As leaders and creators in today's digital landscape, we're all facing the same challenging question: How do we stand out when AI can create endless streams of content? In this episode, I speak with marketing legend Mark Schafer about his groundbreaking new book "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World."

If you've ever felt the pressure to be visible online but worried about "adding to the noise," this conversation is essential listening. Mark reveals why being merely competent isn't enough anymore and shares a practical framework for becoming the signal that rises above the noise.

Mark brings 40+ years of marketing wisdom to this discussion, having written 11 books including the one that transformed my own business journey. We explore how personal branding serves as career insurance in an AI world and why making genuine human connections will be your ultimate competitive advantage.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Competency doesn't create conversations - In an AI world where perfect intelligence is becoming abundant and nearly free, being merely competent puts you at risk. To thrive, you must find ways to ignite uniquely human "fireworks" that create emotional connections your audience wants to talk about.

Break the "pandemic of dull" - Every industry has institutionalized boringness through fear, tradition, or perceived risk. Identify where you can thoughtfully break taboos or challenge norms "for good reason" to create content that matters. Remember: audacity doesn't have to be loud or expensive - it just has to make a difference.

Build a fear-free environment - Whether leading a team or running your own business, systematically dismantle the fear that prevents bold ideas. Start with small experiments that build credibility, then leverage those wins to create more audacious work. Today's digital tools make testing bold ideas cheaper and less risky than ever before.

I'm recommending Mark's book "Audacious" as essential reading for anyone building a personal brand or expert business. It's filled with examples from creative geniuses who've found ways to rise above the noise while staying true to their authentic selves.

Remember: "The most human company wins." In every touchpoint with your audience, look for opportunities to show your face, heart, smile, passion, and compassion.

🚀 Three Action Steps from Mark

Invest in your personal brand - Working on your personal brand is like investing in an insurance policy for your career. It's your only sustainable competitive advantage. When you're known and your competitors aren't, more doors open, more calls get returned, and more opportunities come your way.

Remember: "The most human company wins" - In every customer touchpoint, look for ways to make it more human. Show your face, heart, smile, passion, and compassion in every interaction - from text messages to complaints, from sales meetings to your website. This is especially crucial in the age of AI.

Explore "Audacious" - As Mark shared, this book provides a framework to help you transcend the noise. It collects wisdom from some of the world's greatest creative minds on how humans can thrive in an AI marketing world. The book even features an interactive QR code cover that changes each time you scan it!

Find Mark at BusinessesGrow.com where you can explore his blog, podcast, and his new book

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