195 Marketing and the AI Journey - Please Tell Me More
Release Date: 02/10/2026
195 Marketing and the AI Journey - Please Tell Me More
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Aby Varma The podcast episode focused on AI in marketing, where Aby shared his background and expertise in guiding marketing executives through their AI journey, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI implementation and strategic business use. They discussed the challenges and misconceptions surrounding AI adoption in businesses, highlighting the need for careful integration, domain expertise, and the importance of human judgment in AI-driven decision-making. Summary AI Marketing Strategies Discussion Manny introduced the podcast episode on AI in marketing, welcoming Abby Varma...
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194 Build Successful Relationships Through Networking That Generates Revenue with Sarah Hubbard
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Sarah, provided practical advice on networking in the mortgage and other industries, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, tailored interactions, and consistent follow-up through her MAPP framework. Sarah discusses her upcoming book on networking, which focuses on the MAPP framework (Mindset and Intention, Authentic Presence, Precise Messaging, and Purposeful Follow-through) and incorporates AI tools to enhance preparation for business interactions. Sarah, an East Coast native and former college athlete, transitioned from a potential career in physical therapy to mortgage...
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193 Mastering Your Poker Face in Video Meetings
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
In this episode of the Targeted Lead Generation Podcast, Coach Manny Nowak discussed the importance of mastering facial expressions during video calls to maintain professionalism and avoid misunderstandings. He explains how facial expressions can convey emotions unintentionally and impact group dynamics, decision-making, and personal credibility. Manny provided tips on how to control facial expressions, including self-awareness, practice, mindfulness techniques, and strategic pauses. He emphasized that controlling expressions is not about hiding emotions but managing responses for effective...
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191 Stop, Listen, Lead and Close More Business
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
In this episode of the Targeted Lead Generation Podcast, Coach Manny discusses the importance of listening skills in business and personal interactions. He shares insights from his book "Stop, Listen, and Lead" and emphasized the value of genuine interest, maintaining eye contact, and embracing silence during conversations. Manny provides practical exercises to help listeners improve their listening skills, including counting to ten before responding and practicing note-taking without formulating immediate responses. He also addresses the "itchy pants syndrome" - the urge to interrupt others -...
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191 - Why Can't You Close Business Consistently
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Manny introduced the Targeted Lead Generation Podcast and discussed strategies for addressing inconsistent business closures in sales, emphasizing the importance of focusing on unique value propositions rather than being intimidated by competition. He shared personal experiences and stories from colleagues to illustrate how persistence, creativity, and personalized approaches can overcome internal struggles and external fears in sales. Manny highlighted the significance of consistent follow-up relationships and flexible sales cycles, encouraging listeners to embrace creative strategies while...
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190 - How to Leverage the 80/20 rule to enhance efficiency and profit in small business with Michael Barbarita
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Michael, a business owner and consultant, shared his experience growing Ski Town U.S.A. by implementing unique strategies like a ski guarantee, which led to increased sales. He emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing customer and employee problems that they don't want, rather than focusing solely on financial incentives. Michael discussed his current work with trades businesses, highlighting the challenge of finding qualified employees and the growing importance of work-life balance for today's workforce. He introduced his book, which offers a 7-step formula based on the...
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189 - Reflection on 2025 – A Key to Success
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Manny discussed the importance of reflection in achieving success, drawing from John Maxwell's teachings. He emphasized that before setting goals for the coming year, it is crucial to take time to reflect on accomplishments from the past year, as this practice can lead to greater success in the future. Manny planned to walk through the reflection process, highlighting its significance and benefits. Reflection for Personal Growth Manny discussed the importance of reflection in evaluating one's accomplishments and experiences. He emphasized the need to pause and assess progress regularly,...
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188 Servant Leadership overview
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Manny introduces the Targeted Lead Generation Podcast, focusing on Sales, Finance, and Leadership (SFL) strategies to enhance workplace culture and drive success. He discusses the concept of servant leadership, a powerful approach reshaping organizations, and mentions the show's host and sponsor, the Servant Leadership Company. Manny emphasizes the importance of improving employee satisfaction and retention in today's business world, highlighting servant leadership as a key strategy for achieving these goals. Servant Leadership Principles and Empathy Manny discussed the principles of...
