Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

Send us a textIn this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing® podcast, Mike Montague sits down with veteran CMO David Poulos to diagnose one of the most common but costly mistakes in small business marketing today: relying on AI without a clear strategy. They unpack how AI often becomes a shortcut to mediocrity, amplifying generic content, skipping the hard questions, and ignoring the very thing that actually drives growth: knowing your customer and having a plan that respects them.From AI-generated outreach to broken funnels and retention blind spots, this episode is packed with real talk for marketers, founders, and business leaders. You’ll learn why automation doesn’t fix a lack of clarity, how strategy needs to lead technology, not follow it, and what marketing malpractice looks like in 2025. Plus, they explore how to stay relevant without sounding robotic, and why context is the most underutilized ingredient in AI marketing today.Key Takeaways1. AI without strategy is malpractice.Using AI tools without a defined audience, offer, and marketing plan only accelerates poor decisions and creates more noise.2. Tactics don’t scale if the foundation is broken.Many businesses rely on tactical tools (SEO, email, social) without a strategic plan, so they plateau, stall, or misfire at scale.3. Best practices are just “average practices” in disguise.What worked for someone else won’t necessarily work for you; strategy must be customized to your business, your team, and your buyers.4. Most AI tools optimize for mediocrity, not excellence.Without human guidance, AI trains itself on the mean, not the top 20% of high-performing content or campaigns.5. You can’t outsource understanding your customer.No AI tool will replace the human work of listening, testing, and developing real audience insight.6. Don’t automate what you haven’t validated.Automating unproven or broken processes can tank results faster. Make sure the process works before you scale it.7. Retention is greater than acquisition for long-term growth.Chasing new customers while neglecting your existing ones creates a “leaky funnel” that no amount of AI can fix.8. Cold outreach is getting smarter, but still needs human backup.AI can write better intros and personalize emails, but it’s still up to your team to have real conversations and build trust.9. Fail fast, but don’t skip the learning loop.AI lacks the built-in reflection humans have; it needs input, feedback, and correction from humans who understand what “success” looks like.10. Your strategy should evolve faster than the tools.With new AI tools popping up daily, your competitive edge is your ability to adapt your thinking, not just your tech stack.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a textIn this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing Podcast, host Mike Montague sits down with  ⁨@thechadburmeister⁩   , host of the AI for Sales Podcast and veteran AI entrepreneur, to explore how small and mid-sized businesses can harness AI without losing the human touch. Chad shares practical, battle-tested strategies for building custom GPTs in under an hour, using AI to create personalized outreach that gets 82% open rates, and aligning sales and marketing data to improve every conversation. You’ll hear why the most successful teams blend AI automation with human judgment to scale trust, not just transactions.Together, Mike and Chad dive into the dos and don’ts of AI-powered selling, from training models on your best messaging to avoiding the trap of generic “AI slop.” You’ll learn where AI can take repetitive, time-consuming tasks off your plate, where human nuance is still essential, and how to get your team comfortable and confident using AI. Whether you’re a business owner looking to empower your sales reps or a marketing leader aiming for consistent, on-brand outreach, this conversation will give you a roadmap to automate the work while keeping the connection that wins deals.Key Takeaways1. Build Your First Custom GPT – Creating a GPT trained on your company’s best content, messaging, and data can take less than an hour and instantly boost personalization.2. Train AI on Proven Messaging – Feeding AI examples of your top-performing emails or scripts helps it replicate your winning style instead of generating generic output.3. Use AI for Context, Not Just Content – AI can analyze customer data, personas, and pain points to make your outreach more relevant and engaging.4. Keep a Human in the Loop – Even the best-trained AI needs human review to ensure accuracy, tone, and alignment