Summary of "Why That Worked #30: AI with Jay Owen—How Smart Businesses Use It Without Losing the Human Touch"

Podcast Information
Title: Marketing Made Simple
Host/Author: Powered by StoryBrand
Episode: Why That Worked #30: AI with Jay Owen—How Smart Businesses Use It Without Losing the Human Touch
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Description: Every week on Marketing Made Simple, you'll get practical tips to make your marketing easy and make it work!

Introduction to AI in Marketing

The episode kicks off with co-hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed welcoming Jay Owen, the founder of AI With Jay and a seasoned StoryBrand certified agency owner. Jay's mission revolves around equipping small business owners with practical AI strategies to enhance productivity and streamline operations, ultimately fostering growth and success.

Donald Miller [01:24]:
"Jay is a longtime Story Brand certified agency owner and you've made it your mission to equip small businesses owners with practical AI strategies to boost productivity and streamline operations which, as we all know, leads to growth and success."

Understanding Trust in AI

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the trustworthiness of AI. Jay Owen compares AI's confirmation bias to that of social media algorithms, emphasizing how AI often affirms users' beliefs, which can be both beneficial and limiting.

Jay Owen [03:26]:
"Social media has been built with this idea of how do we create as much dopamine for people as possible, feed them what they want, and keep feeding them to them, you know, and I think there's a. There's an interesting piece of that in AI where it's confirmed. We like to be told we're right."

To mitigate this, Jay suggests customizing AI settings to encourage a more skeptical and source-citing approach, ensuring the information remains credible and not just affirming.

Practical Applications of AI in Business

Jay delves into practical ways businesses can harness AI effectively without losing the human touch. He highlights the importance of treating AI as a conversational partner rather than a mere search engine. By asking AI to question and refine ideas, businesses can achieve more refined and actionable outcomes.

Jay Owen [06:03]:
"What we're not doing is the next step, and the next step is asking it to ask you questions. So, for example, hey, what am I, what am I not thinking about?"

He also introduces tools like Whisper Flow for accurate and efficient dictation, allowing for seamless integration of spoken words into text, enhancing productivity especially for those who may have difficulties with traditional typing.

AI's Impact on Human Connection

While AI offers numerous advantages, the conversation underscores the irreplaceable value of human connection. Jay emphasizes that while AI can handle tasks like follow-ups and reminders, the personal touch of human interaction—such as holding someone accountable or providing genuine encouragement—remains unmatched.

Jay Owen [12:46]:
"But if you pick up the phone and call them or you get in a car and you go to their house or you get on an airplane and go to them in person. It's the same kind of idea."

Donald Miller echoes this sentiment, sharing personal anecdotes about the tangible satisfaction derived from manual tasks, drawing a clear line between digital efficiency and physical engagement.

Enhancing Messaging with AI

A pivotal topic discussed is the integration of AI in crafting and maintaining consistent messaging across various platforms. Jay Owen elaborates on how his agency utilizes custom GPTs and projects within ChatGPT to ensure that all client communications adhere to the StoryBrand framework.

Jay Owen [21:08]:
"For example, if I want it to abide by a particular style guide in writing, I could create a custom GPT for that and feed it an uploaded PDF or text document that has those predefined instructions."

This approach allows for rapid development of strategies and materials, reducing what once took weeks into days, thereby accelerating client success without compromising quality.

Overcoming Overwhelm: Getting Started with AI

Understanding that the influx of AI tools can be overwhelming, Jay provides actionable advice for listeners hesitant to dive into AI integration. He encourages viewing AI as a partner that augments creativity and efficiency rather than a replacement.

Jay Owen [30:17]:
"Starting with just the basics, I think it's easy to feel behind. I feel behind sometimes... but it's not a question of should I use it or not, it's how can I use it for good."

He emphasizes simplifying the learning process and adopting AI incrementally to enhance existing workflows, making the transition smoother and more manageable.

Real-World Success Stories and Testimonials

Throughout the episode, Jay shares success stories and testimonials from clients who have benefited from integrating AI into their marketing strategies. These narratives illustrate the tangible benefits of AI, from enhancing email communication to creating visually appealing lead generators.

Kyle Reed [28:14]:
"There was somebody the other day that I needed to send an email to that has done a terrific job, but there's just one thing that I didn't feel like was going right in the way they were doing their job. And I spent five minutes with AI just saying, hey, how can I do this without negatively affecting this person's identity or the way they see themselves."

Conclusion and Resources

As the episode wraps up, Jay Owen directs listeners to his resources for further exploration of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of continual learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Jay Owen [33:00]:
"I've got a great download with tons of resources@aiwithj.com. Totally free. You can download that resource."

Donald Miller and Kyle Reed conclude by reiterating the balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining genuine human interactions, encouraging listeners to start integrating AI thoughtfully into their business practices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Customization is Crucial: Tailoring AI settings can mitigate confirmation bias, ensuring more accurate and reliable outputs.
2. AI as a Partner: Viewing AI as a conversational tool enhances creativity and productivity without replacing human connection.
3. Consistent Messaging: Utilizing custom GPTs and predefined frameworks like StoryBrand ensures consistent and effective communication across all platforms.
4. Start Simple: Begin with basic AI integrations to build confidence and gradually expand usage for optimal benefits.
5. Human Touch Remains Vital: Despite AI's advancements, the value of genuine human interaction and accountability cannot be replicated by machines.

Notable Quotes:

• Jay Owen [03:26]:
  "Social media has been built with this idea of how do we create as much dopamine for people as possible... and I think there's an interesting piece of that in AI where it's confirmed. We like to be told we're right."

• Jay Owen [06:03]:
  "What we're not doing is the next step, and the next step is asking it to ask you questions."

• Jay Owen [21:08]:
  "For example, if I want it to abide by a particular style guide in writing, I could create a custom GPT for that and feed it an uploaded PDF or text document that has those predefined instructions."

• Jay Owen [30:17]:
  "It's not a question of should I use it or not, it's how can I use it for good."

This episode of "Why That Worked" provides a comprehensive look into the strategic integration of AI in marketing, balancing technological advancements with the indispensable human element. Jay Owen's insights offer actionable strategies for businesses aiming to harness AI's potential while maintaining authentic connections with their audience.