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187 Cash is King: The Key to Small Business Survival and Success
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Manny discussed the critical importance of cash flow management for small and mid-sized businesses, emphasizing that even profitable businesses can fail due to insufficient cash. He shared personal experiences and practical tips, including tracking every dollar, creating cash flow forecasts, maintaining an emergency fund, accelerating receivables, and negotiating payment terms with suppliers. Manny stressed the need for proactive cash flow management and encouraged listeners to review their financial situations regularly, highlighting the significance of cash flow as a business's lifeblood....
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186 Leading through rapid change and uncertainty
Targeted Lead Generation - Helping you discover and find the best lead generation tools and techniques for your business
Manny introduced a new podcast series focused on leadership challenges, particularly leading for business success. The series explored how companies must adapt to technological advances and shifting economies while managing changing customer expectations in today's volatile market environment. Manny discussed the benefits of servant leadership, including building trust, fostering collaboration, and supporting employee well-being, while encouraging listeners to share their experiences and learn more about Covert Leadership Training. Servant Leadership in Rapid Change Manny introduces a...
info_outlineAby Varma
The podcast episode focused on AI in marketing, where Aby shared his background and expertise in guiding marketing executives through their AI journey, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI implementation and strategic business use. They discussed the challenges and misconceptions surrounding AI adoption in businesses, highlighting the need for careful integration, domain expertise, and the importance of human judgment in AI-driven decision-making.
Summary
AI Marketing Strategies Discussion
Manny introduced the podcast episode on AI in marketing, welcoming Abby Varma as the guest. Abby shared his background as a global business and marketing leader, founder of Spark Novus, and host of the Marketing AI Sparkcast podcast. He emphasized his focus on guiding marketing executives through their AI journey and creating responsible strategies for business growth. Manny and Abby discussed the importance of AI in marketing and the episode's aim to help listeners use AI effectively for better results.
AI Marketing Strategy Expert
Aby shared his background in marketing and sales, highlighting his 20+ years of experience and his transition into AI during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of combining sales and marketing perspectives to enhance marketing strategies, advocating for a data-driven approach that considers the needs of sales teams. Aby also mentioned his role in founding SparkNews about three years ago, where he continues to focus on the intersection of marketing and technology.
AI Evolution and Strategic Integration
Aby discussed the rapid evolution of AI, particularly generative AI and the emerging concept of AI agents, noting that 2025 marked a shift from basic AI adoption to strategic business use. He highlighted the importance of education and responsible AI implementation, addressing concerns about job displacement and emphasizing the need for strategic integration of AI as an assistant to human workers rather than a replacement.
AI Agents vs Traditional Automation
Aby explained the concept of AI agents, distinguishing them from traditional automation by their ability to interpret and perform non-deterministic tasks based on guidelines, using Salesforce's Agent Force as an example.
AI Strategy and Change Management
Aby discussed the importance of viewing AI as a strategic change in operating approach rather than just a tool adoption. He emphasized that successful companies align AI initiatives with their strategic pillars and business goals, while also focusing on employee change management, literacy, and hands-on experimentation. The key success criterion he highlighted was developing an overarching AI strategy for 3 years before selecting specific tools and technologies.
Strategic Technology Adoption Insights
Aby advised Manny to test new technologies with a small group before scaling up to avoid disruption, drawing from his experience with companies implementing AI and other tools. He emphasized the importance of aligning technology initiatives with strategic goals, rather than chasing the latest "shiny toys," and shared a real example of a company that had to pivot from an AI project to a more strategic go-to-market initiative. Aby also highlighted the critical mistake of ignoring the human element in technology adoption, noting that employees often fear job loss and lack clarity on appropriate AI usage due to inadequate governance and training.
AI Implementation Challenges in Business
Manny and Aby discussed the challenges and misconceptions surrounding AI implementation in businesses. Aby emphasized the importance of domain expertise and highlighted that AI is not a silver bullet for quick results, but rather a tool that requires careful integration into existing processes. They also talked about the need for patience from executives and the importance of human judgment in AI-driven decision-making. Aby advised listeners to look for case studies and references when seeking AI expertise and to focus on how AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
How to connect with Aby:
https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/GMJKy5M9ifHL7EQkiRNPVhh7
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abyvarma/'
Connect with Manny:
Email: Manny@mannynowak.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannynowak/
Website: http://coachmanny.com/