with brand voice.5. Focus on Trust-Building Tasks – AI can handle the busywork, but sales reps should focus their time on activities that deepen relationships and close deals.6. Avoid “AI Slop” – One-shot prompts without context lead to bad scripts; iterative collaboration with AI produces far better results.7. Leverage AI for Quick Wins – Use it for immediate needs like crafting proposals, summarizing meetings, or customizing event follow-ups to speed up sales cycles.8. Match AI Use to Buyer Stages – Automation works well for top and mid-funnel engagement, but late-stage deals often need a human touch to close.9. Personalize at Scale – AI enables tailored messaging for each prospect without adding to your workload, increasing open and reply rates.10. Think Long-Term with AI Integration – Building AI into your processes today sets you up for compounding improvements in efficiency and quality over time.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a textMost salespeople dread roleplay training. It’s awkward, unrealistic, and rarely reflects the real challenges they face with prospects. In this episode, Mike Montague sits down with Michael Ocean, founder of Sell Me This Pen AI, to talk about a better way. Instead of building AI to replace sales reps, Michael built an AI-powered coaching assistant that helps them practice, improve, and perform without the pressure of a group setting or the pain of bad peer roleplays.We dig into why enterprise and complex sales still demand a human-first approach, how AI can uncover blind spots and skill gaps, and what makes roleplay effective when it’s personalized and repeatable. You’ll hear how SMBs can use AI to scale coaching, not cold calls; why safe practice leads to real confidence; and the right balance between AI feedback and human management. If you lead a sales team or want to sharpen your skills without the cringe, this episode is your playbook.Top Takeaways1. AI should enhance, not replace, salespeople – Complex, high-trust sales conversations still require human judgment and relationship building.2. Roleplays work best in a safe, personalized environment – AI lets reps practice without embarrassment or the limitations of a generic group scenario.3. Practice improves performance, but most teams don’t get enough of it – AI makes it possible to scale individualized coaching without overwhelming managers.4. AI can deliver unbiased, consistent feedback – Machine-led reviews focus on objective performance markers, not subjective impressions or mood.5. Managers are still critical for context and motivation – Human leaders can interpret performance data, address personal factors, and inspire change.6. Peer-to-peer roleplay often fails to reflect real buyer behavior – AI can simulate diverse personas and scenarios that mirror actual customer conversations.7. Repetition builds confidence and skill mastery – With AI, reps can repeat scenarios as often as needed without wasting a colleague’s time.8. AI reveals blind spots salespeople may not recognize – Pattern recognition and behavior tracking help uncover habits or weaknesses a human coach might miss.9. Balance is key between automation and human connection – AI should handle repetitive training tasks so humans can focus on relationship-building and strategy.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a textToo many SMBs think a new headline, a prettier design, or the latest AI tool will magically turn their website into a lead machine. In this episode, Mike Montague sits down with marketing veteran James Hipkin to explain why most underperforming websites don’t have a copy or design problem; they have a strategy problem. You’ll learn why “inside-out” marketing stalls growth, how to shift to an “outside-in” approach that meets buyers where they are, and why messaging built for boomers can repel younger audiences like Millennials and Gen Z.James also shares the 80/20 rule for finding your most valuable customers, how to build content for people who have never heard of you, and practical ways AI can help you tailor messaging for different buyer personas without sounding robotic. If your business is stuck on a plateau, still relying too heavily on referrals, or wondering how to adapt to the self-service research habits of modern buyers, this conversation is a blueprint for building marketing that resonates, connects, and converts.Key Takeaways1. Most website problems are strategic, not cosmetic – Poor performance usually comes from a lack of a clear marketing strategy, not bad copy or visuals.2. Adopt an “outside-in” marketing mindset – Build messaging and offers around your