Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing isn’t the future—it’s the now. For small business owners juggling everything from lead generation to customer service, AI can feel overwhelming, even intimidating. But according to Aaron Goodman, founder of Omada Marketing, it doesn’t have to be. AI isn’t here to replace you; it’s here to empower you.
In this episode of What’s the Startup, Aaron shares how AI tools can help business owners boost leads, create intentional customer journeys, and give clients a better, more human experience—without running you ragged in the process.
AI is Your New Best Friend—If You Let It Be
From optimizing websites to answering customer calls after hours, AI can streamline and enhance your business operations. The key? Understanding that AI is a tool to amplify your strengths, not replace the personal touch only you can bring.
Aaron’s passion is helping overwhelmed business owners “breathe life back into their businesses” by making marketing easier, smarter, and more efficient.
“The unique aspect is you. AI just helps you do more with less while freeing you up to focus on what you love.”
Start with Your Customer Journey
If you’re new to AI or even the concept of a “customer journey,” Aaron recommends this simple starting point:
Map it out.
Grab a sheet of paper and draw your customer’s experience—start to finish.
- What’s the first problem you solve for them?
- What happens next?
- Where can you create meaningful touchpoints along the way?
Train AI to Know Your Business.
Use a tool like ChatGPT to create a virtual assistant tailored to your brand.
- Upload your business mission, customer pain points, website content, and even competitor analysis.
- Train it to write in your brand voice and understand your ideal client’s needs.
Be Human—But Use AI to Make It Possible.
AI tools allow you to create intentional, empathetic experiences for customers at scale. Here’s how:
- Voicemail Drops: Pre-record personal messages to thank customers, follow up, or send reminders.
- AI Receptionists: Tools like Aaron’s voice AI assistant, Alice, can answer calls, book appointments, and guide leads 24/7.
- Automated Review Responses: Use AI to reply to customer reviews quickly and in your brand’s tone. This not only builds trust but boosts your SEO.
“With AI, you’re not stretched thin. You’re creating time and space to ensure no customer gets left behind.”
Misconception: AI is Here to Take Your Job
Aaron clears up one of the biggest misconceptions about AI: It’s not here to take jobs away. The “human” aspect of your business is you. AI simply supports you, empowering you to:
- Be more intentional.
- Create better experiences for customers.
- Focus on what you love and what only you can do.
Next Steps to Leverage AI in Your Business
Ready to get started? Here’s what Aaron recommends:
- Map out your customer journey. Identify where you can add value and automate key touchpoints.
- Create a ChatGPT account. Train it to understand your business, brand voice, and customer pain points.
- Start small, stay consistent. Use AI to brainstorm, plan, and deliver content or experiences that feel human.
AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating time, space, and systems that allow you to connect more deeply with your customers. As Aaron says, it’s an opportunity to “deliver empathetic, human touchpoints” while freeing yourself to focus on what matters most.
Take the Next Step: Book a Free Mentor Call
🎧 Listen to the full episode with Aaron Goodman on What’s the Startup to learn how AI can transform your marketing, streamline your operations, and give your business a competitive edge.
Ready to work with Aaron?
• Find him on our Sprocket Mentor Directory: sprocketinc.org.com/mentors
• Visit Omada Marketing: omadamarketing.ai
At Sprocket, we’re all about helping you leverage tools like AI to grow your business smarter, not harder. Start small, take action, and build the future of your business—one step at a time.