Sales as Service

AI Without the Hype: Practical Wins for Sales, Ops, and Marketing with Ed Weeks Jr

Tamara Smith Season 1 Episode 25

If you’ve been curious about AI but hesitant to dive in, this conversation is designed for you. In this episode of Sales as Service, I sit down with AI strategist and GenX advocate Ed Weeks Jr. to strip away the hype and focus on what actually matters—practical, real-world applications that help agencies and service pros work smarter and sell more effectively.

Ed shares how he rebuilt his business after a major setback by embracing simple AI tools that made his sales, operations, and content workflows faster and easier. We explore the fear many founders feel when they hear the word “AI,” why that hesitation makes sense, and how to start experimenting in ways that feel supportive—not overwhelming.

In this grounded, tactical conversation, you’ll hear how AI can become a thought partner, a time-saver, and a powerful ally for small teams who need efficiency without losing the human touch.

Inside the episode, we get into:

  • How founders can use AI without feeling behind or “not technical enough”
  • The easiest AI entry points for sales, marketing, and operations
  • How to use transcripts, voice notes, and summaries to upgrade your prep and follow-up
  • The three tools Ed uses daily—and why they matter
  • Why experimenting beats overthinking when it comes to AI

Sales as Service Challenge — Start Now!

Before your next sales conversation, open the voice memo app on your phone. Record a 60–90 second debrief immediately after the call and answer:

  • What went well?
  • What didn’t land?
  • What questions or objections came up?
  • What’s the next step?

Upload that transcript into your AI tool of choice and ask:
“Act as my sales coach. What did I miss, and what could I improve next time?”

One small reflection—amplified by AI—can meaningfully improve the way you sell.

Links & Resources:

Have an episode idea? DM me on LinkedIn and let me know!


Tam Smith is a Sales Growth Strategist and founder of ST49 Sales Marketing, where she helps female founders and agency owners ditch feast-or-famine cycles with sales systems that actually feel good to use.

With 15+ years in sales leadership, Tam’s work focuses on building genuine relationships, crafting smart outreach strategies, and creating consistent client pipelines—no pressure tactics required.

When she’s not helping clients build reliable sales systems, you’ll likely find her rock climbing or mapping out her next adventure with her Supermutt, Ila, in Durham, NC.