Lisa Kilrea is the Founder of WSI eResults, a leading digital marketing agency that specializes in helping manufacturers, distributors, and B2B companies grow through AI-powered, data-driven strategies. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and a proven track record, Lisa has led WSI Results to deliver standout lead generation and revenue growth in the industrial sector. Her background includes work with major brands like Quaker Oats and BP Petroleum, and she’s known for pioneering innovative marketing tactics that blend traditional expertise with cutting-edge digital solutions.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [8:16] The spectrum of AI use for manufacturers
- [18:51] Where to start with AI
- [20:31] The WSI assessment for marketing and sales functions
- [21:51] Why AI is relevant right now
- [22:47] How AI helps manufacturers offset rising costs
- [23:56] Is your company AI-ready?
- [24:53] AI use case examples
In this episode…
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, AI is no longer a far-off concept — it’s transforming industries right before our eyes. For manufacturers, the challenge isn’t just about keeping up with innovation; it’s about strategically incorporating AI to drive tangible results. So, how can manufacturers begin their AI journey, and where do they start?
According to Lisa Kilrea, a digital marketing and AI expert, manufacturers should first focus on leveraging AI that is already embedded within the tools they’re using. She emphasizes that AI doesn’t always require adopting groundbreaking new technologies; in many cases, it is already integrated into existing platforms such as CRMs, ERPs, and customer service systems. These systems can help automate repetitive tasks and boost productivity, creating immediate value without overhauling existing processes. The key takeaway here is simple: AI isn’t about replacing humans, but enhancing their capabilities, leading to better customer service and more efficient operations.
In this episode of In Good Company: Where Relationships Drive Results, part two of WSI’s webinar series, Lisa Kilrea discusses how manufacturers can start using AI to improve their processes. She explains the five stages of AI adoption, from existing tools to advanced AI copilots. Lisa also discusses practical examples, like AI’s role in demand forecasting and automating quoting processes, which streamline operations and enhance business outcomes.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Lisa Kilrea: LinkedIn | Email
- WSI eResults
- Robert Mitchell on LinkedIn
- Kundan Mohapatra on LinkedIn
- Séamus Smyth on LinkedIn
- Sundar Pichai on LinkedIn
- ChatGPT
- HubSpot Service Hub
- Zendesk
- Intercom
- Fin
- Agent Drift
- Web Marketing Association (WMA)
Quotable Moments
- “AI is driving five to ten times ROI for small and midsize manufacturers, and the beauty of it is it’s affordable.”
- “For the first time in history, we can actually scale knowledge work, not just physical labor.”
- “AI isn’t replacing people; it’s enhancing what they do and freeing them up to focus on higher value work.”
- “When leaders at the center of the technology world are describing AI in these terms, we have to pay attention.”
- “The companies that start exploring AI now are going to have a serious competitive advantage.”
Action Steps
- Start with an AI readiness assessment: This step ensures that your business has a clear roadmap for AI adoption, making it easier to prioritize opportunities.
- Leverage AI in existing tools: Integrating AI into CRM, ERP, and customer service systems helps enhance operational efficiency with minimal disruption.
- Focus on small, high-impact AI projects: Starting with manageable AI initiatives allows for quick wins and measurable ROI, building momentum for further adoption.
- Embrace data-driven decision-making: Implementing AI-driven insights, like demand forecasting, helps you align supply with real-time market needs, reducing waste and improving sales.
- Foster cross-functional buy-in for AI initiatives: Gaining support from all departments ensures smooth AI integration and helps scale projects effectively across the business.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is sponsored by WSI EResults Manufacturing Marketing — revolutionizing digital marketing for the manufacturing industry.
At WSI EResults, we help B2B manufacturers, OEMs, and industrial distributors elevate their digital presence through AI-powered, data-driven strategies designed to generate targeted, impactful leads.
From AI-powered SEO and content marketing to tailored campaigns built for the unique challenges of the manufacturing sector, WSI EResults delivers the tools and expertise to help your business stand out, grow, and thrive.
Learn more at wsi-manufacturing-marketing.com. Your blueprint for smarter, more effective manufacturing marketing.
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