We share a real-world update on shifting from trying to hire sales reps to testing an AI agent for cold outreach and sales prospecting. We walk through what we have set up so far, what is already working, and what still feels messy as we try to scale follow-up without sounding like a robot. 
• why hiring sales reps stalls when applicants ghost interviews 
• using Apollo AI to run consistent cold email sequences 
• early outreach results, replies, and open-rate expectations 
• integrating automated outreach with our proprietary CRM 
• finding warm leads outside Metro Detroit using online signals 
• staying under spam thresholds with sensible daily volume 
• adding phone calls, LinkedIn touches, and the “six to seven touches” idea 
• risks and cautions around cold texting and compliance 
• spotting AI-script “voice” and keeping messages human 
Feel free to reach out and I’ll give you my, you know, two cents on it or whatever how I feel 

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This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

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