audience’s journey, not just your own story or features.3. Your boomer-era marketing may repel younger buyers – Millennials and Gen Z expect self-service research and digital-first engagement, not phone calls and hard sells.4. The 80/20 rule can unlock growth – Focus on the top 20% of customers who generate most of your revenue, and design campaigns to attract more like them.5. Strangers need different messaging than referrals – Don’t assume new prospects know your values, reputation, or track record—build content that educates and builds trust from scratch.6. AI works best when it’s trained on your voice and audience – Use AI to adapt content for different personas, not to mass-produce generic marketing.7. Chatbots should provide value, not push for a call – Modern buyers will engage with bots if they get answers, resources, and useful guidance without pressure.8. Meet customers where they are in their decision journey – Offer the right content at the right stage, from initial research to final decision, to keep prospects moving forward.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a textIf your marketing blends in, it’s already losing. In this episode, Mike Montague sits down with  @schwedelson   , CEO of Outcome Media, founder of SubjectLine.com, and host of the Do This, Not That podcast, to talk about why “boring” is the silent killer of your campaigns. Jay shares why AI isn’t the enemy, but a partner for amplifying creativity, and how SMBs can use it to produce attention-grabbing ideas that cut through the tidal wave of generic content.From meme-powered event promotions that generated millions of organic views, to practical tips on balancing “feed the beast” consistency with big creative swings, Jay gives a masterclass in marketing that stands out without burning you out. You’ll hear how to avoid the trap of overcomplication, why focusing on simple, human ideas works, and how to create moments that make your audience stop scrolling and start engaging.Key Takeaways 1. Boring is the real competition – In a crowded market, blending in is more dangerous than making mistakes; safe content gets ignored.2. AI is your partner, not your replacement – Use AI as an editor, idea generator, and assistant, not as a content factory that strips away your humanity.3. The tidal wave of generic content is an opportunity – The more AI slop out there, the easier it is for authentic, human-centered marketing to stand out.4. Niche down to the basics – Most people don’t need cutting-edge tactics; simple, easy-to-implement ideas resonate with a far wider audience.5. Make your own GPT – Training a private GPT on your own content and voice can unlock faster idea generation and better alignment with your brand.6. Create “firehose moments” – Big attention spikes from events, stunts, or campaigns are essential for staying top-of-mind throughout the year.7. Feed the beast consistently – Maintain baseline activity on key channels so your brand never sends a “we’re out of business” signal.8. Mix quantity with creativity – Send more emails, post more often, but focus on good-enough consistency while saving energy for bold, high-impact ideas.9. Leverage cultural formats like memes – Repurposing familiar templates with your message can spark massive organic reach for very little cost.10. Simplify your focus – Limit email checking, avoid constant reaction to “noise,” and go deep on the channels and formats you actually enjoy.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Hunter Jensen, founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, shares his insights on harnessing AI for mid-market businesses. He discusses how custom applications and AI tools can transform productivity and software development. Hunter addresses the 'last mile problem' and the evolving role of engineers in an era of low-code solutions. He also predicts a future where creativity thrives alongside technology, emphasizing the need for human oversight in sensitive areas. With a rich background supporting organizations like NASA, his knowledge offers a roadmap for businesses navigating AI.

Doug Sandler, a podcasting strategist at Turnkey Podcast and host of the Nice Guys on Business podcast, shares insights on harnessing podcasting as a lead generation tool. He reveals his 'Guest to Gold' strategy, emphasizing that meaningful connections can generate revenue even with a small audience. The conversation highlights how AI streamlines podcast production while reminding us that genuine human creativity is essential. Doug stresses the importance of aligning podcast goals with business outcomes, steering clear of ego metrics.

