AI Talk is Cheap. It's time for straight talk about what's really necessary to implement AI for marketing and sales in industrial manufacturers - Episode 65 of the Industrial Growth Institute Podcast with Rick Kranz Summary Rick Kranz is in the podcast studio this week to delve into the practical applications of AI in marketing and sales. He emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in adopting AI technologies. Ed and Rick discuss his diverse career journey, the significance of building practical AI solutions for businesses, and the evolving landscape of marketing strategies in the age of AI. The conversation also highlights: changing buyer behavior the future of sales and marketing as influenced by AI tools and technologies practical applications of AI in marketing and sales how small and mid-sized businesses can leverage AI tools to enhance their processes the role of executives in understanding AI capabilities the future of AI in the workforce. The discussion also touches on engagement strategies on platforms like LinkedIn and the significance of having guardrails in AI systems to ensure effective implementation. Takeaways Midsize industrial manufacturers need to engage with AI at multiple levels. Community plays a crucial role in adopting AI technologies. Discipline and methodology are key to mastering any skill, including AI. Small businesses can leverage AI to compete with larger firms. The traditional marketing playbook is evolving with AI advancements. Sales and marketing are increasingly interconnected in the buyer's journey. Buyers are using AI to streamline their research and decision-making processes. AI can automate entry-level tasks, changing the landscape of marketing jobs. The AI Automation Lab is designed for business owners and sales professionals to learn and implement AI solutions. Weekly sessions include co-build and troubleshooting sessions provide the most value to participants. Community brainstorming enhances problem-solving. AI can assist in content creation and writing. Engagement on LinkedIn requires strategic thinking. Executives should observe AI applications to trigger ideas. Guardrails in AI systems prevent mistakes. Small businesses can automate grunt work with AI. Practical applications of AI can save time and resources. The future of AI should focus on enhancing human capabilities. Takeaway Quotes from Rick Kranz "It's about methodology and discipline." "AI is taking over entry-level tasks." "Get your salespeople on LinkedIn." Check out Rick's AI Marketing Automation Lab website. LinkedIn: Rick Kranz and Ed Marsh Twitter: Rick Kranz and Ed Marsh Instagram: Rick Kranz and Ed Marsh YouTube: @AI-Kelly and @EdMarsh Show Transcript  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Marketing and Sales 02:16 Rick Kranz: A Multifaceted Career Journey 07:12 The Importance of Community in AI Adoption 11:49 Building Practical AI Solutions for Businesses 15:55 The Role of AI in Small Business Marketing 20:50 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies with AI 25:42 Understanding Buyer Behavior in the AI Era 30:16 The Future of Sales and Marketing with AI 34:23 Buyers' Use of AI in Their Workflows 38:02 The AI Automation Lab: Purpose and Membership 40:00 Collaborative Building and Troubleshooting in AI Systems 42:46 Community Support and Practical Learning 46:02 AI in Content Creation and Writing 48:58 Engagement Strategies on LinkedIn 52:00 The Role of Executives in AI Adoption 55:02 Guardrails in AI Systems 57:56 Practical Applications of AI in Small Businesses 01:01:03 Resources and Roadmap for AI Marketing Automation 01:04:02 Future Predictions for AI in Business   Your Old Marketing and Sales Playbooks are Probably Broken   Buyer behaviors are changing quickly. That means we need to evolve our marketing and sales. This paper outlines the changes and how companies need to adapt their industrial marketing and sales.    Read more from Ed's recent paper on these critical changes.