How do you automate and streamline your sales funnel processes?

It all starts with data. So CRM is step one as it will allow you to store data on your customers and pipeline. A crucial thing to consider is integration. You need a CRM that allows web hooks and API, as you will hit a ceiling pretty fast on the automation side if your different tools cannot communicate. Since AI is exploding, and innovation in this field is so fast, I recommend keeping your tools flexible. I wouldn't overpay for an all-in-one platform. I wouldn't commit to a yearly plan either if possible. And before buying anything, test manually. If you automate too fast, you will create bottlenecks in your funnel and won’t be able to identify what they are as you don’t know what works yet.

Proper use of the CRM will make this easier. But you also need to train your team to use it, trust it and be regimented in that use. Guide prospects from awareness to purchase and becoming ambassadors. By implementing CRM software and automation tools, you can track and nurture leads efficiently, reducing manual tasks and accelerating deal closure. Mapping out your funnel stages helps with more proactive decision-making, optimisation and scalability in your sales operations.

use of your CRM and clearly defining your pipeline funnel stages is crucial, especially if you're running a team and need to know where you are at any given time. In my experience, organisations not paying close attention right off the bat to the buyer journey, the stages of that journey and mapping that out for a new business team will only lead to chaos and ultimately, failure. HubSpot have always been pretty hot on this stuff but it's Prospecting 1.01 really - get it wrong and you're in for a confusing old time with it.

Having been on LinkedIn since 2005, I've seen the rise in the importance of decent content, Sure, the algorithm rewards different things at different times and those trying to second guess it never can. I would agree that if you make very best efforts to educate and engage, you won't go far wrong in attracting your prospects to that conversation, ESPECIALLY when you gear that content or conversation around problems they might face on a daily basis in their business.

One little piece of advice here: don't build on quicksand. Start manually. Validate what works. Once you know, automate. There's no point in scalling a bad workflow with automation. You won't be able to diagnose the root cause behind your customer acquisition issues if you have too many unknown variables at the same time. With the rise of AI, quality vs. quantity is also the name of the game, so I would leave the more crucial customer touchpoints manual.

I see more and more automation on outreach right now - some fantastic and some of it, frankly dreadful. Automation workflows can be incredibly useful in streamlining sales processes, ensuring timely responses and consistent engagement. By automating actions based on specific triggers, such as sign-ups or downloads, we new biz professionals can efficiently nurture leads through the sales funnel. It can save mountains of time and enhances effectiveness while maintaining a personalised touch. I want to do a lot more on this in my business over the next 12 months but it needs to be SLICK.