Prep. Score. Follow-up. Rebook: handled by AI, backed by human outbound & premium content.
Most people confuse AI with automation. ???? But they’re not the same. Automation speeds you up. AI helps you think better. One is a motor. The other is a brain. If you treat them like the same thing, you’ll build a system that’s fast… but dumb. Or clever… but too slow to scale. Here’s the difference: ??Automation is for repeatable tasks: → Instantly sending follow-ups after a sales call → Updating your CRM without lifting a finger → Triggering a nurture sequence when a lead ghosted ?? AI is for higher-order thinking: → Summarizing a 30-minute call in 3 bullet points → Personalizing content based on ICP and objections → Suggesting which warm leads to prioritize next Automation = time. AI = judgment. The best sales teams don’t pick one. They use both where it matters most. Because speed without smarts? That’s just spam. And intelligence without execution? That’s just a strategy deck collecting dust. Are you building both into your pipeline or are you still trying to scale with memory and muscle? ?? Curious how others are using both right now? Let’s open up the playbooks.
Such a clear breakdown. We throw the word AI around so loosely, but this explains the real difference in a way that actually sticks. Loved this.
This nails it: AI and automation serve different roles but need to work together. Automation clears the busywork, AI brings strategy and nuance.
AI and automation have different roles in the workflow, but when used together, they become a powerhouse. Thanks for sharing this insight, Craig Stern.
Most folks chase speed and forget about judgment. But if your system can’t think, it can’t sell. Balance is what actually moves the needle long term.
This is so on point. Most founders I know are stuck either over-automating without context or overthinking every move without systems to scale. The real magic? When AI makes your sales smarter and automation keeps it moving. We’ve started using AI to qualify leads faster and automation to never miss a beat in follow-ups, game changer. Love this breakdown.
This is such a clear and powerful distinction. Automation gets things done; AI helps you decide what should get done.
Craig Stern → while automation multiplies effort, AI enhances judgment, and lasting advantage comes from knowing precisely when to apply each ??
When teams rely too much on speed, they end up repeating the same moves louder instead of questioning whether those moves still make sense. Craig Stern
Love how you framed AI and automation as partners, not substitutes
??Join the cohort | I help overworked corporate pros 35+ rewire ambition and design freedom and new income paths | ex-Accenture, PwC
5 小时前Balancing automation with AI sharpens judgment while accelerating action, creating space for trust and growth without sacrificing thoughtful support. Thanks for putting this out there, Craig.