AI Explored: Episode Summary – "Most Marketers Have No Idea What's Coming"

Podcast Information:

• Title: AI Explored
• Host/Author: Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner
• Episode: Most Marketers Have No Idea What's Coming
• Release Date: January 18, 2025
• Description: This podcast is tailored for marketers, creators, and business owners eager to harness the power of AI. Hosted by Michael Stelzner, founder of Social Media Examiner, it offers practical and actionable insights on integrating AI into your workflow. For detailed show notes, visit SocialMediaExaminer.com/podcast/.

1. Introduction and Context

[00:00] Michael Stelzner:
Michael opens the episode by referencing a post he made on December 19th, just before the Christmas break. The post, titled "Most marketers have no idea what just happened over the last two weeks," sparked hundreds of comments across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Michael emphasizes the significance of recent announcements by major companies made during the chaotic holiday season, a time typically fraught with distractions for marketers.

Notable Quote:
"Most marketers have no idea what's coming." – Michael Stelzner [00:00]

2. Michael's AI Experiments and the Launch of AI Explored Podcast

Michael reflects on the challenges marketers faced throughout 2024, particularly those running agencies, consulting, or operating solo. Observing widespread confusion and frustration, he initiated an experimental approach within Social Media Examiner to explore AI's potential in marketing.

[05:00] Michael Stelzner:
He describes the launch of the AI Explored Podcast in May 2024 as a hypothesis-driven experiment aimed at assisting small business marketers in applying AI practically. The podcast distinguished itself by focusing on actionable AI applications rather than news or technical deep-dives.

Notable Quote:
"If you understand how to put the latest AI innovations to work, you'll have an unfair competitive advantage over other marketers." – Michael Stelzner [12:00]

3. Success of AI Explored and Industry Validation

By the fifth episode, Michael was thrilled to report surpassing the initial goal of attracting 1,000 listeners per episode. This success validated his hypothesis, leading to the podcast's permanent place in Social Media Examiner's lineup. Eight months post-launch, AI Explored ranked among the top 15 marketing podcasts on Apple Podcasts, consistently garnering thousands of listens within 24 hours of each episode's release.

Notable Quote:
"The data was really strong. We had far surpassed the goal of having a thousand people just on the first five episodes." – Michael Stelzner [05:30]

4. Comprehensive AI Generative Marketing Industry Report

In June, Michael conducted a comprehensive study surveying 1,250 marketers globally to assess their engagement with AI in marketing. The findings were compelling:

• 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they need to do more with AI in their marketing efforts.

This study culminated in the 2024 Generative AI Marketing Industry Report, available for free download, providing valuable insights into current AI adoption trends among marketers.

Notable Quote:
"90% of the audience we studied said they either agree or strongly agree that they need to do more with AI in their marketing." – Michael Stelzner [07:15]

5. Expansion of AI-Focused Initiatives at Social Media Marketing World

In September, Michael announced the creation of a dedicated AI and Marketing Track at the Social Media Marketing World 2025 conference. Previously limited to a handful of sessions, the AI track expanded to include eleven sessions, exclusively focusing on practical AI applications for marketers. Additionally, in October 2024, the AI Business Society was launched as a paid membership platform offering ongoing live training, bi-monthly meetups, and a vibrant community for marketers to deepen their AI expertise.

Notable Quote:
"We opened up an entirely new track at Social Media Marketing World called the AI and Marketing Track." – Michael Stelzner [09:45]

6. Major AI Innovations Announced in December 2024

Michael delves into the significant AI advancements unveiled by industry giants like OpenAI and Google during December 2024. Despite the ill-timed announcement period amid the holidays, these innovations promise to revolutionize marketing practices.

a. OpenAI’s 12 Days of Shipmas: OpenAI introduced a series of groundbreaking features over 12 days:

