Lecture at the FH Salzburg of Applied Sciences: The Importance of Awareness in AI-Driven Digital Sales

I recently had the privilege of delivering a lecture at the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg, where I was invited by Mag. Christoph Haudek, Head consulting company "Sales Competence" and master study lead of the audience. It was an honor to share insights on the intersection of Digital Sales and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the students. A central theme of the lecture, “KI bietet die Lösungen – den Unternehmen fehlt die Awareness” (AI offers solutions - companies lack awareness), sparked meaningful engagement and thought-provoking discussions.

Why Awareness Matters in AI and Digital Sales

In today’s competitive landscape, AI has matured into a powerful tool, offering solutions to a wide range of business challenges. However, the real issue is not AI’s capabilities but rather a significant awareness gap within many companies. This missing awareness is increasingly dangerous, as AI is silently being leveraged by competitors who are gaining an edge in efficiency, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. My lecture emphasized that while AI is ready with solutions, many businesses remain unaware of its potential or lack the knowledge to implement it effectively in digital sales, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.

The presentation spanned about 1.5 hours, providing time for a highly interactive Q&A session. Together, we discussed not only the benefits of AI but also its limitations and ethical considerations.

Key Points Discussed:

1. AI as a Catalyst in Sales Strategy

I explored how AI enhances digital sales efforts through predictive analytics, personalization, and automation, driving better customer engagement and, ultimately, higher sales. Examples illustrated how AI simplifies decision-making processes and increases efficiency.

2. Bridging the Awareness Gap

The awareness gap poses a significant barrier. While AI is ready with solutions, organizations often lack the knowledge to leverage these innovations. I highlighted that it is necessary now to take the first steps to foster a culture of awareness and readiness for AI adoption.

3. Benefits, Limits, and Ethical AI

During the Q&A, we explored how AI could transform business operations while respecting ethical boundaries, discussing challenges like the need for transparency in AI-driven decisions.

The engaging discussions highlighted that awareness and readiness are as essential as the technology itself. I hope the presentation sparked a deeper interest in leveraging AI for digital sales among the students and faculty.

I’m grateful to Mag. Christoph Haudek for the opportunity to connect with the talented minds at the University of Applied Sciences in Salzburg. It was a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing these vital conversations about the future of AI and digital sales.