In this episode of Growth Secrets, I speak with Nicolas Christiaen, co-founder and co-CEO of Donna, an AI-powered sales assistant designed to optimize the productivity of field sales representatives. The conversation explores the origins of Donna, its applications across various industries, and how it differentiates itself in a competitive market. Nicholas shares insights on building relationships with CRM partners, the importance of (viral) video marketing, and strategies for organic and outbound marketing. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding customer needs and creating a brand personality that resonates with users, while also navigating the evolving landscape of AI in sales. Takeaways

• Donna aims to transform idle time into productive time for field sales reps.

• Field sales teams are prevalent in industries like FMCG, real estate, and manufacturing.

• The idea for Donna originated from a personal experience in sales.

• Differentiation in the sales tech space is crucial for success.

• Building relationships with CRM partners is essential for integration.

• Video marketing has proven to be an effective tool for engagement.

• A multi-channel approach to marketing is necessary for growth.

• Understanding customer needs is key to product development.

• Creating a brand personality can enhance customer connection.

• AI should be framed as a problem-solving tool rather than just technology.