Is Your Company Too Human to Survive? What Artificial Intelligence Can Teach Us About Sales

Breaking Myths and Fears About AI in Sales

How many times have you heard that technology is replacing people? Well, that’s not always the case. In reality, artificial intelligence and techniques like Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) are helping businesses become more human, efficient, and profitable. But do we really need algorithms to sell? Today, we explore why companies that don’t adopt these tools not only fall behind but could even disappear. And we do it with humor—because nothing is more human than laughing at complexity.

What is an Extreme Learning Machine and Why Should You Care?

Imagine your business has an oracle that predicts how many products you’ll sell next week—with a precision that would make meteorologists jealous. That’s essentially what ELMs do: they forecast sales using internal data (such as sales history) and external factors (like the weather or even customer behavior on social media).

And the impact? More optimized inventories, fewer losses due to expired products, and yes, more money. It’s like having Marie Kondo organize your sales strategy: “Does this bring you profit? If not, say goodbye to it!”

The Science Behind the Algorithm (Simplified)

Extreme Learning Machines are not magic, even though they might seem like it. Simply put, they are algorithms that learn quickly and with minimal data. If traditional machine learning is like a student who needs to read the entire book to pass, ELMs are like that friend who only reads the summary and still gets the best grade.

For example, in my study published in Springer, I found that these algorithms can reduce prediction errors and, best of all, do it in less time than traditional methods. So, the question is: do you want to spend more time and money on outdated processes, or would you rather have a model that optimizes every second?

But do I really need this in my business?

The short answer: yes, if you want to survive. Large companies are already using ELMs to plan everything from inventory management to marketing strategies. A great example is Amazon, which leverages advanced algorithms to predict demand and adjust its operations in real-time.

But you don’t need to be Jeff Bezos to benefit. ELMs are accessible tools that can transform small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to compete with giants. As comedian Louis C.K. once said: "Everything is amazing, and nobody is happy" during an interview on Conan O'Brien in 2008. In that conversation, Louis C.K. reflected on how, despite technological advances and modern comforts, people tend to complain and not appreciate what they have. With ELMs, everything can be amazing... and also profitable.

Extreme Learning Machines are not the future; they are the present, and companies that do not adopt them soon will become history. The real question is: are you ready to take the leap?

How do you imagine these tools could transform your business? Share your thoughts and spread this article so more people understand the power of ELMs.