GenAI + Cloud Infrastructure = More $$$?

This week on Funnel Frontier: Marriage of genAI and cloud computing is tech’s latest power couple. Here’s everything you need to know, from predictive scaling to automated cost-cutting and AI-driven security, 

This week:

• Cloud + genAI = a trend too big to ignore
• HubSpot unveils “first free tool for AI discovery”
• Data visualization and genAI 
• ClickUp vs Asana
• Affiliate Marketing 101 (via EngageBay)

Stat of the Week

If sellers provide misleading info, 48% of buyers won’t purchase from them. (LinkedIn)

CRM-ing through market jitters

Ah yes, my favorite piece, The Dance of the Generative AI Fairy.

Imagine your cloud systems getting smarter overnight—predictive scaling, automated cost-cutting, and AI-driven security, all working seamlessly while your team slumbers. 

Okay, now stop imagining, because it’s (sort-of) real.

It’s no secret that the marriage of genAI and cloud computing is tech’s latest power couple. New analysis from IDC suggests it’s set to redefine how growing vendors and startups manage their infrastructure. 

The game-changer is genAI’s ability to go beyond rote data analysis. It can predict spikes, optimize resources, and enhance security like a seasoned bouncer at Berghain. 

Essential to managing AI models throughout their lifecycle is MLOps, i.e. combining machine learning with DevOps. CI/CD (Continuous integration and deployment) pipelines can ensure updates and iterative improvement to keep AI running smoothly and competitively.

This isn't just about keeping up with tech Joneses. IDC finds GenAI-cloud synergies like predictive scaling, cost optimization automation, security, and smart workload balancing are poised to become key to biz success.

So queue up “Enter Sandman,” flip on the genAI switch, and… go to sleep?

The Week @ CRM.org

Best WordPress CRM Plugins (August 2024 Update). Because your website should do more than just look pretty—it should actually work for you!

Top Contact Management Systems. Why let your contacts gather dust when you could turn them into sales gold? Our updated 16 picks.

Weekly Bloom 

What’s the Deal with Question Marks? I mean, without them, I guess we’d never know if someone’s confused or just passive-aggressive.

HubSpot unveils “first free tool for AI discovery”

Feel like your old SEO tricks are going the way of the dinosaur? 

They might be. HubSpot research says ChatGPT usage for question-answering is up 37%. Search engines Qs are down 11%.

Thankfully, HubSpot thinks they can assist with their new tool, the AI Search Grader. And because sharing is caring, it’s free for all marketers. 

The premise? Everyone’s cozying up to AI for answers, so it may be time to master LMO—Language Model Optimization. Think of it as the new SEO, but with more bots.

The new AI Search Grader proposes to do the grunt work for you, so you don't have to guess how your brand's doing in AI searches. 

It simplifies findings down to 4 key metrics: 

• overall grade

• brand sentiment score

• share of voice score

• personalized analysis

Nicholas Holland, HubSpot’s VP of Product and GM of Marketing Hub, says it’s about helping “marketers stand out and get discovered in this new environment” and giving “a new, free way to connect with their customers in the AI era.”

Because hey, it’s hard to stay relevant in this crazy future world.

Stellar Strategies: Tips & Tricks for Sales, Marketing & Service

GenAI and accessible data visualization (via Salesforce)

Generative AI is shaking up data analysis. How? By making complex insights as soft and delicious as fast food.

GenAI is making data more accessible, bringing key metrics to the surface for better decisions and day-to-day efficiency. This means people without a background in analytics can get actionable insights (and not just random bot-derived tidbits). 

Of course, caveats abound. According to Tableau’s Christian Hagel-Sorensen, AI might whip up data visualizations faster than a barista on espresso, but it’s still up to us to ask the right questions and make sense of it all. 

For example, with chatbots, Hagel-Sorensen says it’s a good idea to “apply trusted generative AI to lead you to the next best question so you’re able to squeeze as much information as possible from your data.”

So keep one eye on those AI hallucinations, and don’t let the bots drive the bus 24/7. More thoughts here.

ClickUp vs Asana

Uh-oh, it’s a gritty grudge match of project management-ists. 

Asana flaunts its sleek simplicity with Gantt charts and Kanban boards, while ClickUp is like the overachiever in the class, trying to do it all—often succeeding, too.  

Asana is praised for its productivity finesse, especially with its generous free version. Meanwhile, ClickUp is the customization king, winning hearts via flexibility and collab tools. 

It’s like deciding between a luxury sedan and a Toyota—depends on whether you want smooth sailing or all the bells and whistles.

For the full parry and riposte, go here.

Developing an affinity for affiliate marketing (via EngageBay)

Affiliate marketing, does it work? Spoiler alert: It’s a $17 billion industry, with 81% of brands on board. 

Essentially, you let others do your marketing, and you pay them when they drive sales. Ideally it’s low risk, high reward. Whether you’re running an eCommerce gig or just want to rake in commissions, mastering affiliate marketing can turn clicks into cash. 

Okay, so embrace tech like AI, choose the right partners—could be good?

For eCommerce-ists in particular, some of the top affiliate strategies include:

• Search engine optimization

• Social media

• Influencer marketing

• Co-branding

• Loyalty programs

• Dynamic content optimization campaign

More from the source here.

Galactic Gourmet

CRM blips from around the web

MarTech names SugarCRM Best Overall CRM Company. The accolade was given as part of the 7th annual MarTech Breakthrough Awards Program, which recognizes excellence in advertising, sales and marketing tech.

RAPP to manage CRM accounts of UK’s B&Q. The marketing agency takes over loyalty and CRM duties for the major home hardware chain.

Pipedrive is one of the best CRMs for small biz, says U.S. News & World Report. The tool got particular kudos for sales automation.

Astronomical Assets

Significant Stock Moves from Last Week

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