The AI Hat Podcast

Are you feeling the pressure to jump on the AI bandwagon? You're not alone. As small and medium-sized businesses race to adopt AI, many are overlooking a critical step that could make or break their success. What if I told you that the key to unlocking AI's true potential for your business isn't in the latest chatbot or predictive analytics tool, but in something you already have – your data? The problem is, while AI promises to revolutionize how we do business, without a solid data strategy, it's like trying to build a skyscraper on quicksand. Many SMBs are rushing to implement AI solutions without first understanding and organizing their data, leading to disappointing results and wasted resources. But here's the good news: with the right approach to your data, you can set your business up for AI success. And that's exactly what we're diving into today with our expert guest, Tim Hayden. Tim is the CEO of Brain+Trust Partners, a strategic consultancy that helps companies navigate digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience in building and managing successful companies, Tim is a pioneering business leader known for his expertise in data-driven marketing, customer experience, and emerging technologies. He's worked with major brands like Dell, Bacardi, and AMD, and is a frequent speaker at industry events. Tim literally wrote the book on mobile commerce and has been at the forefront of digital marketing innovation for decades. Today, Tim is going to break down why a data strategy is the essential first step for any SMB looking to harness the power of AI, and he'll provide practical insights on how to get started. So, whether you're just beginning to explore AI or you're looking to optimize your current efforts, this episode is your roadmap to building a solid foundation for AI success. AI in Marketing: Unpacked host Mike Allton asked Tim Hayden about: ✨ Data First, AI Second: Understanding why a solid data strategy is the foundation for successful AI adoption. ✨ Quality Over Quantity: Learning how to focus on collecting and organizing the right data for your specific business needs. ✨ Start Small, Think Big: Practical steps for SMBs to begin building their data strategy with limited resources. Learn more about Tim Hayden Connect with Tim Hayden on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode BrainTrust Partners LLC Llama Salesforce HubSpot Agorapulse Marketo Ethan Mollick Constant Contact Lastpass Dashlane Read.ai NotebookLM Gamma AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers Explore past episodes of the AI in Marketing: Unpacked podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://www.thesocialmediahat.com/blog/why-your-smb-needs-a-data-strategy-before-adopting-ai/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The Social Media Hat - When One More Hat Is One Too Many. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant at The Social Media Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you’re interested in helping marketers with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Music by Tokay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine having the power to create a brand strategy that rivals those of industry giants, regardless of your business size or budget. Today, we're diving into the world of AI-powered branding, where cutting-edge technology is leveling the playing field and enabling businesses of all sizes to craft compelling, professional-level brand messaging. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a marketing team, this episode will reveal how you can harness AI to elevate your brand, connect more deeply with your audience, and compete effectively in today's crowded marketplace. Joining us to unpack this game-changing approach is Ruheene Jaura, a true innovator at the intersection of creativity and technology. With 16 years of experience in visual effects for giants like Cirque du Soleil and Marvel, Ruheene has seamlessly transitioned into AI-powered marketing. As the founder of heyLevi.ai, she's revolutionizing brand strategy development. Certified in digital marketing and emerging technologies, Ruheene brings a unique blend of creative vision and technical expertise to help businesses transform their branding through AI. AI in Marketing: Unpacked host Mike Allton asked Ruheene Jaura about: ✨ AI Democratizes Branding: AI tools are leveling the playing field, allowing businesses of all sizes to access professional-level branding strategies. ✨ Efficiency Meets Creativity: AI streamlines the branding process, freeing up time for human creativity to focus on strategic decision-making. ✨ Adaptability is Key: As AI continues to evolve, businesses must stay adaptable and leverage these tools to remain competitive in their branding efforts. Learn more about Ruheene Jaura Connect with Ruheene Jaura on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode heyLevi Tamsen Webster The Menagerie: An Artificial Intelligence Sci-Fi Novel The AI Revolution is Here: What Every Marketer Needs to Know with Mike Allton AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers Explore past episodes of the AI in Marketing: Unpacked podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://www.thesocialmediahat.com/blog/redefining-brand-strategy-ai-tools-for-businesses-of-all-sizes/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The Social Media Hat - When One More Hat Is One Too Many. