Are you feeling the pressure to jump on the AI bandwagon? You’re not alone. As small and medium-sized businesses race to adopt AI, many are overlooking a critical step that could make or break their success. What if I told you that the key to unlocking AI’s true potential for your business isn’t in the latest chatbot or predictive analytics tool, but in something you already have – your data?

The problem is, while AI promises to revolutionize how we do business, without a solid data strategy, it’s like trying to build a skyscraper on quicksand. Many SMBs are rushing to implement AI solutions without first understanding and organizing their data, leading to disappointing results and wasted resources.

But here’s the good news: with the right approach to your data, you can set your business up for AI success. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today with our expert guest, Tim Hayden.

Tim is the CEO of Brain+Trust Partners, a strategic consultancy that helps companies navigate digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience in building and managing successful companies, Tim is a pioneering business leader known for his expertise in data-driven marketing, customer experience, and emerging technologies. He’s worked with major brands like Dell, Bacardi, and AMD, and is a frequent speaker at industry events. Tim literally wrote the book on mobile commerce and has been at the forefront of digital marketing innovation for decades.

Today, Tim is going to break down why a data strategy is the essential first step for any SMB looking to harness the power of AI, and he’ll provide practical insights on how to get started. So, whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or you’re looking to optimize your current efforts, this episode is your roadmap to building a solid foundation for AI success.

AI in Marketing: Unpacked host Mike Allton asked Tim Hayden about:

✨ Data First, AI Second: Understanding why a solid data strategy is the foundation for successful AI adoption.

✨ Quality Over Quantity: Learning how to focus on collecting and organizing the right data for your specific business needs.

✨ Start Small, Think Big: Practical steps for SMBs to begin building their data strategy with limited resources.

Learn more about Tim Hayden

• Connect with Tim Hayden on LinkedIn

Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode

• BrainTrust Partners LLC
• Llama
• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Agorapulse
• Marketo
• Ethan Mollick
• Constant Contact
• Lastpass
• Dashlane
• Read.ai
• NotebookLM
• Gamma
• AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers
• Explore past episodes of the AI in Marketing: Unpacked podcast

SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://www.thesocialmediahat.com/blog/why-your-smb-needs-a-data-strategy-before-adopting-ai/

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Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant at The Social Media Hat, where he’s tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He’s spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he’s delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you’re interested in helping marketers with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.

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Music by Tokay.

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