Exploring the Future of AI Virtual Reps with Bland.ai

I heard about Bland.ai in a AI Chat: ChatGPT & AI News podcast by Jaeden Schafer. In the past, I worked on automating sales calls to collect leads for selling internet services to customers. So, I was curious to see how AI can now help us automate workflows.

I registered as a customer at Bland.ai, and in a matter of minutes, I was ready with my call reps to make calls and start selling services.

To sell your services, you need a script that your reps usually follow. I took the help of ChatGPT to create a quick, short sales script for my workflow.

Log in to Bland.ai, and you will be greeted with the following screen:

Now, let's create a conversational pathway. Bland will show you three options:

Click on Script >> Paste the script here >> Click Generate

As per your script, Bland will generate the pathway in a matter of minutes.

To test the pathway, click the "Test Pathway" button.

Once you configure this, click the button

It will launch a chat window for you to interact and see how the call is progressing.

Once you are sure, you can send the call by clicking the "Send Call" button on the top right. Configure the call for the test and send it. It will make a call to the number provided. Have a conversation and end the call.

Once you end the call, it gets registered and appears in the call history list.

A short summary is ready for you as soon as the call ends. This is helpful when you want to review calls with customers or get a general understanding of the conversation.

In about 5-8 minutes, I was able to set up my sales script and test my call. You are now ready to send individual or bulk calls. Every call will be recorded, and a summary will be generated. It also provides customers with analytics. Here are some screens from the built-in analytics functionality.

Call analytics dashboard

2. It provides a quick analysis of the topics discussed and identifies issues in the call.

3. Call details screen

4. Call details screen with a summary providing a brief overview

And if you would like to see some analytics on the pathway, they are shown below:

Overall, I like the idea of quickly setting up the call script and testing the call in minutes.

If I compare this with my previously built web widget to collect leads using Laravel and following standard engineering practices, then AI-based solutions provide:

• Increased Efficiency

• Cost Savings

• Faster Development and Deployment

• Improved Quality

• 24/7 Support with virtual reps working for you, attending to customers in their language and timezone

Additionally, it helps reduce the frustration commonly experienced by call center representatives, which includes:

• High Workload and Repetition

• Strict Performance Metrics

• Dealing with Difficult Customers

• Limited Autonomy

• Lack of Career Progression

• Insufficient Training and Support

• Monotonous Environment

• Emotional Toll

I hope you find this read interesting. If you have any queries please drop in the comments. Like and share for more reach.