Let's Make Some Noise
Hi there, I'm Monica Poling (an AI strategist, relationship marketer, and cultural tourism champion), and I help creative businesses, nonprofits, and purpose-driven organizations use AI strategically to amplify their mission without losing their voice or values. Subscribe now to receive weekly insights on AI strategy, relationship marketing, and sustainable growth—plus practical tips you can implement immediately to save time and build stronger customer connections.
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Is your About Statement totally forgettable?
In this week's issue: Most creatives skip writing a real bio—and it can cost them visibility and customers. This week, I break down the Four E's Framework to help you build a better bio that helps people remember you, work with you, and share your story. Hey there, amazing Reader: A very happy post-Thanksgiving recovery day. I hope you all enjoyed holiday meal leftovers and some much-needed rest and recovery today. I spent the day creating a little art, doing a little organizing, and just...
READ POSTBeyond blog posts: What AI can really do for you...
In this week's issue: I break down the Three Pillars of AI, a practical framework for understanding how AI can help you grow your business. Plus, the AI Six, headlines that matter for creative businesses. Hey there, amazing Reader: You know what I love most about AI? It never judges my questions. I can ask it why "go" is represented by green and not purple. Or how exactly airplanes go from flying to descending. Or any of the thousand random thoughts that pop into my head while I'm working. AI...
READ POSTHow to write an AI Creative Brief
In this week's issue: Workslop is everywhere—lazy thinking producing lazy AI outputs. But an AI Creative Brief can change all that. Learn how to build one that drives better results. Hey there, amazing Reader: I've worn a lot of hats over my decades-long career, most of them in hospitality and journalism. For nearly a decade, I was an editor at TravelAge West, a regional travel publication for travel agents. Throughout that time, I read many brilliant pieces of writing. And some truly...
READ POSTTomorrow: Prompting Like a Pro (AI Office Hours, Noon MT)
AI Office Hours: Join the next AI Office Hours tomorrow at noon Mountain. Bring your AI questions, meet other creative leaders, and sharpen your prompting skills. Hey there, Reader: Just a reminder, we're talking prompting like a pro at our next AI Office Hours. Prompting Like a Pro If you want better AI outputs, it almost always comes down to how you frame the question. Here’s what we’ll cover: How to give AI the right context so you get stronger, more accurate results How to ask for...
READ POST2026 is going to be epic
In this week's issue: With a little planning, 2026 could shape up to be epic. But.. don't discount the rest of this year. So many productivity sites suggest you start right now for your 2026 planning. That's not a bad idea, but don't forget to maximize the time you have left THIS year. Hey there, amazing Reader: I was taking a little time to review my 2025 strategic plan recently and was surprised to see I have already met almost all of my goals. A few stragglers didn't quite hit the mark (I...
READ POSTDo you have an AI policy?
In this week's issue: All 50 states passed AI legislation this year. Want to keep up? Here's what your creative organization needs to know about building an AI policy. Hey there, amazing Reader: First, I'd like to extend a huge welcome to the many new subscribers to this newsletter. I participated in a LOT of webinars and events over the past two weeks, which attracted a healthy dose of new interest. I appreciate each and every one of you attending my events and signing up to hear more from...
READ POSTStop searching: the AI tool that finds contacts
If you work for a trade organization or in a creative industry, you probably spend too much time hunting down contact info. In this week's issue, I dive into my favorite FREE AI tool that makes customer research a breeze. Hey there, amazing Reader: This past week was a whirlwind of AI activity. On Wednesday, I presented a session on marketing your restaurant using AI—which meant spending quality time diving into the history and menus of New Mexico's finest eateries. Yum! But so distracting....
READ POSTWhy automation is AI's real superpower
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. 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...
READ POST$50 million dollars for orgs who use AI to celebrate community
This week, I'm back from an economic development conference celebrating the Great State of New Mexico. And I'm sharing news about a BIG grant for non-profit organizations that use AI to celebrate community and diversity. Hey there, amazing Reader: This newsletter is coming at you after I spent two invigorating (but also exhausting) days talking economic development at the NM Idea conference, which brought together economic development pros from around the state. I've always been wildly...
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