Send us a textWhat if SEO isn’t dead, it’s just grown up? In this episode, Daniel Molina of Red Palm Studios joins us to talk about the future of search in the age of AI overload. From "plumber near me" to advanced local strategies, Daniel breaks down why quality content, strong reviews, and authentic online presence matter more than keyword stuffing or lazy automation. He shares lessons from scaling his own agency, failing forward as an entrepreneur, and why local businesses still have massive opportunities if they focus on what really works.We also unpack the rise of AI-generated content, what Google’s algorithm is really rewarding in 2025, and how human-first storytelling still beats out AI slop every time. Whether you’re a business owner trying to get found or a marketing director wondering how to stand out in an AI-saturated feed, this episode delivers clear, honest advice on where SEO is headed and how to stay ahead of it.Top Takeaways 1. SEO Isn’t Dead,  It’s Just SmarterThe old tricks like keyword stuffing and thin blogs are gone; what works now is strategic content with real user value.2. Local SEO Is More Alive Than Ever“Near me” searches and Google Maps rankings still drive massive results for service businesses if they build trust signals.3. Quality Content Is Only Part of the Pie NowContent used to be 80% of SEO success; now it’s just one part alongside reviews, backlinks, and social signals.4. Google Is Prioritizing Relevance, Not VolumeThe spam update cleaned house in 2023, and traffic dropped because irrelevant content and bot traffic got filtered out.5. AI Can’t Replace Human ContextGenerative tools are everywhere, but without real insight and intent behind the content, they won’t help rankings or conversions.6. Authority Comes from Outside Your WebsiteGoogle looks at what others say about you (reviews, citations, backlinks), not just what you publish on your site.7. Entrepreneurial Focus Beats Shiny Object SyndromeDaniel’s growth came when he stopped chasing new projects and committed to becoming excellent at marketing.8. AI Is a Tool, Not a StrategyHe warned against relying on AI tools without a human-first approach that understands your customer and context.9. Trust Is the New SEO CurrencyReal results come from being known, liked, and trusted, not gaming the algorithm.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Send us a textWhat if the AI revolution isn’t about replacing humans but finally giving small businesses the edge? In this episode of the Human-First AI Marketing® Podcast, Mike Montague talks with  ⁨Melissa Fors Shackelford⁩  , a seasoned marketing leader turned fractional CMO, about how AI is flattening the marketing landscape. They explore how tools once exclusive to Fortune 500 budgets are now accessible for under $100 and how that changes the game for nimble teams who move faster, connect deeper, and create with more authenticity.Melissa shares lessons from her shift from corporate healthcare to boutique consulting, the difference between AI governance in large orgs versus agility in small ones, and how marketers can ditch the “PowerPoint factory” mindset for smarter systems. You’ll learn why small businesses now have the unfair advantage and how to use it without losing your brand’s soul. It’s a candid, hopeful conversation for anyone who wants to scale their voice, not just their content.Top Takeaways 1. AI is a Force Multiplier for Small TeamsWhat used to take big budgets and departments can now be done with the right $20/month tools and strategic use of AI.2. Authenticity Still Wins, Even with AIAI can scale your message, but your purpose, personality, and point of view still matter more than ever.3. Small Businesses Are More Agile than Big BrandsWhile enterprises wrestle with AI governance and bureaucracy, smaller teams can test, learn, and move faster with less risk.4. Fractional CMOs Are Finally Feasible and PowerfulThanks to AI, experienced marketers can now bring enterprise-level strategy and execution to SMBs without needing a full team.5. PowerPoint Isn’t a Strategy, It’s a SymptomToo many corporate marketers spend their time making decks instead of driving strategy; AI helps shift that dynamic.6. You Don’t Need a Full Tech Stack to WinThoughtful use of tools like ChatGPT, Gamma, and Grammarly can replace multiple roles without compromising quality or voice.7. Start with Curiosity, Not PerfectionMelissa emphasizes trying new tools in small, scrappy ways to learn what works rather than waiting for a perfect plan.8. AI Should Handle the Tedious, Not the TrustLet automation do the repetitive work, so you can stay focused on creativity, leadership, and real human connection.The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.Explore new avenues available with AI marketing at Avenue9.com.We’re not just another AI company trying to build robots to replace you. We will help make you the hero. We’re marketers, too, and we get how important creativity, empathy, and human insight are when connecting with your ideal clients. No matter where you’re starting from or how big your goals are, we turn modern marketing challenges into exciting opportunities. Let's get started with a discovery consultation!

Mark Andrews, from AI Profits, shares his expertise on AI literacy for small and medium-sized businesses. He breaks down the misconception of AI as a magic solution, likening it to a chainsaw—powerful but requiring skill to use effectively. The conversation emphasizes understanding AI's real capabilities before jumping into automation, the importance of tailored training for employees, and the transformative potential of AI in optimizing marketing and operations. Mark provides practical insights to help businesses navigate the AI landscape successfully.