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The real powerhouse combo behind every AI "overnight success" story you're reading about? AI plus automation. This week, I'm breaking down what automation really is, why it matters for creative leaders, and how to build your first automation. Plus, the AI Six: what's shifting in the AI landscape. |
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Hey there, amazing Reader:
Can you feel fall in the air? Here in ABQ, things are starting to cool down. Halloween is rapidly approaching. Lots of rain, but no water in the Rio Grande. Probably a portent of things to come.
From here, it's a downhill slide into end of the year wrap-up and 2026 strategic planning.
This is a perfect time to ask yourself: what are the repetitive tasks I most dislike doing and HOW can I automate them to help grow my business?
Also, I'm just back from my 40 (!!) year high school reunion, so naturally an email about automation means I have the Pointer Sisters song "Totally Automatic" running through my brain. Talk about an earworm! Check out my Facebook page for reunion pics.
What is Automation?
Automation is a tough subject for creative pros. It *feels* like it is the opposite of creative work. But in reality, automation is nothing more than the replacement of your routine busy work.
The upside? It is the ability to set certain things on autopilot so you don't miss out on doing that which is most important. Staying in touch with your customers. What could you do with all that extra time you earn back when you automate customer outreach?
In this week's blog post, I break down what automation is, a few ways you can use it to improve customer outreach, and how long it should take you to create your first automation. (Or you can always book a Vision Call and I'll help you get started.)
Until next week!
Warmly,
Monica Poling
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What is Automation (And Why it Matters for Creative Pros)?
While many creative leaders are still marveling at the super-fast speeds with which AI tools can churn out social media posts, fun photos and even a life coaching lookalike session, that isn’t what will move your business from getting by to powerhouse biz.
While AI is great at creating content, it is AI paired with automation that is the real story behind all those headlines promising overnight success. Automation connects your data across platforms and completes entire tasks for you—often while you’re sleeping. Together, AI paired with automation can fundamentally change how you work. And as AI gets more powerful, this combination will handle even more on your behalf.
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The AI Six
AI headlines and what's shifting for creative leaders this week
🟣 California Chatbot Disclosure Law — If you're building interactive characters or AI companions, California now requires clear "I am AI" labeling, especially for minors. (The Verge, Oct. 13)
🟢 Niantic Introduces Peridot, the Augmented Reality Tour Guide Dog — Niantic, the AR app behind Pokémon Go has introduced talking companions that narrate your walk through real locations, sharing local history and directions. For cultural tourism, immersive experiences, and location-based storytelling, this shows where AI-powered narrative is heading. (Wired, Oct. 16)
🔴 Spotify Fights "AI Slop" — Low-quality AI music is getting suppressed. If you're experimenting with AI audio, quality and transparency are now table stakes. (Relix, Oct. 16)
🔵 Walmart + ChatGPT Shopping — Users can now shop directly inside ChatGPT. Signal: if you're not optimized for AI search, you're invisible to a growing audience. (Walmart Press Release, Oct. 14)
📚 Frankfurt Book Fair: "AI as Ally" — Publishers are reframing AI as collaborative "allied" intelligence, not a replacement. The cultural conversation is shifting from fear to partnership. (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 15)
🟠 Pinterest Marks AI Content — Users can now filter out AI imagery. Takeaway: originality and human touch still win. Label your AI work clearly. (TechCrunch, Oct. 16)
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Upcoming Events
Catch up with me at these upcoming events:
🍽️ 10/22 (3:00 p.m. Mountain)
Simplify Your Restaurant Marketing with AI: Unlock the power of artificial intelligence to take your restaurant marketing to new heights. Cost: Free for members, $10 for non-members. Register now at New Mexico Restaurant Association.
🌄 10/28 (12:00 p.m. Mountain)
Twenty Time-Saving Tech Tricks: Work smarter with easy-to-use tech hacks, including keyboard shortcuts, tech tool efficiency hacks, and quick AI wins to reduce digital clutter. Register now (free) at SCORE.org/Albuquerque
✍️ 11/14 (12:00 p.m. Mountain)
AI Office Hours: Prompt Like a Pro: Join AI Office Hours and spend an hour with other creative leaders learning how to write stronger AI prompts for better results. Register now (free)
Interested in having me host a training? Learn more here.
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Work With Me
💡AI Readiness
Personalized AI training and systems that work for YOUR voice, YOUR values, and YOUR business. Learn More →
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📈 Need a Speaker?
I'll bring fresh ideas on AI, automation, and creative storytelling to your conference or training event. Learn More →
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📖 Free AI Strategy Guide
Download step-by-step guidance for building AI systems that drive growth and strengthen customer relationships. Download →
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📘 Schedule a Free Vision Call
Project brewing? Need advice? Just need a sympathetic ear? Let’s explore how we can bring your vision to life. Schedule A Vision Call→
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