Process-driven, Agentic AI is something being embraced in the dark corners of businesses.
(Or - shh - just plain old automation and data management)
This "guy" might not be a former Abercrombie model, but he's a secret Cool Nerd. He does the dishes, picks up the kids from school, and never complains about missing the football game with his buddies when you have a brunch to get to.
Actually, scratch the Abercrombie part.
It's more like he's dressed as Clark Kent but is really Superman.
But this isn't just a blind, build it and it will work thing.
You'll need...
Targeted processes.
Defined outcomes.
And the ability to truly vet results objectively, including training your model to work or go back to humans if necessary.
From Idea to Agentic AI: Operational Leverage Points
Any basic process is like BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits model.
Trigger >> Action >> Outcome (aka a Reward for your business).
AI chatbots are a great introductory example of Agentic AI because it's the most visible to outsiders (ie you can see it in action).
It's also where about 60-70% of AI money was not successfully invested early on. Data is showing that win actually goes to back office operations. So consider this as an example, not as your to-do list.
Let's build this example out starting with traditional automations first (which you may or may not have even gotten to yet in your firm):
Triggered by a lead landing on your website, your lead can get started with a traditional submission form or requesting something via chat followed by, using if/then programming, an automated response with a link to book a call.
That's basic automation but an immediate reply to them increases your likelihood of conversion by a large degree. Some will claim up to 400% for that immediate reply but others, like this HBR study, show that it's closer to a 7x difference.
Plus it gives the lead autonomy and immediacy in taking the next step, and not only removes the risk you're too busy to follow up but also overcomes the (not true!) mindset where you wait to follow up so you don't seem so overeager about new business.
(Maybe that last part isn't you and you actually like earning money. But I've heard way too many people say they wait to follow up for that very reason and the data shows that this is around 2/3 of businesses.)
Now let's take this into Agentic AI.
A Process-Drive Approach To Agentic AI
Agentic AI would do a couple things different.
First, the AI chatbot agent (or even an AI phone receptionist) responds in the chat and draws on an increasing body of knowledge you provide to answer more questions with more nuance.
Your prospect is served even better and may decide to move forward or opt out, saving you or your staff from unnecessary call time.
But also training the AI agent (via chat or a phone agent) to ask certain questions, you would also be able to pre-qualify candidates. This allows you to better route the lead to alternative solutions, prepare for your call or take calls only with the highest probability leads.
This increases your likelihood of conversion even more, reduces the time spent for you or staff on intake calls, and at a lower cost and with no turnover/training demands long run.
AI-Triggered Automations In Defined Processes
Above we've adjusted actions, but triggers may also be AI generated as well.
I manage my email inbox using (affiliate link here >>) Superhuman and they've added AI generated labeling. So if I wanted to upgrade my receipt management process, I could use the AI generated labels so it's no longer on me to label them.
Or we can use an AI agent to redirect and filter out types of requests in a far more nuanced approach than a series of if/then statements.
Nearly every defined process in your business will have some segments that might be augmented with automations or Agentic AI.
No Magic Bullet: Ensure AI Generates Profit, Not Just Productivity
While your Agentic AI runs behind the scenes, your business gets more profit at less cost, with more predictability and repeatability.
That's the theory at least.
Of course, if your leads get annoyed and they start dropping off your website like flies...
If your chatbot spews out nonsense or filters out otherwise promising leads...
If your employees insist on overriding the process and doing things their way...
If your business doesn't even have or want the volume of leads needed to justify this investment...
It doesn't matter how cool this is.
You first need to have goals that fit this world of AI and then, if your AI isn't helping you achieve them, you'll either need to adjust the strategy, the process, or drop it altogether.
So no magic bullet here but where there's a defined process, there's possibility.
Interested in figuring out what works for your firm?
Let's talk. Book an introductory consultation with me today.
