agents will transform human and nonhuman interactions throughout the purchasing journey and post-sale customer experience, improving marketing, sales, and product innovation.
What are the benefits of AI coworkers? AI coworkers will continuously learn to analyze, interpret, and take action on data, improving marketing and sales productivity, and enhancing digital experiences and supporting the work of human teams across functions.
Innovation and Technology
5 Powerful Prompts To Try Today
ChatGPT’s Groundbreaking New Scheduled Tasks Feature
ChatGPT just launched a new feature that, alongside OpenAI’s groundbreaking Operator agent, signals a future where AI is far more capable than today.
Tasks let users schedule actions to be carried out in the future or at regular intervals. While Operator can actively browse the web and complete complex tasks independently, Scheduled Tasks focuses on automated, time-based interactions.
What Are ChatGPT Scheduled Tasks?
The concept is pretty straightforward – Tasks lets us schedule prompts to be run in the future or at regular intervals, such as once a day, then wait for the results to be relayed back to us by notification or email.
What makes it exciting is that it’s part of OpenAI’s broader initiative to create truly autonomous AI assistants. While Operator handles real-time web interactions, Scheduled Tasks manages time-based automations – both representing different aspects of AI working independently on our behalf.
How To Use Scheduled Tasks
At the moment, Tasks are only available to users with a paid ChatGPT Plus, Pro or Teams subscription.
To get started, just click your profile picture and select Tasks, or select ChatGPT With Scheduled Tasks from the drop-down Model menu. OpenAI has created a page with more detailed instructions, including how to set up push notifications, on its website here.
Five Helpful Ways To Start Using Scheduled Tasks Today
Personalized Morning Weather And Travel Briefing
This prompt sends helpful daily updates before you leave the house:
Every morning at 7 am, provide me with a weather report for [my location] as well as a travel report covering disruption on any local roads or transport networks, for the current day only.
Create Topical Social Media Posts For A Business
Finding ideas for social media posts can eat into your valuable time, particularly if you’re running a business by yourself:
At 9 am every day, please generate the text for a social media post for my [insert type of business]. It should relate to something topical connected to my business and should either promote the importance of the products and services we supply or educate or inform the customer about something of interest to them.
Create A Personalized To-Do List, With Reminders
This will help you organize your day and keep track of jobs you need to get done:
Every day at 8 am, ask me what tasks I need to get done that aren’t already on my list. Generate a list of all my ongoing tasks along with tips to help me get them done. Remove tasks from my list as I tell you I’ve completed them.
Keep Up-To-Date On Topics That Matter To You
News briefings on any subject you want:
Every morning at 7 am, send me the latest news and content on the subject of [insert subject].
Meal Planning
Create a customized meal plan for the week:
Every Monday at 9 am, send me a weekly meal plan consisting of seven healthy dinners for a family of [insert family size] and provide a shopping list of all the ingredients I’ll need, broken down into categories.
Towards AI Agents?
We’re already seeing OpenAI’s vision of agentic AI taking shape. While Scheduled Tasks handles time-based automations, Operator demonstrates more advanced capabilities – actively browsing the web, making decisions, and completing complex tasks independently.
The Scheduled Tasks feature may be in beta, but combined with Operator, we can see OpenAI’s roadmap emerging. Future versions might integrate these capabilities – imagine scheduling an Operator task to automatically book your favorite restaurant every Friday or having it monitor prices and purchase items when they go on sale.
This integration would move OpenAI’s technology well beyond simply answering questions and giving advice. With Operator already handling web-based tasks and Scheduled Tasks managing time-based automations, we’re watching the evolution of AI into truly useful everyday assistants that can work independently on our behalf.
Conclusion
ChatGPT’s Scheduled Tasks feature is a significant step towards the creation of truly autonomous AI assistants. By scheduling actions to be carried out in the future or at regular intervals, users can automate AI interactions even while offline, marking a significant step toward agentic AI.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible for the Scheduled Tasks feature?
A: The feature is currently only available to users with a paid ChatGPT Plus, Pro or Teams subscription.
Q: How do I get started with Scheduled Tasks?
A: To get started, click your profile picture and select Tasks, or select ChatGPT With Scheduled Tasks from the drop-down Model menu.
Q: Can I integrate Scheduled Tasks with other AI capabilities?
A: Yes, Scheduled Tasks can be integrated with Operator to create even more advanced AI capabilities.
Q: Is Scheduled Tasks in beta?
A: Yes, the feature is currently in beta and may have some limitations. OpenAI will continue to update and refine the feature as it moves forward.
Innovation and Technology
The Gap Widens Between Large and Small Companies
Can Large Corporations Still Innovate?
Debunking the Myth of Displacement
Research and news headlines are replete with the idea that traditional large companies can’t innovate, and that smaller digital companies will render many larger ones extinct. While we’ve seen numerous startups of the last thirty years not only disrupt businesses but become the megacorporations of today, we wondered whether this disruption is accelerating with the momentum of digital revolution. In particular, we wanted to see whether large established corporations are being increasingly displaced by new technologies, or whether they’re actually leveraging digital and other new technologies to innovate and grow.
