The latest industry reports are in, and the numbers are staggering: over 91% of mid-market companies are now using generative AI in their operations. The technology has officially moved from a 'nice-to-have' luxury to a competitive necessity. However, this rapid adoption has exposed a critical vulnerability: a massive skills gap.

A recent survey from RSM revealed that while adoption is high, 92% of companies encountered significant challenges during rollout. The top-cited issue? A lack of in-house expertise to properly implement, manage, and scale AI solutions. Businesses are eager for the benefits of AI—like increased efficiency and better customer service—but often lack the internal talent to build and maintain a clear strategy.

What This Means for SMBs and Mid-Market Leaders:

Increased Conversions: By engaging hesitant customers at the right moment, proactive AI can guide them through the sales funnel, directly boosting conversion rates. Studies show that businesses that respond first win up to 50% of sales.
Reduced Churn: Proactive outreach, such as a check-in message or a reminder, makes customers feel valued and supported, significantly improving retention.
Enhanced Efficiency: These agents can handle complex, multi-step workflows, like qualifying a lead and scheduling a demo with a human sales rep, all without manual intervention.

Strategy is More Important Than Ever: Without a clear roadmap, investing in AI can lead to vendor fatigue and wasted resources. You don't need another tool; you need a plan that aligns with your core business goals.
Partnerships are Key: For companies without a dedicated data science team, partnering with an AI specialist is the most effective way to bridge the skills gap. A good partner doesn't just sell you software; they help you integrate it into your existing workflows and train your team.
Focus on Business Outcomes: The goal isn't to use AI for its own sake, but to solve real business problems. Whether it's reducing missed calls, qualifying leads faster, or freeing up your team from repetitive tasks, the focus should always be on tangible ROI.

The AI revolution is here, but navigating it requires more than just enthusiasm. It requires a strategic approach and the right expertise. Tempo AI specializes in being that expert partner, providing custom-built agents that solve specific business challenges without requiring you to hire a team of developers.

The Tempo AI Blog