In my previous article, I shared how AI can make trade show participation, networking, visiting customers and CRM updates faster and more efficient by scanning business cards.

But it’s not just business card information we need to track – the most valuable insights often come from the conversations we have with customers, vendors, and partners.

We’ve all been there: after a meeting or event, we need to make a lot of notes. Whether it’s during trade shows, customer visits, or networking events, capturing these details is essential for CRM follow-ups.

So, can AI help with this tedious task? Let’s explore the options – especially as we gear up for the world’s largest glass and glazing trade show, Glasstec 2024 in Düsseldorf.

As a sales representative in Eastern Canada, I’ve frequently used my phone’s voice recorder to capture notes after meetings. Speaking is much faster than typing. However, the hard part came afterward – listening to the recordings and transcribing them manually into files or CRMs. I tried various voice-to-text tools, but most couldn’t handle professional terms, brand names, or industry acronyms. In fact, correcting their mistakes often took longer than typing the notes from scratch!

The issue with many voice-to-text tools is that they can handle everyday language but struggle with industry-specific vocabulary. For example, try dictating brand names like Saint-Gobain, Pilkington. What about some more complicated like GlasTroesch? SolarBan, SunGuard, Schiatti, Bavelloni, Grenzebach, countersinking, Low-E deletion – we have some many special words and names when voice-to-text tools can turn into a mess.

This is where AI comes in. Why? Because you can teach it! You can provide the correct terminology and names, and it will remember them, minimizing errors. The best approach is to prepare a list of specialized words, terms, and brand names. Will AI still make mistakes? Sure – but far fewer than regular voice-to-text tools.

On top of that, new Voice Mode features in the mobile versions of ChatGPT and Google Gemini make AI-powered note-taking even more accessible. These tools are perfect for capturing quick notes on the go – whether after a customer meeting or at a networking event. Just speak your note directly into the app!

You can ask AI to correct, add information, and generate a list of all your notes. Then, open ChatGPT or Gemini on your desktop to easily manage the data – copy, save, and edit it as needed.

However, please note that currently using proprietary or confidential information with open-source AI platforms is not yet recommended.

In my previous article, I explained how to get the mobile versions of ChatGPT or Gemini – they’re free and easy to download. So why not give them a try?

Use it or lose it!

Wishing you all great trade shows and networking events! May your meetings be meaningful and your conversations fruitful!