Corporate Innovation: Not a Lost Art
Many traditional large corporations have successfully adapted to the digital era, embracing innovation and technology to stay ahead of the competition. In fact, a significant number of these corporations have created entirely new businesses or acquired innovative startups to fuel growth. This demonstrates that size alone is no barrier to innovation and that even large corporations can transform themselves to meet the changing market landscape.
Leveraging Technology
Large corporations are leveraging various digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to drive innovation. They are using these technologies to create new products, services, and business models that meet the evolving needs of customers. Moreover, they are applying these technologies to streamline processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experience.
A Case in Point: Traditional Banking
The banking industry is an excellent example of a traditional large corporation adapting to the digital age. Many established banks have transformed themselves to remain competitive, acquiring fintech companies and investing heavily in digital technology. Today, digital banking services are an essential part of their offerings, with mobile banking apps, online trading platforms, and contactless payments becoming the norm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our research has shown that traditional large corporations can indeed innovate, leveraging digital and other new technologies to stay ahead of the curve. Rather than being displaced, these corporations have adapted to the changing landscape, embracing innovation to drive growth and stay competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are traditional large corporations really becoming extinct?
A: No, our research indicates that traditional large corporations are adapting to the digital era and continuing to innovate and grow.
Q: What is driving this change?
A: The widespread adoption of digital technologies, such as AI, cloud computing, and IoT, is driving innovation across all industries.
Q: What role do digital technologies play in corporate innovation?
A: Digital technologies are being used by corporations to create new products, services, and business models, streamline processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experience.
Q: What can we expect to see in the future?
A: We expect to see more traditional large corporations continuing to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape, leveraging digital and other new technologies to stay competitive and drive growth.
Innovation and Technology
Education and Digital Inclusion
Introduction: Technology for Social Change
Technology has the power to transform the way we live, work, and learn. In today’s digital age, it is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for social change. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that we harness its potential to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities it provides.
The Digital Divide: A Growing Concern
The digital divide is a growing concern worldwide, with millions of people lacking access to the internet and digital tools. This divide not only limits access to information and opportunities but also perpetuates social and economic inequalities. In many parts of the world, digital exclusion is a reality, and it is often exacerbated by factors such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education.
Education and Digital Inclusion: The Connection
Education is a powerful tool for social change, and digital inclusion is a critical component of this process. Education provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world, access information, and participate in the global economy. By providing equal access to digital technologies, we can empower individuals to improve their lives, build better futures, and contribute to a more equitable and just society.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
Despite the many benefits of digital inclusion, there are significant challenges to overcome. These include:
- Lack of infrastructure: In many parts of the world, infrastructure is limited, making it difficult to access the internet and digital tools.
- Cost: Digital devices and internet access can be expensive, making it difficult for low-income individuals to afford.
- Lack of digital literacy: Many people lack the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use digital technologies.
Opportunities
Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities for digital inclusion:
- Mobile devices: Mobile devices have made it possible for people to access the internet and digital tools, even in areas with limited infrastructure.
- Low-cost internet: Low-cost internet options are becoming increasingly available, making it more affordable for people to access the internet.
- Digital literacy programs: Many organizations are offering digital literacy programs, providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use digital technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, education and digital inclusion are critical components of social change. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that we prioritize digital inclusion and ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities it provides. By addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities, we can build a brighter future for all.
FAQs
What is digital inclusion?
Digital inclusion is the process of ensuring that everyone has equal access to digital technologies and the internet. This includes providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use digital technologies.
What are the benefits of digital inclusion?
The benefits of digital inclusion include:
- Improved access to information and opportunities
- Increased economic opportunities
- Greater social inclusion
How can we achieve digital inclusion?
We can achieve digital inclusion by:
- Providing low-cost internet options
- Offering digital literacy programs
- Improving infrastructure
What is the impact of digital exclusion?
The impact of digital exclusion can be significant, including:
- Limited access to information and opportunities
- Perpetuation of social and economic inequalities
- Increased social exclusion
-
Career Advice2 months ago
Interview with Dr. Kristy K. Taylor, WORxK Global News Magazine Founder
-
Diversity and Inclusion (DEIA)2 months ago
Sarah Herrlinger Talks AirPods Pro Hearing Aid
-
Career Advice2 months ago
NetWork Your Way to Success: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Professional Network
-
Diversity and Inclusion (DEIA)2 months ago
The Power of Belonging: Why Feeling Accepted Matters in the Workplace
-
Global Trends and Politics2 months ago
Health-care stocks fall after Warren PBM bill, Brian Thompson shooting
-
Changemaker Interviews4 weeks ago
Unlocking Human Potential: Kim Groshek’s Journey to Transforming Leadership and Stress Resilience
-
Global Trends and Politics2 months ago
Unionization Goes Mainstream: How the Changing Workforce is Driving Demand for Collective Bargaining
-
Training and Development2 months ago
Level Up: How Upskilling Can Help You Stay Ahead of the Curve in a Rapidly Changing Industry