AI Won't Replace You But It Might Help You Show Up

Photo by Jeb Gambardella

Business development is still about curiosity, follow-up, and staying visible. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is how efficiently we can do those things if we’re willing to experiment. AI won’t do the work for you, but it can remove friction and help you move faster.
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Professionals who integrate AI into their BD routines are freeing up time, staying more visible, and following through more consistently without having to work harder or become “tech people.”

​Here are a few areas where I’m seeing AI make a real difference:

• Faster follow-up
  I still see too many professionals drop the ball on follow-up. Whether it’s after a meeting, a conference, or a casual connection, delays in follow-up can weaken momentum and signal disinterest. AI tools can generate a thoughtful, customized email draft in seconds, helping you stay timely and present without overthinking every word. Consistent follow-up isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a core part of building trust.
• Smarter outreach preparation
  I’ve said it a hundred times: a little bit of prep before a BD meeting goes a long way. AI tools can now scan a client’s website, LinkedIn profile, and recent news to pull out conversation starters and relevant insights. It’s not about “sounding smart”; it’s about showing you care enough to understand who they are and what they’re dealing with. That kind of curiosity stands out.
• More relevant personalization
  When professionals hear “personalized outreach,” they often think it means writing a brand-new message for each person, which quickly becomes unsustainable. But AI makes it easier to tailor messages for different audiences or industries without starting from scratch. You can adjust tone, highlight different value points, or reference something timely while keeping your outreach efficient and authentic. Personalization is less about perfection and more about showing intention.
• Content creation support
  If you want to build credibility and stay top of mind in your network, you have to show up regularly, and that means sharing ideas. LinkedIn, email updates, or client alerts are powerful tools for building awareness, but many professionals get stuck trying to write something “brilliant.” AI can help you outline a post, organize your thoughts, or refine a rough draft. It won’t replace your perspective, but it will help you get out of your own way and publish more consistently.

​The real power of AI isn’t in replacing professionals; it’s in removing the friction that keeps them from showing up. It’s about clearing the path so you can spend more time having real conversations, following through, and staying visible.
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The professionals gaining traction right now aren’t the ones who know the most about AI; they’re the ones using it just enough to stay out of their own way.