Right before we start, I want you to know that this isn't a blog that you need to be a data scientist or an egg-head to read. I'm writing this for somebody like myself, the average salesperson, who is interested in reading about how maybe, just maybe, I can sell more than my competition. If you are looking for some deep artificial intelligence article, this isn't for you, I'm not a MIT lecturer. Before we jump in and talk about a simple example of using machine learning to sell, a quick update on what the heck machine learning is. Machine learning is software that can learn access, analyse data without being programmed and find patterns in that data.

The technological advances over my lifetime have been nothing short of miraculous. From those first programming days when I was a child (using a RML 380z) and my first Texas Instruments calculator, through to the arrival of the supercomputer in your hand, flat screen TVs, self driving cars and wearable tech. A lot has happened, that's for sure. For many years scientists have been grappling with Artificial Intelligence and there have alway been major stumbling blocks (usually in the hardware) which have meant that passing the Turing test has been as far from reality as faster-than-light-travel, but not so any more. The last couple of years have seen that milestone being passed, machines able to vanquish chess grand masters and chatbots handling many of our online interactions…yes, things are changing and changing fast.

April 13th 2015, Forrester came out with a report where they forecast that by 2020, One Million B2B Sales jobs (this is in the US only) will go. The suggestion being that certain (I'm not saying all) processes can be automated and with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), this automation seems only to increase. As Jill Rowley pointed out at the time, the introduction of AI is already happening as the first place people go to make a purchase is Google, which is Artificial Intelligence (AI) after all. OK before we start, you are already using AI and maybe you don't know it. So how can AI help us in Marketing and Sales?

There is much hype around AI in Sales & Marketing. Having witnessed this in the Legal Sector for the last 2 years where every headline, practically every week talks about another law firm embracing AI for Legal Service delivery. Law firms have in fact been using AI for the last decade. E-Discovery, dictating their emails for their PAs to send and so on. Yet we are now at the top of the hype cycle on how AI is going to revolutionise Law.

Right before we start, I want you to know that this isn't a blog that you need to be a data scientist or an egg-head to read. I'm writing this for somebody like myself, the average salesperson, who is interested in reading about how maybe, just maybe, I can sell more than my competition. If you are looking for some deep artificial intelligence article, this isn't for you, I'm not a MIT lecturer. Before we jump in and talk about a simple example of using machine learning to sell, a quick update on what the heck machine learning is. Machine learning is software that can learn access, analyse data without being programmed and find patterns in that data.

If you are thinking about investing in "AI" as the new shiny tool that will save your pipeline, close rate, customer acquisition – I implore you, don't. AI is not going to solve your issue. Data is going to solve your issue. More importantly Data led insight is going to not only solve the issue, but move the conversation to a completely different place. AI, or more aptly, a computer programme, is the agent which will process the data you provide it.

Artificial intelligence is the next strong phase of technology innovation around the world. It has generated momentum in startups and established businesses, as the gold-rush across a number of sectors continues. AI will have a huge impact on a number of industries, such as health, education, transport, energy. It has and will also spawn many new businesses. Apple, Google and Amazon already use AI to provide a much enhanced customer experience.

Getting around the Berlin marathon last weekend was at times a painful experience. Especially at an age where I ought to know better. As the song goes, things ain't what they used to be. Take a look at the bigger picture, however, and I'm doing well. Long distance running is one of the few physical activities where humans outperform the rest of the animal kingdom. When it comes to sprinting human beings don't even rank in the top 20 mammals.

In this #TimTalk, Katie King joins DLA co-founder Tim Hughes to talk to Steven Struhl about his book "Artificial Intelligence Marketing and Predicting Consumer Choice: An Overview of Tools and Techniques". Digital Leadership Associates: We are a Social Media Agency. We do three things: Social Media Strategy, Social Selling and Social Media Management. Drop us an email and let's talk about how we can make an impact on your organisation.

Today's content strategy blog post is a tale of two new cameras. First of all, Google Clips, a tiny'always on' device that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to take photos automatically throughout the day, serving up the best images to your mobile device. In the opposite corner, the Nikon D850, a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) that sets a new standard for professional cameras. Let's get price out of the way first. Google's latest will retail for $250, while the Nikon will set you back $3,300 (body only).