• O1 Model: Enhanced reasoning abilities.
• Sora: A sophisticated text-to-video generation tool surpassing existing technologies.
• Canvas: Tools for collaborative writing and coding.
• ChatGPT Integration with Apple Intelligence: Enabled Siri to handle complex tasks.
• Advanced Voice Mode: Incorporating video capabilities.
• ChatGPT Search: Expanded accessibility for all users.
• Developers' Access: Released the full O1 model.
• ChatGPT for Phone Access: Introduced a 1,800 chatgpt feature.
• App Integrations: Including advanced coding tools.
• Preview of O3 and O3 Mini Models: Scheduled for January 2025 release.

b. Google’s AI Advancements:

• VO2VE O: A cutting-edge text-to-video generator producing highly realistic videos.
• Deep Research with Gemini: An AI tool capable of researching multiple sources and compiling comprehensive reports rapidly.
• Notebook LM Enhancements: Enabled interaction with AI voices for clarifying questions, moving beyond previous audio overview capabilities.

Notable Quote:
"I've never seen in a two-week period of time this level of innovation and the possibilities it brings." – Michael Stelzner [11:32]

7. Demonstration of AI Capabilities

To illustrate the practical applications of these AI advancements, Michael conducts a live demonstration with ChatGPT:

• Visual Recognition: ChatGPT identifies his Rodecaster Pro audio mixer, inferring its use in podcast production.
• Live Summarization: ChatGPT efficiently summarizes OpenAI's 12 Days of Shipmas announcements, showcasing real-time information processing and presentation capabilities.

Notable Quote:
"We're literally talking Star Wars 3PO level stuff here, right? Without a physical robot." – Michael Stelzner [13:17]

8. Impact of AI on Marketers and Strategic Recommendations

Michael underscores the transformative impact of AI on marketing, presenting a dual-faceted view:

Exciting Opportunities:

• Enhanced Productivity: AI tools streamline tasks, allowing marketers to accomplish more efficiently.
• Increased Value: Professionals leveraging AI become more indispensable to employers and clients.
• Time for Creativity: Automation of routine tasks frees up time for strategic thinking and creative endeavors.

Concerns:

• Competitive Disadvantage: Marketers who do not adopt AI risk falling behind peers who utilize these technologies.
• Job Security: Potential undervaluation in roles if AI-enhanced productivity is not matched.

Strategic Recommendations:

1. Embrace Continuous Learning:
   Michael advocates for marketers to adopt a 'learning mindset,' akin to returning to school, to master AI tools and integrate them into their workflows effectively.

2. Invest in Education:
   He encourages listeners to engage with the AI Explored podcast and consider attending Social Media Marketing World 2025 to gain hands-on AI knowledge.

3. Integrate AI into Daily Operations:
   At Social Media Examiner, Michael implemented mandatory AI training and accountability measures, ensuring all employees utilize and learn from AI tools regularly.

Notable Quote:
"Any marketer who understands how to put the latest AI innovations to work will have an unfair competitive advantage over other marketers." – Michael Stelzner [12:00]

9. Conclusion and Call to Action

Michael wraps up the episode by urging listeners to prioritize AI education and integration into their marketing strategies. He offers two actionable steps:

1. Listen and Learn:
   Subscribe to and consistently listen to the AI Explored podcast to gain actionable AI insights applicable to everyday marketing tasks.

2. Invest in AI Training:
   Attend Social Media Marketing World 2025, either in-person in San Diego or virtually, to immerse yourself in AI-focused sessions and network with like-minded professionals.

He emphasizes the urgency of adapting to AI advancements to stay competitive and invites listeners to share their thoughts and experiences on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Notable Quote:
"I can't wait to see what AI unlocks for you." – Michael Stelzner [13:30]

Final Thoughts:

In this episode, Michael Stelzner effectively communicates the rapid advancements in AI and their profound implications for the marketing industry. Through personal anecdotes, data-driven insights, and live demonstrations, he emphasizes the necessity for marketers to adopt AI tools to maintain a competitive edge. The episode serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap, guiding marketers toward embracing AI to enhance productivity, creativity, and overall value in their professional endeavors.