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant at The Social Media Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you’re interested in helping marketers with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Music by Tokay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you thought you knew about technology adoption in marketing was wrong? Imagine a world where C-suite executives are more comfortable with AI than digital natives. Well, according to groundbreaking new research from Lightricks and the American Marketing Association, that world is already here. For decades, we've operated under the assumption that new technology adoption flows from the bottom up. Young professionals, fresh out of college, bring new tools and techniques to their organizations. But AI is completely flipping this script, creating an unprecedented divide in marketing teams that threatens both innovation and career growth. The numbers are startling: while 61% of executives use AI weekly, only 42% of entry-level marketers do the same. Even more concerning? 65% of executives have received formal AI training, compared to just 34% of early-career marketers. This isn't just a gap – it's a canyon that's growing wider every day. Today, we're joined by Corbett Drummey, a pioneer in the creator economy and AI space. As part of Lightricks, which recently partnered with the American Marketing Association on this groundbreaking research, Corbett brings unique insights into this shifting landscape. His experience leading Popular Pays through its successful acquisition by Lightricks, and his current work developing AI tools for brand safety, puts him at the intersection of marketing leadership and technological innovation. AI in Marketing: Unpacked host Mike Allton asked Corbett Drummey about: ✨ Reversed Adoption Pattern: Traditional bottom-up technology adoption is being replaced by executive-led AI integration. ✨ Training Determines Success: The growing training gap between leadership and staff is becoming a critical career factor. ✨ Bridge The Divide: Organizations must actively work to democratize AI access and training across all levels. Learn more about Corbett Drummey Connect with Corbett Drummey on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Download The Full Report: https://www.lightricks.com/ama-survey AI Training available for employees Lightricks American Marketing Association Mastering AI Prompting: Advanced Techniques for Success with Ashley Gross Revolutionizing Visual Content: Generative AI in Action with Corbett Drummey AI as Your Co-Host: Unleashing NotebookLM’s Potential in Content Marketing AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers Explore past episodes of the AI in Marketing: Unpacked podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://www.thesocialmediahat.com/blog/the-surprising-truth-about-ai-adoption-in-marketing-teams/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The Social Media Hat - When One More Hat Is One Too Many. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant at The Social Media Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you’re interested in helping marketers with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Music by Tokay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine having a marketing superpower that could analyze mountains of data, predict consumer behavior, and optimize your campaigns faster than you can say "AI." Well, guess what? That power exists, and it's revolutionizing the way we drive growth in marketing. You see, in today's hyper-competitive landscape, traditional marketing methods are about as effective as using a flip phone to browse TikTok. But there's a game-changing technology that's transforming marketing from a guessing game into a precise science. It's like having a crystal ball, but one that actually works. Now, you might be thinking, "Great, another tech buzzword to add to my marketing bingo card." But hold onto your hats, because AI in marketing isn't just hype – it's the hyperdrive for your growth strategies. And who better to be our Jedi Master in this AI-powered marketing galaxy than the incredible Cathy McPhillips? AI in Marketing: Unpacked host Mike Allton asked Cathy McPhillips about: ✨ AI-Powered Precision: Enhancing targeting and personalization. ✨ Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging AI for strategic insights. ✨ Scalable Growth Strategies: Automating and optimizing marketing efforts. Learn more about Cathy McPhillips Connect with Cathy McPhillips on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Marketing AI Institute CMI (Content Marketing Institute) Descript MAICON (Marketing AI Conference) The Artificial Intelligence Show with Paul Roetzer and Mike Kaput Filling the Void: How AI Identifies and Closes Content Gaps with Andy Crestodina The H.U.M.A.N. AI Integration Framework: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and People Revolutionizing Visual Content: Generative AI in Action Mastering AI: The Future of Data-Driven Personalization in Marketing with Zontee Hou Intro to AI for Marketers AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers Explore past episodes of the AI in Marketing: Unpacked podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://www.thesocialmediahat.com/blog/the-ai-growth-engine-accelerating-your-marketing-results/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The Social Media Hat - When One More Hat Is One Too Many. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant at The Social Media Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you’re interested in helping marketers with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Music by Tokay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices