AI Blunders and the Modern Saleswoman: A Cautionary Comedy
Ah, artificial intelligence. It’s the gift that keeps on glitching, the uninvited intern you never knew you hired but somehow is running your email campaigns. For women in sales, AI can be both an asset and a liability, a wingman with questionable judgment. Let’s explore some of the AI blunders that have made us laugh, cry, and scream into the void—and how to navigate this brave new world without completely losing your cool (or your commission).
1. The "Dear [Insert Name Here]" Incident
Nothing says "I care about your business" like an email addressed to "Dear [First Name]." AI-powered automation tools promise personalization at scale, but one rogue variable and you’re the proud sender of 500 emails that read like a mad lib.
How to proceed with caution: Always preview before hitting send. Better yet, run a test email to yourself. Think of it as the email equivalent of checking your teeth for spinach before a big meeting.
2. The Predictive Text Peril
Picture this: You’re typing a heartfelt message to a client, and your AI assistant suggests, “Let’s circle back and touch base,” when what you really meant to say was, “Let’s finalize the deal.” Now you sound like a corporate buzzword generator.
How to proceed with caution: Read every suggestion like it’s a text from your ex. Just because AI suggested it doesn’t mean you should send it.
3. The “Smart” Meeting Scheduler
AI scheduling tools are a godsend… until they send your client an invitation for a 2 a.m. meeting. Time zones? Never heard of them. And let’s not even get started on the "double-booking debacle."
How to proceed with caution: Double-check the details. Yes, even if the tool swears it’s "optimized." Think of it as quality control, not micromanagement.
4. The Sentiment Analysis Slip-Up
AI tools claim they can analyze sentiment and help you understand a client’s mood. But when the tool flags your cheerful follow-up as “negative sentiment,” you start to wonder if AI is just projecting its existential dread.
How to proceed with caution: Trust your gut. No algorithm can replace your intuition and experience. If something feels off, it probably is—and that’s okay.
5. The Social Media Misstep
AI loves to schedule posts at "optimal times," but it doesn’t know when your target audience is at a conference, sleeping, or actively avoiding LinkedIn. And don’t even get me started on AI-generated hashtags. #BusinessLifeFunMoney anyone?
How to proceed with caution: Monitor your posts like a hawk. AI can help with content, but you’re still the curator.
A note from the author: I created this entire post with AI…. and it glitched!!! Was it obvious? Can you tell where it did?!
