These days, automation is all around us. Before they are even visible to you, emails are organized into folders. Chatbots answer consumer inquiries. CRMs enter contact information as soon as a lead visits your website.
Creating proposals has, of course, joined that wave. Faster proposals, more opportunities, and less manual work are all alluring promises. The crucial question is this: at what point can beneficial automation become a relationship killer?
Quality vs quantity: The debate
Does a proposal that is generated automatically have the same weight as one that is created personally with the client in mind?
Yes, you can move more quickly using automation. However, it also eliminates the personal touch.
Consider how your proposal will begin. It is where you demonstrate to the client that you understand their issues and how you plan to address them. This section should not be automated since it is too crucial. No AI system can write it as well as a human who has met the client and is familiar with their problems.
Keep in mind that customers can frequently recognize whether something is generic. Trust is immediately established when they see a proposal that directly addresses their demands.
It's like fishing. Are you casting a wide net and hoping that anything will bite? Or are you meticulously creating a lure in hopes of making that one ideal catch?
You might get more proposals out the door if you cast a wide net. However, the major victories? They typically come from the second strategy.
Time saved vs opportunities lost
Writing a proposal might take a lot of time, let's face it. For some, it takes up hours that could be used for relationship-building or deal-closing. Others view it as a crucial component in understanding the customer and customizing the solution.
Automation will therefore free up your schedule, but there is a cost.
The laziness factor
Over-reliance on automation carries the subtle risk of complacency.
You will lose sight of what the client truly needs if you stop considering each proposal and simply replace names and numbers. Instead of serving as an opportunity to demonstrate your suitability, proposals turn into just another item to mark off your to-do list.
The client perspective
Now imagine yourself in the position of your client. Could you determine whether the proposal you received was generated automatically? You probably would.
As long as it is quick and straightforward, some clients might not care, which is acceptable. Others, however, are searching for indications that you see them. That you paid attention. That you were aware of their difficulties and took time to respond with intention.
Our approach to smart automation
Neither of us is taking sides. Indeed, we strongly support intelligent automation.
To help you save time while maintaining a personal touch, we have developed features like AI proposal builders and RFP auto-responders.
Our AI can assist you in extracting important points from meetings and conversations, for instance, if you have spoken with a potential client. You can easily incorporate them into your proposal with smart personalization.
Finding the right balance
The key to preventing automation from feeling robotic is striking the correct balance between automated and personalized. Here are some tips:
Be selective. Mix it up a bit. Don't abandon automation, but also don't go overboard. Keep important sections personalized.
Categorize. Automation works better on simpler, smaller projects. You would want a more hands-on approach for larger and more complicated deals.
Review regularly. Review your automated processes frequently. This ensures their continued effectiveness and relevance.
Don't forget personal touches. Look for ways to include personal elements. You can demonstrate your concern for your clients with just a brief note or personalized introduction.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, automation can help you stay organized, move more quickly, and seize opportunities as they present themselves. However, it's there to support the personal touch, not to replace it. The real challenge with AI and automation is using them without sacrificing the personal touch that makes your work unique. Therefore, there's no justification for embracing automation completely or avoiding it altogether. It all comes down to striking a balance that benefits you, your clients, and the type of business you want to build.