People around the world use connected digital devices to simplify their daily routines and enhance their quality of life. In fact, 72% of users who own voice assistants like Alexa or Siri say these tools have become a regular part of their day.
Siri Knows What You Did Last Summer and Probably What You’ll Do Next Summer, Too
Given their popularity, one might wonder: why haven’t businesses embraced digital assistants to the same extent as consumers?
Why Are Companies Hesitant to Adopt Digital Assistants?
There are four main reasons:
- Limited use cases: AI technology has not yet reached the level of full business autonomy.
- Lack of awareness: Many companies underestimate the value, potential, and real-world applications of AI.
- Concerns around privacy and data security.
- Resistance to change: Organizational inertia can prevent innovation from taking hold.
Why Businesses Should Consider Digital Assistants Anyway
Forward-thinking companies don’t wait—they adapt to change and lead with innovation. The rise of AI-powered digital assistants is undeniable, and the trend is here to stay. The question is: will your company be part of the change or get left behind?
Back in 2018, only 11% of professionals reported using digital assistants to support their work. Gartner predicted this would grow to 25% by 2021 and adoption has continued to accelerate since.
So, are you an early adopter or a late bloomer?
What Is a Virtual or Digital Assistant?
A virtual assistant (VA) is an AI system designed to simulate human conversation. By leveraging Natural Language Understanding (NLU) and Machine Learning (ML), VAs can engage in realistic, contextual interactions. Users naturally expect human-like responses - and intelligent VAs deliver by recognizing patterns, interpreting emotions, and remembering the context of each conversation.
Here's a simple example: When you Google nearby restaurants, results are ranked by relevance based on your past searches, reviews, user trends, and location. That’s ML and NLU in action.
Now that we understand how VAs work, let’s look at how they can support your business.
How Digital Assistants Can Boost Your Business
1. Automate Repetitive Tasks and Increase Productivity
Voice commands or text inputs can trigger tasks like setting appointments, sending reminders, initiating support tickets, or dispatching automated emails, all without switching systems. These tasks are small but time-consuming. Automating them frees up valuable time for more strategic work.
According to Salesforce, 64% of employees using digital assistants report having more time to solve complex problems.
Want to dig deeper? Read: How virtual assistants can support your sales process.
2. Leverage Predictive Analytics for Smarter Sales
The real power of an AI assistant lies in its ability to detect patterns and extract meaningful insights. For example, by analyzing how users navigate your website, an assistant can anticipate behavior and deliver timely nudges - such as special offers or relevant product suggestions.
AI can also group similar customer profiles, helping sales teams target their efforts more effectively. This not only increases sales but also reduces marketing spend. Based on your campaign goals and budget, digital assistants can optimize ad spending and deliver measurable ROI.
Note: The more data your assistant has, the more accurate and impactful its recommendations will be.
3. Seamless Integration with Business Software
Just as smartphones replaced alarm clocks, radios, and calendars, digital assistants can integrate with ERP, CRM, and project management tools, streamlining workflows across your business.
CRM systems are especially crucial. Yet, 71% of sales reps say they spend too much time entering data. This slows them down and pulls focus from selling. With digital assistants, information is automatically captured and entered into the CRM, allowing sales teams to focus on high-value activities.
Bottom line: Integrated digital assistants enhance human performance - and give your team time back.
4. Enable Real-Time Customer Interactions
Customers expect fast, relevant responses. In fact, 55% of people using digital assistants expect instant answers, even for non-urgent questions. This speed can make or break a sale.
Moreover, AI assistants can escalate complex issues to the appropriate human contact when needed—ensuring better outcomes for customers and less stress for staff. Notably, 78% of customers are more likely to buy from the company that responds first.
What Are the Challenges for Companies?
Introducing digital assistants is not without hurdles. For success, businesses need to:
- Align strategy and customer experience around AI capabilities.
- Adjust team collaboration and activity tracking to include machine-human interaction.
- Redefine undefined or non-standard processes.
- Reevaluate roles as automation transforms day-to-day tasks.
The Human-AI Partnership
For best results, treat digital assistants as part of the team, not just tools. As Josh Bersin, founder of Bersin by Deloitte, puts it: “AI doesn’t eliminate jobs. It eliminates routine work,” opening the door for new roles and more meaningful contributions.
To make AI work, it must understand your company’s unique data, customer behavior, and KPIs. That means taking the time to train it and shape its tone and personality to reflect your brand.
When Should You Invest in a Digital Assistant?
The sooner, the better. Early adopters are already reaping the benefits and gaining a competitive edge.
Still unsure how a virtual assistant can support your business? Read our blog: 6+ Reasons to Invest in a Virtual Assistant.
Try meeting transcription now!
Experience how effortless meeting notes can be – try Sally free for 4 weeks.
Test NowOr: Arrange a Demo Appointment
