I work in tech sales and use AI every day — but I don't want everyone knowing my secrets of how I use it

In a candid discussion, tech sales professional Antoine Wade from San Antonio shares his journey with artificial intelligence, a tool he began utilizing in 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT. This innovative technology transformed his approach to both personal and professional tasks. Initially aimed at enhancing his email communication for cold outreach, AI quickly became an indispensable resource in Wade's daily routine. He discovered its potential beyond sales, using it to streamline his responsibilities as a sports coach and father. Tasks that once consumed days of his time, such as crafting communications for parents and compiling game statistics, now take mere minutes thanks to AI. Wade's exploration of various AI tools has further enriched his workflow. He employs Claude for business communication and content creation, Perplexity for in-depth research, and Gemini for generating images. These applications serve a range of purposes, spanning personal projects, professional engagements, and educational needs—he's even learned to install an air conditioner and assist his son with sixth-grade math. His employer has also provided access to powerful sales tools that enhance customer understanding in real-time. For instance, Salesforce Sales Navigator enables Wade to identify potential clients who may be interested in his products, making his outreach significantly more effective than random cold calls. Although he attributes his success in building client relationships to his efforts, he acknowledges that AI has increased his sales pipeline by allowing him to reach more clients with tailored messaging. Wade emphasizes that while many share access to similar AI tools, the effectiveness lies in how users harness them. Through experimentation and dedication to mastering prompt engineering, he has developed a unique strategy that he prefers to keep to himself for competitive advantage. He is open to helping others but remains selective about sharing his detailed insights, recognizing the competitive nature of sales. When asked about his use of AI, Wade confidently affirms its importance in his work. However, he maintains a level of discretion in discussing the intricacies of his methods, highlighting the balance between collaboration and competition in the tech industry.