An overwhelming three quarters of C-level executives stated six years ago that their organisations could go out of businesses unless they extensively deployed AI.
And yet in 2025, there is still a large percentage of SMEs failing to make full use of the artificial intelligence technologies available to overhaul their sales and lead generation processes – despite clear evidence that these tools are not only vital for future growth, but could also be fundamental to keeping their business afloat.
Slow on the uptake means being left behind
As with all monumental innovations, early adopters are often those who are able to benefit most from the new technologies on the market. By getting their foot in the door months, years or even decades before their competitors, they begin realising the benefits of the new systems and tools they have put in place before others in the industry have even begun scoping out what implementation might mean for them.
There has been a shift forward in the number of SMEs looking to utilise AI across their business: a 2024 survey by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit in partnership with Pertemps Network Group showed 25% of small and medium sized businesses were using AI, but 43% had no plans to do so. Fast forward a year, and YouGov research conducted in summer 2025 reported 31% of SMEs using AI and another 15% with plans in place.
However, this still leaves more than half of all smaller enterprises trailing behind when it comes to the implementation of technologies which could not only transform the way they do business, but would also help them keep pace with their competitors.
Humans are naturally resistant to change, and there are those who believe that if something is working then it does not need improving or altering. Yet, when we start to examine the benefits of a comprehensive implementation of AI tools across an organisation’s sales function, it becomes clear that a shift in thinking is required.
Implementing effective AI technologies
As the name suggests, the very purpose of AI is to automate tasks that have been traditionally undertaken by a person or team within a business. Whilst this has benefits for any organisation, as it allows those people to concentrate on more strategic and high-value projects, it is especially key in smaller businesses with fewer personnel. In those companies, managers often find themselves pulled into administrative tasks, which then leaves far less time for the strategic jobs which are crucial when looking to scale up.
In fact, according to Virgin Media O2, 76% of directors within SMEs are the ‘go to person’ for HR, IT and finance within their company, in addition to their role as CEO. In these organisations, automation has the potential to radically overhaul how much time is spent by C-suite execs undertaking administrative tasks, leaving them with the ability to concentrate on their business model.
Lead generation leads to success
An area which needs attention in many SMEs is lead generation – with some companies reporting inefficient processes, while others do not even have a specific process in place in order to attract and nurture prospects. Marketing Tech News reports only 28% of SMEs believe they generate enough leads to achieve their growth objectives, while two thirds have no clear marketing plan which includes a lead generation strategy.
This does not need to be the case. Utilising AI in order to manage this process is essential moving forward, to help ensure it is streamlined, working effectively, and that an overwhelming amount of time and money is not spent on ineffective strategies.
It also moves businesses on from simply waiting for potential clients to come to them, inputting their information into often exceedingly complex spreadsheets, and then relying on team members to put in the hours required in order to secure the prospect as a customer. Instead, specialised AI tools work continuously – with not only far superior lead conversion rates, but also a systematic approach to finding new leads which is proven to expand SMEs’ pipelines. These tools actively identify buying signals, are able to personalise outreach even at scale, and then handle objections and even book appointments – meaning a far larger list of prospects than could be sourced previously are automatically supported through their customer journey.
AI makes good business sense
The business case for AI implementation almost writes itself at this point. The initial investment required pales into insignificance when considering the return on investment: far more leads with a much lower cost per customer acquisition; the freeing up of team time in order to concentrate on other high-value tasks; and a comprehensive strategy being properly executed around the clock, leading to tangible results.
The early and existing adopters of AI understand that success is not about working harder: it is about deploying intelligent systems that capture opportunities while execs focus on strategy and growth.
The question now is not about whether AI will transform sales and lead generation (alongside all of the other business areas where there are hugely valuable technologies now available), it is a question of whether SMEs are willing to lead the transformation or whether they would rather watch competitors capture the market while they are still manually managing spreadsheets.
Author
Peter Juhasz, CEO of Syrvi AI
