In today's Sales Pulse, gain insight into how:

• Agentic AI is revolutionizing marketing, enabling brands to deliver hyper-personalized, behavior-driven campaigns that convert in real time.

• Creator-led strategies are dominating holiday marketing, with influencers driving engagement, loyalty, and shoppable experiences across platforms.

• Smart brands are transforming returns into growth opportunities, using data-driven strategies to boost loyalty and increase conversions.

For the uninitiated: Sales Pulse is a free, biweekly newsletter designed for the innovative sales leaders of today and tomorrow. Each article featured below is penned by a member of Forbes Business Development Council, a community of successful sales executives shaping the future of business.

Let’s dive in!

How Agentic AI is Transforming Marketing, & How to Stay Ahead

The era of "spray and pray" marketing is over. Agentic AI, unlike traditional generative AI, goes beyond assisting. By analyzing real-time consumer behavior, agentic AI powers hyper-personalized marketing strategies, enabling brands to reach consumers with not just the right message, but at the perfect moment.

Here’s all you need to know:

⭐ AI Acts, Not Just Assists: Agentic AI analyzes subtle signals like bounce patterns and cart abandonment to deliver tailored content that converts.

📱 Mobile-First Precision: AI curates journeys, seizing opportunities like sending a loyalty discount when consumers are considering leaving.

🔑 Identity-Driven Insights: Retailers use shopper identity data to create personalized, cross-channel experiences in real time.

💡 Build for Future Impact: Post-BFCM, leverage AI-driven insights to fuel long-term growth, not just seasonal success.

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The Future of Holiday Marketing Is Creator-Led: Your Q4 Playbook

Holiday marketing has shifted, and creators are now at the heart of campaigns, influencing consumer journeys across social media, streaming, and beyond. With 86% of buyers inspired by influencer content, brands leveraging these partnerships are thriving.

Here’s how to make your Q4 campaign unforgettable:

📺 Think Beyond The Feeds: Adapt influencer assets for CTV, gyms, or even shopping malls. Interactive and shoppable CTV ads are driving results in non-traditional spaces.

🌟 Double Down on Influencers: Build long-term creator relationships. Authentic storytelling taps into new niches and drives loyalty while amplifying diverse voices.

🛍️ Make It Shoppable: Integrate affiliate links, curated storefronts, and interactive commerce to convert traffic directly into sales.

💡 Prioritize Relevance: Craft campaigns tailored for short attention spans, ensuring every second counts in high-stakes holiday windows.

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Returns Are a $685 Billion Headache—But a Hidden Opportunity

Retailers face a staggering $685 billion annual loss from returns, but the smartest brands are flipping the script. Instead of treating returns as a burden, they’re leveraging them to optimize operations, boost customer loyalty, and increase growth potential.

Here’s how brands are turning returns into opportunities:

📊 Data-Driven Insights: Analyzing return trends improves product quality, refines sizing, and reduces future returns. Every return tells a story—are you listening?

🤝 Loyalty Through Seamless Returns: Trust is built post-purchase. A smooth, customer-friendly return process strengthens relationships and increases repeat business.

💳 Boosting Conversions: Clear, flexible return policies reduce buyer hesitation, increasing checkout rates and driving sales.

🔧 Operational Upgrades: Replace outdated manual processes with automated return solutions to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

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Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Forbes Business Development Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together seasoned sales and business development leaders.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on Forbes.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Forbes Business Development Council today, and become part of a group driving meaningful innovation in business.