What happens when AI misfires in your business?

Spoiler alert: it’s not pretty.

In this episode of Marketing Automation Made Simple, we’re diving deep into the messy, misunderstood world of AI ethics and compliance.

From accidental discount offers that spark outrage (yes, we’re sharing a personal example involving a craft brewery), to AI avatars that leave followers feeling... icky - this is the episode every business owner needs to hear before they flip the automation switch.

We’re discussing:

• The dangers of shady shortcuts in marketing automation

• Why permission-based marketing is your new best friend

• How big brands (like Amazon) got it wrong—and what you can learn from them

• Practical ways to stay human while scaling with tech

• The must-know regulations that could save your butt (and your brand)

If you’re using automation to grow your business - or thinking about it - this episode will help you stay smart, simple, and above all… ethical.

👀 Check out the full blog post for links to the legislation and tools mentioned at BumperLeads.com

TIME STAMP:

00:00:00 - Introduction: Nightmare Scenarios in Automation
00:00:58 - Welcome to Marketing Automation Made Simple
00:01:10 - The Importance of Ethical AI
00:01:42 - What is Ethical AI?
00:01:53 - Case Study: Amazon's Biased Recruitment Tool
00:02:25 - Key Challenges in Ethical AI
00:02:25 - Transparency: Letting Customers Know
00:02:47 - Consent: Explicit Customer Agreement
00:02:59 - Bias: Avoiding Unintentional Favoritism
00:03:20 - Compliance: Why It Matters
00:03:20 - Case Study: Facebook Cambridge Analytica Scandal
00:04:01 - Permission-Based Marketing
00:04:44 - Recording Conversations: Explicit Consent
00:05:05 - Key Laws to Keep in Mind
00:05:15 - TCPA: Protecting Consumers from Unwanted Calls
00:05:38 - GDPR: The Gold Standard in Privacy Regulation
00:06:22 - Australian Privacy Act: Clear Consent and Data Management
00:06:54 - EU AI Act: Setting Global Benchmarks
00:07:15 - The Importance of Trust in Business
00:07:36 - Case Study: Babylon Health's AI-Driven Chatbot
00:08:09 - AI Avatars and Customer Trust
00:09:14 - Case Study: Craft Brewer's Automation Mistake
00:10:07 - Keeping Trust at the Forefront
00:10:07 - Human in the Loop: Reviewing AI Decisions
00:10:29 - Transparency on Social Media
00:10:40 - Practical Tips for Ethical Automation
00:10:51 - Regular Compliance Checks
00:11:12 - Explicit Consent for Automation
00:11:33 - Clear Notification for Recorded Conversations
00:11:44 - Regular Bias Checks
00:11:55 - Labeling AI-Generated Content
00:12:05 - Protecting Reputation and Customer Loyalty
00:12:16 - Summary and Closing Remarks
00:12:59 - Additional Resources and Blog Post Information

00:10:40 - "Doing these things isn't just about avoiding trouble, it's about protecting your reputation and ensuring customers keep coming back and doing business with you more."

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Feeling like your CRM is more trouble than it’s worth—or worse, still stuck in a spreadsheet? This episode is your permission slip to stop the tech overwhelm and start making smart, scalable decisions.

I chat with Frieda Maher, founder of Sales Pod and CRM transformation queen, about how small businesses can ditch clunky systems, stop wasting time, and build simple, scalable solutions that actually work.

Whether you’re CRM-shopping, considering a switch, or just trying to make your current setup work harder (without hiring another admin), Frieda breaks it all down—minus the jargon.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Connect with Frieda on LinkedIn: Frieda Maher

• Visit Sales Pod: salespod.com.au

• Frieda’s course: CRM Game Plan (or update with correct link)

• Tools mentioned: MailerLite, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Go High Level, Insightly, Pipedrive, Zoho

• Bonus: Chris L. Davis – ActiveCampaign Education & Mentorship

  My Interview with Chris L. David - listen here

Time Stamp

00:00 – Intro: Why simple, smart, and human systems are the way forward
01:05 – Meet Frieda Ma: From global sales ops to small business game-changer
03:12 – Why big improvements happen in small businesses
06:40 – The truth about what a CRM actually is (and isn’t)

09:55 – “What’s the best CRM?” is the wrong question to ask

13:01 – When it’s time to ditch your system and upgrade (hint: more effort in than value out)

17:15 - Signs your tech stack is holding you back (and wasting money)

19:40 – How to make CRM decisions without losing your min

23:30 – Frieda’s course: CRM Game Plan—structure without overwhelm

29:42 – Real talk on CRM pricing, scale, and hidden traps

30:05 – Listener Q&A from Aya: How to break into CRM as a career

31:10 – Top CRM picks for small businesses right now (MailerLite, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign & more)

34:12 – Frieda’s final advice: Start small, stay human, and pick tech that supports how you work

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Imagine a world where your expertise can operate 24/7, without burning out.

