Microsoft is stepping up its game in the sales world with the introduction of two new AI-powered sales agents for Microsoft 365 Copilot. These smart tools are designed to streamline the entire sales process, from identifying potential customers to sealing the deal. Let's take a closer look at how these AI agents are set to change the way businesses handle sales.

Meet the New AI Sales Agents

Microsoft's latest AI sales agents are making their debut in a public preview this May. They are built to work seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Salesforce CRM systems. The first of these agents, the Sales Agent, is all about efficiency. It can autonomously transform contacts into qualified leads by doing things like researching prospects, scheduling meetings, and keeping in touch with customers 24/7. For straightforward deals, it can even close the sale on its own. By tapping into CRM data, company resources, web info, and Microsoft 365 communications, it ensures every interaction is personalized.

Speeding Up Sales with Sales Chat

In addition to the Sales Agent, Microsoft is introducing Sales Chat, a tool designed to speed up the sales cycle. This tool provides sales reps with actionable insights drawn from various data sources. Whether it's assessing risks for deals, preparing for meetings, or crafting strategic plans, Sales Chat delivers all this through natural language prompts. This means salespeople can access vital information without having to dig through complex CRM interfaces.

Adoption and Success Stories

Microsoft's AI tools are already gaining traction, with nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies using Copilot. In the last quarter alone, over 400,000 custom agents were created using Microsoft Copilot Studio. Companies like Vodafone and Campari Group are seeing real benefits. Vodafone expects to double or even triple its proposal response capacity, while Campari Group has cut marketing copy costs by 18%.

Real-World Impact

The impact of these AI tools is evident in the numbers. Richard Thompson, CEO of ANS, shared that after switching from Salesforce to Dynamics 365 Sales, they saw a 133% increase in revenue per sales rep year-over-year. On top of that, they saved 30 minutes each day and boosted pipeline generation by 20% thanks to Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Supporting Businesses with AI

To help businesses make the most of these AI tools, Microsoft is launching the AI Accelerator for Sales program on April 1. This initiative aims to provide expertise in CRM migration, seller adoption, and customizing AI agents to fit specific business needs.

With these innovations, Microsoft is not just automating sales processes but also empowering businesses to work smarter and more efficiently. As AI continues to evolve, it's exciting to see how these tools will shape the future of sales.