The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has created challenges for businesses striving to find the right balance between operational efficiency and preserving a personal touch in their communications. Kendra Lee, founder of the KLA Group and a recognized expert in managed service provider (MSP) marketing, has examined how MSPs can effectively harness AI automation in their prospecting processes. In this edition of Ask an MSP Expert, we address some frequently asked questions to support your marketing initiatives and enhance your outreach efforts.
How can I use AI to generate content for the prospecting process while maintaining a personal touch?
AI can be incredibly helpful for producing content for prospecting; however, the generated content is often too polished and detailed, which may prevent it from capturing your unique voice. It can come across as overly formal or generic. The key to overcoming this challenge is to provide the AI with the right prompts to establish the desired tone. Begin the process with a general prompt, then refine it by adding details such as your target audience, the tone you want to convey, and the call to action you aim for. This approach helps keep the message both effective and authentic. Once you receive the AI-generated content, always review it carefully to ensure its accuracy. By establishing the right prompts, you can leverage AI to generate content while maintaining the personal touch that makes your communication feel genuine.
I’ve been hearing about prompt stacking; what is it?
Prompt stacking is a technique that involves gradually refining your AI prompts, making them increasingly specific with each iteration. Instead of relying on a single broad prompt, you break the task into smaller stages and refine the output at each step. For example, a salesperson might start with a prompt like, ‘Write an outreach email,’ and then follow up with more specific prompts such as, ‘Mention the prospect’s engagement on LinkedIn’ or ‘Invite them to a webinar.’ This approach helps the AI generate more focused and effective results for tasks like emails, content creation, or customer outreach.
How can prompt stacking enhance my prospecting processes, especially when prospects are uncertain about the next steps?
Prompt stacking helps salespeople refine their outreach by building on each step of the process. After sending an email, LinkedIn message, or making a call, it’s common to feel uncertain about what to do next—especially if there has been no response. By utilizing prompt stacking, salespeople can create more personalized follow-ups. For instance, they can reference recent LinkedIn posts or invite prospects to an upcoming webinar. This approach makes outreach more focused and provides clear next steps, such as event invitations or content offers, which helps salespeople keep the conversation going and maintain momentum in their prospecting efforts.
What does a typical prospecting workflow look like?
A prospecting workflow is a structured plan that outlines the entire outreach process to potential clients. It includes defining how often follow-ups occur, the methods of follow-up, and the content to leverage at each step. For example, your workflow might look like this:
- An email.
- Another email.
- A LinkedIn connection request.
- A phone call.
The key is to plan your actions, determine when to take them, and identify the materials you’ll need, such as email templates, LinkedIn message drafts, and phone call scripts. Having a clear prospecting workflow helps keep your efforts organized, consistent, and purposeful, making your outreach more efficient and effective. Ultimately, a well-defined workflow ensures that every follow-up is strategically planned and executed, leaving nothing to chance.
Balancing AI with a personal touch is essential for effective communication. By refining AI-generated content with thoughtful prompts and adjustments, you can achieve both efficiency and authenticity. Whether you utilize prompt stacking or establish a clear prospecting workflow, these strategies will help maintain a human connection while streamlining the process.
Are you ready to boost your prospecting powered by AI from this edition of Ask an MSP Expert? Watch the webinar for more tips and tricks from our expert.
Photo: Aleksandr Simonov / Shutterstock