In this video episode, my twin sister and I are showing you step by step how to clone yourself and create your very own digital twin using Custom GPTs

You'll learn why the paid version of ChatGPT is a game-changer, how to start cloning your skills, and real-world examples of custom GPTs in action.

If you're sick of repetitive tasks and want to focus on what makes you great, this episode is for you. Download the cheat sheet from the show notes and start cloning yourself today!

Time Stamp:

00:31 Introduction to AI and Custom GPT

01:12 Understanding Custom GPT and Its Benefits

04:56 Steps to Create Your Custom GPT

07:35 Testing and Fine-Tuning Your Custom GPT

12:52 Real-World Applications and Success Stories

22:14 Using Custom GPT for Lead Generation and Customer Support

33:02 Final Thoughts and Resources

✅ CHEAT SHEET: How to Clone Your Skills Using a Custom GPT

Step 1: Define What You’re Cloning

☑️ Your expertise (email marketing, fitness, HR?)

☑️ Your tone of voice (e.g., cheeky, direct, nurturing)

☑️ Your methods, checklists, frameworks, FAQs

Step 2: Create a Persona for Your GPT

☑️ Name your GPT

☑️ Describe your role: “I help [who] with [what]”

☑️ Choose your tone and values

☑️ Include what you do not want it to say

Step 3: Collect Your Knowledge

☑️ Blog posts, SOPs, onboarding docs

☑️ Email templates

☑️ FAQs or client scripts

☑️ Product or service descriptions

Step 4: Build It in ChatGPT

☑️ Go to “Explore GPTs” > “Create GPT”

☑️ Fill in your GPT's name and instructions

☑️ Upload files or paste content

☑️ Test a few sample questions

Step 5: Train It Like an Intern

☑️ Adjust how it responds

☑️ Give feedback: “Make that more casual” or “Use bullets” ☑️ Repeat until the tone feels just right

Step 6: Put It to Work

☑️ Use it to respond to team or client questions

☑️ Add it to your website

☑️ Use it to write your content

☑️ Create a lead magnet: “Ask MyGPT anything!”

Step 7: Keep It Fresh

☑️ Update files and responses regularly

☑️ Re-train as your business grows

☑️ Keep tone aligned with your evolving brand

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Think you're "just not good at sales"? Think again.

In this episode of Marketing Automation Made Simple, we’re flipping the script on selling with Frances Pratt, founder of Metisan and a total pro at helping people feel good about sales. We dive into why sales doesn’t have to feel slimy, how automation can ease the awkward parts, and why your favourite client holds the key to your next breakthrough.

Whether you're running a business, wearing all the hats, or just trying to stop dreading sales calls, this conversation is for you.

Let’s ditch the pressure and make selling feel like helping

👩‍💼 About Our Guest
Frances Pratt has over 30 years of sales experience and is the founder of Metisan, where she helps people sell with confidence and clarity. She's the author of More Sales, Less Marketing, and she's on a mission to turn selling into something everyone can feel good about.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• Why sales gets a bad rap—and how to change your mindset

• How to sell without feeling like a pushy salesperson

• The biggest myth about sales (hint: it’s not just for extroverts)

• How automation can free you up to build real relationships

• The two things every business owner should ask their favorite clients

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Reframing Sales with Frances Pratt

05:36 The Biggest Myths About Sales

07:57 Outbound vs Inbound Sales

12:51 Setting Clear Expectations for Salespeople

23:51 The Importance of Customer Feedback

26:52 The Role of Marketing in Sales

31:15 Conclusion and Final Tips

Here's where you can find Frances:

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/franpratt/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/metisanau/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Metisan.au

AccelerateSales : Group sales coaching : https://acceleratesales.online/

===================================

Technology can be overwhelming, there is just too much choice for business owners to consider. Every week, we’ll be sharing how you can identify what technology is a good fit for your business and how to use automation to grow your business. We are on a mission to simplify marketing automation technology so you can feel in control of growing your business.

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

Burnout, messy marketing, and tech overwhelm—sound familiar?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, intimidated, or just sceptical about using AI in your business—you're not alone. Many coaches, consultants, and business owners worry that AI will strip away the human touch.

In this episode, I'm joined by long-time online business expert Jason Van Orden to unpack how AI can actually make your life easier—without making your brand sound robotic.

We explore how to use AI like a business advisor, keep your messaging authentic, and scale in a way that feels right.

Jason Van Orden is the Growth Strategist to Coaches and Consultants.

Jason also shares a success story of a client who completed her long-awaited book using AI assistance and provides actionable insights on creating a customized AI 'second brain' for business owners.

Also check out Jason's workshop for further learning:

https://jasonvanorden.com/ai/

Website: https://jasonvanorden.com/

🎧 Tune in to learn how to stay human while getting smarter with your strategy.

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Meet Jason Van Orden

02:00 Jason's Journey in Marketing

03:56 The Power of AI in Business

04:37 Practical AI Applications

08:30 Creating a Custom AI Advisor

10:00 Frankie the cat interrupts the conversation

22:46 Real-Life Success Stories

28:19 Conclusion and Resources

===================================

Technology can be overwhelming, there is just too much choice for business owners to consider. Every week, we’ll be sharing how you can identify what technology is a good fit for your business and how to use automation to grow your business. We are on a mission to simplify marketing automation technology so you can feel in control of growing your business.

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

🤔 Email vs. Automation vs. AI—what's the ultimate marketing tool for your business?

In this episode of the Marketing Automation Made Simple podcast, host Jovana and special guest Milena delve into the world of email marketing, marketing automation, and AI agents.

They discuss the power and challenges of email marketing, highlighting its high ROI and the importance of personalization.

They also cover marketing automation, emphasizing its efficiency in sending timely and relevant messages without manual intervention.

Finally, they explore the role of AI agents, explaining how they can enhance marketing efforts through real-time data analysis and personalized engagement, while maintaining the need for human touch.

The episode is packed with insights on how businesses can strategically implement these tools for maximum impact.

Find out in our latest podcast episode with expert insights from Jovana and Milena.

It's time to maximize impact and grow smarter!

Time stamp

00:00 Introduction to Marketing Dilemmas

01:24 The Power of Email Marketing

03:26 Challenges in Email Marketing

03:59 Transition to Marketing Automation

05:19 Understanding Marketing Automation

08:46 The Rise of AI Agents

10:47 Future of AI in Marketing

17:10 Practical Advice for Businesses

17:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

===================================

Technology can be overwhelming, there is just too much choice for business owners to consider. Every week, we’ll be sharing how you can identify what technology is a good fit for your business and how to use automation to grow your business. We are on a mission to simplify marketing automation technology so you can feel in control of growing your business.

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales

In this episode of the Marketing Automation Made Simple podcast, Jovana explores how AI is poised to transform marketing and business operations in 2025 and beyond.

Jovana shares recent updates on her new startups and her new role as the director of MI Academy.

The episode dives into the practical applications of AI, including AI agents that can automate tasks, reduce traditional marketing roles, and introduce dynamic pricing models.

With examples and expert insights, the discussion covers the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into small businesses, emphasizing the importance of strategic use of the technology to maintain efficiency and innovation.

TIME STAMP:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:38 Personal Updates from Jovana

03:17 The Impact of AI on Marketing Roles

05:21 Understanding AI Agents

08:22 AI in Action: Real-World Examples

10:57 The Future of SaaS with AI

13:23 Pros and Cons of AI for Small Businesses

17:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Open AI Demo of a Customer Service AI Agent - check it out on this X post.

===================================

Technology can be overwhelming, there is just too much choice for business owners to consider. Every week, we’ll be sharing how you can identify what technology is a good fit for your business and how to use automation to grow your business. We are on a mission to simplify marketing automation technology so you can feel in control of growing your business.

P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:

1. Check out our socials for free marketing tips that you can implement in your business today:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumperleads/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumperleads/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17912778/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bumperleads

2. Done-With-You Training - Join the Waitlist

https://www.bumperleads.com/email-marketing-automation/marketing-automation-made-simple-course-waitlist/

3. The Bumper Blueprint™- Work with us privately - https://www.bumperleads.com

4. Download our checklist - 30 Ways to Boost Your Sales and Save Time Using Marketing Automation - https://www.bumperleads.com/boostsales